Columns/Opinions/Letters - Abia ThinkTank News

Dec

13

2024

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By Abia ThinkTank

PDP ABIA Crying Wolf Where Non Exist – By Dr. Engr. Odo Ijere (Okpotemba)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Politics

PDP ABIA CRYING WOLF WHERE NON EXIST. We have read with interest the release by the Abia PDP signed by its publicity secretary Mr. Erik Ikwuagwu accusing the government of Abia state of suppression of dissent and opposition voices. Nothing can be far from the truth as this amounts to crying wolf to attract undue sympathy. When the newly appointed Abia PDP exco were inaugurated, they went overboard in their bid to play to the gallery and impress their paymasters that they had arrived by forming what they called a 'Shadow Government'. They were immediately cautioned and warned not to…

Dec

13

2024

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2024 Tax Reforms, Nigeria’s Fiscal Landscape And ABIA State: Matters Arising – By Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

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

2024 Tax Reforms, Nigeria's Fiscal Landscape and Abia State: Matters Arising Nigeria's 2024 tax reforms aim to transform the country's fiscal landscape, and Abia State is no exception. The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, established in 2023, is driving these changes. Here are key aspects of the reforms: Harmonization of Taxes: The committee proposes streamlining over 60 taxes and levies to a single-digit number, reducing the burden on citizens and businesses ¹ ². Digitization of Revenue Collection: The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has introduced a USSD code for tax payment, making it easier and more convenient…

Dec

12

2024

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Abia’s Flight To Progress: The Airport Project That’s Taking Shape – By Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D (SSA On Public Affairs To Gov. Otti)

Abia State, Business, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy

Abia's Flight to Progress: The Airport Project That's Taking Shape Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D. Abia State is on the threshold of a transformative journey, courtesy of the airport project that's gaining momentum. The proposed airport, initially approved as an airstrip by the Federal Government, has been upgraded to a full-fledged airport, thanks to Governor Alex Chioma Otti's tireless efforts. This development is a testament to the Governor's vision of opening up Abia for investment flow and socio-economic growth. With the airport, Abia State is poised to become a hub for commerce, industry, and tourism, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The…

Dec

12

2024

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President Tinubu Advised To Reduce Fuel Price To N300/Litre For Xmas, New Year Celebration

Columns/Opinions/Letters, FGN, Oil & Gas, Politics

Tinubu Advised To Reduce Fuel Price To N300/Litre For Xmas, New Year Celebration Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reduce the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) also known as petrol to N300 per litre between December and January. He said this would enable Nigerians to have a joyous and merry Christmas. A litre of fuel is presently sold at about N1,100 and N1,200 per litre across the country following the removal of fuel subsidy. Tinubu had on assumption of office in 2023 declared an end…

Dec

12

2024

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Re-2025, Sustaining The Momentum: A Budget For Growth: Addressing The ‘Concerns’ Of Our ‘Friends’ Of ABIA State – By Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy, Politics

Re_2025, Sustaining the Momentum: A Budget for Growth: addressing the 'concerns' of our 'friends' of Abia State As the State welcomes the 2025 Abia State budget of ₦750.3 billion, tagged "Sustaining Momentum," some of our well meaning friends have raised concerns about its feasibility and effectiveness. Presented by Governor Alex Otti, the budget represents a 30% increase from the 2024 budget of ₦524 billion. Some of the concerns expressed are: Lack of sectoral analysis, they claim that the budget fails to provide a sectoral breakdown, making it difficult to understand how funds will be allocated to various sectors such as…

Dec

11

2024

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Economic Outlook For 2025: ABIA State’s Opportunities – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

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

Economic Outlook for 2025: Abia State's Opportunities Abia State's economic outlook for 2025 is promising, driven by its strategic location in the Niger Delta region, abundant natural resources, and emerging industries. In my humble opinion, let's look at some key sectorial assumptions in state. We must start our analysis with the sector that directly affects over 80% of the populace - Agriculture, we are all witnesses that the state has vast agricultural potential, with crops like rice, cassava, and maize being major contributors to the state's GDP. Investment in irrigation systems and farming infrastructure will boost productivity. Abia state's Oil…

Dec

11

2024

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Abia State’s 2025 Budget: Sustaining Momentum, Driving Progress – By Ebere Uzoukwa Ph.D (SSA On Public Affairs To Gov. Otti)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance

Abia State's 2025 Budget: Sustaining Momentum, Driving Progress Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D. Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR has once again demonstrated his commitment to advancing Abia's development with the presentation of the 2025 Budget to the Abia State House of Assembly. The proposed budget, titled "Budget of Sustained Momentum," amounts to ₦750,282,200,000, representing a 30% increase from the 2024 budget. This significant increase reflects the administration's ambitious goals, despite the economic challenges posed by inflation and exchange rate volatility. The budget allocates ₦611.7 billion (82% of the total budget) to capital projects, aiming to drive long-term socioeconomic transformation in the state.…

Dec

10

2024

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Every Moment Is A New Chance: The Socioeconomic Benefits Of New ABIA State Airport Project Engagement

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

Every Moment is a New Chance: The Socioeconomic Benefits of the New Abia State Airport Project Engagement The Federal Government team from the Ministry of Aviation visited Abia State to inspect a proposed site for the airport. The team, led by Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, aimed to ensure the land and location align with regulatory requirements for airport siting. Governor Alex Otti mentioned that the state government had identified a suitable location, and he emphasized the importance of the airport's location, stating that it was crucial for the project's success. The airport project has…

Dec

10

2024

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Otti’s Road Revolution: Promises Made, Promises Kept – By Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D (SSA To Governor Otti On Public Affairs)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Infrastructure, Politics

Otti's Road Revolution: Promises Made, Promises Kept Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D Governor Alex Otti's administration has been making waves in Abia State, particularly with its ongoing road revolution. During his campaigns, Otti promised to address the acute infrastructural deficit in the state. This promise was made in response to the failure of past administrations, which led to the collapse of many roads and other infrastructures. Completed Road Repair and Maintenance Operations: Repair & Maintenance Work at Aba Road, Umuahia. Repair & Maintenance Work on Otuka Road, Umuahia. Palliative Work at Olokoro Road, Umuahia. Repair & Maintenance Work on Ikot-Ekpene Road, Umuahia…

Dec

10

2024

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Abia International Cargo Airport, Adding To The Streams Of Good News – By Dr. Engr. Odo Ijere (Okpotemba Ohafia)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy, Good Governance, Politics

ABIA INTERNATIONAL CARGO AIRPORT, ADDING TO THE STREAMS OF GOOD NEWS. In a matter of a few hours from the time of my writing this piece, the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo Esq. will be on ground in Abia State to flag off the construction of Abia International Cargo Airport in Nsulu, about 10kms from Umuahia. This historic flag off ceremony promises to be the mother of all flag off ceremonies just following the epic commissioning of construction works of the Umuopara ring road project and the four lanes Onuimo bridge to Umuahia tower project in less than a…