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A MISSION TO INSPIRE AND BUILD THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN LEADERS

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2 years ago

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Protocols

“Whatever you give to a woman, she will receive it, multiply it and give it back to you” Dr. Myles Munroe

1. There is a new awakening to the unique capacity of women to offer quality leadership within institutions, taking bold initiatives in pursuit of outcomes that set new benchmarks of excellence, innovation and value creation. It is not for nothing that we are seeing an exponential rise in the number of women occupying very senior positions in public and corporate establishments in Nigeria and across the world. It is no longer an exaggeration to say that when trained and offered a level-playing field, our women and girls are as capable of outstanding performance in all fields of human endeavours as their male counterparts.

2. On account of the exceptional performance of women in positions of leadership, a new hunger has emerged amongst parents and institutions to train and expand the capacity of our women in order to make them competitive and ready for higher responsibilities. We are currently seeing an exponential rise in the number of women pursuing advanced degrees, empowering themselves through training and exposure to new learning opportunities and actually doing better than men in some areas.

3. Supporting women to achieve their full potential is a rational economic decision, but most importantly, it is a fool-proof formula for improving societal realities on very important frontiers including sciences, medicine, finance, sports and as everyone here can readily testify, law. It is now beyond dispute that the enduring prosperity of any society in the modern world is extensively dependent on the scope of opportunities offered women to dream, work hard and become the best they can be.

4. On this note distinguished ladies and gentlemen, learned men and women, let me formally welcome the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, and her entourage to the South East Zonal Workshop of the National Association of Women Judges Nigeria (NAWJN) taking place here in our beloved State capital Umuahia. I want to thank the organisers of this event for choosing Umuahia as the host city for this very important workshop in the South East region. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate Justice Kekere-Ekun on her appointment as the second female CJN two months ago. I may not be familiar with the criteria that informed the choice of Umuahia but I am very certain that there could not have been a better place to host an event of this significance. For starters, it will be tough to find any other state in the region where there are as many women in critical positions of public sector service as we have in Abia.

5. As the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, can tell you, we are very deliberate in empowering and assigning important portfolios to women. Because we understand how reform-minded and efficient women can be, especially with very lean resources, our administration’s bold initiatives for the tertiary education sector, health, Civil service, Poverty Alleviation and financial management are being driven by competent and result-oriented women. Here in Abia, we are not just appointing and empowering women for optics, we are running on the conviction that women are less prone to procedural abuses and managerial recklessness and are therefore better suited to achieve the governance outcomes that we seek across multiple strategic frontiers.

6. You have done the right thing by coming to Abia where women are pivotal to the developmental vision of the administration. Our philosophy of recognising women as major governance stakeholders leans into the awareness that Abia is historically, the home of brave and productive women who will never accept to be inferior in the scheme of things. It may be important to remind us that this is the place of the famous Aba Women Uprising of 1929 where our mothers from various parts of the region converged in Aba to resist the designs of the colonial authorities that they found unfriendly to their economic and social prosperity. With the events of 1929 etched firmly in the minds of many, anyone who finds himself in position of authority is always careful not to attract the ire of our women in their policy choices.

7. Beyond the capacity of our women to resist situations that are skewed against them, Abia women have also achieved the distinction of being very committed and resourceful in their assignments in the home and elsewhere. Our women are remarkable for the immense sacrifices they make for their families and society because they see beyond their personal needs. They are often happiest when they are offering helping hands, not minding whether they are dealing with familiar faces or total strangers. From the famous Ariaria International Market to several formal establishments in our urban centres and in the interior farmlands in remote communities, women who live in Abia State consistently work hard to achieve remarkable things and support the ones they love because for them, success is not defined by gender.

8. The theme of this workshop, “Breaking Leadership Barriers for Women in the Legal Profession,” invites us to come together and shatter the glass ceilings that limit the ascendency of women in leadership positions in the legal profession in our country. This project could not have come at a better time because presently, we have a very distinguished woman in the person of Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun, GCON, occupying the exalted position of Chief Justice of Nigeria. I can make bold to say that we have a golden opportunity to look into the entire architecture of the legal system in the country and identify policies, practices and conventions that even when well-intended, can become very strong obstacles to the rise of women in the profession. My expectation is that at the end of this workshop, we must have identified clear-cut measures that will make it easier for highly qualified women in the system to progressively climb and ultimately reach the zenith of their careers like the CJN, and our own chief judge here in the State, as well as other senior officials from different parts of the country that are presently seated in this auditorium.

