THE RIGHT CHOICE OF GOVERNOR

When the political pillars of Abia state started experiencing avalanche of criticisms and degradation of the highest order to a so much extent that other eastern states started weeping for us the abians, it dawned on us that no matter how tender our group is, we have to come out full and tell Abians without any equivocation the kind of Governor they need. Sometimes, when the elders keep mute in the face of debilitating situations, the young masses should take up the challenge and say it! Throughout our voyage in research for the right  man with the right frame of mind for us, we have come to find one man who has beat all odds as far as humanitarian service is concerned. Below is a little profile of who we are talking about:

Uchechukwu S. Ogah (born 22 December 1969) is a Nigerian oil magnate, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. Ogah is the President of Master Energy Group. a conglomerate with over 15 subsidiaries and interests across a variety of industries. Ogah holds the Nigerian national honour, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
On June 27, 2016, Uche Oga was declare governor of Abia State by the the federal high court Abuja,but the governor has said he will appeal the judgement.The Federal High Courtruled that on the account of fake tax returns during the primaries, Dr. Ikpeazu was never qualified to run in the primaries and thus, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cede the certificate of return to the running mate of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state as he was never qualified to run for the party primaries in the People's Democratic party as a guber candidate.
The judge also ordered the Chief Judge of the state to swear in, Uche Ogah, that came second in the Decmeber 2014 PDP gubernatorial primary election in state as the substantive governor of Abia state. the judge ruled that on the account of fake tax returns during the primaries, Dr. Ikpeazu was never qualified to run in the primaries.

Early life and education

Ogah was born to Chief Wilson and Ezinne Pauline Ogah of Onuaku Uturu,Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.
Ogah attended Ishiagu High School, after which he worked at West African Examination Council (WAEC) from 1986–89, before he proceeded to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu State where he obtained Upper Credit at Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in 1992 and Distinction at the Higher National Diploma (HND) Level in 1995 in Accounting. He also attended University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in 2005. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree (Banking and Finance) from Ogun State University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Lagos. Ogah obtained his ACA in 2007. He is a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); Fellow, Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Shipping; Fellow, Employment & Career and member, Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Career

Ogah began his career as a banker with a year of National Youth Service year at NAL Bank Plc. Thereafter, he took up full employment at All States Trust Bank where he worked for around two years before joining Zenith Bank in 1997. At Zenith Bank, he set a record of growing a new branch from zero balance sheets to over N9 billion and rose to the position of an Assistant General Manager (AGM) in Zenith Bank.[5] He resigned in 2007 to pursue a career in entrepreneurship.

Business concern

As he left Zenith bank, Ogah founded Master Energy Group. Ogah is currently the President of Master Energy Group – a conglomerate with workforce of about 42, 000 with interests in oil & gas, banking, insurance, aviation, shipping, dredging, logistics, construction, travel services, and power.
Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited has grown into a conglomerate with investments worth tens of billions of naira. At a time when investors were exiting the Niger Delta because its security challenges, Masters Energy City invested billions of naira in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Ae single investment, a 158,000 tonne petroleum products storage facility provided direct employment to over 600 citizens of the Niger Delta region, and over 4,000 ancillary positions.
Masters Energy City contains a fabrication yard, established in 20. It fabricates and constructs equipment for use in the oil and gas industry and other sectors. The fabrication yard has constructed two different 1,000 MT capacity barges and is presently constructing additional three barges. Masters Energy sells petroleum products at over 60 retail outlets in Nigeria at government’s approved pump price. Its depot in Port Harcourt also sells products at government’s approved depot price.
In December 2011, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore A. Orji, laid the foundation stone of Masters Energy Industrial City in Isikwuato. This industrial complex is expected to grow the economy of Abia State by attracting investment from across Africa.

Philanthropy: The Uche Ogah Foundation

In December, 2001, Ogah established Uche Ogah Foundation which aims to provide empowerment, poverty alleviation, and providing education for the less privileged.
He had sponsored free medical services in different parts of Nigeria, in addition to building and equipping a number of modern hospitals in his native community, Uturu and other communities in Nigeria. He also partnered with a number of medical centres, including the Hopeville Rehabilitation Centre, to fabricate artificial limbs and calipers for people with a disability.
Ogah has offered scholarships to both primary and secondary students across Nigeria since 2006. He instituted a chair at the Abia State University and is building a 5,000 capacity auditorium in the same university.

