Columns/Opinions/Letters

Jan
22
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Okonjo-Iweala Speaks Amid Trump Tariff Threats

Okonjo-Iweala Speaks Amid Trump Tariff Threats

Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy, Foreign Affairs, World News
Okonjo-Iweala Speaks Amid Trump Tariff Threats Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has called for calm over tariff threats by United States (US) President Donald Trump. On Monday, after his presidential inauguration, Trump threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada for failing to meet US immigration standards by February 1. At the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Okonjo-Iweala addressed the development during a panel discussion held on Tuesday. Okonjo-Iweala advised WTO members to observe actual policy implementations before reacting, saying calmness is necessary during uncertain developments. “I’m concerned, but you can…
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Jan
21
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
The Economics Of America’s Full Withdrawal From WHO: A New Era Of Global Health Leadership And Economic Growth – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

The Economics Of America’s Full Withdrawal From WHO: A New Era Of Global Health Leadership And Economic Growth – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Columns/Opinions/Letters, Foreign Affairs, World News
The Economics of America's Full Withdrawal from WHO: A New Era of Global Health Leadership and Economic Growth The United States' decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a significant shift in the global health landscape. As the largest contributor to the WHO, accounting for approximately 15% of the organization's budget, the US withdrawal is expected to have far-reaching economic and health implications. According to the WHO's 2020-2021 budget, the US contributed $893 million, with a significant portion of these funds supporting global health programs, research, and development. Despite the potential challenges, the US withdrawal from the…
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Jan
21
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Abia’s Nollywood Dreams: How The State Is Positioning Itself As The Next Big Thing In Nigeria Cinema – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia’s Nollywood Dreams: How The State Is Positioning Itself As The Next Big Thing In Nigeria Cinema – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Business, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Entertainment, Good Governance
Abia's Nollywood Dream: How the State is Positioning itself as the Next Big Thing in Nigerian Cinema We can all see the flurry of activities: programs, projects and engagements by the state government to reposition our dear state. It's a testament to Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFRs master strategy Dear Abians, our governor is mounting another ferocious campaign quietly to position Abia State as a destination of choice for Nigeria's cinema industry. Can we support him? Nigeria's film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has experienced tremendous growth over the years, emerging as one of the largest film industries in the…
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Jan
21
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Abia: How Governor Otti Is Reviving The Health Sector – By Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Abia: How Governor Otti Is Reviving The Health Sector – By Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Health
Abia: How Governor Otti is Reviving the Health Sector Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph. D Governor Alex Otti's administration has embarked on a bold mission to transform Abia State's healthcare delivery system, prioritizing quality healthcare as the cornerstone of socio-economic development. This vision is evident in the intentional allocation of 35% of the 2025 budget to health and education, underscoring the importance of these sectors in driving growth and prosperity. To achieve this goal, the Otti administration has initiated several key projects, including the renovation and remodelling of 200 primary healthcare facilities across the 184 wards in Abia State, dubbed "Project Ekwueme."…
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Jan
20
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
The Trump Inauguration 2.0 Marks A Significant Turning Point, Ushering In Supercharged Global Reset – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

The Trump Inauguration 2.0 Marks A Significant Turning Point, Ushering In Supercharged Global Reset – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Columns/Opinions/Letters, Foreign Affairs, International, Politics
The Trump Inauguration 2.0 marks a significant turning point in global politics, ushering in a supercharged global reset. As Donald Trump assumes the presidency for the second time, the world is bracing for drastic changes in US policy, both domestically and internationally.¹ A New Era of US Politics Trump's second inauguration speech is expected to set the tone for his new administration, with a focus on domestic priorities and a tougher stance on international trade and security. According to a report by FERI Institut, Trump's return to the White House means drastic changes for the USA and the rest of…
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Jan
20
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Expanding The Automotive Industry In Nigeria: Car Assembly Plants In ABA, Umuahia And Ohafia – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Expanding The Automotive Industry In Nigeria: Car Assembly Plants In ABA, Umuahia And Ohafia – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Manufacturing
Expanding the Automotive Industry in Nigeria: Car Assembly Plants in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia The supercharged across the state, infrastructure projects are intentionally laid pathways to A Greater Abia. These masterful strokes are not ends in themselves as some shortsighted critics have posited. They are in a damned hurry to flaunt their anti-Otti antics than seat down, study to understand the why and how of the Otti Wave projects. These fine gentlemen are rather pumped up in their myopia, and erroneously indulge in shameful comparisons. May I ask them: Have you not noticed that all fingers are not equal? Secondly,…
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Jan
19
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
The Ariaria Market Trade Laboratory: A Hub For Entrepreneurial Innovation – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

The Ariaria Market Trade Laboratory: A Hub For Entrepreneurial Innovation – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy, Good Governance
The Ariaria Market Trade Laboratory: A Hub for Entrepreneurial Innovation A trade laboratory facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing among traders and artisans, leading to new ideas and innovations. It also provides access to new markets and customers, both locally and internationally. According to the Ariaria International Market Traders Association, an estimated 50% of traders introduce new products or services within the past year. The Ariaria Market Trade Laboratory is a dynamic and interactive environment where entrepreneurs, traders, and artisans come together to experiment, innovate, and test new ideas, products, and services. With over 30,000 traders and artisans operating in the market,…
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Jan
19
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
I’ll Support Seyi Tinubu If He Runs For Governorship – VeryDarkMan

I’ll Support Seyi Tinubu If He Runs For Governorship – VeryDarkMan

Columns/Opinions/Letters, Politics
I’ll Support Seyi Tinubu If He Runs For Governorship – VeryDarkMan Controversial activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) has publicly declared support for Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, should be decide to join the 2027 Lagos governorship race. In an Instagram video, VDM explained that he believes Seyi represents a new generation of leadership in politics. He stated that he would campaign for Seyi, despite not being involved in politics, as he sees him as a “bridge” to achieving his goals for Nigeria. VDM also speculated that Seyi may be building a network of…
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Jan
18
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Romania And Bulgaria Join Schengen Area And Mali, Burkina Faso And Niger Pull Out Of Ecowas: Matters Arising – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Romania And Bulgaria Join Schengen Area And Mali, Burkina Faso And Niger Pull Out Of Ecowas: Matters Arising – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Columns/Opinions/Letters, Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, World News
Romania and Bulgaria join Schengen area and Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger pull out of ECOWAS: Matters Arising Romania and Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area is a significant development in European politics. As of January 2025, these two countries have officially joined the Schengen zone, allowing for passport-free travel between member states.¹ This move is expected to boost travel, trade, and tourism, strengthening the internal market. The Schengen area, which comprises 29 European countries, guarantees free movement to close to 450 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU. With Romania and…
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Jan
18
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Another Transformative Opportunity As Abia State Hosts A Refinery… – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Another Transformative Opportunity As Abia State Hosts A Refinery… – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy, Good Governance, Oil & Gas
Abia State hosts a refinery… The prospect of Abia State hosting a refinery presents a transformative opportunity for the region, poised to catapult the state into a hub of industrial activity and economic growth. With the potential to generate significant revenue, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate local economic development, a refinery in Abia State could be a game-changer for the local economy, positioning the state as a key player in Nigeria's oil and gas industry. Economic BenefitsHosting a refinery in Abia State could have a significant impact on the state's economy. According to a study by the Nigerian National…
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