Alpha Times, Awka South LGA, Awka (2025)

31/10/2025

Uzodimma: Democracy, Good Governance Key to Ending Insecurity in Africa

By Paul Nwosu || AlphaTimes

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has identified democracy and good governance as the most effective and lasting solutions to insecurity across Africa.

Delivering the keynote lecture at the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 18 of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja on Thursday, Uzodimma said that democracy naturally produces good governance, which in turn guarantees quality healthcare, education and job opportunities, factors that reduce insecurity.

He urged African leaders to emulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s governance model, which he said has significantly reduced the disruptive activities of non-state actors in Nigeria by ensuring no vacuum exists for them to exploit.

Speaking on the topic, “Non-State Actors and Entrepreneurship Development in Africa: Challenges, Responses and Way Forward,” Uzodimma noted that non-state actors thrive only where government presence is weak or ineffective.

“African nations must embrace good governance because it delivers education, healthcare, economic opportunities and justice, the very foundations that deny disruptive non-state actors the conditions they need to thrive,” he stated.

Drawing from his experience in Imo State, the governor said his administration’s investments in infrastructure, youth empowerment, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes have helped reduce insecurity by providing meaningful alternatives to criminality.

Uzodimma emphasized the need for African leaders to empower communities economically and balance containment with engagement, noting that “military operations create temporary stability, but good governance creates lasting peace.”

He also charged the intelligence community to adopt a broader understanding of security as inseparable from governance, economic opportunity, and justice.

“You must be strategic thinkers who recognise that non-state actors are not mere anomalies to be eliminated but realities to be managed,” he advised.

The event was attended by intelligence chiefs and security experts from across Africa.

31/10/2025

Widowhood Barbarism
—A National Shame Nigeria Must Eradicate

By Paul Nwosu

The recent rescue of Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, a widow from Awo-Omamma in Imo State, who was allegedly forced to drink the water used in bathing her late husband’s co**se, has once again exposed the dark underbelly of some of our so-called “traditional practices.”

That such dehumanizing rituals still occur in this age is a sobering reminder that parts of our society remain shackled by primitive customs that degrade women and defy human decency. In this case, it took the swift intervention of the Imo State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and the firm directive of the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, to stop what could have become another tragedy in the long history of widow abuse in Nigeria.

Let’s be clear: forcing a grieving woman to undergo humiliating rituals to prove her “innocence” in her husband’s death is not culture, it is cruelty. It is a perversion of tradition that weaponizes grief and deepens the emotional wounds of women who have already lost their life partners.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration deserves commendation for acting swiftly by rescuing the widow, placing her and her children under protection, and ordering the arrest and prosecution of those involved. But beyond punishment, Nigeria must now confront the toxic cultural beliefs that fuel such acts.

We have enough laws, from the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act to state-level gender protection statutes, but laws are meaningless if communities still celebrate silence over justice. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community elders must begin to speak against these practices, not hide behind culture to excuse cruelty.

A widow is not a witch. She is not a suspect. She is a human being deserving of empathy, protection, and respect. The measure of our civilization is not in how we celebrate the powerful but how we treat the vulnerable.

Until we end the barbaric rituals and restore dignity to widowhood, our claim to modern civilization will remain hollow. The Imo example should become a national template, swift intervention, justice for victims, and sustained education to uproot ignorance.

Nigeria must not just rescue widows, it must redeem its soul from traditions that dehumanize the living in the name of the dead.

31/10/2025

All Enugu Federal Lawmakers Dump PDP, Join APC

By Paul Nwosu || AlphaTimes

In a major political realignment, all members of the House of Representatives from Enugu State have formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing persistent internal crises within the PDP.

The defectors include: Martins Oke (Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani), Anayo Onwuegbu (Aninri/Awgu/Oji River), Dennis Nnamdi Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu), Nnolim Nnaji (Nkanu East/Nkanu West), and Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South) Federal Constituencies.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, read out their resignation letters during Thursday’s plenary session, which was notably attended by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah.

Addressing journalists shortly after the plenary, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, described the move as a deliberate and strategic decision aimed at aligning Enugu with the political centre for greater development opportunities.

