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.

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.

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.

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