Author: Editor

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki In a major stride toward achieving universal health coverage, the Ebonyi State Government, through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), has unveiled a landmark plan to enroll 29,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance scheme at no cost. The initiative was officially announced during the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) Conference in Abakaliki. According to the state government, the program is part of the Global Fund–supported project facilitated by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP).…

…Counters Deputy Speaker over inflated allocation claims Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The cold war between Governor Alex Otti and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives took a new turn on Monday as the Governor chided the Deputy Speaker over his alleged false claims about funds accruing to Abia State from the Federation Account. Kalu, while addressing his supporters on Sunday at Abia Hotels, Umuahia, during an Independence anniversary get-together, claimed that Abia receives between ₦38 billion and ₦40 billion as monthly allocation from Abuja. The Deputy Speaker, who acknowledged some of the Governor’s achievements, however, claimed that “what is…

…Nigeria Places 4th, Wins 3 Gold, 4 Silver, 9 Bronze Medals Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Brazil topped the medal table with seven gold, three silver, and five bronze medals as the International Para Badminton Championship ended on Sunday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. India came second with six gold, five silver, and 14 bronze medals, while Peru came third with six gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. Nigeria won a total of three gold, four silver, and nine bronze medals to finish fourth on the medals table. Abia’s Jeremiah Nnanna won a gold medal, while Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist,…

Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka  The Anambra Peace Mediation Committee of the Kingpact Development Initiative (KDI) has paid an advocacy visit to the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Anambra State Command, Mr. Victor Akeh, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for a peaceful and credible 2025 governorship election in the state. Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Akeh commended the committee for its proactive engagement, describing the intervention as timely given the heightened political activities across the state. “Most of the issues heating up the polity at this point come from supporters of political candidates,” he noted. “Election management goes beyond…

Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka A philanthropist from Awka, Anambra State, Ambassador Prosper Chukwuka, has been conferred with the title of Eze Omeiheukwu Ndị Igbo Gburugburu II (Worldwide) and Deputy President Ambassador for Peace Worldwide. The honour, bestowed during a colourful ceremony at Dr. Ramas Estate, Agu Ukwu Nri ancient kingdom, recognized Chukwuka’s consistent humanitarian efforts, particularly his support for the less privileged, prisoners, and orphans. Reports indicate that between January and September 2025 alone, Chukwuka facilitated the release of over 500 inmates in Nigeria and abroad. His foundation also supports indigent students, business startups, and other initiatives aimed at improving lives.…

Our Reporter, Abuja The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed appreciation to its stakeholders for their continued support amid the ongoing strike action by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). In a statement issued on Monday and titled “Note of Appreciation,” the company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Nigerian nation, pledging to ensure uninterrupted production of petroleum products despite what it described as distractions from detractors and saboteurs. “Finally, and to all our other stakeholders, big and small, we thank you and will continue to always count on your support,” the…

Journalist, columnist and author, Azu Ishiekwene, has released a new book, entitled A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit. The ten-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).  In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said, “It shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new…

…Says APC ’ll Claim Abia in 2027 Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has hinted that President Ahmed Tinubu is keen on establishing a seaport in the South East geopolitical zone. Kalu made the disclosure on Sunday in Umuahia while addressing a mammoth crowd of his supporters, adding that the proposed seaport was part of President Tinubu’s appreciation of the South-East’s deep involvement in trade and commerce. The Deputy Speaker also boasted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would take over Abia State in 2027. According to him, “We are going…

…Accuses magistrate of using police to settle personal scores Our Reporter, Abuja  The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over what it described as the “abuse of police procedure, victimization, and unlawful detention” of a security expert and consultant, Dr. Robert Anya Nkata, by officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja. In the petition dated October 5, 2025, and signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, the group alleged that Dr. Nkata’s arrest and continued detention were orchestrated by a Chief Magistrate in Enugu State, Mrs. Ngozi Edeani,…

By Nnamdi Elekwachi I didn’t see any official state house release by Bayo Onanuga or another concerning Tinubu’s visit to Abia State last week, though Gov. Otti’s aides announced the presidential visit on their various social media handles. Maybe there was such a release issued by the presidency that I didn’t read, but that is not even the issue.  That Tinubu did not visit Abia to commission or to flag off projects does not in any way vitiate Gov. Otti’s legacy. I do understand that Gov. Otti, who has repeatedly invited Tinubu to the state, might be playing the politics…