“Just come to Enugu and see what is happening there,” Nnaji said. “The governor is doing a lot for our people. We also want to bring our state to the centre. This is not just a political move; it is a bold step into the future — borne out of courage, clarity, and our shared determination to reposition Nkanu East and West for greatness.”

He added that Enugu had spent too long in the opposition, missing out on national opportunities that could have transformed the lives of its people.

“By aligning with the APC, the party driving national transformation, we are connecting our constituency to the heartbeat of development. This means more projects, more jobs, better infrastructure, and greater empowerment for our youths, women, and communities,” Nnaji stated.

In a related development, Speaker Abbas also announced the defection of Hon. Daniel Asama, representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau State, from the Labour Party to the APC.

31/10/2025

Consultancy Organisation Appoints Former Gov Obiano's Aide, Dr Aniagor Country Director

By Chukwuka Ugokwe || AlphaTimes

Global Education Career Consultancy (GECC) has officially appointed Dr. Ifeanyi Aniagoh as its Country Director (Nigeria), marking a strategic milestone in expanding its regional partnerships and strengthening education-to-global-career pathways across Africa.

Dr. Aniagoh, widely known as The Digi-Priest, brings over a decade of leadership experience in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and education development.

He has successfully led multi-sector initiatives bridging technology, youth innovation, and institutional collaboration between Africa and the global community.

As Country Director, Dr. Aniagoh will oversee GECC’s Nigerian operations - focusing on:

Establishing sustainable partnerships with universities, colleges, and professional institutions;
Promoting international education, exchange, and career development opportunities;
Building operational excellence through research-driven digital systems and strategic stakeholder engagement.

“Nigeria is full of brilliant minds eager to compete on the global stage. My mission with GECC is to create structured, transparent and empowering pathways that make international education accessible, inclusive, and rewarding,” said Dr. Aniagoh, following his appointment.

GECC, a global leader in international education and career consultancy, partners with universities across the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe to facilitate admissions, student guidance, and institutional collaborations that enhance the academic and career potential of learners worldwide.

Dr. Aniagoh, currently pursues a Master of Research in Artificial Intelligence in Business at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. He holds an Honorary Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and Innovative Leadership and is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) and a Member of the British Computer Society (MBCS).

His appointment underscores GECC’s commitment to advancing global education through innovation, integrity, and impact.

31/10/2025

Ebonyi First Lady Enrolls 10,000 Pregnant Women in Free Health Insurance Scheme

By Charles Nwoke || AlphaTimes

The wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has enrolled another batch of over 10,000 pregnant women into the state’s free health insurance programme. She announced this during the official flag-off ceremony held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki.

The initiative was implemented through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) in partnership with Mrs. Nwifuru’s pet project, the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) Foundation.

Mrs. Nwifuru described the programme as a vital step toward improving maternal and child health in the state. According to her, the intervention will guarantee access to quality medical care for pregnant women regardless of their financial status.

“The enrollment ensures that every registered woman receives antenatal care, delivery services, postnatal care, and emergency medical attention, all fully covered under the state health insurance plan,” she stated.

The First Lady reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive and accessible healthcare for all Ebonyians.

“We are expanding the circle of care by enrolling 10,000 pregnant women across the 171 wards of Ebonyi State. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no mother dies while giving life and no child is denied a chance to live healthy because of poverty,” Mrs. Nwifuru said.

She urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity by attending antenatal sessions and adhering to medical advice.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe, said the initiative aligns with the global goal of Universal Health Coverage and reflects Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

Dr. Igwe noted that over 4,098 individuals, including women and the elderly, had previously benefited from the scheme. He assured that the agency would monitor the new enrollees to ensure safe deliveries and effective service delivery across healthcare facilities.

The event featured goodwill messages from development partners and was attended by top government officials, including the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, members of the State Traditional Rulers Council, EBSHIA Board members, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and media representatives.

31/10/2025

Governor Nwifuru Approves Construction of 65 Housing Units for Widows in Ebonyi

By Charles Nwoke || AlphaTimes

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has approved the construction of 65 housing units of three-bedroom bungalows for widows across the state.

The approval follows the successful completion of the first phase of the 26 Widows Housing Scheme initiated by the governor’s wife.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omabe, announced the decision on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting held at the Exco Chambers, New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki.

