Blog - Abia ThinkTank News

Feb

28

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Empowering Abia’s Youth Economy: A Blueprint To Rival Singapore’s Success – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Business, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance

Empowering Abia’s Youth Economy: A Blueprint to Rival Singapore’s Success *Introduction: Learning from Singapore’s Playbook*Singapore, a nation with no natural resources, transformed itself into a $466 billion economy (2023 GDP) by prioritizing innovation, education, and governance. Similarly, Abia State—home to 4.167 million people, 70% of whom are under 30—can leverage its youthful population to drive a Singapore-style revolution. Governor Alex Otti’s recent pledge to invest 15% of the state’s ₦567 billion budget (2024) in youth empowerment signals readiness. With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at 19.7% (NBS, 2023) and Abia’s even higher at 34%, this blueprint offers a data-driven roadmap to…

Feb

28

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Ohafia LGA Mayor Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu Nominated For Rootswatch Magazine 2025 Merit Award

Abia State, News Flash, Ohafia LGA, People & Events

OHAFIA LGA IS IN THE NEWS AGAIN FOR THE RIGHT REASONS. A widely read and reputable news publication Rootswatch magazine is preparing to give awards to deserving local governments and their chairmen via the 2025 version of their annual merit awards. Our indefatigable mayor Chief Eleanya O. Kalu who is in a dizzying hurry to make and leave his mark is rightly and deservedly one of the nominees for assessment for the coveted prize. We therefore use this medium to ask the general public to pitch in and express their appreciation cum approval by voting massively for our performing chairman.…

Feb

28

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

AbiaFirst: Unlocking The Potential Of ABIA Pupils And Students – By Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Education

AbiaFirst: Unlocking the Potential of Abia Pupils and Students Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D Abia State has embarked on a revolutionary journey to transform its education sector, thanks to Governor Alex Otti's vision and commitment. The AbiaFirst initiative, launched by the governor, is a comprehensive program aimed at unlocking the potential of Abia pupils and students. This bold step is a testament to the governor's promise to reposition the educational system in Abia, which had been neglected by the previous administrations. At the heart of the AbiaFirst initiative is a commitment to providing quality education that prepares students for success in an…

Feb

28

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Meranda Stepped Down As Speaker During Peace Meeting – Obasa Reveals

Lagos, House Of Assembly, News Flash, Politics

Meranda stepped down as speaker during peace meeting - Obasa reveals Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has alleged that Mojisola Meranda stepped down from her role as Speaker during a peace/reconciliation meeting held in Marina. As reported by PUNCH, speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, Obasa stated that Meranda announced her resignation during a reconciliation meeting held at the Lagos House in Marina last weekend. “At the meeting in Marina, attended by key party leaders, Meranda openly declared that she was stepping down,” Obasa said. He further questioned whether she…

Feb

28

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Gov. Otti Setting Up Export Growth Lab In ABA, Seeks Greater Partnership With UNDP

Abia State, Business, Economy, Good Governance, News Flash

GOV. OTTI PLANS TO SET UP EXPORT GROWTH LAB IN ABA, SEEKS GREATER PARTNERSHIP WITH UNDP. In a bid to create a more functional economy in the State, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti is planning to set up an export growth lab in Aba the commercial nerve centre of the South East. Governor Otti disclosed this on thursday while receiving in audience the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He expressed the hope that there is a lot Abia State Government can do together with the UNDP. "We believe that there is a whole lot we…

Feb

28

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

There Is No Better Place For Investment Than ABIA, Gov. Otti Tells German Consul General

Abia State, Business, Economy, Good Governance, News Flash

THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE FOR INVESTMENT THAN ABIA, GOV. OTTI TELLS GERMANY CONSUL GENERAL. Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says that there is no better place to invest than Abia as the State has what it takes to partner investors and drive the State's economy. Governor Otti stated this on thursday while receiving in audience the Consul General of Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Weert Borner. He said that there is a lot of opportunities in Abia yearning for partnership with credible organisations. The Governor said that the time is ripe for investors to explore opportunities in…

Feb

27

2025

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El-Rufai Opens Up; Reveals What Could Make Him Leave APC

News Flash, Personality, Politics

El-Rufai Reveals What Could Make Him Leave APC Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that he will remain active in politics for life but may leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) if the party fails to realign with the progressive values he stands for. El-Rufai made this known in an interview with Arise Television on Monday. He explained that while he has no plans to seek elective office again, he intends to continue influencing governance and political decisions within his party. He said, “I will remain in politics for life, but that does not mean I will be…

Feb

27

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Natasha Demands Live Broadcast Of Senate Probe For Transparency

National Assembly, News Flash, North Central, Politics

Natasha Demands Live Broadcast Of Senate Probe For Transparency The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted that her probe proceedings at the Senate be broadcast live, declaring that Nigerians have a right to witness the process. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following her face-off with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement, said she was ready to face the panel but would not allow the matter to be handled behind closed doors. In a statement she posted on her Facebook page on Thursday, the lawmaker said she had so far refrained…

Feb

27

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

FGN Urges Cement Price Reduction Amid Economic Recovery, Proposes New Price

Business, Economy, FGN

FG Urges Cement Price Reduction Amid Economic Recovery, Proposed New Price The Federal Government has urged cement manufacturers to lower prices to N7,000, citing improved economic conditions. This call was made by the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, during a meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on February 26, 2025, according to a statement on the ministry’s website. Umahi noted that the naira has stabilized at about N1,400 per dollar, and petrol prices have dropped, creating a conducive environment for reduced cement costs. He criticized the current price of N9,500, pointing out that manufacturers increased prices…

Feb

27

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Guardians Of Heritage, Architects Of Tomorrow: Abia’s Royal Renaissance – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance

Guardians of Heritage, Architects of Tomorrow: Abia’s Royal Renaissance Today's thought emphasizes the dual role of all our Royal Fathers as protectors of culture and drivers of progress, while "renaissance" adds a dynamic, aspirational tone aligned with Dr Alex Chioma Otti's vision of a revitalized Abia. Bridging Heritage and Development Governor Otti once told a gathering of like minds: Abia State, a cultural and economic hub in southeastern Nigeria,. From research and conversation with a select number of persons on the phone as I gathered materials, she comprises 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), each governed by a blend of modern…