Awards and recognition

In 2014, Ogah was awarded, a national award - the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal government of Nigeria
His other awards and honours include:
•    Honorary Doctorate degree in Business Administration by Abia State University
•    Ambassador, Governing Council of the Nigeria-Tur
•    key Chamber of Commerce and Industry
•    2013 Nigerian – American Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Entrepreneur by Nigerian - American Chamber of Commerce
•    Oke Oji Abia by Abia State Government
•    Pride of Abia by Hallmark Newspaper Ltd
•    Ambassador of Peace, UN-POLAC Effective Leadership Award by Global Youths Awareness & Development. Initiative (GYADI)
•    Ikenga Award for Excellence on Entrepreneurship by Ikenga
•    Award for Excellence Foundation Entrepreneurship Promoter of the Year by Entrepreneurship Promotions Academy Africa
•    Peace Award by Global Achievers Media Ltd
•    Anya Na Eche Ibe by Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos State
•    Distinguished Award for Excellence for Philanthropic and Developmental Projects by Salvage Africa
•    Igbo Icon Award by National Association of Igbo Students, LASU Humanitarian Service Award by Rotaract District 9130 Nigeria
•    Episcopal Award for Faith Motivation by Bishop Isikwuato/Umunneochi, Anglican Corporate Excellence Award for Accomplishments in Private Sector Development by Institute of Management. & Technology, Enugu, (Aba Chapter)
•    An Icon of Empowerment by National Association of Southern Nigeria Students
•    Diamond Father of the Year, 2012 by Catholic Men’s Organisation, Masters Dei Cathedral Parish, Umuahia

Professional membership

Ogah's professional memberships include:
Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Fellow, Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Shipping; Fellow, Employment & Career Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers Member, Governing Council of the Nigeria-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Political aspiration
Ogah was the Peoples Democratic Part {PDP} gubernatorial candidate for Abia State in the PDP primary election held in December 8, 2014

ABA THE COMMERCIAL CENTER OF ABIA STATE

   


    
Website    http://www.abiastateonline.com/

Aba is a city and a big trading center, upon the creation of Abia state in 1991, Aba was divided into two local governments areas namely; Aba south and Aba North. Aba south is the main city center and the heart beat of Abia State, south-east Nigeria. It is located on the Aba River. Aba is made up many villages such as; Umuokpoji Aba, Eziukwu-Aba, Obuda-Aba, Aba Ukwu and other villages from Ohazu merged due to administrative convenience. Aba was established by the Ngwa clan of Igbo People of Nigeria as a market town and then later a military post was placed there by the British colonial administration in 1901. It lies along the west bank of the Aba River, and is at the intersection of roads leading to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Umuahia, Ikot Ekpene, and Ikot Abasi.[1] The city became a collecting point for agricultural products following the British made railway running through it to Port Harcourt. Aba is a major urban settlement and commercial center in a region that is surrounded by small villages and towns. The indigenous people of Aba are the Ngwa. Aba is well known for its craftsmen. As of 2004 Aba had an estimated population of 1,020,900.
History
Aba as a City is made up of many villages namely; Umuokpoji-Aba, Eziukwu-Aba, Obuda-Aba and Aba-Ukwu but the villages in Ohazu have been merged with Aba so as to achieve administrative convenience. Hence the owners of Aba are often referred to as Aba la Ohazu indigenes. It eventually became an administrative center of Britain's colonial government. Aba has been a major commercial center since it became part of the old Eastern region.
The Aro Expedition, which was part of a larger military plan to quell anti-colonial sentiment in the region, took place in the area of Aba during 1901 and 1902. During this military action, the British easily beat the native Aro people with an unknown number (presumed to be heavy) of casualties. In 1901, the British founded a military post in Aba and in 1915, a railroad was constructed to link it to Port Harcourt, which transported agricultural goods such as palm oil and palm kernels. In 1929 Aba was the site of a revolt by Igbo women, historically known as "The Aba Women's Riot", a protest of the colonial taxation policy. The riot started first as a peaceful protest against the initial census of women in the region, and subsequent assumed taxation of the women based upon rumor. The protests spread throughout the palm oil belt, but remained peaceful until a pregnant woman was knocked over during a "scuffle", and the lady losing her child.[4] The news of this "act of abomination" spread rapidly and violent reactions ensued. After more deaths, some accidental, some not, occurred, a mass of 10,000 women marched on Aba. Sources dispute the numbers of dead, with around 50 to over 100 being reported. During the height of Nigerian-Biafran War in 1967, the capital of Biafra was moved to Umuahia from Enugu. By the 1930s, Aba was becoming a large urban community with an established industrial complex.
Aba is the home of many distinguished families such as the popular Emejiaka Egbu family of Aba la Ohazu, Ogbonna family of Eziukwu-Aba, the prestigious Ichita family of Umuokpoji-Aba,the Omenihu family of Obuda-Aba, the Ugbor family of Aba-Ukwu, the Ugwuzor family Umuokpoji Aba, the Ukaegbu family of Aba-ukwu and so forth.
Economy
Aba is surrounded by oil wells which separate it from the city of Port Harcourt, a 30 kilometres (19 mi) pipeline powers Aba with gas from the Imo River natural gas repository. Its major economic contributions are textiles, pharmaceuticals, plastics, cement, and cosmetics which made the Ariaria international market to become the largest market in west Africa seconded by the onitsha main market . There is also a brewery and distillery within the city. Finally, it is famous for its handicrafts.
Religion
The city has played a lasting role in the Christian evangelism of the Southeast of Nigeria since the British brought the Church Missionary Society (CMS), an evangelism vehicle of then Church of England used to plant what today has become the Anglican Church of Nigeria. In 1923, the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA Church) was established.The Seventh-day Adventists are well known for their Biblical faith, quality hospitals and good educational institutions.
St. Michael's Cathedral Anglican Church was founded in the late 1920s although St. James Parish on the city edge (Umule) is arguably the oldest church because the diocese's first mass was celebrated in 1916. Most of the Primary and Secondary Schools mentioned above were founded by the CMS along with each of their Churches.
The Catholic Church was to follow and also created many churches; Christ the King Church (C.K.C), which for a long time was the biggest church in the city became its bishop's seat and its now known as Christ the King Cathedral.
With the arrival of the Pentecostal brand of Christianity (the evangelicals) in Nigeria, the city got an enormous share for itself. The Assemblies of God Church, being among the earliest, the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Living Word Ministries Inc., The Refiner's House International Church etc. had massive following in the early 1980s. African Gospel church was found by most Bishop Ogudoro the Founder of African Gospel church. African Gospel church is divided into 10 districts. The present Bishop of African Gospel church is Bishop Uzoaru (2009).
In the late 1960s, a group of Nigerians discovered information on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and established branches, but the Utah based church did not establish any official presence until the late 1970s when blacks were allowed to hold priesthood authority. Aba has several congregations and a temple.
Muslims and mosques are also present in Aba; the largest mosque is the Hospital Road Mosque. A Chief Imam is resident among the Hausa-speaking settlement in the heart of the city itself.
Education
The city has well over 90 primary schools, most running two sections of morning and afternoon. These sections, which are individual schools by themselves, operate 07:30Hrs - 12:30Hrs and 12:30Hrs - 17:30Hrs, all local time.
Transport
Aba is served by a station and a halt (mini station) on Nigerian Railways. Aba is also a major hub for road transport in the region - a large number of transport companies operate coaches that transport people daily to various parts of the country. The city is second only to Onitsha in mass transportation daily volume in the eastern part of Nigeria. Commercial motorcycles ("Okada") have been banned - replaced by commercial tricycles ("Keke NAPEP").
Sports
Enyimba International F.C., popularly called The Peoples Elephant, is the town's most popular football club. Enyimba FC's winning track-record is among the richest of all Nigerian football clubs. With 2 CAF Champions League Trophies, six Nigeria Premier League titles and a pair of Federation Cup trophies, the club is currently ranked 2nd in the CAF Club Rankings.

