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.
Economy
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.
The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.
Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.
He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.
“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly
“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”
Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.
Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.
He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.
Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
Economy
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.
Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.
Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.
“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”
Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.
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