The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Buni challenge permanent secretaries on fresh ideas

    Buni challenge permanent secretaries on fresh ideas

    Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has charged permanent secretaries to be proactive and bring in fresh ideas to overcome development challenges in the state.

    Buni stated this in Damaturu yesterday during the swearing-in of two newly appointed permanent secretaries and permanent member of Yobe Pilgrims Commission.

    The permanent secretaries are Alhaji Musa Fara-fara and Mohammed Balumi, while Babagana Bukar was sworn-in as a permanent member of the commission.

    Buni noted the elevation of the officers would encourage hard work, fill in existing vacancies and promote effective and efficient service delivery.

    He said the appointments were based on merit, reassuring civil servants that his government would continue to appreciate and reward hard working officers, who put in their best.

    Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

    “Let me take this opportunity to stress that this administration will continue to equip and reposition the Public Service to be more responsive to our current demands for speedy and effective implementation of people oriented policies and programmes.

    “In this regard, I would like to appeal to the new appointees to be proactive and bring in fresh ideas in our quest to developmental challenges for the betterment of our people, and wish to assure you that we will continue to maintain open-door policy, ” he said.

    The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration toward reinvigorating the civil service for optimum performance.

    “I hereby direct the Head of Service to draw up a succession plan by training and retraining the middle cadre staff for efficient service delivery,” he said.

  • ‘Kyari reforming oil sector for next generation’

    ‘Kyari reforming oil sector for next generation’

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s supporters under the auspices of the Confederation of All Progressive Congress (APC) Support Groups has said that the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL Mele Kyari is reforming the oil Sector for the next generation.

    According to them, Kyari will develop the oil sector for an enduring footprint for the next generation.

    Recall that President Tinubu renewed the appointment of Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The appointment takes effect from Friday, December 1, 2023.

    Read Also: MC Oluomo secures second term as Lagos NURTW chair

    But speaking to reporters in Abuja, the Director General of the Confederation of APC groups, Kailani Muhammad, said Kyari has expressed commitment to the development of the sector adding that it will remain a footprint for generations to come as he continues to lead NNPCL.

    According to Kailani, the extension of Kyari’s tenure as the Group Chief Executive Officer clearly reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to his renewed hope agenda, ensuring that competent individuals are retained in key positions for optimal results.

    “We applaud Mr. President for not being swayed by dissident voices pushing for the replacement of Mele Kyari with a stooge to serve their interests,” Kailani added.

  • Tinubu, National Assembly urged to revisit 2014 constitutional conference report

    Tinubu, National Assembly urged to revisit 2014 constitutional conference report

    Former Vice – Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, has urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to revisit the report of the 2014 Constitutional Conference as it addressed most of the challenges of the country’s development.

    He noted that the recommendations of the conference, if implemented, could accelerate the “tempo of our nation-building efforts.”

    Mkpa stated this in Abuja while delivering a keynote lecture of the 3rd annual public lecture series, induction and conferment of honorary doctorate degree of the African School of Diplomacy and International Relations.

    The event, with the theme “The Political Economy of Nation-Building: The World’s Unfinished Business”, was organised in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom (UK).

    He said: “That conference made landmark recommendations which, had they been implemented, could have accelerated the tempo of our nation-building efforts.”

    Mkpa noted that the country’s path to nation-building could become a mirage if individuals are stronger than institutions.

    Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

    He said military coups in some African countries are the “effect of unfinished business of nation-building in those countries and Nigerian leaders should use the 2014 Constitutional Conference report to normalise things.”

    He said: “One of the most near-successful efforts in Nigeria’s history of nation-building, that would have arrested most, if not all the stumbling blocks towards the nation’s unsteady march towards nation-building was the national conferences of 2014.

    “The recommendation addressed the critical obstacles to nation building which include devolution of power, creation of state police, resource control, electoral reform, youth empowerment and fear of domination of any ethnic group.

    “Others are reduction of cost of governance, transparency, fight against corruption, to inject and consolidate the ideal of nationhood into the psyche of Nigerians in the continuing effort towards nation-building.”

  • Shekarau advocates connecting rural communities to tele-medicine

    Shekarau advocates connecting rural communities to tele-medicine

    Former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has advocated the connection of rural communities in the country to tele-medicine.

    He said digitising healthcare records, can ensure seamless access to patient information leading to more accurate diagnosis, better treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.

    Shekarau said this yesterday in Abuja at an international conference organised to explore new sources of funding primary healthcare infrastructure development in Nigeria.

