The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Nigeria, has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for the decision to ban the operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, within the metropolitan areas of Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia, effective Monday, June 22, 2026.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organization described the policy as a bold and timely intervention aimed at tackling rising security challenges, improving public safety, reducing road traffic accidents, and promoting a more organized urban transportation system across the affected cities.
FENRAD noted that in recent years, Aba and Umuahia have witnessed a disturbing increase in criminal activities facilitated by the use of commercial motorcycles. According to the organization, incidents of armed robbery, phone and bag snatching, targeted attacks, and swift escapes from crime scenes have often been linked to the operational flexibility of motorcycles, which can easily navigate congested roads and narrow streets.

The rights advocacy group stated that the continued use of motorcycles in urban centres for criminal activities has contributed to growing insecurity and fear among residents, thereby undermining public confidence in security agencies and governance.
The organization expressed confidence that restricting commercial motorcycle operations within metropolitan areas would enhance the capacity of security agencies to monitor movement, curb criminal activities, and strengthen law enforcement efforts in combating urban crime.

Beyond security concerns, FENRAD emphasized that the ban could significantly reduce the high rate of road traffic accidents associated with commercial motorcycle operations. The group cited reckless riding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, disregard for traffic regulations, and poor compliance with road safety standards as major factors contributing to numerous avoidable injuries and fatalities across the state’s urban centres.
While supporting the government’s decision, FENRAD stressed that motorcycles remain an essential mode of transportation in many rural and hard-to-reach communities where alternative transport services are either inadequate or unavailable.

The Foundation therefore urged the Abia State Government to ensure that commercial motorcycle operations are properly regulated and streamlined in rural communities, villages, and other underserved areas, while maintaining the ban within designated metropolitan centres.
FENRAD further called on the government to complement the policy with improved public transportation systems, economic support and transition programmes for affected motorcycle operators, and a fair, professional, and rights-based enforcement approach.

The organization also appealed to residents, transport unions, community leaders, and security agencies to support the successful implementation of the policy, noting that collective cooperation is essential to achieving the intended security and safety objectives.
Reaffirming its commitment to public interest advocacy, FENRAD stated that it would continue to support policies that promote public safety, strengthen security, protect human rights, enhance environmental sustainability, and improve the overall quality of life of citizens.

The State Governor Dr Alex Otti says his administration recognizes the fact that Information remains one of the catalyst’s for economic growth, cohesion and national transformation.

Dr Otti who stated this while declaring open the 13th edition of Media Institute Training with the theme, “Inspiring Nations Organizations and People Through Media in the Age of AI organized by the President , Vision Africa Radio Umuahia, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, said that no society can make meaningful progress without a responsive and forward looking Media ecosystem.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Information Prince Okay Kanu said that the present Administration is leveraging on Communication Tools to get Citizens informed on the visible transformation and rebuilding agenda in the state.
The Governor said that such training equip media practitioners with relevant skills knowledge and ethical formation in their profession and commended the President Vision Africa Radio Umuahia Archbishop Onuoha, for sustaining the Annual medal training for media practitioners within and outside the State .

In his remarks, the Convener of the Training Archbishop Sunday Onuoha said the media remains a powerful tool in shaping Society adding that the annual media training was designed not just to equip media practitioners with relevant skills, and knowledge but to also enhance their professional growth.
Archbishop Onuoha further encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the training to equip themselves with the modern techniques, and commended the Governor, for his Administration’s commitment towards the development of the State.

Speaking, the Lead Resource Personnel of the training program, Dr Vic Costello reminded media practitioners and the public that AI Technology can amplify knowledge but cannot replace wisdom, generate content and the consciousness that guides a responsive journalism, and enjoined them to make use of AI Technology Advancement wisely.
The training which had different sessions also attracted the presence of National Body of NBC and Media Practitioners across the State.

As Nigeria marked this year’s Democracy Day, the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for greater inclusion of women in politics, governance, and leadership, emphasizing that democracy can only thrive when every voice is heard and represented.

In a goodwill message to Nigerians, the Chairperson of Abia NAWOJ, Ambassador Norah Okafor, congratulated citizens on the commemoration of Democracy Day, describing the occasion as a moment of reflection on the nation’s democratic journey and the enduring values of participation, accountability, justice, and equal opportunity.

According to her, democracy flourishes best in an environment where women are not sidelined but actively involved in shaping policies and decisions that impact society.

“Today, we celebrate not only our democratic journey but also the values of inclusion, participation, accountability, and equal opportunity for all citizens. Democracy thrives when every voice is heard, and women must continue to have a seat at the table where decisions that shape our society are made,” she stated.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to championing the empowerment of women and encouraging their active participation in governance, stressing that women possess the competence, vision, and leadership capacity required for nation-building.

Abia NAWOJ further called for stronger support systems, mentorship, and opportunities that would encourage more women to contest elections, assume leadership positions, and influence policies that directly affect communities.

Speaking on the role of the media in deepening democracy, Amb. Okafor emphasized that women journalists have a sacred duty to uphold the ethics of the journalism profession through fairness, accuracy, objectivity, and responsible reporting.

She noted that ethical journalism remains a powerful tool for promoting informed civic engagement, amplifying marginalized voices, and strengthening democratic institutions across the country.

“As we mark this Democracy Day, let us work together to build a society where women are empowered, democratic values are protected, and the media continues to serve as a pillar of truth and accountability,” she added.

The association prayed for continued peace, unity, and democratic progress in Abia State and Nigeria at large, wishing all Nigerians a memorable Democracy Day celebration.