http://www.freewebs.com/abohmbaiseimage.com.ng

Reporters Notebook, Mbaise, Owerri (2025)

20/09/2025

Federal Government to issue $758 billion bond to clear Pension liabilities.

How will this impact the Economy?

Share your views!

20/09/2025

Solar Pumps, Secure Harvests: Nigeria’s Bold Bet on Food Security
By Chinenye Iwu
***

Nigeria’s search for food security has taken a new turn. On Thursday, the National Economic Council (NEC) endorsed the solar-powered irrigation pump designed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), paving the way for a national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.

The decision, reached at NEC’s 152nd meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, represents a historic shift in agricultural strategy: moving farmers away from costly, fuel-driven irrigation pumps to a cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable solar-powered alternative.

For decades, Nigerian farmers have depended heavily on petrol-powered irrigation pumps — tools that drive up production costs, expose farmers to fluctuating fuel prices, and erode profit margins.

The NASENI solar irrigation pump promises to change that. Officials say the technology will:

* Boost agricultural productivity by ensuring steady water supply.

* Lower operational costs as farmers ditch expensive petrol.

* Raise incomes and improve livelihoods, especially for smallholder farmers.

* Support the national food security agenda, which has been under strain from climate change, insecurity, and rising import bills.

“This is not just about technology,” one NEC official remarked. “It is about securing our food future and empowering rural communities.”

The Council has resolved to notify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his approval, with a view to rolling out the pumps nationwide. To ensure mass production, NEC has tasked Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, with working out funding modalities to support NASENI’s efforts.

The urgency is clear: the rollout must happen before the 2025 dry season, when irrigation is most critical.

The endorsement also aligns with Nigeria’s energy transition goals. By reducing dependence on petrol, the solar pumps promise to cut emissions and bring farming practices closer to sustainable global standards.

It also signals a new confidence in indigenous innovation — a government-backed affirmation that homegrown engineering can solve Nigeria’s most pressing problems.

While the news has sparked hope, many Nigerians are asking tough questions:

* Will the pumps be affordable and accessible to rural farmers, or will middlemen hijack distribution?

* How many units will be mass-produced, and how soon?

* What measures will be taken to prevent the pumps from being politicized or mismanaged?

* Can solar-powered pumps truly stand the test of scorching weather, insecurity, and poor rural infrastructure?

Nigeria spends billions annually on food imports, even as vast swathes of arable land remain underutilized. The push for solar-powered irrigation is not just an agricultural reform; it is a national security imperative. Hunger and inflation remain potent triggers for unrest, and experts insist that without bold innovations, Nigeria risks deeper food crises.

With NEC’s endorsement, the nation stands at a crossroads. Will this innovation finally tilt the balance in favor of farmers, or will it become another well-intentioned policy bogged down by bureaucracy?

For now, all eyes are on President Tinubu’s desk — and on whether Nigeria can deliver the pumps, the crops, and the promise of food security.

👉 What do you think?

Will NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps truly transform Nigerian farming, or will they become another government project that never reaches the grassroots?

20/09/2025

One Center, One Identity: Nigeria Ends 62 Years of Decentralized Passport Production
By Vivian Iwu
***

For the first time in 62 years, Nigeria has shut down multiple Passport Production Centers across the country, replacing them with a single centralized system designed to eliminate delays, curb corruption, and restore public confidence in the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

The historic reform was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday as Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, inspected the new Central Passport Personalization Center at the NIS headquarters.

“This is the first time since 1963, when the Immigration Service was established, that Nigeria will operate a central passport production hub,” Tunji-Ojo declared, describing it as a turning point in the nation’s identity management history.

Until now, passport seekers were often at the mercy of outdated machines spread across multiple production points. Each machine could only churn out between 250 and 300 passports daily, far below national demand.

With the new centralized system, the daily output capacity has jumped to 4,500–5,000 passports — a move the government insists will drastically cut waiting times.

But the big question remains: Will centralization truly solve the frustrations of ordinary Nigerians?

For decades, Nigerians have groaned under the weight of:

* Long delays stretching from weeks to months.

* Extortion by middlemen and corrupt officials.

* Uncertainty about when or if their passports would ever be ready.

Many recall painful experiences of missing international opportunities — from scholarships and medical trips to job placements — simply because their passports were delayed.

The new system, Tunji-Ojo assures, is built to end such nightmares.

The move is more than a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a national issue. Nearly every Nigerian household has a member seeking international travel — whether for study, work, business, or migration. Passport reform, therefore, is not just a matter of convenience but one of national dignity, economic growth, and human rights.

With Nigeria now competing globally for talent and investment, smoother passport processing could boost confidence in its institutions.

While the announcement has sparked hope, citizens are already raising critical questions:

* Will centralization reduce corruption or simply relocate it to Abuja?

* How will Nigerians in far-flung states — Sokoto, Cross River, Borno, Bayelsa — access a system controlled from the capital?

* Can this reform withstand political interference and institutional sabotage?

* What measures are in place to prevent a monopoly bottleneck if the central system breaks down?