    He said the summit is a digital transformation bridge that will close the gaps between healthcare providers and patients, allowing timely interventions and improved health outcomes.

    “Investing in digital health technology through the instrument of Islamic financing will not only bridge the gaps in healthcare delivery in Nigeria but will improve access, reduce geographical barriers, enhance the quality of healthcare services, and seamlessly provide specialised healthcare for Nigerians regardless of their social status.

    ‘’Islamic finance, with its principles of fairness and social responsibility, can play a pivotal role in supporting the adoption and implementation of digital health technology in Nigeria,’’ he added.

    President of the African Islamic Economic Foundation, Malam Baba Muhammad, said the summit represents a significant milestone in the intersection of healthcare, technology, and faith-based financial principles in one of Africa’s most populous and diverse nations in its quest to improve healthcare access and quality.

    Read Also: MC Oluomo secures second term as Lagos NURTW chair

    ‘’In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable advancements in technology that have transformed countless aspects of our lives, from e-commerce to communication and medicine, leading limitless opportunities for Africa and other continents,’’ he said.

    While supporting the need for Nigeria to review its dependence on budget as the only source of healthcare financing, Director Projects Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), Dr. Stanley Ukpai called on stakeholders at the summit to find alternative funding sources to diversify its domestic funding sources to fiancé health.

    He said: “This summit is an innovative alternative to provide Nigeria with the link between new sources of funds and digital healthcare opportunities that can transform Nigeria’s healthcare delivery, especially as Nigeria will witness the highest budgetary allocation to health of 8% in 2024. This is a great opportunity for all hands to be on deck to ensure adequate funding of the sector.”

  • Otti’s, Ikpeazu’s aides clash over alleged mismanagement of N500mOttiOtti’s, Ikpeazu’s aides clash over alleged mismanagement of N500m

    Otti’s, Ikpeazu’s aides clash over alleged mismanagement of N500mOttiOtti’s, Ikpeazu’s aides clash over alleged mismanagement of N500m

    The media camps of the Labour Party (LP)-led government of Dr. Alex Otti and his predecessor, former governor Okezie Ikpeazu, have engaged in war of words, as the incumbent administration raises a fresh N500m allegation against Dr. Ikpeazu.

    While the government is alleging that former governor Ikpeazu didn’t build any new Government House as his media team are claiming on the internet, Ikpeazu’s media team have come out to debunk the statement from Otti’s media team.

    According to a statement issued yesterday by the Senior Special Adviser to Otti on Media, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the money, which was mapped out to be used in the renovation of the Abia State Government House, was allegedly diverted by Ikpeazu to build his house at Umuobiakwa, his country home in Obingwa Local Government.

    Ekeoma, who said the government had already initiated moves to ensure that the former governor accounted for or returned the money to the state coffers, debunked that the former governor built a new Government House.

    The state government recently came across a document, which showed that former governor Ikpeazu diverted a whopping Five Hundred Million Naira meant for the renovation of Abia State Government House and used same to build a house for himself at his Umuobiakwa country home in Obingwa Local Government.

    “The government decided to take the necessary action to ensure that the former governor returns the money without unnecessary drama. Interestingly, the former governor got hint of the arrangement and decided to send his attack dogs led by his former commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu, to carry out another laughable and thoughtless media onslaught, accusing Governor Otti of refusing to move into the so-called “New Government House” that does not exist and other outright mendacious fabrications.

    Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

    Responding, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Ikpeazu, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, said: “The Presidential Lodge is still intact, yet Otti abandoned it and chose to operate from his personal house.

    “Apart from the new Presidential Lodge, there is also the old Presidential Lodge, which was fully renovated and refurbished by Ikpeazu.

    “It’s on the road to Ojukwu Bunker with the official residences of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9 Umuahia and the Commissioner of Police surrounding it. Why didn’t he move in there?

    “Six months after taking office, you people cannot buy ordinary bed and foam plus chairs and tables to furnish a completed house? Yet you have spent N5.4 billion to run the office of the governor in three months inside Otti’s personal house?

    “You have spent close to N900 million on food and refreshments inside Otti’s house?

    “You have spent N540million on media and propaganda in three months? Yet you can’t buy ordinary bed and foam?

    “If Otti was serious about helping the state, he would have committed funds to do whatever was needed to bring the Government House to his taste.”

  • NDDC begins construction of 18km Owaza-Uzuaku road in Abia

    NDDC begins construction of 18km Owaza-Uzuaku road in Abia

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has kicked off the reconstruction of the 18km Owaza-Uzuaku-144 Battalion-Afam Junction Road in Ukwa West Local Government of Abia State.

