Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Thursday, Adeyanju described the appointment as a reflection of the President’s recognition of competence and inclusiveness, noting that Professor Amupitan is the first indigene from Kogi State’s minority Ijumu community to be appointed to the position, representing the north-central region.

He said the nominee’s distinguished record as a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria makes him a fitting choice to lead the electoral body at a crucial moment in the country’s democratic journey.

‘I must admit that I had expected the President to appoint someone from his immediate circle or from Osun State, but this decision comes as a pleasant surprise,’ Adeyanju said.

He lauded President Tinubu for making a merit-based appointment and expressed optimism that Professor Amupitan would bring integrity, professionalism, and reform-driven leadership to INEC.

In line with its commitment to interconnect the state and drive development to rural communities, the Lagos State Government has commenced the 360-metre Ladejobi Ita-Alaje Street road project in Ikorodu.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the project on Thursday, pledging his administration’s resolve to leave no road behind.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, said, ‘This is more than a groundbreaking ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving lives and opening up rural communities to economic opportunities.’

According to Sanwo-Olu, Ikorodu remains a crucial hub in the state’s cultural and economic landscape, stressing that the pace of urban expansion must be matched with modern infrastructure.

‘Roads like Ladejobi Ita-Alaje Street are not just stretches of asphalt; they are lifelines connecting people to markets, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods,’ he said.

He said the project was part of his administration’s Rural Infrastructure Development Initiative under THEMES+ Agenda, which focuses on accessibility, mobility, and social inclusion.

‘We are addressing the real challenges faced by residents, such as flooding, poor connectivity, and wasted productive hours. By constructing this road, we are improving access, promoting economic growth, and enhancing social equity,’ he said.

Commending Ikorodu residents for their patience and cooperation, he urged them to support the contractor to ensure timely delivery and to protect public infrastructure from vandalism.

The lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Gbolahan Ogunleye, praised the governor for his continued investment in grassroots development, urging residents to take ownership of the project.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, described the project as a catalyst for local growth and improved quality of life.

Chairman of Ikorodu local government, Prince Abdulateef Adedayo Abayomi Ladega, noted that sustained rural development initiatives of the state government have eased infrastructural pressure on local councils.

Two lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo – Hon. Oladiji Oguntudo and Hon. Raymond Oluwatoyin Daodu – have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oguntudo, who represents Akure South Constituency I, and Daodu, the Deputy Minority Leader representing Akoko South West Constituency I, announced their defection during Thursday’s plenary session of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure.

The Nation report that the defection of the two lawmakers from the PDP to the APC makes it a total of 26 legislators dominating the House of Assembly with no opposition.

Speaker Olamide Oladiji presided over the plenary.

Their defection came a month after the duo resigned from the PDP, citing leadership tussles and deepening internal crises within the opposition party.

In their separate resignation letters, the lawmakers explained that their decision to join the ruling APC followed extensive consultations with family members, constituents, and political leaders, who advised them to align with the state’s governing party.

Before their defection, Oguntudo and Daodu were the last remaining PDP members.

Welcoming the new members, Speaker Oladiji commended their decision, expressing optimism that their defection would further strengthen the APC’s numerical advantage in the House.

He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and described the development as a welcome boost for the ruling party in the state.

The Speaker also praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his progressive governance, urging the defectors to contribute meaningfully to the party’s growth and collective success.

Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West) has urged the Lagos House of Assembly to fast track the passage of the Lagos Innovation Bill.

This, she said, would provide a legal framework to anchor research that will facilitate collaboration between the industry and academics.

She said this on Wednesday while delivering keynote address at the Lagos State University (LASU) 7th Research Trade fair, with the theme: ‘Promoting the Quadruple Helix Collaboration: Government, University, Industry and Community’ at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Ojo.

She added that the bill when signed into law ‘will create a research and innovation fund to cater for innovation hubs, technology parks and provides incentives for doctoral and post-doctoral research activities.’

She also said the determination of Lagos and Nigeria’s future will be by innovation and collaboration, not natural resources.

She said: ‘The future of Lagos and Nigeria will not be determined by our exhaustible natural resources, but by how well we can innovate, collaborate and scale solutions using our resources’.