SCHOOLS IN ABIA STATE

Abia State University is one of the state owned universities in Nigeria. These state academic institutions were created to expand admissions and bring professional skills, expertise and modern research facilities close to the city and rural dwellers; and have helped talented students to obtain Higher education.
The inception of the university was in 1981 in the former Imo State under the name of Imo State University, Uturu, Okigwe. The university was established by Sam Mbakwe when he was Governor of old Imo State. Following the creation of Abia State in 1991, the Uturu campus of the University was ceded to Abia State; and is now known as Abia State University Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. The university is organized in colleges and schools having been founded on the same collegiate system operated by University of Nebraska.
Abia State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degree; and has two campuses with its main campus located in Uturu while its College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine is housed by the campus in Umuahia, Abia State capital.

Contents

• 1 Academics
• 2 Centres, Directorates and Institutes
• 3 References
• 4 External links

Academics

The University offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs across ten Colleges:

• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
• College of Biological and Physical Sciences
• College of Business Administration
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Environmental Studies
• College of Law
• College of Medicine and Health Sciences
• College of Optometry
• College of Postgraduate Studies

Centres, Directorates and Institutes

• Centre For Entrepreneurial Education
• Student Affairs Department
• Counseling Centre
• Centre for Primary and Non-Formal Education
• General Studies
• Centre for Igbo Studies
• Academic Planning
• SIWES
• Sandwich Programme
• Centre for Remedial Studies
• University Examination Centre
• Business Resource Centre
• Institute for Distance Education (IDEA)
• Institute for Computer Studies
• Consultancies, Linkages & Revenue Mobilization
• Institute of Arts & Sciences
• Centre for Quality Assurance.

• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

  Not to be confused with Michael Okpara College of Agriculture.

