The spirit of intellectual engagement, academic excellence and educational advancement came alive in Umuahia as Vision Africa Radio 104.1FM, in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, held the 2025/2026 School Debate Prize Presentation Day, marking the 14th physical edition and 15th year of the highly celebrated academic competition.

The event, which attracted students, education stakeholders, government representatives, teachers and dignitaries from across the state, showcased the brilliance and critical thinking abilities of students who debated on the thought-provoking topic: “Is the grading system an accurate measure of a student’s intelligence?”

The competition, known for promoting healthy intellectual discourse among secondary school students, once again demonstrated the importance of education in shaping future leaders.

At the end of the keenly contested debate, Gradiel International School, Umuahia, emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 409 points, defeating other competing schools to clinch the prestigious first position.

University Demonstration School, Ihie Ndume, Umuahia, came second with 398 points, while Victorious Covenant High School, Aba, secured the third position after a commendable performance.

The atmosphere at the prize presentation ceremony was filled with excitement as students, teachers and supporters celebrated the achievements of the winning schools, reflecting the growing culture of academic competitiveness in Abia State.

Representing the wife of the Abia State Governor, Lady Priscilla Otti, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Chidera Emetu, graced the occasion and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting educational excellence and youth development.

Mrs. Priscilla Otti commended the President of Vision Africa Radio, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, for sustaining the annual competition over the years, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to nurturing a generation of informed, responsible and academically driven young people.

According to her, education goes beyond examinations, grades and certificates, stressing that true learning should inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, build character and prepare young people to become responsible leaders and problem-solvers in society.

She further applauded the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for its fruitful partnership with Vision Africa Radio, noting that the collaboration demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when government institutions and private organizations work together toward the advancement of education.

Representing the chairman of the event and former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, retired WAEC staff, Sir Kester Ekekwe, commended teachers for their dedication and sacrifice in nurturing students towards excellence.

Sir Ekekwe also applauded the panel of judges for what he described as their promptness, fairness and professionalism in delivering judgment throughout the competition.

He further appreciated Governor Dr. Alex Otti for the infrastructural transformation ongoing in Abia State, noting that improvements in public facilities contribute significantly to creating an enabling environment for quality education.

In an emotionally charged address, renowned cleric and peace advocate, Archbishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, expressed concern over the worsening insecurity affecting schools in parts of the country.

According to him, incidents of school abductions were minimal during the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, stressing that children deserve to learn in safe and secure environments.

Archbishop Onuoha passionately appealed to law enforcement agencies and political leaders to intensify efforts toward protecting schools and safeguarding the future of Nigerian children.

He lamented that insecurity has continued to rob many children of their fundamental right to education, insisting that every part of the country must be made safe for learning.

“Those in authority should ensure that students are protected and free to pursue their education without fear. Safety should never be denied to our children. Every part of this nation must become safe for learning,” he stressed.

The debate competition, stakeholders observed, has continued to serve as a veritable platform for discovering young talents, sharpening communication skills and promoting critical thinking among students in Abia State.

Many participants and guests described the event as a celebration of knowledge, discipline and the collective resolve to build a brighter future through education.

As his administration approaches its third anniversary in office, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has unveiled a comprehensive account of achievements across critical sectors, declaring that his government has restored security, rebuilt public trust, reduced debt, revived infrastructure, strengthened healthcare and education, and repositioned the state for sustainable economic growth.

Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Abians, while highlighting major achievements recorded in nearly three years of governance.

Speaking during the May edition of his monthly media engagement with Abians, Governor Otti said his administration has made significant progress in human capital development, infrastructure renewal, fiscal responsibility, social justice, security, education, healthcare, transportation, sanitation, and economic reforms.

“We are happy that this administration, in another week, will clock three years in office, and I think it is appropriate to discuss some of the things that have been achieved,” the Governor said.
According to him, one of the major successes of his government has been the restoration of public confidence in governance through visible development and prudent management of state resources.
“The most important part of this administration is the impact it has made in human capital development, infrastructure renewal, fiscal responsibility, and social justice in restoring the dignity of our people. We are rebuilding trust in governance and government,” Otti stated.