Adebule urged the government, industry captains, academics and community stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the event to build an innovation ecosystem that will not only make Lagos and Nigeria not just Africa’s economic hub, but it’s knowledge and innovation capital.

She said research findings must be used to solve societal challenges; else, they will only remain trapped within the institutions.

She gave an example of how the Bell Lab’s Research Institute churned out laser, solar cell, mobile communications and internet.

This, she said, shows that those who embraced research, innovation and creativity rise to prominence while those who ignored them fade into obscurity.

LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her welcome address, said the annual fair is more than just an academic exercise.

She said: ‘It is the manifestation of our deepest institutional commitment: to move beyond theoretical knowledge and translate our research into tangible solutions that drive development. We will showcase groundbreaking work across engineering, medicine, the humanities, and the sciences projects, designed to solve real-world problems facing Lagos, Nigeria, in pursuit of our vision.

‘This year’s theme is particularly poignant. It is recognition that no single entity can tackle the complexities of sustainable development alone.’

She said that in LASU, it is understood that research only achieved its maximum impact when it is grounded in the needs of the community.

‘The community is the ultimate beneficiary, the source of vital data, and the final adopter of innovation. The university generates knowledge and talent. Industry commercialises the innovation and creates jobs. Government provides the enabling policy, regulation, and funding environment, and the community provides the context, demands the solution, and validates its utility,’ she said.

Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened in Abuja to address vacancies within the regional body following the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic.

The Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers is also deliberating on the status of staff with dual nationalities and the recruitment of personnel from AES countries in grades P4 and below.

Speaking at the opening session, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, said the meeting aims to discuss the allocation of statutory positions among member states and to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

Kabba emphasized that the recruitment and allocation process serves as a key measure of ECOWAS’ institutional integrity and regional unity. He urged member states to prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and shared commitment to the community’s long-term vision.

‘Our decisions must be grounded in due process, transparency, and equity,’ Kabba said. ‘These principles are essential to strengthen economic integration, regional peace and security, and uphold our democratic values as a community.’

He also added, ‘Let me now draw the attention of this esteemed Council to the work of the Ad-hoc Ministerial Committee – a committee constituted by over 70% of our membership. This decides the Ad-hoc Committee a fait accompli, which makes it compelling to review the procedures of the establishment of Ad-Hoc Committees.

‘It is also important to note that members of the ad-hoc Committee would have reviewed the commission’s proposals on the statutory positions, which will inform our deliberations on the presentation of the memorandum on proposals for the allocation of statutory positions to member states.’

In her welcome address, Nigeria Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said, ‘Nigeria remains steadfast in its role as a dependable partner, ever ready to contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of our Community institutions and to the realization of the noble objectives for which this Organization stands. We believe that with collective effort and renewed dedication, we can build a more effective, responsive, and fully functional Organization that truly serves the aspirations of our region and beyond.’

Touray, on his part, said, ‘This extraordinary Council is borne out of necessity. In the last three years, we have struggled to fill vacancies in our institutions using a staff regulation that constrains management’s ability to administratively expedite the process. It has therefore become necessary to refer to the Council from time to time to help us untangle the web. We are very grateful to the Council for the earlier waiver, which enabled us to have a shorter time frame for advertisements of vacant positions. With this, we have now published and received a sizable number of applications.

‘However, Excellencies, the challenge currently is with the processing of these applications and the scheduling of interviews. These have been slower than the rate of staff attrition, due to an aging workforce with an average annual loss of staff to retirement estimated at 13 personnel. The volume of applications is beyond the capacity of the recruitment firms in place, due to the largely manual method used in processing the applications. ‘Therefore, we have had to recruit additional recruitment firms and sought your approval for these International Independent firms to come in and assist with an end-to-end recruitment exercise. I have also directed the Internal Services Department to accelerate the deployment of e-recruitment systems to fast-track the processing of applications.

‘With the sudden departure of a large number of our workforce who are nationals of the countries that exited from the Organisation, namely Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, we are faced with the challenge of replacing them. We need the Council to guide us in the equitable distribution of the vacant positions among all the Member States, without sacrificing competence. As our staff regulations did not provide any guidance on how to allocate vacant positions to specific member states for the purpose of achieving equity, it has become necessary for the Council to provide its guidance on the way forward.