  Motto	Knowledge, Food and Security
  Established	1992[1]
  Type	Public
  Vice-Chancellor	Professor Hilarry Edeoga
  Location	Umudike (main campus), Abia State, Nigeria
  Colors	Green & Yellow
  Nickname	Umudykes, U'dykers
  Website	http://www.mouau.edu.ng/

  

  

  Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Entrance
  The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, originally the Federal University of Agriculture, is a federal university in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria ^[2] established as a specialized University by a Federal Government of Nigeria Decree No 48 of November 1992. It began formal activities in May 1993 with the appointment of the first Council and Vice-Chancellor Professor Placid C. Njoku on 27 May 1993, while other key officials of the University were appointed later.
  The first set of students were admitted into the institution during the 1993/94 academic year with a student population of 82.
  The nickname "Umudykes" or U'dykers refers to students, alumni, and sports teams of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
  

  Campus

  The institution is located in the Agricultural Training and Research city of Umudike, about 10 kilometers from Umuahia (capital of Abia State). The major link road to the University is the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road, a direct route to the State capitals of Abia Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States. Being close to Umuahia, the University is linked through a major North-South Express Road to most part of the country. It commenced its activities on the premises of the former Federal College of Agriculture, Umudike.
  The Qua Iboe River, which rises near Umuahia, flows through the campus grounds.^[3]
  

  Academics

  It offers more than 100 programs, and grants more than 40 undergraduate degrees.^[4] Post Graduate degrees are offered (M.Sc. and MBA ) and doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in over 15 departments, in 11 schools and colleges. The university issues the following degrees:
  
• Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric)
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science (M.Sc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

These degrees are offered across ten Colleges and a graduate school within the University.

Athletics

The university competes in the Nigerian University Football League. It also competes in the Nigeria National University games in football (soccer), basketball,volleyball and tennis.

•  
•  
• SECONDARY SCHOOLS 
• community primary school ohabel
• Reinhold Int'l Primary School, Abiriba. est. 1998
• Abiriba Central School, Abiriba
• Akanu Ohafia Secondary School, Akanu Ohafia
• Ania Technical College, Akanu Ohafia
• Amaeke Community School, Abiriba
• Amaogudu Primary School, Abiriba
• Enuda Primary School, Abiriba *valley veiw college
• Eziama High School, Aba
• Agborji Primary School, Abiriba
• Ama-mba Ukpo Community Primary School, Abiriba
• Ogbu Community Primary School, Abiriba
• Stella Maris Nursery & Primary School, Abiriba
• Biama Primary School, Abiriba
• Cameroun Barracks Primary School, Aba
• Tenant Primary School, Aba
• Ngwa High School (NHS), Abayi, Aba
• Amaassa secondary technical school Nsulu Isiala ngwa north
• Nvosi High School Umunkpeyi Isiala Ngwa south
• lilac comprehensive Secondary school Aba. 21 ebenma street
• Lisachris Nursery/Primary School Aba.
• World Changers Academy.Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
• Abia State Senior Secondary School Ihie, Isialangwa
• Achara Secondary School, Ihechiowa
• Afaraukwu Secondary Technical School, [Umuahia]
• All Saints Secondary School ABA
• All Saints Model Nursery/Primary School, Aba
• Amaokayi Community Primary School, Amaokayi (Ugwueke)
• Awesome International Model School, Aba
• Bezaleel Model Science Academy, Aba
• Boys Secondary School, Osusu, Aba (OSCO
• Divine Grace International Schools, Aba (Ekenna Ave)
• Dority International Secondary School, Aba

• Egwuena Girls Secondary School, Abiriba
• Ekearo Community School, Arongwa, Osisioma
• Enuda High School, Abiriba
• Federal Government College, Ohafia
• Federal Government Girls College, Umuahia
• Government College Umuahia est. 1929
• Holy Ghost Secondary Technical School, Umuahia (Formerly Holy Ghost College)
• Ibeku High School, Umuahia, est. 1960
• Reinhold Int'l Sec. School, Abiriba., est. 1998
• (Igbo) National High School (Naco), Aba
• Ikwuano Secondary School, Ariam
• Immaculate Heart, Aba
• International Secondary School, Abia State University, Uturu
• Isuikwuato High School (ANAMCO), Mbalano
• Ifemba International School, Akanu Ohafia
• Living Stone International Christian Academy, Ogbor-Hill Aba, Abia, State, Nigeria
• Living Word Academy Secondary School, Aba
• Living Word Magnet School Aba
• Maria Montessori International Schools
• Marist Brothers' Juniorate, Uturu
• Marist Comprehensive Academy, Uturu
• Methodist College Uzuakoli 1923
• Modern Child College,Aba
• Nelson Commercial College, Aba
• Nigerian Christian Seminary, Aba
• Ninlan Demonstration Secondary School, Aba
• Ohafia Girls Secondary School, Ohafia.
• Ohafia High School, Ohafia
• Okpuala-Umugwor Community School, Okpuala-Umugwor, Osisioma
• Onarubi Technical College, Abiriba
• Ovom Girls Secondary School, Aba
• Premier international secondary school, Aba
• Royal Commercial College, Ogbor-Hill, Aba
• Sacred Heart Secondary School (Sahaco), Aba
• Secondary Technical School, Aba
• St. Annes's Secondary School, Umuobasi-Amavo, Osisioma
• St. Anthony's Secondary School, Ohafia
• St. Augustine's Model Academy, Ogbor Hill, Aba
• St. Bridget's secondary school, Ayaba-umueze, Aba
• St. Cecilia's Academy, Umuahia
• St. James Model Primary and Secondary School, Ogbor Hill Aba
• St Joseph's College, Aba, Abia State
• St. Patrick's Model Secondary School ABA
• The School of Alison Omon, Princess of Benin
• Wilcox Memorial Comprehensive Secondary School, Aba
• Ugwueke Secondary School, Ugwueke
• Umuagbaghi Secondary School, Aba
• Girls Secondary School, Ovim, Isuikwuato (Ovim Girls)
• Sure Foundation Academy, off Ebema Road, Ogbor Hill, Aba
• Happiness Secondary School Aba