9. In the pursuit of our noble objective which seeks to offer a level-playing field for women in the legal system, it may be important to remind us that our guiding criteria at all times should be competence. We must never sacrifice the capacity to understand and interpret the letters and the spirit of the law for anything. With your permission, I would like to add that sound mental disposition and robust knowledge of the evolution and emerging dynamics of legal practices across the globe must take precedence over filial relationships. The leadership positions in the legal system must be protected from the corrosion of politics because justice, excellence and long-standing ethics of the profession will be compromised when leadership positions in the legal system become objects of privileges that the political elites dispense at will to whomsoever they wish. My recommendation would be to evolve ways of building the capacity of women in the profession to enable them stand out in the industry, staying beyond reproach in the discharge of their duties.

10. We shall not get everything right in one day but we must start the process of building a legal system that inspires women, especially the young ones to dream. It is gratifying to observe that these nationwide workshops present fantastic opportunities to share ideas and listen to each other, hear the experiences of the professionals in the industry and identify what can be done in the medium to long term to bring more women to the decision-making table. I am of the considered opinion that much of the problems we are battling with in the system will drastically reduce if we have more women calling the shots because although women are known for being compassionate, they also have immense willpower to take decisions that many men would dare not contemplate. They are also less-brazen and more meticulous, staying faithful to the truth of the constitution and the ethics of the profession in their assignments.

11. As a State, we are very willing to support the actualisation of the aims of this project. My position is that the world will be better when women are supported, empowered and given the platform to do exploits. We shall be open to working with whoever is available and ready to lead this campaign here in the State. May I please invite the coordinators to remain focused and consistent in driving this project across all parts of the country. I will be fulfilled to see more women joining the distinguished CJN and Hon Justice Abai at the summit of the legal profession. My expectation is that these amazons will inspire more women and girls to demand more from themselves and appreciate that every girl has all it takes to break new grounds and conquer bigger territories in their chosen fields of practice.

12. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to now formally declare this workshop put together by the National Association of Women Judges Nigeria for the South East region open to the glory of God. Thank you for coming and may God bless you all.

Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR,
25/10/2-24

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Media Training

Abia NUJ Correspondents Chapel Holds 2026 Press Week, Media Retreat, Tasks Journalists On Credibility Ahead Of 2027 Elections

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12 hours ago

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November 5, 2026

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents Chapel, Abia State Council, has commenced activities marking its 2026 Press Week and 26th Media Retreat, with a call on journalists to uphold professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The three-day programme, featuring knowledge sharing, reflection, networking and celebration of journalistic excellence, is being held under the theme, “The Future of Journalism and Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for 2027 Elections.”

Speaking during the retreat, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described journalism as a critical pillar of democracy, noting that the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government and the governed, promoting accountability and providing citizens with credible information.

Kanu observed that the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies had transformed the way news is gathered, processed and disseminated, while creating new challenges through fake news, deepfakes and deliberate misinformation.

He urged journalists to strengthen their digital literacy, investigative reporting and fact-checking skills, stressing that professional responsibility and accuracy must remain the guiding principles of journalism.

The Commissioner maintained that access to credible information was essential for an informed society, advising media practitioners against sacrificing accuracy for speed or sensational headlines.

In her address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abia State, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, identified public trust and information credibility as critical factors that would determine the success of the 2027 general elections.

Professor Agu said elections were not won or lost only at polling units but also through public perception, information and confidence in the electoral process.

She urged journalists to appreciate their influence in shaping public opinion, warning that inaccurate reports and deliberate misinformation could undermine electoral credibility and public confidence in INEC.

The REC described the media and the electoral commission as partners in the democratic process, stressing the need for collaboration in promoting transparency, accountability and peaceful elections.

She disclosed that INEC was strengthening its technological capacity ahead of the 2027 elections through improved voter accreditation systems, electronic transmission of polling-unit results, cybersecurity measures and continuous testing of electoral equipment.

Professor Agu further explained that the Commission was investing in staff training, retraining and simulation exercises to ensure adequate preparedness for the forthcoming elections.