‘We are therefore pleased to present to you a memorandum with proposals on how to achieve this equitable distribution of the positions and fast-track the recruitment process. In making these proposals, the Commission took into account the current staff distribution per member state and the interests of those member states with poor representation in the current workforce of the institutions. Our goal is to achieve equity, ensure quality, and consolidate on the solidarity that strengthens our Community.

‘As management, we are committed to protecting the interests of each member state, whether their nationals are represented in the Management of the Institutions or not. We have taken an oath to serve the entire community and not our narrow national interests. We therefore look forward to your deliberations and guidance on this matter.’

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push for a brighter future of filmmaking in Nigeria is yielding fruits as the State Sugar Factory Film Studios unveiled its first film – Ajuwaya Series.

The movie – 85 per cent of which was executed in the state-of-the-art studios – was financed by First Lady Sen Oluremi Tinubu, who supported the facility with N350m.

At a media briefing for the unveiling of the project in Ilorin, Managing Director of the Studios, Gbenga Titiloye, said the movie stands the chance of attracting direct foreign investment, ‘because this is the only functional film studio in Africa’.

He commended the Governor’s foresight and his administration’s resolve to create a platform that nurtures artistry, innovation, and economic vitality.

‘Today, we gather to celebrate a milestone that marks not just the completion of a facility, but the dawn of a new era in Nigerian cinema and cultural expression-the successful completion of the Ajuwaya project,’ he said.

‘This moment stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, perseverance, and collaborative effort converge for the common good. What the Governor has achieved here is foreign direct investment because this is the only functional film studio in Africa, and 85 percent of this movie was done in this studio.

‘His Excellency’s willingness to champion a film studio in Nigeria demonstrates not only a bold strategic mind but also a deep faith in our people and their talent. It is through that foresight and resolve that we have arrived at this moment: a state-backed endeavour that nurtures artistry, innovation, and economic vitality’.

Titiloye also appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her generous donation to the Sugar Factory Studios, adding that her gesture reflects the spirit of national renewal and investment in the creative economy.

‘This grant (from the First Lady) is more than funding; it is a signal, a beacon, and a pledge that Nigeria will not only tell its stories but export them with pride and excellence,’ he said.

Speaking on the lessons to gain from Ajuwaya, Titiloye said the movie exemplifies how national and regional efforts can combine to create durable infrastructure for culture and economy.

The press briefing was attended by

Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Princess Olubukola Babalola; Commissioner for Communications, Hon Bola Olukoju; and General Manager, Sugar Factory Film Studios and Producer of the film, Grace Babasola.

Princess Babalola urged the youth to take advantage of the Sugar Film Studios to tap into the creative industry, saying theatre work is a model to reflect modern society.

‘This studio is important to economic growth, development growth and projecting our state as a leader in the area of theatre and creative industry generally. So, let us talk to our youth so that they can find their feet in this industry,’ she said.

Olukoju described the production of the Ajuwaya Series as a big win for the state, saying it signals the beginning of a new ecosystem in the creative industry in the sub-national.

‘For us in Kwara State, the creative industry is a big ecosystem. In the time of shooting this film, 1,211 participated. People benefited a lot, we have fashion designers, caterers, transporters, artisans, among others, and if we can have this regularly, it is going to open up the ecosystem of the creative industry. Every part of the economy benefited in the course of producing the film,’ she said.

Babasola lauded AbdulRazaq for the creation of the studios that he noted represents more than just a building or a production house.

‘Governor AbdulRazaq is a leader whose belief in the potential of young creatives has opened new doors for the film and entertainment industry in Nigeria,’ she said.

‘Ajuwaya is just the beginning. It is proof that when opportunity meets passion, great stories emerge that inspire, entertain, and remind us of who we are.’

The Convener of Omoluwabi Political Movement, Armstrong Akintunde, has congratulated Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on the achievement recorded with the successful completion of Ogun Gateway International Airport and the inauguration of its first commercial flights.

Speaking with reporters, Akintunde described the airport project as a transformational initiative that would not only accelerate the growth of Remoland, but also catalyse unprecedented development across the state.

He praised Governor Abiodun for his visionary leadership, describing him as a true son of the soil, who had revived the glory of Remoland and Ogun State through purposeful governance and strategic developmental projects such as Gateway International Airport.

