Columns/Opinions/Letters

Feb
19
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
80% Of Aba’s Micro -Enterprises Lack Access To Formal credit: Collaborative Lending Models And Movable Asset Finance Could Unlock Growth For Abia’s “Japan Of Africa” MSMEs – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

80% Of Aba’s Micro -Enterprises Lack Access To Formal credit: Collaborative Lending Models And Movable Asset Finance Could Unlock Growth For Abia’s “Japan Of Africa” MSMEs – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Business, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Economy
80% of Aba's micro-enterprises lack access to formal credit: Collaborative lending models and movable asset financing could unlock growth for Abia's "Japan of Africa" MSMEs In the bustling streets of Aba, Abia State, lies a tale of untapped potential and unrelenting resilience. The city, fondly referred to as the "Japan of Africa," is home to a plethora of micro-enterprises that form the backbone of the local economy. However, behind the vibrant markets and industrious entrepreneurs lies a harsh reality: 80% of these micro-enterprises are denied access to formal credit, stifling their growth and condemning them to a cycle of poverty.…
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Feb
18
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Between Otti And Wabara’s Truth – By Ebere Uzoukwa Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Between Otti And Wabara’s Truth – By Ebere Uzoukwa Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Politics
Between Otti and Wabara's Truth Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D The recent commendation of Governor Alex Otti by Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has once again brought to the fore the question of truth and governance in Abia State. Speaking at the 80th birthday celebration of Dr. Godswill Emelike Okoro, Wabara commended Governor Otti for his good works in Abia State, saying that he was a citizen of Abia State before becoming a member of the PDP. This statement underscores Wabara's commitment to truth and his willingness to speak the truth, even…
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Feb
18
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
The Planned Acquisition Of 60% EEDC Shares By ABIA State Government – What And Why? – By Engr. Ikechukwu Monday(Honourable Commissioner For Power And Public Utilities)

The Planned Acquisition Of 60% EEDC Shares By ABIA State Government – What And Why? – By Engr. Ikechukwu Monday(Honourable Commissioner For Power And Public Utilities)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Power & Energy
The Planned Acquisition Of 60% EEDC Shares by Abia State Government – What and Why? Enugu Distribution Company Plc (EEDC) was incorporated as a Public Liability Company in 2005 following the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). In 2013, Interstate Electrics Limited took over the management of EEDC after the purchase of 60% of EEDC shares from the federal government through the privatisation process leaving 40% shareholding shares to Federal, State and local governments, warehoused by Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). EEDC operates within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) framework, licensed…
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Feb
18
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Debated Planned Acquisition Of 60% Of EEDC Shares By ABIA State Government; And Dr. Odo Ijere Submitted!

Debated Planned Acquisition Of 60% Of EEDC Shares By ABIA State Government; And Dr. Odo Ijere Submitted!

Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Politics, Power & Energy
On further Clarifications by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities concerning the raging 60% acquisition of EEDC. The clarifications contained in the release by the Honourable Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday yesterday is clear, unambiguous and well understood. His statement that due technical diligence is being carried out on the dilapidated infrastructure being used by the EEDC to distribute darkness in the State, as part of ongoing negotiations to acquire 60% stakes of Interstate Electrics in EEDC is different from what we read from the CPS that Abia state has acquired 60% of EEDC holding.…
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Feb
17
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
“The People Speak: Abia State’s ‘Voice Of The People’ Poll” (Vox Populi) – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

“The People Speak: Abia State’s ‘Voice Of The People’ Poll” (Vox Populi) – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance
"The People Speak: Abia State's 'Voice of the People' Poll" The "Voice of the People" poll, conducted in Abia State between June 15th and August 20th, 2024, has revealed interesting insights into the sentiments of the people. The poll was carried out in eight cities across the state, including Umuahia (June 15th-17th, 12 voice notes), Aba (June 20th-22nd, 11 voice notes), Ohafia (June 25th-27th, 10 voice notes), Arochukwu (July 1st-3rd, 12 voice notes), Umunneochi (July 8th-10th, 10 voice notes), Isuikwuato (July 15th-17th, 11 voice notes), Ukwa East (July 22nd-24th, 10 voice notes), and Bende (August 1st-3rd, 10 voice notes). A…
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Feb
17
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Assessing Governor Otti’s Commitment To ABIA Workers’ Welfare – By Ebere Uzoukwa Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Assessing Governor Otti’s Commitment To ABIA Workers’ Welfare – By Ebere Uzoukwa Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Labour
Assessing Governor Otti's Commitment to Abia Workers' Welfare Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D Governor Alex Otti's administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare of Abia workers and pensioners. This commitment is evident in several key areas. Since assuming office, Governor Otti has kept his promise of ensuring that workers receive their salaries and pensions on or before the 28th of every month. This regular payment has brought stability and relief to Abia workers and pensioners, enabling them to plan and manage their finances effectively. The timely payment of salaries and pensions has also boosted the morale and job satisfaction of…
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Feb
16
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Right-Of-Reply: Re: The Planned Acquisition Of 60% EEDC Shares By ABIA State Government – Dr. Chief Odo Ijere(Okpotemba) Replies Ctn Ukoha Njoku Ukoha (CPS To Gov. Otti)

