Economy
Full List: Stakeholders Endorse Abia Governor Alex Otti For 2nd Term In 2027, Praise Excellent Performance
Full List: Stakeholders Endorse Abia Governor Alex Otti For 2nd Term In 2027, Praise Excellent Performance
Stakeholders endorse Abia governor Alex Otti for 2nd term in 2027, praise excellent performance. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders from the Old Bende region of Abia State have formally endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term while effusively praising his administration’s performance.
The endorsement came during a solidarity visit to Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, the federal lawmaker representing Aba North & South, culminating in a unanimously adopted communique.
The group, representing nine Local Government Areas under the Old Bende Progressive Union, declared Governor Otti had “justified the trust we reposed on him” through sweeping developmental projects and improved governance since taking office in May 2023.
The communique highlighted transformative infrastructure projects including the Abia International Airport, Abia Seaport, Abia Stadium City, and Abia Industrial Park, alongside the revitalization of key roads like Port-Harcourt Road in Aba, Umuahia to Abriba Road, Ohanku Road, and Obohia Road. Stakeholders also lauded the resuscitation of the moribund Enyimba Hotels and plans for a Modular Refinery in Ukwa.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the group emphasized Otti’s impact on citizens’ welfare, stating he had “turned the fortunes of traders, workers and pensioners around with prompt salary and pension payments” while settling “outstanding inherited backlogs.”
Significant improvements in healthcare, notably the revival of General Hospital Aba and Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), alongside enhanced security attracting Foreign Direct Investment, were also key points of commendation.
The meeting took a decisive political turn with a formal motion moved by HRM Eze Nwata Mbakwe, Chairman of the Old Bende Council of Traditional Rulers, and seconded by industrialist Chief Jerry Kalu (Osimiri), resulting in a resounding vote of confidence. The stakeholders pledged their “unflinching support” for Otti and declared their firm “intention and resolve to work for the success of his re-election in 2027.”
To demonstrate their appreciation, they announced plans for a “grand reception” in Aba to honour the Governor, concluding the communique with the affirmation: “With Dr. Alex Otti in Abia, surely help is here.”
The Communique reads in part
The people of Old Bende region made up of 9 LGAS in Abia State under the aegis of the Old Bende Progressive Union, after a solidarity and courtesy visit to the member representing the Aba North & South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, today, Monday 28, 2025, unanimously resolved as follows:
1) We, the stakeholders of Old Bende of Abia State have taken note of the developmental strides and democratic gains Abia state has made since May 29, 2023 when Dr. Alex Otti was sworn in as the Executive Governor of Abia State.
2) The Governor has since his emergence justified the trust we reposed on him by embarking on transformational projects like the Abia International Airport, the Abia Seaport, the Abia Stadium City, Abia Industrial Park among others.
These projects have in no small measure placed Abia on the map as one of the reference points for good governance and a sterling example for others to follow.
3) We are proud to identify with the impactful governance style of Governor Alex Otti, who has since his emergence as Abia State governor, turned the fortunes of traders, workers and pensioners around with prompt salary and pension payments as well as settling outstanding inherited backlogs. The Governor has also resuscitated and rebounded decayed infrastructure and improved the lives of Abians in every nook and cranny of the state.
4) As a result of the Governor’s giant developmental strides, we will organise a grand reception to appreciate Dr. Alex Otti in Aba, Abia State on a future date to be announced.
5) We assure Governor Alex Otti of our unflinching support for him to continue with the infrastructural revolution in Abia state post 2027.
6)The Governor has since embarked on unprecedented infrastructural development notable among them, completion of Port-Harcourt Road, Aba, Umuahia to Abriba Road, Ohanku Road, Obohia road, the moribund Enyimba Hotels, the proposed Modular Refinery in Ukwa, among others.
7) We don’t take for granted the governor’s intervention in the health sector that has seen life return to the hitherto neglected General Hospital Aba and the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH.
7) We also note the improved security in Abia state which has given way for a more favourable business environment leading to the influx of businesses and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from all over the world.
8) After a motion moved by HRM, Eze Nwata Mbakwe, the Chairman of the Old Bende Council of Traditional Rulers and seconded by the reknown Entrepreneur and Industrialist, Chief Jerry Kalu (Osimiri), We hereby pass a vote of confidence on Governor Alex Otti assuring him of our intention and resolve to work for the success of his re-election in 2027.
9) With Dr. Alex Otti in Abia, surely help is here.
Stakeholders Endorse Abia Governor Alex Otti For 2nd Term
Signed
1) HRM Eze Nwata Mbakwe, Chairman, Old Bende Traditional Rulers Council
2) DIG Azubuko Joel Udah mni (rtd.) Chairman, Old Bende Progressive Union
For and in the presence of;
3)Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, House Member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency.
4) HRH Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu.
5) HRH Eze Ogbonnaya Sunday Ogbonnaya.
6) HRH Eze Emmanuel Azu Ogbonnaya.
7) HRH Eze Ernest Onwukwe.
8) HRH Eze Philip Ukeje.
9) HRH Eze Okpo Ogwo
10) HRH Eze Nwachukwu Okere.
11) HRH Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe.
12) HRH Eze Innocent Kalu Mba.
13) HRH Eze Gordy Ogbulafor.
14) HRH Eze Rowland Ekeoma.
15) HRH Eze Sunday Agu.
16) HRH Eze Engr. Chris Ukoma.
17) HRH Eze Ibechile Igwe Ogo.
18) HRH Eze Chinedu Kalu Uga.
19) HRH Eze Micheal Ukaugo.
20) HRH Eze Sunny Obunma.
21) HRH Eze Revd. Chigaemezu.
22) HRH Eze J.K Abaa.
23) HRH Eze Aro Okigwe.