Supporters hail the reform as a bold step into the future, one that could finally align Nigeria with global best practices. Critics, however, warn that without transparency, accountability, and citizen monitoring, the promise of efficiency may vanish into the same shadows that plagued the old order.

For now, Nigerians wait — not just for their passports, but for proof that their government can deliver on its word.

As one Lagos resident put it: “We have heard big announcements before. What we want to see is whether this new system works when my brother applies for his passport tomorrow.”

👉 What do you think? Will centralizing passport production bring an end to decades of frustration, or is it another government reform that may collapse under its own weight?

20/09/2025

Rivers Assembly Returns After Six-Month Emergency Rule: What Next for Democracy?
By Ann Anosike
***

The corridors of democracy in Rivers State stirred back to life on Thursday, September 18, 2025, as the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened for plenary after a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu expired the previous day.

The President had declared the emergency in March following escalating political unrest, violent protests, and the torching of the State Assembly complex. With the measure lifted, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the lawmakers were directed to resume their constitutional duties without delay.

At the resumption, Speaker Martins Amaewule presided over proceedings at the conference hall inside the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt. The modest hall has served as a makeshift chamber since the assembly’s official building on Moscow Road was set ablaze and later demolished by the state government.

DEMOCRACY INTERRUPTED, DEMOCRACY RESTORED
For six months, governance in Rivers operated under emergency directives from Abuja. Critics argued it was an overreach that undermined federalism, while supporters said the step was necessary to prevent total breakdown of law and order.

Now, with the return of legislative business, questions hang in the air: Will the Assembly pick up its constitutional duties in harmony with the executive, or will old political rivalries resurface?

“This is not just about Rivers State—it is a litmus test for how Nigeria manages state-level political crises without eroding democracy,” said Dr. Joseph Agada, a political analyst based in Abuja.

A CHAMBER IN RUINS, A STATE IN TRANSITION
The sight of lawmakers debating in a conference hall instead of their official chamber is a stark reminder of the crisis that engulfed Rivers. The burned-down Assembly complex remains both a symbol of political tension and a question mark for the future.

Some residents view the government’s decision to demolish the complex as practical—arguing that the ruins were unsafe. Others see it as an erasure of an institution and a reflection of deep mistrust between the arms of government.

THE BIGGER NATIONAL PICTURE
Nigeria has witnessed political turbulence in several states, but the Rivers crisis stands out for its intensity and implications. The emergency rule, rarely used in democratic times, forced a national debate about how far the Presidency can go in intervening in state affairs.

Civil society groups are now calling for constitutional reforms to clearly define the limits of such interventions.

“If emergency rule can silence a state assembly for six months, what does that mean for legislative independence nationwide?” asked Eneka Okoro, coordinator of a Port Harcourt-based civic coalition.

CITIZENS WATCHING CLOSELY
On the streets of Port Harcourt, opinions are sharply divided. Some welcome the return of legislative business, hoping it brings stability. Others worry that the same unresolved power tussles that fueled the crisis will resurface.

Chima, a youth activist in Diobu, captured the sentiment of many:

“Rivers people are tired of political battles. What we need is governance that works—good roads, jobs, security—not more power struggles.”

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
The return of the Rivers Assembly is more than a local political event—it is a national case study in democracy’s resilience and fragility. How the state’s leaders conduct themselves in the coming weeks will either strengthen faith in Nigeria’s democratic institutions or deepen cynicism.

For now, the lawmakers are back. The question remains: Will they legislate for the people, or for political survival?

👉 Now to Nigerians: Was President Tinubu right to impose emergency rule in Rivers, or did it set a dangerous precedent for state autonomy?

And do you trust the Assembly to rise above politics this time?

20/09/2025

Imo State’s Bold Health Revolution: 55 New Primary Health Centres Set to Transform Lives
By Vivian Iwu
***

Imo State has taken a giant leap in healthcare development as Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration flags off the construction of 55 brand-new Primary Health Centres (PHCs) spread across the State’s 27 Local Government Areas.

This initiative, hailed as one of the boldest in Nigeria’s recent health history, seeks to bridge the gap between Rural Communities and quality medical care. From Aboh Mbaise to Oru West, from Ideato to Ngor Okpala, the message is clear: health is no longer a privilege for a few, but a right for all.

“Not Just Buildings, But Lifelines”

Speaking during the unveiling, Governor Uzodimma described the PHCs as more than infrastructure.

“These centres are lifelines for families. They represent safety, dignity, and hope for our people. We are making healthcare closer, cheaper, and more reliable for every Imolite,” he said.

Each centre will be equipped with diagnostic units, maternal and child care sections, emergency services, and solar-powered systems to ensure sustainability. With an 18-month delivery timeline, the project promises to change the face of community health in Imo State.

IMO ALREADY SETTING RECORDS
Even before this bold move, Imo has stood tall on the National Health Map. A Statisense report places the State 4th Nationwide in functional health facilities and 1st across the South East and South South. According to the Nigeria Health Facility Registry, Imo already provides 25–30 health facilities per 100,000 residents, outperforming the National Average of 17.