Omabe said the project aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s administration’s vision anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs. He explained that the council approved all processes for awarding contracts for the 65 housing units, with five widows from each local government area expected to benefit.

He stated that the initiative would be executed under the Community Charter of Needs programme to uplift the less privileged and provide decent shelter for widows in the state.

“The approved project is intended to put smiles on the faces of widows and improve their living conditions,” Omabe said.

The commissioner also disclosed that the council reviewed the progress report on the Izzo/Amaeze Housing Project and constituted a seven-member committee to ensure its completion within two weeks.

On education, Omabe said the Executive Council deliberated on the ongoing scholarship programme for 140 students admitted into the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi. He stated that the Ministry of Tertiary Education had been directed to fast-track implementation to ensure all benefiting local government areas and the host community are adequately represented.

Omabe further revealed that the council received an update on the architectural design of the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre. He stated that the government had resolved to engage qualified expatriates to ensure quality delivery within the approved timeframe.

He reaffirmed that the Nwifuru administration remains committed to projects that promote equity, welfare, and sustainable development across the state.

31/10/2025

Strong Internet Connectivity: Otti Flag-off Abia State DUCT Infrastructure Project

Ifeanyi E. Ihegwuruike || AlphaTimes

Governor Alex Otti has performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) Abia State DUCT Infrastructure Project.

AlphaTimes gathered from an impeccable government source that WIOCC Duct Infrastructure project has to kickoff earlier than schedule so it can transform the digital and Internet connectivity landscape of Abia State to boost businesses.

During the groundbreaking ceremony at Aba Town Hall, Governors Otti said that the project was set up to highlight the commitment of his administration to the development of the State's technology infrastructure.

Otti said that the overall objective of the project is to run an interconnected underground DUCT system to support the deployment of reliable broadband technology, superior digital services and expand the network to the advantage of all Abia residents.

He said that his administration is building an interconnected service delivery architecture that would limit the use of physical papers and files and create a new culture of digital communication.

According to him, this will enhance interactions and exchange among students, teachers, patients, government institutions and members of the general public.

Otti assured that the DUCT Infrastructure development initiative would on completion, form the base for the accelerated growth of the State's digital economy, providing the structural leverage for enterprise innovation, resource sharing and collaboration across geographical boundaries.

He said that technology is critical to the transformational programmes in education and health, productivity in the civil service, security and social protection.

Otti added that the project would have a multiplier benefits in the area of job creation, enterprise partnerships, and the multiplication of entrepreneurial opportunities.

He noted that the project on completion would create not less than two hundred thousand direct and indirect jobs.

Otti said that while the project will begin with the urban centres, he wants to assure everyone that no community will be left behind.

He said that the government's target is that over the next 12 to 18 months, it shall see a dramatic rise in the number of homes, schools, offices, and institutions connected to the broadband superhighway that runs on the DUCT fiber infrastructure it is laying the foundation today.

Otti said that the successful delivery of the project, as he has seen in other places, will attract the interest of big players in the global tech ecosystem to the State.

Engr. David Kalu, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovations, in his earlier address, said that the event marked the continuation of a revolution of transformation, innovation and bold leadership that would revolutionise every corner of the State.

Kalu noted that Abia State under Governor Alex Otti has witnessed a renaissance in governance.

The Managing Director of West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), Dr Ayotunde Coker while noting that the company has been active in building digital infrastructure across Africa for the past 18 years, said that Governor Otti is bringing economic growth to all nooks and crannies of the State through the project.

Coker expressed delight for the great opportunity given to him to be part of the project, saying that the project is all about breaking barriers and building new technology infrastructure in Abia State.

31/10/2025

Advancement Of MSMES: Abia To Partner Uganda

Ifeanyi E. Ihegwuruike || AlphaTimes

The Government of Abia State has said it is poised to partnering the Republic of Uganda to take the Micro, Small, and Medium - Scale Enterprises (MSMES) to the next level.