INVESTMENT IN ABIA STATE

Business Profile • Infastructure


"Our vision is that Abia State should become an economically vibrant State with numerous agro-industrial concerns; a State committed to the welfare, health education and happiness of its citizens; a State providing opportunities for self-actualization through investments in education, infrastructure and human capital, and producing a workforce that can compete with any in the world; a business-friendly Government whose guiding principles shall be transparency, accountability, integrity, equity and honesty." Gov. ORJI UZOR KALU (M.O.N)

I. Geography: Abia State which occupies about 5834 square kilometer, is bounded on the north and northeast by the states of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi. To the west of Abia is Imo State, the east and southeast are Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, and to the south is Rivers State. The southern part of the State lies within the riverine part of Nigeria. It is low-lying with a heavy rainfall of about 2400 mm/year especially intense between the months of April through October. The rest of the State is moderately high plain. The most important rivers in Abia State are the Imo and Aba rivers which flow into the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta. II. Administration: There are seventeen local government areas (LGAs). Each local government is headed by a democratically-elected Chairman working with an elected council. The State Government is led by a democratically-elected executive Governor who is working closely with an elected State House Assembly. The capital city is Umuahia. The major urban areas include Aba (a major commercial centre in southeastern Nigeria), Umuahia, Arochukwu, Abiriba, Nbawsi, Ohafia, Omoba, Ovim, Akwete, Obehie, Mgboko, Isuochi, and Osisioma.

•Infrastructure 1. Roads: International contractors are needed for road construction to enhance business and commerce. Abia is accessible. The international cities of Port Harcourt in Rivers State and Enugu are almost 90 minutes from Umuahia. The present administration under the leadership of the popularly elected Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu seeks international businesses to modernize some of the roads and highways in the urban centres in order to ease travel, enhance commerce and urban development. ii. Electricity: Abia State like other states in the Federation depends mainly on the Nigerian Electric Power Authority (NEPA) for its electricity supply. Abia State Government will gladly welcome investment in the area of energy generation and distribution. iii. Water: Most of the urban centres of the State have reliable water schemes which meet the potable water needs of the citizens. In the rural areas, government is investing in small scale, sustainable provision of potable water projects.

Investment Areas

Abia State seeks international investors within the context of its considerable number of existing major industries. Abia has room for sustained industrial development. Currently, many of the industries are located in the major commercial town of Aba. In Aba, Unilever Group has its subsidiary Company (Lever Brothers) which like International Equitable of Colgate/Palmolive fame produces detergents, toilet soaps, toothpaste, etc. The Nigerian Breweries Ltd has a major brewery that produces both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages for the entire southern States of Nigeria. International Glass and Textile Mills are also in Aba. In Umuahia, Modern Ceramics Industry and the Golden-Guinea Breweries (makers of Bergedorf Beer) are major industries that employ labor. However, the Ceramic Industry has modernized its operations. In Agriculture, the Oil Palm Company (Abia Palm Oil Company Ltd.), the Ogwe Modern Poultry Farms and the Cashew Complex support our agro-allied efforts in industrialization. The government of Abia State, as a matter of deliberate policy, is poised to offer investment incentives and also create new centres for industrial activities which will be environmentally friendly. III. Water Resources Development: The major rivers in Abia State include Imo, Igwu, Azumini, and Aba. These subsequently flow into the Atlantic Ocean and open up substantial avenues for water resources and development. Potentials for hydro-electric development, irrigation for riverine travel abound. Currently, fishing is the main occupation of the indigenes who live along these river banks. Large scale fishing with enhanced technology will create more jobs for the populace and generate wealth for the government and the people. The Azumini Blue River supplies the glass sand raw material (90%) for the giant glass industry in Aba. IV. Agricultural Resources Development: Abia State is mainly an agricultural state. The state lies, mainly, in the rain forest belt and has forest woods of economic value in all three agro-ecological zones. Plantation agriculture is a very viable venture especially in respect of the development of the oil-palm industry. There hundreds of other resources abound in Abia.