Right-Of-Reply: Re: The Planned Acquisition Of 60% EEDC Shares By ABIA State Government – Dr. Chief Odo Ijere(Okpotemba) Replies Ctn Ukoha Njoku Ukoha (CPS To Gov. Otti)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Power & Energy
Re: THE PLANNED ACQUISITION OF 60% EEDC SHARES BY ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT. My Right of Reply to Citizen Ukoha Njoku, the Chief Press Secretary. My dear brother Ukoha, you started your rejoinder to my article rather badly by referring to my remarks as "skepticism". As the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, you are expected to discern the boundary between an advisory remark and a skeptical engagement. Knowing me and where I'm coming from should have told you that mine was just a remark to keep our government properly guided before we commit unintended mistake. You should also be mindful…
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Feb
16
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Governor Otti’s Commitment To Progress: How The 12.6km Ohanze-Ntighauzo-Obete-Umuoha-Oberete-Akirikaobu Road Project Demonstrates Leadership Beyond Politics – Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Governor Otti’s Commitment To Progress: How The 12.6km Ohanze-Ntighauzo-Obete-Umuoha-Oberete-Akirikaobu Road Project Demonstrates Leadership Beyond Politics – Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D (SSA To Gov. Otti On Public Affairs)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, Works
Governor Otti's Commitment to Progress: How the 12.6km Ohanze-Ntighauzo-Obete-Umuoha-Oberete-Akirikaobu Road Project Demonstrates Leadership Beyond Politics Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D In a remarkable display of leadership and commitment to progress, Governor Alex Otti OFR, on Wednesday, 12th February, flagged off the construction of the 12.6km Ohanze-Ntighauzor-Umuoha-Obete-Oberete-Akirikaobu road in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State. This project further underscores Governor Otti's vision for a better Abia, driven by his passion to transform the state and leave a lasting impact on its people and landscape. It is worth noting that Obingwa LGA was instrumental in truncating Governor Otti's electoral victory in 2015…
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Feb
16
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Abia Cares: Supporting Our Elderly, Strengthening Our Community By Investing In Our Aging Population – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia Cares: Supporting Our Elderly, Strengthening Our Community By Investing In Our Aging Population – By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Good Governance, People Reorientation
Abia Cares: Supporting Our Elderly, Strengthening Our Community by Investing in Our Aging Population Elderly residents in Abia State face significant health-related challenges, exacerbated by systemic gaps in healthcare access and infrastructure. A 2022 National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report revealed that 65% of elderly individuals lack access to functional healthcare facilities, compounded by a dire shortage of geriatric specialists—only three serve the state’s estimated 500,000 elderly population. Chronic diseases like hypertension affect 48% of seniors, yet only 30% receive consistent care due to cost barriers and clinic distances. Mental health struggles are equally pressing: while 20% of Nigerian elders…
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Feb
16
2025
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By Abia ThinkTank
Right-Of-Reply: Increased Productivity In ABIA As The Major Driver Of The Planned Acquisition Of EEDC: A Clarification To Dr. Odo Ijere’s Scepticism – Ctn Ukoha Njoku Ukoha (CPS To Gov. Otti)

Right-Of-Reply: Increased Productivity In ABIA As The Major Driver Of The Planned Acquisition Of EEDC: A Clarification To Dr. Odo Ijere’s Scepticism – Ctn Ukoha Njoku Ukoha (CPS To Gov. Otti)

Abia State, Columns/Opinions/Letters, Power & Energy
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY IN ABIA AS THE MAJOR DRIVER OF THE PLANNED ACQUISITION OF EEDC: A CLARIFICATION TO DR. ODO IJERE'S SCEPTICISM. The planned acquisition of 60% equity in EEDC by Abia State Government is deliberate and intentional. The decision to have the majority share is to give the State Government the latitude to lead the efforts in reversing the 'poorly managed' EEDC by Interstate Electrics Limited, improve power supply to Abians living around the Umuahia ring-fence and increase productivity/output in Abia State. Dr. Odo in his article admitted that EEDC is among the worst managed DISCO in Nigeria but failed…
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