Governor Otti disclosed that his administration has restored relative peace and security across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state through deliberate interventions, particularly the launch of Operation Crush.
He cited Umunneochi LGA, once plagued by banditry and criminal activities, as a success story, noting that traditional leaders from the area recently paid him a thank-you visit following the liberation of affected communities.
“The LGA was previously under the control of bandits, but when we came in, barely a month or two later, we launched Operation Crush and liberated all those communities,” he said.

The Governor said his administration has ensured regular salary payments to workers, maintaining payment by the 28th of every month, while pensioners are also receiving their entitlements consistently.
He further disclosed that Abia’s debt burden has reduced by 60 percent, attributing the achievement to prudent financial management and fiscal discipline.

Otti also revealed that his government has recovered several illegally acquired government lands and properties, warning that criminal appropriation of public assets would no longer be tolerated.

On infrastructure, Governor Otti announced that his administration has completed 414 road projects spanning approximately 864.12 kilometres within three years, while 82 additional roads covering about 212 kilometres are currently under construction.
He noted that road projects are complemented with street lighting and drainage systems, while a zero-pothole and maintenance policy has been introduced to preserve infrastructure.

Several completed projects, he added, would be commissioned beginning next week as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

In healthcare, the Governor disclosed that the state has recruited 821 healthcare professionals, with 771 already resumed, while others remain at different stages of recruitment.
He stated that 277 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have been retrofitted across the 184 wards of the state, with over 180 already fully functionalized.
Otti also highlighted ongoing upgrades in secondary healthcare facilities at Ohafia, Arochukwu, and Umunneato, while the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Amachara, is undergoing reconstruction.

Additionally, he announced the completion of General Hospitals in Obingwa and Arochukwu, which will be commissioned during the anniversary celebrations.

Governor Otti revealed that public school enrolment has increased significantly, with over 300,000 new students enrolled, attributing the rise to reforms in the education sector.
He said 5,394 teachers recruited by the state resumed work last year, while another 4,000 teachers are currently being recruited.
To improve school infrastructure, Otti stated that renovated schools are now being fenced, while dilapidated structures across the state are being addressed to ensure schools meet minimum standards.
He further disclosed that two smart schools are ready for commissioning, while three additional smart schools will be completed by June.

The Governor also highlighted progress in tertiary institutions, including Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Abia State University (ABSU), and the College of Education, Arochukwu, noting that accreditations have been restored and new faculties are under construction.

In the area of lands and public buildings, Governor Otti said the state has issued 4,077 Certificates of Occupancy, completed the New Abia Master Plan, and digitized over four million land-related documents to curb fraud and enhance transparency.

On sanitation, he noted that following the declaration of a state of emergency on sanitation, Abia has become one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.
According to him, over 13 tonnes of waste are evacuated weekly, while more than 2,000 jobs have been created through the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).

Governor Otti,however, disclosed that the state’s transport initiative has conveyed over 326,000 passengers, while 20 new buses are expected by July and another 30 buses before year-end.
He announced that the Umuahia Multimodal Transport Terminal has been completed and would be commissioned on May 27, while the Aba terminal is expected to be completed next year.

To support transportation sustainability, the Governor said the government is installing solar hybrid charging systems for buses and has delivered 70 bus shelters across Umuahia and Aba.

In the power sector, Otti said the state has acquired electricity distribution assets covering Umuahia, Bende, Ohafia, Ikwuano, and Umunneochi, while over 50 transformers and 10,000 solar lights have been procured under the Light Up Abia programme.
He added that the Abia State Electricity Agency has been established to drive reforms aimed at guaranteeing stable electricity supply.

Governor Otti revealed that the government is in the final stages of selling the Abia Beverages Company, acquired from AMCON, while discussions are ongoing regarding the sale of the Star Paper Mill, with the state retaining 10 percent equity in the beverages company.
He also announced plans to establish an SME and Innovation Hub in Aba in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to him, TechRise Cohort 3 is currently training about 850 persons in digital and innovation skills to foster entrepreneurship and employment.
The Governor further disclosed plans to ensure statewide 3G network coverage, emphasizing that his administration remains committed to improving living conditions and creating opportunities for all Abians.
“This government remains focused and determined to improve the welfare of our people, develop the state, create jobs, and make life easier for all Abians,” Governor Otti assured.

