Anambra Imo River Basin Owerri Updates

03/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

AIRBDA OPENS FINANCIAL BIDS FOR 2026 APPROPRIATION, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY

The Managing Director of Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), Rt. Hon. Barr. Anthony Emeka Nduka, has reiterated the Authority's commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism in its procurement process.

He made this known during AIRBDA's Financial Bid Opening Ceremony for its projects under the 2026 Appropriation, held at the Authority's Headquarters.

The Managing Director, who was represented by the Executive Director, Engineering, Hon. Evaristus Asadu, described the exercise as a significant milestone in the Authority’s 2026 tender process, following the successful completion of the technical evaluation of bids by the Technical Evaluation Committee.

He commended the committee for the thoroughness, professionalism and integrity demonstrated in evaluating the technical submissions, noting that the contractors whose financial bids were being opened had satisfied the technical and qualifying requirements stipulated in the tender documents.

Rt. Hon. Nduka stated that the financial bid opening was being conducted in accordance with extant procurement regulations and the values of the Authority, with the process designed to guarantee fairness, accountability and equal opportunity for all technically qualified bidders.

He charged members of the Financial Evaluation Committee to sustain the diligence and fairness that had characterised the procurement process, stressing the importance of selecting contractors capable of delivering the best value for money while meeting the Authority’s requirements.

The MD then reaffirmed AIRBDA’s commitment to conducting its procurement activities in line with the highest standards of probity, transparency and professionalism.

In her remarks, the HOD, Procurement, Dr Kelechi Freedom Madu, congratulated the contractors for scaling through the first evaluation process and assured them of the same level of professionalism in this next stage.

The HOD noted that the financial bid opening process would look at their financial submissions, pointing out that only six best-fit responsive bidders would scale through for the six available lots.

She further listed errors such as filling out documents with pencil instead of pen, not attaching a covering letter and submitting an unsigned bid as some of the infringements that would disqualify a bid, and assured the contractors of a credible evaluation process.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of participating contractors, representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, representatives from Civil Society Organisations and management staff of the Authority.

Chika Anurunwa
2/9/2026

03/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

AIRBDA FLAGS OFF SECOND BATCH OF MASTERCARD SPONSORED SONGHAI AGRICULTURAL TRAINING

The Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) has flagged off the second batch of its five-year Songhai Agricultural Training Programme, sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation as part of efforts to equip young people with modern agricultural skills and promote sustainable food production.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director Rt. Hon. Barr. Anthony Emeka Nduka who was represented by the Executive Director Agric Services Barr. Noble Ojigwe, commended the Mastercard Foundation for supporting the training initiative and investing in the development of youths through agriculture.

He noted that exposing these young people to modern farming techniques would not only improve their capacity to become productive and self-reliant but would also strengthen efforts towards achieving food security.

The Managing Director stated that the growing impact of climate change has adversely affected the environment and agricultural activities stressing need for the adoption farm practices that are adaptable and environmentally sustainable.

He noted that the Songhai integrated model of farming will provide the trainees with practical knowledge and techniques that can help address some of the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring food security.

He urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously and charged them to demonstrate discipline, commitment and hard work throughout the programme in order to derive maximum benefit from the training.

The ceremony had in attendance the Public Relations Officer, Dr. Chidi Amaliri, Head of Department, Agric, Mr. O’Brien Akudu as well as staff of the Authority and Songhai.

Chika Anurunwa
2/9/2026

02/09/2026

Powering Communities Sustainably: AIRBDA’s Role in Renewable Energy Projects

At the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority [AIRBDA], our mandate goes beyond water resources. We are actively driving Nigeria’s transition to clean, reliable, and inclusive energy through the supervision of Renewable Energy Projects across our catchment areas.

How AIRBDA Contributes to Renewable Energy

1. Solar Street Lights for Zonal Intervention & Mandate Projects
We supervise the installation of solar-powered street lights in communities. This improves security, extends economic activities into the night, and reduces reliance on diesel generators and grid power.

2. Solar Powered Borehole Projects
Access to clean water and clean energy go hand in hand. AIRBDA oversees the construction and installation of solar-powered boreholes. These projects provide potable water to rural and peri-urban communities while using zero fuel and producing zero emissions.

3. Solar Installation for Offices and Public Facilities
We also supervise solar installations that power AIRBDA offices and other public facilities. This cuts operational costs, ensures power stability, and demonstrates renewable energy adoption within government institutions.

The Engineering Backbone
This work is driven by the Engineering Department of AIRBDA — Electrical/Electronics Engineers, Technologists, and other technical cadres. Our team provides technical supervision, quality assurance, and project monitoring to ensure every solar street light, borehole, and office installation meets standard and delivers lasting impact.

Why This Matters
Through these interventions, AIRBDA is directly supporting Nigeria’s renewable energy goals:
- Energy Access: Lighting streets and powering water systems in underserved areas
- Climate Action: Reducing carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuel with solar
- Cost Efficiency: Lowering energy costs for communities and government facilities
- Sustainable Development: Aligning with SDGs 6, 7, and 13

At AIRBDA, we believe that sustainable water and sustainable energy must work together to build resilient communities.