24) Chief Emmanuel Otti, State Labour Party Acting Chairman
25) Dr. Mike Okoro (Vote for Jesus).
26) Hon. Chief Jerry Kalu (Osimmiri).
27, Chief Ekeke Gabriel.
28) Dr. Etum Okereke, President General Ohafia Dev. Union
29) Elder Esomonu Chikezie Deputy President General, Uzuakoli.
30) Ekeke O. Gabriel Secertary Isuikwuato.
31) Chief S.O. Nabaraonye President
32) Chief Paulinus Okoye President General Lokpanta.
33) George Ezikpe Okiyi ACIU 1st General Vice President
34) Chief Ebeleagu Isaiah – President General Abam.
35) Hon. Richard Agwu – Genera Secretary Ohafia.
36) Bar. Ben Emeri – President General Mkporo.
37) Chief Ichie Johnson – President General Leru.
38) Chief Innocent Okoronkwo – President General Arochukwu.
39) Elder Nnachi Agu – President General Eddah.
40) Commander Peter Njoku President General Ohafia.
41) Chima Okafor – President General Umuhu Ezechi.
42) Chief Mba Abali
43) Odomenam Okechukwu – President General Amamba.
44) Chief Anyaoku Madukwe – President General Alayi.
45) Hon. Sunday Ihukwumere – For Item Community
46) Chief Vincent Uwadiogu – Bende.
47) Chief Innocent Otti – Ututu.
48) Chief Osondu Johnson – Nkpa.
49) Chief Jerry Okoroji – President General Ngbelu Umumere.
50) Chief Emeka Igolo – President General Eluama.
51) Anyaogu Micheal – Bende.
52) Chief Eme Abali Mba, Former Chairman Aba North L.G.A
53 Chief Joseph C Ogwo (joelee)
54 Chief Iregbu Agu (aku atughi egwu)
and a host of others.
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC sets to run three Lagos–Ibadan train trips Monday. He assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos by NRC chief public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
He said the additional trip was in response to high passenger turnout during the Eid-el-Fitr travel period.
“The extra trip is aimed at easing passenger movement and providing more travel options for commuters returning after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“Under the schedule, departures from Lagos (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta) will be at 7.45 a.m., 1.40 p.m., and 4.00 p.m.
“From Ibadan (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), trains will depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.50 a.m., and 4.30 p.m.,” he said.
Mr Unyimadu assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
He advised travellers to arrive early, comply with ticketing and security procedures, and plan their journeys.
“The corporation appreciates the continued patronage of its services and wishes all passengers a safe and pleasant journey,” he added.
UBA, BII Sign Letter Of Intent To Explore Trade Finance Collaboration Across Africa
United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited (“UBA UK”) and British International Investment plc (“BII”), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, announced that they have signed a letter of intent to develop trade finance collaboration opportunities.
The proposed initiative aims to expand access to trade and working capital facilities for businesses operating across Africa.
Access to trade finance remains one of the most significant structural constraints on African trade. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are frequently unable to secure letters of credit, guarantees, and supply chain finance on commercially viable terms, limiting their capacity to export and import competitively. This trade finance gap is estimated by the African Development Bank to be over USD 80 billion annually.
To help close this gap, UBA UK, the London subsidiary of UBA Group, Africa’s Global Bank, will leverage its deep relationships across the Group’s 20-country African network to originate and structure trade finance transactions. While BII, with a mandate to support productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth across Africa, can support transactions that might otherwise fall outside conventional commercial appetite.
“The signing of this letter with BII represents a landmark moment for UBA UK and for the UBA Group’s global ambitions. As the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, UBA UK is uniquely positioned to connect African businesses with the international financial system. Working alongside BII, we can extend that capability further — mobilising capital where it matters most and helping to close the trade finance gap that holds back so much African potential,” said Lok Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK
“British International Investment is committed to catalysing private sector growth across Africa, and trade finance is a critical enabler of that growth. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with UBA Group, whose pan-African network and deep institutional relationships can help advance our ambition to expand access to trade and working capital finance, particularly in frontier markets,” Chris Chijiuitomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa
The announcement builds on growing momentum around intra-African trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force in 2021 and represents one of the world’s most significant trade integration initiatives. Both institutions have identified the operationalisation of AfCFTA as a priority catalyst for a trade finance facility, with UBA UK’s network across major AfCFTA economies offering a basis for supporting businesses navigating the emerging continental market.
This also complements the UK Government’s broader engagement with African economic development, including commitments made at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, and reinforces the City of London’s role as a leading international finance centre for Africa-focused capital mobilisation.
Future cooperation remains subject to further assessment, due diligence and the completion of internal approvals by both parties.
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UK) LIMITED
UBA UK is the London-based subsidiary of United Bank for Africa Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with operations across 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates. UBA UK serves as the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, providing a comprehensive suite of trade finance, treasury, and correspondent banking services to institutional and corporate clients worldwide.
UBA
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA GROUP
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.
ABOUT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good.
Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development.
The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of £9.87 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn, Bluesky and X.
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu felicitates Muslims, urges renewed unity, patriotism. Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.
The president urged them to renew commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity as they celebrate the festival across the country on Friday.
This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, noting that the holy month teaches discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God and humanity.
He said: “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this.
“We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period.”
The president emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united across religious and ethnic lines, stressing that national cohesion remains vital for sustainable peace and development.
He urged Muslims to extend acts of kindness and charity to the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, in line with the enduring values of Islam.
Mr Tinubu noted that such gestures would strengthen social bonds, promote inclusiveness, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood that defines the Nigerian society.
The president also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the country.
Tinubu
He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress for the benefit of all citizens.
Mr Tinubu wished Muslims a joyous celebration, praying that the blessings of Ramadan would bring renewed hope, strength, and guidance to individuals, families, and the nation.
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