Columns/Opinions/Letters

Dec
16
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
Otti’s Meritocracy Agenda: A Panacea For Boosting Abia’s GDP – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Otti’s Meritocracy Agenda: A Panacea For Boosting Abia’s GDP – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Politics
Otti's Meritocracy Agenda: A Panacea for Boosting Abia's GDP During the just concluded December Media Chat, Governor Alex Otti's statement that civil servants who failed the promotion and confirmation examinations in Abia State did not prepare well is a clear indication of his commitment to enthrone meritocracy in the state's workforce. This approach is reminiscent of the former Nigeria Eastern Region's workforce, which was known for its efficiency and productivity. Meritocracy is a system where rewards and opportunities are based on individual merit, rather than on personal connections or other factors. This approach has been successful in countries like the…
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Dec
15
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
Abia Showing Southeastern States How To Beat The National Economy – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia Showing Southeastern States How To Beat The National Economy – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy, Politics, South East
Abia is showing Southeastern states how to beat the national economy Job creation rates in Nigeria, particularly in the South East region, have been a topic of discussion. Nigeria's economic growth has not been largely inclusive, with poverty and unemployment rates increasing despite high GDP growth averaging 7.3% since the 2018. In the South East region, Abia State has a relatively high job creation rate, driven by its strong manufacturing sector and agricultural production. According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Abia State had a job creation rate of 12.6% in 2023, compared to 9.5% for…
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Dec
14
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
Would Otti’s Pro Business Programs Expand ABIA State’s Economy In 2025/2026? – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Would Otti’s Pro Business Programs Expand ABIA State’s Economy In 2025/2026? – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Business, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy, Good Governance
Would Otti's Pro Business Programs Expand Abia State's Economy in 2025/2026? Last month, Abia's Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, declared in a private meeting that he has laid out and implemented a series of programs and projects in the three senatorial zones of the state, drawing immediate appreciation from business leaders of those zones. “Most of the programs rolled out would likely prompt pro-poor growth, leading to expanded opportunities for enterprises,” a business man Chidi Umeh in Isiukwuato said. An importer of used fabrics in Aba, Kalu Nwojo, said he’s expanding more patronage come 2025/2026 as he's expecting higher purchasing…
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Dec
13
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
SEDC Chair Appointment: Round Peg In Round Hole – By Pius Nzewuihe

SEDC Chair Appointment: Round Peg In Round Hole – By Pius Nzewuihe

Columns/Opinions/Letters, FGN, Politics, South East
SEDC Chair Appointment: Round Peg in Round Hole The wisdom of the sponsors of the bill for the establishment of South East Development Commission at the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu’s commitment for an overall equitable national developmental agenda cannot be over-emphasized. To drive home his Renewed Hope Agenda, the President has in no mistakable terms demonstrated his vision to place the country on a fresh developmental map among comity of developing nations through regional development commissions Aside South East Development Commission (SEDC) charged with the responsibility of “reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damages suffered…
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Dec
13
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
PDP ABIA Crying Wolf Where Non Exist – By Dr. Engr. Odo Ijere (Okpotemba)

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…
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Dec
13
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
2024 Tax Reforms, Nigeria’s Fiscal Landscape And ABIA State: Matters Arising – By Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

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…
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Dec
12
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
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’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…
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Dec
12
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
President Tinubu Advised To Reduce Fuel Price To N300/Litre For Xmas, New Year Celebration

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…
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Dec
12
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
Re-2025, Sustaining The Momentum: A Budget For Growth: Addressing The ‘Concerns’ Of Our ‘Friends’ Of ABIA State – By Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

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…
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Dec
11
2024
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By Abia ThinkTank
Economic Outlook For 2025: ABIA State’s Opportunities – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

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…
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