We remain committed to supervising projects that bring light, water, and power — powered by the sun.

01/09/2026

20/08/2026

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS ABEL OLUMUYIWA ENITAN AS HEAD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE OF THE FEDERATION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.

Mr Enitan succeeds Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who will retire soon from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

He brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.

President Tinubu expresses his profound appreciation to Mrs Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the Civil Service during her tenure.

The President wishes her a fulfilling and successful life after service and conveys the nation's gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service.

President Tinubu charges the incoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to consolidate on the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President further urges Mr Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians' needs and aspirations.

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife. He later attended the University of Lagos and graduated in 1988 with a B.Sc. in Finance and Banking.

In 2015, Enitan obtained an M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.

Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
August 19, 2026

04/08/2026

Our managing Director Rt Hon. Anthony Emeka Nduka Welcoming guests to the Church service today at the silver Jubilee celebration of the parish priest Rev. Father Valentine Egejuru at St Mary's Catholic Church Agbala.

23/06/2026

FG Announces Mandatory 2026 COMPRO CBT for Federal Workers, Fixes July 22 Exam Date

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has scheduled Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for the conduct of the Junior and Senior Compulsory Confirmation/Promotion (COMPRO) Computer-Based Test (CBT) Examinations for eligible officers in the Federal Public Service.

The announcement was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), dated June 16, 2026, and addressed to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including top government officials and heads of federal institutions.

According to the circular, the examination is a statutory requirement for the confirmation and career advancement of officers in the Federal Public Service, in line with the provisions of Chapter 3 of the Public Service Rules.

Both Junior and Senior Officers are expected to sit for the examination on the same date at designated CBT centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The government directed all MDAs to ensure that eligible officers are duly nominated and registered within the approved timeline, stressing that the registration portal will close on June 30, 2026.

It warned that late registrations would not be accepted and urged agencies to promptly communicate examination details and instructions to all affected candidates.

The circular also stated that only accredited candidates who have completed all registration requirements will be allowed to participate in the examination.

In a directive specifically affecting security personnel, the government instructed that all Police and Paramilitary officers must appear in their official uniforms inside the examination hall.

The CBT examination will be conducted at approved centres managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to ensure transparency, credibility and a seamless examination process nationwide.

The circular was signed by Mrs. Nkiruka B. Jones-Nebo, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Key Highlights

Exam Date: July 22, 2026

Candidates: Eligible Junior and Senior Federal Public Service Officers

Registration Deadline: June 30, 2026

Venue: Designated CBT Centres nationwide and the FCT

Special Directive: Police and paramilitary officers must be in uniform during the examination

Exam Body: JAMB-managed CBT centres nationwide.

23/06/2026

FG Ban the Use of Yahoo and Gmail for Official Communications in Public Sector –Directs Government Agencies to Use GovMail

The Federal Government officially declared an end to the use of personal and generic email accounts, such as Yahoo Mail and Gmail, for official public-sector transactions.The key details of the mandate include:Official Directive: Civil servants are now strictly required to transition to a secure, institutional digital platform for all official communications.Implementation: The directive was announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.Infrastructure: Over 115,000 active official "GovMail" accounts have been activated to ensure that government business is traceable, professional, and secure.Data Security: The government aims to protect institutional memory so that official information remains within government systems even after an officer leaves their desk.

12/06/2026

*Federal Polytechnic Nekede Proposes Strategic Collaboration With AIRBDA*

The Public Private Unit (3PU) of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, paid a courtesy visit to the MD/CEO Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA); Rt Hon Emeka Nduka.

The leader of the team, Dr Ejike Ibecheozor; the Acting Director of the 3PU explained that the visit was meant to showcase the brand of the Instituition as well explore the possibility of a collaboration with AIBRDA as is their mandate.

He presented the proposal stating the areas in which the Unit was seeking partnership with AIRBDA.

The MD/CEO AIRBDA, Rt Hon Emeka Nduka who received the team at the Authority's Boardroom, in his response expressed delight with the visit and assured the them that their proposal will be reviewed in line with the mandate and operations of the River Basins.

--- The Press ---

12/06/2026

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

PRESS RELEASE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DECLARES JUNE 12, 2026 PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF DEMOCRACY DAY

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of Democracy Day. The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country. Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state.

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to the preservation of democratic ideals, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance. The administration has pledged to uphold these principles without compromise.

The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with relevant security agencies, will continue to maintain and strengthen internal security measures to protect lives and property across the country. A secure and stable environment, the Minister noted, is essential to the health of any democracy and to the broader project of national development.

The Minister called on all Nigerians to observe the holiday as an opportunity for civic reflection, urging citizens to recommit to lawful conduct, responsible engagement and national unity.

"As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens," the Minister said.

E-signed
Dr. Magdalene Ajani
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Interior
Federal Republic of Nigeria
11/6/2026