This explains the State’s outstanding 98% child immunization rate, which protected over 169,000 children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Imo State Health Insurance Scheme has also eased the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses for thousands, particularly the vulnerable.

IMPACT YOU CAN SEE AND FEEL
From maternal care to emergency response, the results are tangible. A WellNewMe study ranked Imo among Nigeria’s best-performing States in maternal and infant care, with 98.2% of births attended by skilled professionals.
Similarly, both the 2023 National Health Facility Survey and the 2024 ONE Campaign report confirmed Imo’s progress, with no major gaps recorded in primary health delivery.

Emergency referral systems have handled more than 500 critical cases at no cost, ensuring that distance is no longer a death sentence for patients in rural areas.

COMMUNITIES AT THE CENTRE OF PLANNING
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Vivian Egu, stressed that inclusiveness is central to this revolution.

“We are building for people, not statistics. Communities are involved in planning. Every PHC reflects the realities of its environment, especially hard-to-reach villages,” she explained.

Health workers are undergoing regular training, supply chains are being modernized, and digital health record systems are being introduced to improve efficiency.

FROM POLICY TO PEOPLE: A HEALTHIER TOMORROW
The 55 PHCs are spread strategically across the state: from Enyiogwugwu PHC in Aboh Mbaise to Oroghwe HC in Owerri West, Obizi HC in Ezinihitte, and Mgbidi HC in Oru West. Each name on the list is a promise—an assurance that the era of traveling hours for basic medical care will soon be history.

This is not just about infrastructure. It is about saving the life of a pregnant mother in Isu Njaba. It is about ensuring that a farmer in Oguta or a student in Ikeduru can walk into a nearby facility and get immediate care.

A REVOLUTION WORTH WATCHING
With over 5.4 million residents, Imo is charting a new course for Nigerian healthcare—one where vision meets action, and action yields results. The Journey of these 55 Centres is more than a Government Project; it is a social contract between the State and its people.

Governor Uzodimma’s Renewed Hope Agenda, once words on paper, is now taking shape in bricks, mortar, and solar panels—promising a healthier and more secure future for Imo families.

✅ WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Do you believe these 55 PHCs will finally close the gap between rural communities and quality healthcare in Imo? Or do you think the challenge lies more in sustaining and staffing them after construction?

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments. Your voice matters!

20/09/2025

Land, Lies & Progress: Imo Commissioner Dismisses Naze Industrial Layout Allegations
By Vivian Iwu
***

The Corridors of Governance in Imo State were stirred this week when Hon. Ernest Ibejiako, the Commissioner for Industry, Mines, and Solid Minerals, fired back at what he described as “a web of lies and mischief” surrounding the Naze Industrial Layout in Owerri North Local Government Area.

At a press briefing held at the State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, Ibejiako dismissed the allegations of Land Grabbing and contempt of Court against the Government as nothing more than a decoy by individuals he labeled as fraudulent.

According to him, these characters hope that “cheap lies, lawlessness, and political blackmail” will force the Government to surrender its mapped-out industrial hub to private interests.

“This Government will never be intimidated by Propaganda,” the Commissioner declared. “The Naze Industrial Layout remains an asset for all Imo people, not a cash Cow for a few greedy individuals hiding behind false claims.”

POLITICS OR PROGRESS?
The controversy comes at a time when Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration has been pushing its Renewed Hope Agenda, projecting industrialization as one of the Pillars for Economic Recovery. Observers say that any disruption at Naze—one of the few designated industrial layouts in the State—would slow down the drive to attract investors and create jobs.

Ibejiako, however, insists the real problem is not Government high-handedness, but rather the activities of those attempting to illegally mine and occupy Government Land. He revealed that most of the operations happen at night, underscoring a deliberate attempt to evade security checks and State regulation.

WARNING TO ILLEGAL OPERATORS
Sounding a stern note of warning, the Commissioner cautioned all Illegal Miners and Land Speculators to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.

“The State has zero tolerance for illegal mining. Anyone caught sabotaging Government property or endangering lives around Naze will be prosecuted,” he said.

The Commissioner’s statements have now thrown the spotlight on a broader debate: who really owns the land? While the Government insists it is acting within the boundaries of acquired and gazetted Industrial Areas, Community Voices and opposition figures have often argued otherwise, accusing successive administrations of riding roughshod over Court Judgments and local claims.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
For many residents of Owerri North, the issue is more than a tussle between Government and private individuals. It touches on the credibility of Governance, the sanctity of land ownership, and the direction of Imo State’s industrial future.

Should the Government remain firm, as Ibejiako vows, or should there be room for dialogue and review of long-standing disputes?

With the Economy biting hard and unemployment driving frustration, the promise of reviving industrial layouts like Naze could either become a unifying symbol of shared prosperity—or a fresh flashpoint for distrust.

As Imo people watch closely, one question hangs in the air: is this about genuine development, or just another battlefield where politics, profit, and propaganda collide?

Reporters Notebook

20/09/2025

20/09/2025

20/09/2025

20/09/2025

20/09/2025

20/09/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category