    Speaking during the kick-off in Owaza, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured the people of the commission’s determination to bring development and hope to Niger Delta in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Ogbuku, represented by the Abia State representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Chief Eruba Dimgba, said the commission, as an interventionist agency, was committed to speeding up development in the region.

    He said the road would have a major impact on the lives of the people, as it would rejuvenate the communities that had suffered many years of neglect despite being in the oil-producing belt of the state.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, urged the benefitting communities to support and cooperate with the contractor to ensure that the project was completed on schedule.

    Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

    He hailed the communities in Ukwa West Local Government for appreciating the efforts of the NDDC, promising that the commission would continue to execute projects to enhance the living conditions in Niger Delta communities.

    He observed that the 18km road set for re-construction had been in deplorable condition for many years, impacting negatively on the socio-economic activities of the area.

    The traditional ruler of Etiti Onha Owaza, Eze Obioma Nworgu, thanked the NDDC for the emergency re-construction of the road, which he said was “a death-trap for commuters and a feasting ground for criminals.”

    He said: “I commend the NDDC for this intervention and many other projects executed in Abia State. I am appealing that our children should be carried along in the NDDC’s scholarship programme, empowerment and employment.”

    He appealed to the commission to include his community in the ongoing installation of electricity facilities, especially solar-powered lights, in Niger Delta communities.

    Giving a brief description of the project, the Head Project Monitoring and Supervision in the NDDC, Abia State office, Kingsley Azu, said the 18km road, with concrete drains, would traverse many communities, such as Owaza, Okohia, Uzuaku, Umuelechi and Ezendioma.

    The President of National Youth Council of Ukwa West Council, Mr. Alwell Nwagbara, assured the NDDC that the youth would protect the project and ensure that conducive environment was provided for the contractor to operate optimally.

  • Diri orders probe of palliatives diversion in Bayelsa

    Diri orders probe of palliatives diversion in Bayelsa

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has ordered investigation into the distribution of palliatives with a view to bringing to book, culprits who diverted food items.

    He gave the directive during the state’s executive council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, following complaints that some individuals diverted items meant for each ward, according to a statement by governor’s media aide, Daniel Alabrah.

    The state government had procured more food items in addition to the five trucks of rice allotted to each state by the Federal Government, as part of measures to cushion the effect of the removal of petrol subsidy, on the people.

    Each ward was allocated at least 150 bags of rice, apart from maize.

    Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

    The governor condemned the action of those who reportedly diverted palliatives entrusted to them for distribution in the 105 wards across the state.

    He directed the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwe; Coordinator of the state Community Safety Corps, Brig.-Gen. Eric Angaye (retd) and the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, to work with relevant bodies to identify those culpable.

    He urged politicians to be selfless in their conduct and not withhold what is meant for people at the grassroots.

    Diri thanked members of his executive council (exco) for working hard to achieve victory during the November 11 governorship poll, saying they collectively won the election.

    He thanked ‘Bayelsans’ for their support and show of love during the election, and promised that his administration would work hard to improve the condition of the state.

  • Appeal Court sacks Abia LP lawmaker

    Appeal Court sacks Abia LP lawmaker

    A Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has sacked Abia State Labour Party (LP) lawmaker, Destiny Nwagwu, representing Aba North State Constituency.

    Our correspondent learnt that Nwagwu, reacting to his sack, took to the streets of Aba (Brass junction to be precise), to protest his sack as the Court of Appeal has declared Aaron Uzodike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the validly elected lawmaker.

    It was gathered that Nwagwu’s legal team failed to prove to the court that their client was validly nominated to run for the 2023 general election, which was the reason the PDP candidate approached the Court of Appeal seeking a review of the judgment of the election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the capital, which had validated Nwagwu as the winner of the seat after it dismissed the petition of Uzodike.

    Nwagwu and members of his team are yet to make official comment on his loss.

    Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

    Sources close to him, at press time, said he was not in the frame of mind to speak.

    Nwagwu lost to the same Uzodike in the 2019 general election in what many described as controversial declaration of Uzodike as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Nwagwu in 2019 ran for Aba North State Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), with Alex Otti as the governorship candidate.

    The camps of Uzodike and PDP have been in jubilant mood, as his victory has further boosted the move by the PDP to take over leadership of the Abia State House of Assembly.