She called on journalists to verify election-related information before publication, advising them to consult INEC’s official platforms and relevant authorities rather than rely on unverified social media reports.

The REC also encouraged media organisations to educate the public on relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly those relating to voter accreditation, electronic transmission of results and transparency in election management.

Earlier, veteran journalist Chimdi Oluoha described journalism as indispensable to democracy, noting that journalists serve as watchdogs who monitor the relationship between government and citizens.

Oluoha explained that democracy operates on a social contract in which citizens elect leaders with the expectation of effective governance, while the media monitors the performance of both parties.

He stressed that journalists must continually acquire knowledge and deepen their understanding of democratic principles to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

According to him, the fundamental duty of journalism is to report the whole truth, warning that half-truths and misinformation could erode public confidence in the media.

The retreat is expected to continue with further activities before its grand finale on Friday.

From : Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu
FIC umuahia .
5th November 2026.

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia Records 530 Applications For 173 Pocket Layout Housing Units, Moves To Strengthen Healthcare Emergency Response

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1 day ago

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November 4, 2026

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Abia State Government has disclosed that its Pocket Layout Housing Estate has attracted about 530 applications for 173 residential units under development.

While also announcing plans to strengthen specialised neurological healthcare and public health emergency response in the state.


The developments were among the highlights of the State Executive Council briefing by Governor Alex Otti, who said Abia had been selected as the most suitable location for a proposed Stroke and Neurovascular Centre following its participation in the 2026 Sweden-Africa Neurosurgery Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The proposed centre is expected to improve access to specialised diagnosis, treatment and management of stroke and other neurovascular conditions, potentially serving patients across Nigeria and West Africa.
On public health emergencies, the government said it had established a multi-sectoral preparedness and response technical working group and developed an Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan.
The remodelled Mother and Child Specialist Hospital has been designated as an Ebola isolation facility pending completion of the Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba, while the isolation facility at the Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Amachara, Umuahia, will complement the state’s response capacity.


The government also reported that no cases of Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria or cholera were recorded between October 18 and November 1, 2026.
On housing, Governor Otti disclosed that the overwhelming interest in the 173 Pocket Layout residential units had prompted the government to consider a lottery-based allocation system to ensure transparency, fairness and equal opportunity for applicants.
He added that a comprehensive assessment of existing government housing estates and layouts was ongoing to identify deficiencies in internal roads, utilities, security and other essential infrastructure requiring government attention.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the revival of abandoned federal housing projects through land provision and other necessary interventions.
Other highlights of the briefing included agricultural interventions across the 17 local government areas, preparations for the 2026 Aba Fashion Week, Christmas celebrations and the Abia Tertiary Institutions Sports Fiesta, expected to attract about 1,850 participants.
The initiatives, according to the government, form part of its broader development agenda covering healthcare, housing, agriculture, creative enterprise and youth development.

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NEWS

Otti Unveils Crusaders Club, Charges Students To Drive Transformation As Sports Fiesta Begins

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2 days ago

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November 3, 2026

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Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has unveiled the New Abia Crusaders Club as part of his administration’s efforts to promote responsible leadership, innovation, integrity and community service among students of tertiary institutions in the state.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, educational advancement, skills development and sporting excellence at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta held in Umuahia.

Governor Otti, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the establishment of the New Abia Crusaders Club reflected his administration’s conviction that building a New Abia goes beyond physical infrastructure to include investing in people, restoring societal values and preparing young people for leadership and responsible citizenship.

He explained that the New Abia agenda was anchored on the belief that purposeful leadership, hard work, discipline, integrity and collective responsibility were essential ingredients for building a state that works for everyone.

The Governor described education as one of the most important investments in the future of Abia State, stressing that tertiary institutions must evolve beyond traditional centres of learning to become hubs of innovation, research, entrepreneurship, critical thinking and practical solutions to societal challenges.

According to him, his administration was determined to produce graduates who would not merely possess academic certificates but would also become problem-solvers, innovators, employers of labour and responsible citizens equipped to compete favourably in the global economy.

He said the New Abia Crusaders Club would provide students with a structured platform to develop leadership qualities, promote volunteerism, encourage innovation and embrace responsible citizenship through meaningful community service.