Speaking yesterday, Governor Alex Otti who received in audience, a delegation of the Ugandan High Commissioner led by Ambassador Philip Ocham Odida, who called on him in his office, disclosed that Abia is open for all kinds of fruitful international partnership

Otti told the Ambassador that when it has to do with MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium - Scale Enterprises), "the capital is here (Abia), and we are not arrogant about it, it's the truth."

He said that his administration has been very intentional about supporting MSMEs because, it is the backbone of the State's economy as Abia remains a State to beat in MSMEs.

He further told the Ambassador that Aba people are entrepreneurial, creative, ingenious and can make anything, "they may not be as sophisticated, but they can make it, and then over time, they can also become experts," Otti said

He said that since the inception of his administration, exactly 29 months ago, the government have been very deliberate about supporting MSMEs, because it knows that it is the backbone of Abia State..

The Governor explained that Abia with a productive population of about 4.8 million people who are very talented and good at what they do in crafts; ranging from shoes, fabrics and fashion of high quality which can compete favourably with other producers around the World.

Otti stressed that Abia people are so enterprising that, they do not need palliatives and handouts but are only in need of assistance in terms of an enabling environment.

"We also understand that our people are not people who are looking for palliatives or handouts, they are people who just want Government, to create the enabling environment, and they will take it and run.

"And that's why we focus on creating infrastructure, making the place safe, cleaning up the environment, providing constant power as much as possible.

"And just doing everything to make their businesses thrive. I'm glad that two years and a few months down the line, a lot of things have changed."

The Governor directed the relevant Government officials to sit with the Ugandan High Commissioner's team and work out details of the proposed collaboration.

Earlier, the Ugandan High Commissioner, Ambassador Philip Ochem Odida disclosed that they were in the State to seek ways of partnering Abia to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial economic bridge between Abia State and the Republic of Uganda.

He described Abia State as a rising centre of innovation, enterprise and economic dynamism in Nigeria, and added that their mission in the State, is to explore concrete avenues for economic cooperation between Abia and Uganda, especially in the Micro Small and Medium - Scale Enterprises sector which forms the backbone of every economy.

29/10/2025

Kanu’s Refusal to Enter Defence: A Risky Gamble That Could Backfire, Say Lawyers

By Paul Nwosu || AlphaTimes

The recent decision of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to decline entering his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, has triggered a storm of legal debate. Several lawyers who spoke on the development described it as a “risky gamble” that could have grave implications for the separatist leader.

Read full story on: www.alphatimes.ng or Alpha Times Facebook

29/10/2025

Enugu Tops Nigeria’s Fiscal Independence Chart — Outpaces Lagos, Anambra, Abia in 2025 BudgIT Report

By Paul Nwosu || Alpha Times

Enugu State has stunned the nation’s fiscal landscape, emerging as Nigeria’s most financially self-reliant state in BudgIT’s 2025 State of States Report, a position that marks a dramatic leap from its 2024 standing and underscores Governor Peter Mbah’s aggressive revenue reform agenda.

According to the report, Enugu ranked first on Index A, which measures a state’s ability to fund its recurrent expenditure solely through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) without depending on monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Enugu, alongside Lagos, Abia, Anambra, and Kwara, forms the top five states most likely to survive independently of federal allocations, while Yobe, Benue, Jigawa, Kogi, and Imo sit at the bottom of the fiscal viability index. “States that perform strongly on Index A have comparatively limited dependence on FAAC allocations and thus possess greater viability if they were to theoretically exist as independent entities,” BudgIT stated.

The report credited Enugu’s remarkable ascent to efficient revenue collection, digital reforms and leak-proof governance systems under Governor Mbah.

Enugu’s Index A score of 0.68 signifies that just 68% of its IGR could fully fund its recurrent expenses, a feat that demonstrates strong fiscal autonomy. In contrast, Lagos scored 0.83, Abia 1.56, Anambra 1.66, and Kwara 1.73.

More tellingly, Enugu joined Lagos as one of only two states in 2025 that generated more IGR than required to cover their operating costs, a distinction previously held by Rivers and Lagos in 2024. “This year, Enugu (146.68%) and Lagos (120.87%) are the only states generating enough internally to sustain their recurrent expenditure,” the report revealed.

