By Our Correspondent

Impressed by his leadership style in governance, the Mayors of the 17 LGAs in Abia state, under the auspices of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have passed vote of absolute confidence on Governor Alex Otti and commit themselves to the reelection of the Governor in 2027.

The Mayors made their position known on Friday, at Government House Umuahia, in a communique releaseed after their meeting.

Reading the communique during a press conference, the Chairman of ALGON, Abia state and Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, said that the Governor’s record speaks clearly and visibly across all 17 local government areas, adding that he has demonstrated clear commitments to good governance, hence deserves to be reelected.

“The administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR, has demonstrated clear commitments to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and service delivery, with verifiable improvements recorded across the 17 local governments

“in recovery, rehabilitation, and construction of roads, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearing backlogs of salaries, and prudent management of public resource

“ALGON, Abia State, collectively and unequivocally, commits its absolute support to the reelection of His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma-Otti in 2027.

“That ALGON, Abia State, hereby passes a unanimous vote of confidence on His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR, the Governor of Abia State,

“in recognition of his demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership, and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency, and service delivery to our people” Ekeke stated.

Answering questions, Hon. Ekeke made it abundantly clear that, Governor Alex Otti does not hijack the Local Government funds as alleged by some opposition party members in the state.

“Your (journalist’s) question was that somebody alleged that funds were being hijacked. I’m not aware that any fund is being hijacked.

“So the federal government is the one that shares allocations to both the states and the local governments. And since we took over, funds have not been coming to local governments from the federal government. So you can’t say there’s a hijack. There’s no such thing as that”

“The local governments are funded from the JAAC account because the funds go to the JAAC account.

“They (the funds) don’t come to the local government straight. And like I said, the federal government is probably trying to look for a way to handle that. But as it stands, the local governments are properly funded” Hon. Ekeke insisted.

He noted that there is a strong collaboration between the local governments and the state government.

“But as we talk, there is a strong collaboration between the local governments in Abia State and the state government.

“And I will tell you clearly that the state government under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti has been funding the local government from the JAAC account” Hon. Ekeke stated.

The ALGON Chairman said that ALGON has noted recent public statements and political meetings convened by individuals he described as “architects of a failed past”, who are unsettled by the present progress in Abia state.

He further said that these individuals, including former Governors and their associates have made statements against the political future of Governor Otti, and said that, though it is within the rights of all citizens to freedom of expression, they should not preempt democratic process.

“ALGON, Abia State, considers it inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt to preempt the democratic process or undermine the visible progress being recorded in the state through speculative political rhetoric.

“It is apparent that the unease behind these statements arises not from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between Governor Otti’s achievements and the abysmal record of past administrations.

“ALGON, Abia state calls on all political actors, past and present, to engage constructively in the democratic process.

“ALGON, Abia State, reaffirms its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that strengthen local governance, deepen institutional development, and improve the quality of life of citizens across the country.

The Mayors, including Hon. Timothy Iheke (Aba North LGA), Hon. Anyanwu Obilor (Aba South LGA), Hon. Okereke Ezearo (Arochukwu LGA), Hon. Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Bende LGA), Hon. Dr. Anthony Nwaubani (Ikwuano LGA- ALGON Secretary), Hon. Innocent Uruakpa (Isiala Ngwa North LGA), Hon. Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu ( Isiala Ngwa South LGA) Hon. Maxwell Nwadike (Obingwa LGA), Hon. Eleanya Oju-Kalu (Ohafia LGA), Hon. Chidi Christian Agu (Osisioma Ngwa LGA), Hon. Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Ugwunagbo LGA) Hon.
Chibunna Akara (Ukwa East LGA) Pastor Hon. Dike Nwankwo (Ukwa West LGA), Hon. Smart Ihuoma (Umuahia North LGA)bHon. Chinedu Enwereuzo (Umuahia South LGA)
and Hon. Sunday Afuruobi (Umunneochi LGA) all flanked the ALGON Chairman during the press conference.

Byy David Owei, Bayelsa

Foremost multi-sectorial private tourism body in Nigeria, Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria is set to unlock the blue tourism potential in the South-South region of Nigeria by creating a tourism events calendar.