Akintunde noted that the new airport would ease travel for residents and investors alike, ending the long-standing dependence on Lagos for air travel.

‘It’s now time for the people of Ogun State to enjoy convenient air transport without having to go through Lagos to reach Abuja or any other destination,’ he said.

Commending the governor’s commitment to his administration’s ‘Igbega Ipinle Ogun’ mantra, Akintunde said the infrastructural strides recorded under Abiodun’s leadership were clear evidence of a government driven by vision and impact.

‘When this administration came on board in 2019, I was confident that we would witness great transformation.

‘What we are seeing today, especially this functional international airport, is a testament to Governor Abiodun’s mission to elevate Ogun State far beyond the level he met it,’ Akintunde declared.

Reflecting on his group’s political journey, Akintunde recalled their firm support for Governor Abiodun’s re-election through their former platform, DACA, ”which has now evolved into the Omoluwabi Political Movement.

‘Governor Abiodun embodies the true Omoluwabi spirit; integrity, diligence, and service. These are the principles that define our movement and continue to guide our political engagements,’ he said.

Akintunde also commended ValueJet, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the good people of Ogun State for their collective roles in supporting the governor to achieve this historic milestone.

Speaking further on the strength and growth of the ‘Omoluwabi’ Political Movement, he said politics evolved through stages and movements.

‘Omoluwabi Political Movement is stronger than ever. Our membership base has grown massively, our structure is solid, and our ideas are fresh and dynamic. We remain a forward-thinking movement committed to the continuous progress of Ogun State,’ he added.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has called for a decisive legislative action in support of multi-level policing in the country.

He said this has become necessary for the country to surmount security challenges.

Abbas spoke yesterday at the public hearing on the Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, 2024, organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency lawmaker, Muktar Shagaya, said security reforms had become part of a national priority that must evolve from ‘theory to decisive action’.

He noted that creating state police through a constitutional amendment was a viable option worthy of serious national consideration.

Abbas stated the need to strengthen community policing, as provided for in the Police Act 2020, to make it more effective and responsive to local realities.

‘The time has come for the debate on multi-level policing to move from theory to decisive legislative action. Creating state police through a constitutional amendment remains a viable option that deserves serious consideration. However, beyond constitutional reform, we must also strengthen community policing to make it more effective and responsive to local realities,’ said Abbas.

The Speaker reiterated the House’s commitment to reforms that would enhance public safety and strengthen the overall security architecture of the country.

The National Assembly, he said, was prioritising security-related legislation, including the proposed Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, adding that it was determined to provide a legal framework that promotes accountability, professionalism, and collaboration among public and private security actors.

The Speaker explained that the Bill seeks to create a regulatory framework for private intelligence and investigation services, ensuring they operate ethically, responsibly, and in compliance with professional standards.

He said the Bill aims to implement uniform practices that will enhance service quality, promote continuous training and capacity development, and encourage stronger cooperation between private and public security institutions.

The Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Ahmad Satomi, said the proposed legislation would mark a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture through the regulation and professionalisation of private intelligence operations.

Satomi described the Bill as a forward-looking initiative that seeks to ensure accountability, professionalism, and ethical conduct within the country’s growing private intelligence and investigation industry.

According to him, the proposed Council will serve as a regulatory body responsible for standardising industry practices, providing accreditation and certification, as well as promoting continuous training and collaboration between the private and public security sectors.

‘This marks a significant step towards strengthening our national security framework and ensuring the professionalism of private intelligence and investigation services.

‘The proposed Bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework that ensures ethical conduct and accountability. If established, the Council will standardise practices, promote continuous training, and foster collaboration between private and public security sectors,’ he said.

Noting the security challenges confronting the country, Satomi said innovative approaches were required to strengthen security architecture.

He cited data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which showed that over 51.89 million household crime incidents were recorded between May 2023 and April 2024, to support his argument.

The Bill, he said, aligned with the National Assembly’s legislative efforts to address security concerns through proactive, intelligence-driven reforms.

Satomi explained that the proposed bill aims to establish a council to accredit private intelligence and investigation services, streamline compliance processes, and foster collaboration between public and private security agencies to enhance national security.