For example, forests and woods in the State can also be exploited for industrial uses such as pulp for paper and cardboard production. Besides oil palm, cashew, rubber, and cocoa are grown widely in the state. Derivative industries in these and in ginger, coconut, citrus, and raffia palm are all potentials for investment in agriculture. Food crop production emphasizes the arroid crops of cassava, yam, and cocoyam. The unified agricultural extension system (UAES) based on the World Bank supported T & V is practiced nation wide. Livestock and Fisheries complement the role of crop production. Agriculture and inland fisheries development is about to receive strong FAO support which will benefit fish farmers and the industry in Abia. Non-governmental organizations in Europe are soon to collaborate with the Agriculture Ministry in developing small farmers capacity for fish production. Agriculture is one viable area for international investment with local participation. V. Mineral Resources Development: In Southern parts of Abia, oil and gas predominate. The petroleum resources of Nigeria, in general, and Abia State, in particular, are exploited by the multinationals like Shell, Agip, etc. Abia State and international investors should benefit from very constructive and vigorous industrialization thrust with active collaboration with local and foreign investors in the mineral sector.

THE LIST OF GOVERNORS OF ABIA STATE

This is a list of the administrators and Governors of Abia State, Nigeria, which was created on 1991-08-27, when it was split from Imo State.

Name	Title	Took Office	Left Office	Party	Notes
Frank Ajobena	Military Administrator*	August 28, 1991	January, 1992	None
Ogbonnaya Onu	Executive Governor	January, 1992	November, 1993	NRC
Chinyere Ike Nwosu	Military Administrator*	December 9, 1993	September 14, 1994	None
Temi Ejoor	Military Administrator*	September 14, 1994	August 22, 1996	None
Moses Fasanya	Military Administrator*	August 22, 1996	August, 1998	None
Anthony Obi	Military Administrator*	August, 1998	May 29, 1999	None
Orji Uzor Kalu	Executive Governor	May 29, 1999	May 29, 2007	PDP, PPA	Elected on PDP platform, switched to Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA).
Theodore A. Orji	Executive Governor	May 29, 2007	Present	PPA

THE COMPOSITION OF ABIA STATE

Politics

The State Government is led by a democratically-elected executive Governor who works closely with an elected State House Assembly. The capital city is Umuahia. There are Seventeen (17) local government areas (LGAs).
In 1999 Nigeria became a democracy, and Orji Uzor Kalu contested on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and won the Governorship election in Abia State. Consequently he was sworn-in on 29 May 1999. In 2003, when it was time for fresh elections, Kalu re-contested on the platform of the PDP and got a second mandate to govern. (The Constitution of Nigeria limits Governors to two terms in office.) Theodore Orji (PPA) defeated Onyema Ugochukwu (PDP) in the 2007 general elections to become Abia's next Governor.In 2011, Theodore Orji decamped from PPA to the PDP and was re-elected for another four-year tenure.

Local Government Areas

Abia State has 17 local government areas (LGAs). They are:

• Aba North
• Aba South
• Arochukwu
• Bende
• Ikwuano
• Isiala Ngwa North
• Isiala Ngwa South
• Isuikwuato
• Obi Ngwa
• Ohafia
• Osisioma Ngwa
• Ugwunagbo
• Ukwa East
• Ukwa West
• Umuahia North
• Umuahia South
• Umu Nneochi

Traditional rulers

Title	Ethnic Group	Name	Class	LGAs	Palace
Enyi (Eze) of Aba	Igbo / Eziama Aba	Eze Issac Ikonne	1	Aba North	Osusu Aba
Ochiudo 1 of Aba Ukwu	Igbo / Aba	Hon. Dr Jonathan U. oguejiofor (JP): Justice of Peace of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abia State
Osimiri III of Aba	Igbo / Aba	Eze (Barrister) Sunday Emejiaka	1	Aba South	Aba
Eze Aro	Igbo / Arochukwu	Mazi Ogbonnaya Vincent Okoro (Eze Aro III)	1	Arochukwu	Oro Arochukwu
Ike 1 of Ikeisu	Igbo / Isu	Dr. Augustine O. Igwe (Ike I)	?	Arochukwu	Ikeisu (Utugiyi)
Ezeala III of Aro Ngwa	Igbo / Aro Ngwa	Eze Edward Enwereji	?	Osisioma Ngwa
Ugo Oha (Eze) of Etiti Mgboko Umuanunu	Igbo / Etiti	Ngozi Ibekwe	1	Obi ngwa
Eze Ukwu 1 of Ngwa-Ukwu	Igbo / Ngwa	Benard Enweremadu	1	Isiala Ngwa	Ngwa Ukwu
Eze of Nunya	Igbo / ?	Dr. M.E. Ihevume	?	?
Ossah-Ibeku (Eze) of Umuahia[7]	Igbo / ?	Hope Onuigbo	X	X	Umuahia Amibo, Nsukwe
Eze of Uturu	Igbo / Uturu	A.E. Ude	?	Isuikwuato	Uturu
Igbojiakuru (Eze) of Alayi	Igbo / Alayi	Ukeje Philip	?	Bende	Ndi Elendu, Amaeke Alayi
Awu (Eze)of Isuamawu	Igbo / Isuikwuato	Surveyor Chris E Aboh,FNIS	?	Isuikwuato	Eluama Isuama
Enachioken Of Abiriba	Igbo / Abiriba	Kalu Kalu Ogbu	?	Ohafia LGA	Abiriba
Ohanyere I Of Ohiya	Igbo / Umuahia	Eze Abel E. Uhuegbue	?	Umuahia South LGA	Abia
Ome Udo I Of Umueze, Ohiya	Igbo / Ohiya	Nnanna S. Nwamarah	?	Umuahia South LGA	Abia
Ome Udo II Of Umueze, Ohiya	Igbo / Ohiya	Uche Nwamarah	?	Umuahia South LGA	Abia
Okaa Omee I of Amaikwu, Abia	Igbo / Ohiya	Uche Nwamarah	?	Umuahia South LGA	Abia

