Abia State Won’t Get Paid For Fixing Federal Roads, Says Governor Otti

Abia State won’t get paid for fixing federal roads. Mr Otti said the new federal government’s policy was that states could toll such roads “if they want their money back.”

Abia state governor, Alex Otti
Abia state governor, Alex Otti
Governor Alex Otti of Abia says the federal government has no plans to reimburse the state for federal road projects his administration executed.

Speaking at his monthly media interactive session with journalists on Friday night, Mr Otti said the new federal government’s policy was that states could toll such roads “if they want their money back.”

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fixing all Abia roads, federal or state, saying, “They’re all used by Abia residents.”

“Before we jump on any federal road, we have long engagements with the federal government, and those roads must be ceded to us in writing,” he said.

Mr Otti also addressed compensation concerns for the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road rehabilitation, saying he expected the federal government to pay since it awarded the project without funding.

He said, “We always pay compensation on any route we are entering.

Abia State

“But then, my understanding is that, if there was any compensation to be paid, the federal government should have done so because the route was actually awarded but was not funded. So, that’s my understanding. I can’t be too sure.”

The state government had undertaken to rehabilitate critical federal roads, including the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, the Owerrinta-Umuikaa dual carriageway, and the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, among others.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing a state police.

He said, “The new general manager for Homeland Security is working with his team to get us ready once the whistle is blown.”

Mr Otti ruled out any possible defection to another party, saying he would run for reelection on the Labour Party (LP) platform in 2027.

According to him, the Supreme Court decision has settled the party leadership crisis.

He, therefore, urged interested Nigerians to register for LP membership.

Mr Otti described the progress on the newly introduced electric buses as “exciting,” saying 30 more buses were expected by July, bringing the total to 50.

NSAP Seeks Strong Military Support To Tackle Insecurity In Livestock Sector

livestock sector. Olaniyi Babayemi, the president of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP), has urged stronger civil-military collaboration to enhance livestock production and tackle security challenges.

Mr Babayemi spoke on Saturday at a media briefing ahead of the Society’s 51st annual conference, scheduled for Monday at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

He said the theme, ‘Civil-Military Collaboration for Sustainable Livestock Production and National Security,’ would highlight the growing link between agriculture and national security.

Mr Babayemi, also Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State, said livestock production now plays a vital role in national stability.

“Where farmers and herders cannot operate safely, food production declines, livelihoods are disrupted, and instability increases,” he said.

He noted that the military’s logistics, intelligence, and operational strengths could help secure grazing routes and farming communities.

According to Mr Babayemi, the collaboration does not mean militarising agriculture but creating a safe and enabling environment for productivity.

He emphasised peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farmers, advocating ranching, controlled grazing, and improved feed management as sustainable solutions.

“The future of livestock production depends on peaceful coexistence. Productivity and harmony must go hand in hand,” he added.

He said about 1,000 participants, including officials, military leaders, academics, and industry stakeholders, would attend the conference.

Mr Babayemi also highlighted achievements, including stronger institutional frameworks, expanded global engagement, and plans for a permanent Abuja secretariat.

He expressed optimism that the conference would yield practical recommendations to boost production, reduce conflicts, and strengthen national stability.

“Food security is everyone’s responsibility. A secure livestock sector means a more stable and prosperous nation,” he said.

Also speaking, the local organising committee chairman, Philip Vantsawa, described the choice of the Nigerian Defence Academy as strategic and unprecedented.

Mr Vantsawa said the decision departed from over five decades of hosting the conference solely in civilian universities.

According to him, the move aligns with the theme and reflects the need for cross-sector collaboration.

“NDA has never hosted a conference of this scale. As sub-Saharan Africa’s premier military university, it is the most suitable venue,” he said.

He said the conference would bring together scientists, agricultural experts, and security stakeholders to address pressing national challenges, especially farmer-herder conflicts.

Mr Vantsawa added that it would foster collaboration between civilian experts and the military to develop sustainable solutions.

“We are fully prepared to receive participants. The conference will deliver actionable strategies to address recurring livestock sector conflicts,” he said.

He said a key outcome would be a communiqué outlining a practical policy blueprint for government and stakeholders.

NSAP

According to him, it will chart a new direction for resolving farmer-herder crises and improving animal production systems.

Mr Vantsawa also conveyed the readiness of the academy’s leadership to host participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

“At the end, we expect robust collaboration and recommendations to guide policy and ensure lasting solutions,” he added.

The conference is expected to attract participants from academia, government agencies, the military, and the private sector.

First Bank Sets To Train 3,700 Students On Financial Literacy

Financial literacy. First Bank of Nigeria PLC has announced a students’ mentorship programme targeting no fewer than 3,700 students on financial literacy and other issues during the Global Money Week (GMW).

Olayinka Ijabiyi, the acting group head, marketing and corporate communications, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Kaduna.

Mr Ijabiyi said the bank will equip thousands of students with financial literacy programmes, empowering them with essential skills for the future.

He said GMW is a campaign to help young people understand money early: how to save, earn, and make smart financial choices with impactful solutions.

He added that the 2026 edition, running from March 16 to May 2 with the theme “Smart Money Talks,” is aimed at encouraging open conversations around money, building confidence, and showcasing how financial decisions affect not just the future but also the environment as well as society.

“Money touches every part of our lives, from the way we save for the future to how we spend today. Our financial choices shape not only our personal wellbeing but also the communities and environment around us.

“That is why teaching young people about money early is so important. It sets them up to make smarter decisions and build resilience for the future. For First Bank, this campaign is part of its annual sustainability and ESG endeavour,” he said.

He added that the bank has always tied financial literacy to its broader pillars of education, health, and welfare, and this year is no different with the celebration of GMW.

“Through its Future First initiative, one of First Bank’s projects will send employees to visit schools across all 36 states and the FCT, teaching students the importance of financial literacy and responsible money habits,” he said.

According to him, the managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), Olusegun Alebiosu, will lead one of the delegations, guiding students through the fundamentals of money management and entrepreneurship.

First Bank

“The plan is to reach 37 schools across six geopolitical zones, impacting at least 3,700 students,” he added.

According to him, the official slogan for the campaign, “Learn, Save, Earn,” captures the heart of the initiative. First Bank uses it to inspire young people to learn how money works, save for their future, and earn to support themselves and their families.

“Smart money isn’t only about budgeting; it’s about building a sustainable future. And with First Bank leading the charge, young Nigerians are learning that every naira saved, earned, or invested can make a difference for themselves, their communities, and the planet,” he said.