Governor Otti charged members of the club to distinguish themselves through integrity, excellence, discipline and selfless service, urging them to choose honesty over dishonesty, excellence over mediocrity, service over entitlement and unity over division.

He encouraged the club’s leadership to introduce mentorship programmes, academic and innovation competitions, environmental initiatives and community development projects capable of delivering measurable benefits to society.

Addressing the students, the Governor urged them to invest in their personal development, uphold strong moral values and take active responsibility for shaping the kind of society they wished to inherit.

He maintained that leadership did not begin with occupying public office but with the choices individuals made, the problems they solved and the positive influence they exerted within their communities.

Governor Otti assured the students that his administration would sustain policies and programmes aimed at expanding access to quality education, promoting digital literacy and skills acquisition, encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for productive employment and entrepreneurship.

He further urged members of the New Abia Crusaders Club not to limit their involvement to identifying with the New Abia agenda but to become active ambassadors of its values through their conduct, contributions and commitment to the development of the state.

In his address, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, highlighted the importance of sports as a vehicle for physical development, talent discovery, social integration and the exploration of career opportunities for young people.

He expressed appreciation to the executive committee and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for their support, encouragement and constructive contributions towards the development of the initiative.

The Commissioner also commended the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, for her collaboration and commitment to the success of the event, while acknowledging the contributions of rectors, heads of tertiary institutions and other stakeholders.

He explained that the Sports Fiesta was conceived to extend beyond sporting competitions by providing young people with opportunities to discover their talents, develop their potential and explore career prospects in the sports industry.

Ananaba called on stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that integrate education, sports and youth development, describing unity and education as fundamental pillars of individual growth and institutional stability.

He urged participating students and officials to demonstrate discipline, sportsmanship and respect for the rules throughout the competitions.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Dr Emeka Enyiazu, described the Sports Fiesta as a landmark initiative in education, youth development and institutional cooperation.

Enyiazu said the event had established a common platform for federal, state and private tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, to interact, compete and showcase their talents.

He noted that the initiative was designed to break institutional barriers, promote inclusion and create opportunities for talented students who might otherwise remain undiscovered.

According to him, the fiesta reflected the Governor’s understanding that education extends beyond the acquisition of certificates, while effective youth development requires practical opportunities for young people to discover their abilities, build character, develop discipline and prepare for national and international competitions.

He commended the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; the Chief of Staff to the Governor; members of the organising committee; and the management, staff and students of participating institutions for their contributions to the initiative.

Enyiazu charged the athletes to compete courageously, respect their opponents and uphold the principles of fair play, stressing that the greatest victory was not merely defeating others but becoming better individuals.

In his remarks, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Professor Gabriel Okenwa, commended Governor Otti for what he described as visionary and transformational leadership, particularly in infrastructure, education and human capital development.

He maintained that good governance deserved commendation irrespective of political affiliation, adding that the Sports Fiesta would promote unity, discipline and excellence among young people.

Okenwa also commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and the Chairman of the Sports Fiesta, Chief Emeka Inyama, alongside members of the organising committee, for their contributions to the success of the initiative.

He urged participating students to compete with pride, fairness and sportsmanship, while sustaining the bonds of unity and friendship beyond the competitions.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Chinyere Okeziem-Nwoko, Esq., expressed appreciation to the Governor for his continued support for educational advancement, youth empowerment and sporting excellence.
She acknowledged the contributions of Professor Uche Eme-Uche, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, the Central Organising Committee, heads of tertiary institutions, athletes, coaches, officials, security agencies, the media and other stakeholders.

Okeziem-Nwoko said the Sports Fiesta and the unveiling of the New Abia Crusaders Club represented important opportunities to discover talents, nurture champions and raise a generation of young people who would serve as proud ambassadors of Abia State.

The 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta brought together students and representatives of participating tertiary institutions in a celebration of talent, healthy competition, friendship and institutional collaboration.

The event also featured a colourful match-past competition involving participating tertiary institutions, with students showcasing their institutional identities, discipline and pride.

Dignitaries present included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel C. Meribole; the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche; other government functionaries; heads of tertiary institutions; members of the organising committee; athletes and other stakeholders.

8

 

FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
Amah Ijeoma
O3/10/2026

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