Geography

Abia State, which occupies about 5,834 square kilometers, is bounded on the north and northeast by the states of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi. To the west of Abia is Imo State, to the east and southeast are Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, and to the south is Rivers State. The southern part of the State lies within the riverine part of Nigeria. It is low-lying tropical rain forest with some oil-palm brush.^[4] the southern oportion gets heavy rainfall of about 2,400 millimetres (94 in) per year especially intense between the months of April through October. The rest of the State is moderately high plain and wooded savanna.^[4] The most important rivers in Abia State are the Imo and Aba Rivers which flow into the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta.

Infrastructure and economy

Crude oil and gas production is a prominent activity, as it contributes to 39% of the GDP.^[8] The manufacturing sector only accounts for 2% of the GDP.^[8] The industrial center of the state is in Aba, with textile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, soap, plastics, cement, footwear, and cosmetics.^[4] Representing 27% of the GDP,^[8] agriculture, which employs 70% ^[8] of the state workforce, is the second economic sector of Abia. With its adequate seasonal rainfall, Abia has much arable land that produces yams, maize, potatoes, rice, cashews, plantains, taro, and cassava.^[4] Oil palm is the most important cash crop.^[4]

University and Colleges

There are three universities in the state: the federally owned Michael Okpara University of Agriculture at Umudike and the state-owned Abia State University in Uturu and the Gregory University Uturu (Privately owned). There are two tertiary hospitals, the Federal Medical Center in Umuahia and the Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba, which serve as referral hospitals in the State. The Abia State Polytechnic is also in the city of Aba. There are two major power plants in Abia, The Alaoji Power plant and the Geometric Power plant. Abia is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and has been a "haven" for foreign investors. The state's population has grown rapidly since its creation.

Travel

The nearest airport to Abia state is Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport (Owerri Airport), an hour’s drive to Aba; and Port Harcourt International Airport, 2 hours to Aba and about three hours to Umuahia. Uyo Airport Akwa Ibom State can also serve would be visitors. The Distance between Uyo (Akwa Ibom) and Umuahia (Abia) is: 73.28 kilometres (45.53 mi).
The rail transport is also another means of travel, very effective but currently on revitalization. Aba is connected to Port Harcourt by rail.^[4] The Coastal parts of the State are equally accessible with boats and canoes.

THE HISTORY OF ABIA STATE

Abia State was carved out of the former Imo State in 1991. The name "Abia" is an abbreviation of four of the state's densely populated regions Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo.^[6] It is one of the thirty-six (36) States that constitute the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Abia people are of the Igbo ethnic group who predominates much of the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Their traditional language is Igbo. English is widely spoken and serves as the official language in governance and business. Abia's 2.4mm people are mainly Christians.

Politics

The State Government is led by a democratically-elected executive Governor who works closely with an elected State House Assembly. The capital city is Umuahia. There are Seventeen (17) local government areas (LGAs).
In 1999 Nigeria became a democracy, and Orji Uzor Kalu contested on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and won the Governorship election in Abia State. Consequently he was sworn-in on 29 May 1999. In 2003, when it was time for fresh elections, Kalu re-contested on the platform of the PDP and got a second mandate to govern. (The Constitution of Nigeria limits Governors to two terms in office.) Theodore Orji (PPA) defeated Onyema Ugochukwu (PDP) in the 2007 general elections to become Abia's next Governor.In 2011, Theodore Orji decamped from PPA to the PDP and was re-elected for another four-year tenure.