The Abia State Executive Council has set up a 5-man Special Investigative Committee to look into the recent allegations of harassment and extortion amongst Abia State University students and lecturers.

The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu announced this on Monday, at Government House Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

He said that the committee was set up in the bid to ensure the highest level of academic and ethical standards in the state’s own tertiary institution.

According to the Commissioner, the committee, which has the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba as Chairman and SSA on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor as Secretary has the following as its terms of reference;

“The identification of the perpetrator and to make appropriate recommendations to the Visitor to the university. Two, allegations of bribery against a lecturer, as well as allegations of forged certificates against the same lecturer.

“Three, to determine the extent of the implementation of the white paper on the 2024 full investigation panel to the university and to identify implementation gaps. Four, any other matter that may be relevant to the ongoing transformation and restoration of Abia State University as a citadel of learning and excellence in teaching and research,” Prince Kanu stated.

The committee, which has other members to include; Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa, and Professor Lawrence Idemudua, is equally expected to work hand-in-hand with the governing council of the university to carry out its assignment.

Prince Kanu disclosed that the 2026 Annual School Census has commenced across the state from Monday May 11th, 2026. “The exercise is designed to provide the State Minister of Basic and Secondary Education reliable data for planning, policy formulation, and full access into the Hope Education Intervention Grant,”

The exercise, he said, will cover schools across the three senatorial zones of the state and will run for one month.

Prince Kanu also revealed that the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has so far established 140 learning centres across the state to provide educational opportunities for adults and individuals who missed formal education earlier in life.

He stated that, in furtherance of the education reform agenda of Governor Otti’s administration, the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board recently organised training and capacity-building programmes for 265 headteachers and 306 Early Childhood Care Development teachers to strengthen effective school management and improve learning outcomes.

The Commissioner further disclosed that ASEPA has commenced full enforcement of the use of waste bins in all commercial vehicles across the state to promote cleanliness and proper waste disposal habits among passengers.

He noted that the agency’s consistent efforts have contributed significantly to Abia’s growing reputation as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.

Prince Kanu informed that in line with the road infrastructure efforts of the present administration, out 29 roads under contract, 3 has been completed and would be commissioned soon. These roads include; the 2.213 kilometres Umuogo-Nsukwe ring , 5.95 kilometres Dualization of Onuimo Bridge -Abia Tower Road and 11.5 kilometres Expansion/Reconstruction of Nunya-Eluama Road

He disclosed that while, out of 51 roads under Direct Labour, 5 roads have been recently completed and no new one is added to its maintenance basket. He listed the completed Direct Labour works to include; maintenance of failed sections of Osisioma Flyover (600 metres), maintenance of failed sections of Port Harcourt -Enugu Expressway to Ugwunagbo LGA Secretariat (5.2 kilometres), maintenance and asphalt overlay of Adaelu road from Osisioma Junction to Mopol Base, Aba (2.7 kilometres), construction of Oberete-Umuopara Road, Obingwa LGA (1.03 kilometres) and construction of Geometric Power to Guineas Junction, Aba (2.66 kilometres)

Prince Kanu further informed journalists that Governor Alex Otti recently paid a courtesy visit to the new World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthews Verghis, in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen existing partnerships between the Abia state government and the World Bank.

He said the visit provided an opportunity for both parties to review ongoing collaborative programmes, while also exploring new areas of partnership capable of accelerating development in the state.

The Commissioner announced that the Abia state government will on Friday, May 15th, 2026, host Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, in celebration of his 85th birthday anniversary.

He explained that the Governor remains committed to promoting high ethical standards in public life and encouraging young people to emulate distinguished role models whose lives exemplify integrity, leadership, and service to society.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix noted that the EXCO appreciated the courtesy visit of the Governor to the Country Director of the World Bank and affirmed that conversations would continue with the World Bank to ensure Abia continues to benefit from its programmes .

She said, ” That the sectors of continuous partnership include; Energy, education, agriculture,ICT.among others, and these areas align with the vision of the Governor,” Mrs. Felix stated.

Also, the General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke revealed that the agency was not enforcing the waste management policy from the point of revenue, but compliance with the environmental law.

He further disclosed that the agency was working on bringing public waste bins to those areas there are lacking, and enjoined Abia people and residents to continue to support the environmental policies of Governor Alex Otti.