Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

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…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Abia State election, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has declared that the Obingwa Local Government Area remains the party’s strongest base. Anosike stressed that Obingwa is the headquarters of the PDP in Abia State, citing the area’s unwavering loyalty and overwhelming support for the party over the years. Anosike made the declaration on Tuesday during his thank-you visit to Obingwa as part of his statewide appreciation tour of the 17 local government areas following his emergence as the PDP governorship candidate. The event attracted party leaders, stakeholders, and members from the 11…

The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter, has told the Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) that contrary to its recent misinformation of the public, “there was indeed an arrangement resembling power rotation in Bende Federal Constituency.” Uche Aguoru, publicity secretary of the Abia State chapter of the APC, however, said that while the APC has made it abundantly clear that, as a political party, it does not operate a zoning or rotation policy, for the benefit of educating the LP, which appears to jump into debates without the prerequisite knowledge or facts but…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rit. Hon Benjamin Kalu today,highlighted the 45 Constitution Alteration Bills currently before the National Assembly, to the European Union Heads of Mission at the reception hosted by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Gautier Mignot, at the EU Delegation Office. Kalu who posted on his verified social media handle said that the 45 Constitution Alteration Bills covers critical areas such as State Police, local government autonomy, electoral reforms, women’s political inclusion through the Reserved Seats Bill, judicial reforms, citizenship, human rights, fiscal reforms, and other measures aimed at strengthening…

The arrest and planned prosecution of Mrs Nwoko Gift, the 35-year-old suspect captured on a viral video attempting to harm a 12-year-old girl, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, with a kitchen knife, in Umuahia, Abia State, has brought commendation from the Onyedimma foundation. The Onyedinma Foundation said there is a serious need for stronger legal protections for child domestic workers, including the proper enforcement of the Child Rights Act across all states in Nigeria. Onwuka Glory, Executive Director of Onyedinma Foundation, said that the prompt action, which led to the rescue of the child and the recovery of the dangerous weapon, demonstrates…