He noted that while most stakeholders support the bill, some raised concerns about overlaps with existing laws and the mandates of security institutions. Critics warned that certain provisions could duplicate the roles of agencies responsible for security clearance and internal vetting, potentially causing legal confusion.

Satomi said these disagreements highlight deeper institutional problems, including poor inter-agency collaboration and weak intelligence sharing.

The lawmaker stressed that the Bill offers an opportunity to address these gaps, praising the Speaker and fellow lawmakers for prioritising reforms.

He also urged all stakeholders to provide constructive input to strengthen the committee’s final report.

To boost innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s energy industry, FOSL Upstream Limited, a subsidiary of Ailes Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Knox Western – Didwania Group, a global leader in compressor systems and engineered energy solutions.

The partnership is focused on the manufacturing, supply, sales, and maintenance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and cryogenic compressor pumps, combining world-class engineering expertise with local capacity to deliver efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

According to the partners, the collaboration brings together Knox Western – Didwania Group’s global technical excellence and FOSL Upstream’s operational strength and strategic market presence across Africa to deliver end-to-end solutions that enhance energy accessibility and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Michael Onuoha, Chairman and CEO of Ailes Group and FOSL Upstream Limited, said the alliance marks a milestone in the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

‘This partnership is a significant step in our mission to champion innovation within the energy landscape. By aligning FOSL Upstream’s operational strengths with Knox Western – Didwania Group’s engineering heritage, we are set to redefine compressor technology, reliability, and service delivery,’ Dr. Onuoha said.

‘Beyond technology, we are also committed to developing local capacity through training, technology transfer, and creating job opportunities that will strengthen indigenous participation in the energy value chain.’

The partnership, he added, reflects both companies’ shared vision for a sustainable energy future built on innovation, operational excellence, and strategic collaboration.

FOSL Upstream Limited, part of the Ailes Group, is a Nigerian energy services company known for delivering advanced technical solutions in upstream oil and gas operations. The firm has built a reputation for innovation, local content development, and strategic partnerships that promote sustainable growth in the sector.

Knox Western – Didwania Group, on its part, boasts decades of global experience in CNG and cryogenic technologies, providing reliable and efficient products for industrial and energy applications worldwide.

Both companies say their collaboration will set new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global drive for cleaner energy solutions.

For students, members of the staff at Abia State University (ABSU), and even residents of Uturu community, the Okigwe-Uturu Road has long been more than a route; it has been a test of endurance, resilience, and survival. For years, this vital road connecting the university to neighbouring communities has been riddled with deep potholes, overgrown bushes, and a notorious reputation for insecurity. The broken stretch, left unattended for far too long, turned into a corridor of fear where kidnappers thrived, motorists held their breath, and dreams of a safer commute seemed like a distant wish.

‘I used to call my parents before setting out on that road,’ recalled Ihechi Nwachukwu, a 400-Level Political Science student.

‘Sometimes, I would even share my live location because you just didn’t know what would happen. Several students had been abducted in broad daylight. The road wasn’t just bad – it was dangerous.’

A history of broken promises

The cries of students, staff, and the larger community had often gone unheard. Despite its importance as the main route to ABSU’s Uturu campus, rehabilitation efforts were either half-hearted or completely abandoned. Last year, the appearance of heavy-duty machinery and a flurry of activity briefly raised hopes. For the first time in a long while, students watched as the broken asphalt was peeled away, trucks ferried materials, and workers began to patch sections of the long-suffering road.

‘I remember that day vividly,’ said Adaeze Princewill, a 300-Level Medical Laboratory student. ‘Everyone was talking about it. People were sharing the images of the under-construction road on WhatsApp, and we felt that finally, things were changing. We thought we would soon have a smooth, safe road.’

But that optimism was short-lived. Without warning, the construction teams packed up and left. The machines disappeared as abruptly as they came. The rehabilitation work stopped midway, leaving the worst section of the Okigwe-Uturu Road untouched, the very portion notorious for kidnappings, armed robberies, and vehicle breakdowns.

No official explanation came. Rumours swirled, some claimed there were disputes over funding; others alleged the project was caught in political crossfire between states. ‘At one point, we heard that the Federal Government had awarded a contract for the road,’ said a student who pleaded anonymity. ‘But then nothing happened, the road remained the same: broken and perilous.’

