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Otti Launches Massive Water Projects Across Abia After Years of Delays

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Ubakala Water Scheme and Ariaria Water Scheme projects valued at N1.3 billion as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.

The projects, aimed at improving access to potable water across the state, were launched on Sunday at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area.

Speaking during the ceremony, Otti expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps for supporting the initiative, describing the intervention as a major step towards addressing water challenges facing residents.

SEE ALSO: Abia APC Reorganizes As Kalu Emerges Leader, Eyes 25% For Tinubu

According to the governor, both projects would be inaugurated simultaneously upon completion.

“N1.3 billion is a lot of money and we cannot take it for granted. Water is critical to life, and many people have died because of unsafe water. That is why this government has made potable water one of its top priorities,” Otti said.

He further revealed that the Aba Regional Water Project had reached 95 per cent completion, assuring residents that his administration remained committed to improving public utilities across the state.

Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the projects align with the objectives of the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme earlier inaugurated by the governor.

Monday disclosed that the projects had suffered multiple setbacks in the past, including an incident where financiers travelling for an earlier planned flag-off were reportedly kidnapped along the Anambra axis.

“The project was initially financed by USAID through Mercy Corps. Despite the delays, Governor Otti provided leadership, and with support from Mercy Corps, a private financier eventually agreed to fund the rehabilitation,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of Mercy Corps, Rabiu Sani said the organisation operates in more than 40 countries and has continued to support humanitarian interventions across Nigeria.

He explained that the rehabilitation work would include fixing existing boreholes, testing and repairing pumps, and strengthening water infrastructure to ensure sustainability.

The projects form part of the Abia State Government’s broader infrastructure renewal drive focused on improving water supply, roads, power, and other public utilities since Otti assumed office in 2023.

NEWS

“You Are Stupid” — VDM Launches Fresh Attack on Presidential Spokesperson Onanuga

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A fresh political and social media clash has erupted after Nigerian activist Vincent Martins Ortse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, released a fiery video response targeting presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga over allegations linked to a controversial audio recording involving President Bola Tinubu.

The controversy began earlier today after Onanuga called for legal action against the activist, accusing him of circulating and amplifying what the Presidency described as a fake audio of the President and demanding prosecution for misinformation.

RELATED NEWS: VDM in Trouble as Presidency Seeks Legal Action Over Alleged Fake Tinubu Audio

In his post on X on Wednesday, Onanuga wrote “This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu.”

The alleged audio, which has spread widely online, reportedly contains sensitive political remarks attributed to President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

The authenticity of the clip remains unverified, with speculation that it may have been generated using AI voice-cloning technology.

In a lengthy Facebook video response, VeryDarkMan dismissed the allegations and launched a direct verbal attack on Onanuga, while insisting he would not be intimidated by threats of prosecution.

Hee said “You are a very, very stupid old man. I’m not trying to insult you. Look at the dictionary meaning of stupid. That is the definition of who you are.”

“You are so daft, and this is the reason why I said President Tinubu should not come back in 2027. All the people that operate under him don’t use their brain.”

“I swear to God, I’m not getting my mind… this is part of an agenda. That is why you see this audio — I will not defend it. When I come back to Nigeria, I must feel the weight of the law… let me see it. You people think you can just silence people. This is Democracy, we have a right to criticize government when they are doing wrong.”

He also shifted focus to insecurity issues, referencing the Oyo school abduction incident, stating “Bandits went into a school in Oyo State… they carried three teachers, one man and two women. They carried students… we don’t even know if they are alive. As I speak to you today, those children are still in an unknown location. You have never made comments about that, but today you found your voice because of me.”

VeryDarkMan further accused online commentators of bias, claiming social media users were quick to support government narratives while ignoring national crises.

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NEWS

VDM in Trouble as Presidency Seeks Legal Action Over Alleged Fake Tinubu Audio

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Popular social media influencer Vincent Martins Ortse, known as VeryDarkMan is facing possible legal action after the Presidency called for his prosecution over the circulation of an alleged fake audio recording purportedly involving President Bola Tinubu.

The call for legal action was made on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused the influencer of spreading misleading content capable of deceiving the public and damaging the image of the President.

ALSO READ: “Cancer Is Not a Joke, Show Proof’ – VDM Calls Out Blessing CEO

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Onanuga described the audio as fake and criticized VeryDarkMan for amplifying what he termed false information.

“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform,” Onanuga stated.

The controversial audio clip, which went viral online, allegedly featured voice recordings attributed to President Tinubu making politically sensitive remarks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The content included claims about insecurity in parts of the country, political negotiations during the 2023 elections, and comments on Nigeria’s economic situation.

There are suspicions that the audio may have been generated using artificial intelligence voice-cloning technology, though this has not been officially confirmed.

VeryDarkMan, in a video response shared online, urged his followers to critically assess the content before drawing conclusions. He also used the clip to criticize the President and expressed opposition to his possible re-election bid in 2027.

 

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International News

U.S. Issues Highest-Level Travel Warning for Uganda Over Deadly Ebola Outbreak

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The United States has issued its strongest travel advisory against Uganda, warning citizens to completely avoid travel to the country due to an ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease.

In the updated alert, the United States Department of State upgraded Uganda’s travel status to Level 4, the highest risk classification, which is widely understood as a “Do Not Travel” warning.

The decision was based on serious health threats and the rapid spread of the virus in affected areas.

RELATED NEWS: Ebola Virus Outbreak: Uganda Reports New Cases, Total Reaches 7

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Authorities also warned of the risk of cross-border transmission, noting that continued movement across neighbouring countries could worsen the situation despite ongoing containment efforts.

Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had placed Uganda under a lower-level health advisory, advising travellers to take standard precautions.

However, a surge in infections and deteriorating conditions led to the tightening of restrictions.

Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have stepped up emergency response measures, including stricter border surveillance, movement restrictions in affected zones, and reductions in public transportation and market activities in high-risk areas.

Health agencies remain on high alert as the outbreak continues to raise concern over possible regional spread across East Africa.

 

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