  • Otti inaugurates council transition committee chairmen

    Otti inaugurates council transition committee chairmen

    • Urges them to grow local govt economy

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti yesterday inaugurated the newly appointed transition committee chairmen (mayors) for the 17 local governments.

    He urged them to grow the local government economy by making the communities conducive for production and rapid growth.

    Speaking in Umuahia at the event titled: “Expanding the frontiers of development”, the governor said: “Your primary task as mayors and deputies shall be to make the local communities and towns conducive for active production and rapid growth.

    “We expect you to quickly develop holistic framework for improving agriculture and light scale production in ways that enhance outputs and attract domestic and foreign investors.”

    He said their appointment was a call to serve and not to be served.

    “We do not expect you to get everything right on the first day, but you must be willing to learn, keeping your mind open to new ideas and possibilities.”

    On his reason for appointing such class of people as mayors, Otti said: “We need the best hands and heads to drive the development of the state.”

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, said the governor desired to bring together the individuals as mayors and heads of the councils because he had great plans for the local governments, which included ensuring accelerated development at the grassroots.

    The mayors thanked the governor for appointing them and pledged their commitment to serve.

    Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

    The transition committee chairmen and their deputies include: Aba North LGA:

    Chairman- Ide John Udeagbala,

    Deputy- Prince Nnaemeka Ogbonna; Aba South LGA:

    Chairman- Mr. Uchechukwu A. C. Wogu, Deputy- Mrs. Nkiru Ugwu;

    Arochukwu LGA: Chairman- Chief Joe Eze Aru, Deputy- Mr. Okezie Azuma;

    Bende LGA: Chairman- Chijioke Nwankwo, Deputy- Mr. Onyedikachi Iroegbu; Ikwuano LGA:

    Chairman- Mr. Osinachi Hycinth Nwaka,

    Deputy- Chief Charles Ugbuajah; IsialaNgwa North LGA: Chairman- Mr. C. Y. Nwankwo, Deputy- Mr. Uchenna Nwanbuko; IsialaNgwa South LGA:

    Chairman- Dr. Elelenta Nwambuisi Elelenta; Deputy- Mr. Eberechukwu Ahuruonye; Isuikwuato LGA: Chairman – Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike (Rtd),

    Deputy- Harrison Onuke;

    Obingwa LGA:

    Chairman- Dr. Eric Egwuibe,

    Deputy- Mr. Chiemela Ekpemu;

    Ohafia LGA: Chairman- Chief David Ogba, Deputy- Mkpa Oju Uka;

    Osisioma Ngwa LGA:

    Chairman- Israel Nweke,

    Deputy- Young Ngwaziem; Ukwa East LGA: Chairman- Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Nwagbara, Deputy- Chief Onyebuchi Nnah; Ukwa West LGA:  Chairman- Mr. Newman Azu, Deputy- Mr. Anele Michael; Ugwunagbo LGA:

    Chairman- Comrade Nosike Ihesiaba,

    Deputy- Mr. Nnamdi Kelvin Chijioke;

    Umuahia North LGA:

    Chairman- Chief Victor Ikeji,

    Deputy- Mr. Okechukwu Anthony Amah; Umuahia – South LGA:

    Chairman- Mr. Obike Ejike Nnochiri,

    Deputy- Mr. Olendingwa Nwabueze;

    Umunneochi LGA:

    Chairman- Mr. Ndubuisi Ike,

    Deputy- Mr. Njoku Augustine C.

  • Rivers governor preaches peace at monarch’s funeral service

    Rivers governor preaches peace at monarch’s funeral service

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday dedicated most part of his speech at the funeral service of King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Amachree XI, the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom, to appeal to residents to embrace peace.

    He said although the state was in a difficult period, there was need for everybody to maintain peace in the interest of development and growth of Rivers.

    Speaking at the King Amachree Square in Buguma Town, Asari Toru Local Government, Fubara said the desire of his administration to enthrone an enviable Rivers could only take place in an atmosphere of peace.

    Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

    The governor in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant, Media, Boniface Onyedi, said residents must exhibit mutual harmony among themselves and contribute their quota to realise developmental activities lined up by his administration.

    He said: “We are in a difficult period, but just be peaceful. We cannot achieve progress in an environment of violence. We cannot grow our state to the level of our aspirations when there is trouble.

    “We can only advance to our dream state in a peaceful environment. I urge every one of you to be peaceful. Peace is the only instrument that can bring development.”

    The Intercontinental Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge, who represented the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, stressed the need for people to seek God, serve him truthfully, while living peacefully with their neighbours.