A corridor of insecurity

The consequences of this neglect have been devastating. Over the past few years, at least a dozen reported kidnappings have occurred along this road, with many victims being students and staff of ABSU. Families paid ransoms, students missed exams, and the university community lived under a cloud of constant anxiety.

Commercial drivers became wary of plying the route, especially at night. Transport fares skyrocketed due to the risks involved. ‘At a point, you would beg drivers to carry you,’ said Emmanuel Sunday, a 300-Level Optometry student. ‘Once it was 5:pm, it would be difficult to get any driver plying the road, and if you eventually got, the price would be double of what it normally was. And then you also had this fear, because you weren’t certain the journey would be without any incident.’

The insecurity also discouraged visitors, curtailed academic collaborations, and hurt the economic activities around the university. Shops closed early, local businesses complained of declining patronage, and parents constantly voiced their fears.

The turning point

The turning point came when the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the university, Dr. Alex Otti, paid a historic visit to ABSU. During his visit, students and staff seized the moment to once again raise their concerns about the road, laying bare the risks, the fears, and the economic toll.

Moved by their plight and determined to restore faith in governance, Otti promised immediate action. He directed the relevant authorities to commence rehabilitation work on the broken portion of the road, signaling a rare moment where words and political promises seemed poised to translate into action.

Following his directive, the University’s Governing Council, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Rt. Hon. Agwu Agwu, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, engaged with the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere, in Umuahia. After the meeting, assurances were given that the governor’s mandate would be implemented without delay.

Rehabilitation resumes

Nevertheless, the assurances began to bear fruit. Construction teams have once again mobilised, and rehabilitation work has officially resumed on the neglected stretch of the road. The project, according to officials, will focus on the portion that had been ignored during earlier repairs, works that were allegedly the responsibility of the Imo State Government but were left undone.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Federal Government had previously awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of this same road. Yet, nothing concrete was done until this new intervention by the Abia State Government.

‘The governor has shown that leadership is about listening and acting,’ said the University’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) Public Relations Officer, Blessed Pen. ‘This road is not just about convenience; it is about our safety, our future, and our peace of mind.’

Students react with guarded optimism

While the resumption of rehabilitation work has brought relief, students remain cautiously optimistic. Many still remember how abruptly the previous attempt was abandoned.

‘We are happy to see the workers back,’ a student, Adaeze Princewill added. ‘But until we see the road completed and the kidnappings stop, we will not celebrate too early. We’ve been here before, our excitement was cut short. This time, we want action till the end.’

Others expressed hope that this intervention would also include better lighting, proper drainage, and long-term maintenance to prevent the road from falling back into disrepair.

Beyond the road: a symbol of renewal

For many in the ABSU community, this rehabilitation project represents more than just road repairs; it is a symbol of a new chapter. Under Otti’s administration, expectations are high that the university would receive renewed attention, and long-standing challenges would be addressed with sincerity and urgency.

‘The governor said he would change the narrative of this university,’ said the Vice Chancellor. ‘This is one step towards that. A safe road means safe students. Safe students mean uninterrupted education. That’s how institutions thrive.’

Local residents and business owners also expressed their gratitude.

‘This road serves not only the university but the entire region,’ said Madam Ijeoma, who runs a provision store along the route. ‘For years, we suffered. Goods would get stuck; transporters would avoid this area. With this repair, life can return to normal.’

What next?

As rehabilitation work progresses, stakeholders are urging the government to ensure that this is not just a temporary fix. The call is for durable construction, continuous monitoring, and, most importantly, a collaborative effort between federal and neighbouring state governments to prevent future neglect.

Some also argue that more needs to be done to tackle the insecurity that has already taken root. Better policing, community watch initiatives, and improved street lighting have been proposed as complementary measures to ensure that the road remains safe even after the construction teams leave.

For now, though, the resumption of work has sparked something that had been in short supply along the Okigwe-Uturu Road: hope.

‘This is what we’ve been waiting for,’ said Ihechi Nwachukwu, a student, smiling for the first time in a long while about the journey ahead. ‘Maybe, just maybe, we can start traveling without fear.’