Local Government Areas

Abia State has 17 local government areas (LGAs). They are:

• Aba North
• Aba South
• Arochukwu
• Bende
• Ikwuano
• Isiala Ngwa North
• Isiala Ngwa South
• Isuikwuato
• Obi Ngwa
• Ohafia
• Osisioma Ngwa
• Ugwunagbo
• Ukwa East
• Ukwa West
• Umuahia North
• Umuahia South
• Umu Nneochi

Traditional rulers

Title	Ethnic Group	Name	Class	LGAs	Palace
Enyi (Eze) of Aba	Igbo / Eziama Aba	Eze Issac Ikonne	1	Aba North	Osusu Aba
Ochiudo 1 of Aba Ukwu	Igbo / Aba	Hon. Dr Jonathan U. oguejiofor (JP): Justice of Peace of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abia State
Osimiri III of Aba	Igbo / Aba	Eze (Barrister) Sunday Emejiaka	1	Aba South	Aba
Eze Aro	Igbo / Arochukwu	Mazi Ogbonnaya Vincent Okoro (Eze Aro III)	1	Arochukwu	Oro Arochukwu
Ike 1 of Ikeisu	Igbo / Isu	Dr. Augustine O. Igwe (Ike I)	?	Arochukwu	Ikeisu (Utugiyi)
Ezeala III of Aro Ngwa	Igbo / Aro Ngwa	Eze Edward Enwereji	?	Osisioma Ngwa
Ugo Oha (Eze) of Etiti Mgboko Umuanunu	Igbo / Etiti	Ngozi Ibekwe	1	Obi ngwa
Eze Ukwu 1 of Ngwa-Ukwu	Igbo / Ngwa	Benard Enweremadu	1	Isiala Ngwa	Ngwa Ukwu
Eze of Nunya	Igbo / ?	Dr. M.E. Ihevume	?	?
Ossah-Ibeku (Eze) of Umuahia[7]	Igbo / ?	Hope Onuigbo	X	X	Umuahia Amibo, Nsukwe
Eze of Uturu	Igbo / Uturu	A.E. Ude	?	Isuikwuato	Uturu
Igbojiakuru (Eze) of Alayi	Igbo / Alayi	Ukeje Philip	?	Bende	Ndi Elendu, Amaeke Alayi
Awu (Eze)of Isuamawu	Igbo / Isuikwuato	Surveyor Chris E Aboh,FNIS	?	Isuikwuato	Eluama Isuama
Enachioken Of Abiriba	Igbo / Abiriba	Kalu Kalu Ogbu	?	Ohafia LGA	Abiriba
Ohanyere I Of Ohiya	Igbo / Umuahia	Eze Abel E. Uhuegbue	?	Umuahia South LGA	Abia
Ome Udo I Of Umueze, Ohiya	Igbo / Ohiya	Nnanna S. Nwamarah	?	Umuahia South LGA	Abia
Ome Udo II Of Umueze, Ohiya	Igbo / Ohiya	Uche Nwamarah	?	Umuahia South LGA	Abia
Okaa Omee I of Amaikwu, Abia	Igbo / Ohiya	Uche Nwamarah	?	Umuahia South LGA	Abia

Geography

Abia State, which occupies about 5,834 square kilometers, is bounded on the north and northeast by the states of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi. To the west of Abia is Imo State, to the east and southeast are Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, and to the south is Rivers State. The southern part of the State lies within the riverine part of Nigeria. It is low-lying tropical rain forest with some oil-palm brush.^[4] the southern oportion gets heavy rainfall of about 2,400 millimetres (94 in) per year especially intense between the months of April through October. The rest of the State is moderately high plain and wooded savanna.^[4] The most important rivers in Abia State are the Imo and Aba Rivers which flow into the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta.

Infrastructure and economy

Crude oil and gas production is a prominent activity, as it contributes to 39% of the GDP.^[8] The manufacturing sector only accounts for 2% of the GDP.^[8] The industrial center of the state is in Aba, with textile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, soap, plastics, cement, footwear, and cosmetics.^[4] Representing 27% of the GDP,^[8] agriculture, which employs 70% ^[8] of the state workforce, is the second economic sector of Abia. With its adequate seasonal rainfall, Abia has much arable land that produces yams, maize, potatoes, rice, cashews, plantains, taro, and cassava.^[4] Oil palm is the most important cash crop.^[4]

University and Colleges

There are three universities in the state: the federally owned Michael Okpara University of Agriculture at Umudike and the state-owned Abia State University in Uturu and the Gregory University Uturu (Privately owned). There are two tertiary hospitals, the Federal Medical Center in Umuahia and the Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba, which serve as referral hospitals in the State. The Abia State Polytechnic is also in the city of Aba. There are two major power plants in Abia, The Alaoji Power plant and the Geometric Power plant. Abia is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and has been a "haven" for foreign investors. The state's population has grown rapidly since its creation.

Travel

The nearest airport to Abia state is Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport (Owerri Airport), an hour’s drive to Aba; and Port Harcourt International Airport, 2 hours to Aba and about three hours to Umuahia. Uyo Airport Akwa Ibom State can also serve would be visitors. The Distance between Uyo (Akwa Ibom) and Umuahia (Abia) is: 73.28 kilometres (45.53 mi).
The rail transport is also another means of travel, very effective but currently on revitalization. Aba is connected to Port Harcourt by rail.^[4] The Coastal parts of the State are equally accessible with boats and canoes.