When Mbah assumed office in May 2023, Enugu’s IGR stood at ₦30 billion. By December 2023, it had grown to ₦37 billion, and by 2024, soared to ₦180.05 billion, an almost sixfold increase driven by the introduction of technology-enabled tax systems, e-payments, and an expanded tax net that curtailed leakages and evasion.

BudgIT’s analysis paints a more sobering national picture. Despite Enugu and Lagos’ stellar performance, only two states met the 50% threshold for fiscal self-sufficiency in 2025, compared to four in 2024.

The report also notes that 28 states remain heavily reliant on FAAC allocations, underscoring the enduring structural weakness in Nigeria’s subnational fiscal framework.

On Index A1, which tracks year-on-year IGR growth, Enugu again led the nation, followed by Bayelsa, Abia, Osun, and Kano — signaling a broader trend of emerging fiscal reform across the South-East and South-South regions.

At the lower end of the spectrum, Kebbi and Yobe recorded negative IGR growth, while Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Benue posted minimal gains, though overall, fewer states reported negative growth than in 2023.

BudgIT observed that while the gains may partly reflect temporary boosts from federal transfers, the upward trajectory signals “a healthier subnational fiscal environment” compared to previous years.

With Enugu now dethroning Lagos and Rivers to become Nigeria’s fiscal benchmark, Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has repositioned the state as a model for revenue innovation, transparency, and financial independence and perhaps, as BudgIT’s data suggests, the state best equipped to survive without FAAC lifelines.

28/10/2025

Heart-wrenching cry of a struggling young Nigerian

25/10/2025

Seyi Tinubu’s Owerri Visit:
A Hangout Disguised as Policy Mission

By Paul Nwosu

When the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement in Imo State, Prince Francis Uzor, reportedly described Seyi Tinubu’s recent visit to Owerri as “fostering national and economic growth with Igbo business owners,” one is tempted to ask: really? How does a social hangout between Seyi and his well-heeled Igbo rich friends suddenly translate to national development? The Prince’s praise-singing sounds less like sober analysis and more like fawning for political favor.

Let’s be clear: Seyi Tinubu’s visit was not a policy mission, not for an investment roundtable and certainly not an official outreach from the presidency. It was a social event, a gathering of the young, the rich, and the flamboyant. The claim that it somehow “helped to calm the political scene” in the Southeast is laughable at best and deceptive at worst. In what practical way could Seyi, who holds no executive or security mandate, have restored peace and security to a region grappling with deep-seated security challenges?

The Southeast’s problems of insecurity, infrastructure decay and economic exclusion cannot be solved over champagne toasts and selfies. The Igbo businessmen Seyi came to mingle with, men like Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) and others, are self-made entrepreneurs who built empires without federal hand-holding. To attribute their continued success or the region’s economic prospects to a presidential son’s courtesy visit is both insulting and reductionist.

What truly played out in Owerri was not an exercise in national integration but a subtle attempt at political outreach, a charm offensive to court the Southeast’s influential young elites ahead of 2027. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but let’s call it what it is. The Prince’s attempt to dress up this political PR stunt as a national development initiative smacks of servility and hollow flattery.

And while at it, Nigerians must begin to frown at the growing culture of entitlement among the offspring of political leaders who strut about as though they were elected by anyone. The presidency is not a family inheritance, and Nigeria is not a playground for the politically privileged. We have had presidents and heads of state whose children never paraded themselves as parallel centers of influence. Seyi Tinubu, with his array of businesses and corporate interests, would do well to focus on building his own legacy rather than riding on the back of state power.

As for Prince Uzor, his effusive praise of Mark Okoye Jr., the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), also raises eyebrows. The SEDC has a clear statutory mandate, and its MD does not need political courtiers to validate his mission. If the Prince is angling for some form of patronage, he should take his entreaties to Mark’s office, not the media. The Southeast has had enough of sycophancy disguised as patriotism.

Seyi Tinubu’s Owerri outing was a social engagement masquerading as a political gesture. It achieved nothing beyond photo ops and empty platitudes. The Southeast deserves genuine engagement, policy-driven dialogue, infrastructural investment, and inclusive governance, not effizy visits from the President’s son. Until we learn to separate substance from spectacle, Nigeria’s political culture will remain trapped in the theatre of pretence and privilege.

Alpha Times

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