National Vice President of ATPN in charge of the South-South region, Chief Anthony Tosan Prest, disclosed the plan during a meeting of the South-South caucus, held at Protea Hotel in Benin City, Edo State last Monday, informing that the initiative was aimed at promoting the region’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and maritime resources, attracting tourists and investors.

According to Chief Prest, the blue tourism development strategy of the association was focused on promoting the region’s vast blue tourism potential for job creation and promote mariculture practices with a view to reducing pressure on wild fish stocks, minimizing environmental impact, and provide economic opportunities for the unemployed rural population.

He informed that mariculture, which has to do with the cultivation, management, and harvesting of marine organisms in their natural environment (including estuarine, brackish, coastal, and offshore waters or in enclosures such as pens, tanks, or channels could play a crucial role in ensuring food security and supporting coastal communities in the oil-rich maritime region.

“We intend to collaborate with government agencies, private sector operators, and local communities with a view to advocating for policies that promote blue tourism, develop public-private partnerships to
enhance capacity building and community engagement

The desired outcome of our blue tourism initiative is to achieve increased coastal and marine tourism revenue and blue growth, improved regional tourism infrastructure, enhanced collaboration, partnerships, job creation, and sustainable development

“The ATPN’s blue tourism initiative aligns with the global focus on sustainable tourism and Nigeria’s efforts to leverage the vast blue economy potential as part of a broader vision to diversify its economy. ATPN has been working to revive the tourism sector in the South-South region, with a focus on compliance, member value, and structural development.

Chief Anthony Tosan Prest has said the association plans is to unlock the hidden coastal and marine tourism treasures of the maritime region in a bid to harness and develop the enormous blue tourism potential in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the maritime sector, particularly the blue economy.

In his remarks, the member representing the South-South region on the ATPN’s Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Ogba Zoo, Benin City, Sir, Andy Ehanire, said the regional tourism development strategy would address revenue generation, foreign exchange earnings and improved livelihoods.

“The region boasts of ecotourism opportunities, including mangrove forests, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. To achieve this goal, ATPN plans to promote public-private partnerships, engage in advocacy to influence policies, develop capacity building programs, poster community engagement to ensure equitable benefits from tourism

“The creation of a tourism events calendar will help showcase the region’s unique attractions, such as the region’s pristine beaches and marine life, vibrant cultural festivals, scenic landscapes and wildlife, historical sites and festivals, rich cultural heritage and natural resources and historical landmarks and cultural festivals. This initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods in the region,” Sir Ehanire maintained.

The maiden South-South caucus meeting was attended by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, the National Auditor, Hon. Ogba Victor and the Executive Director
Gbolekekro Women Empowerment And Development Organization (GWEDO), Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright.

Recall that ATPN’s goal is to build a thriving private-sector-driven Nigerian tourism industry that generates wealth, creates jobs, showcases culture, and competes globally.

BY Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Inter-Religious Youths Affairs for Peace and Unity (IRYFAPU) has presented the Distinguished Peace Ambassador Award to Dr. Abdul Adamu Eneche, the Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), North Central Zone.

The award ceremony took place in Minna, Niger State, was attended by staff of the Centre and other invited guests.

Those present at the event included Lt. Col. O.K. Olagungu, Assistant Director, Support Services; ACP Usman Adamu Abini, Assistant Director, Operations; Mr. Christian Anyebe, Assistant Director, Intelligence; and Mr. A.D. Suleiman, Chief Programme Officer, Intelligence.

Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of IRYFAPU, Amb. M.U. Taofeeq, praised Dr. Eneche for his strong leadership, commitment to peace, and dedication to promoting unity among Nigerians. He said Eneche had made great contributions to peace and security, especially during his time as State Director of Security in Kaduna before his elevation to the National Headquarters of the DSS from where he retired He described him as a true role model in peace building.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Eneche said he was deeply honoured and humbled by the award. He explained that he accepted the honour not as a personal achievement, but as a recognition of the collective efforts of all those working for peace and unity in Nigeria.

He added that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the nation and contribute to its security and stability. He stressed that peace is everyone’s responsibility and called on all Nigerians to work together to promote understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

Dr. Eneche also called on youths across the country and the world to embrace peace and reject division. He urged IRYFAPU to continue creating awareness about the dangers of the spread of illegal small arms and light weapons.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of the award and a group photograph. The event concluded peacefully.