The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • My project will outlive Soludo’s govt – First Lady

    My project will outlive Soludo’s govt – First Lady

    Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo has assured sustainance of her pet project, “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Campaign”, even after the expiration of his husband’s tenure.

    She said the project targeted at women and children had come to stay and would expand beyond the state.

    Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday in Awka, the first lady said the project has nothing to do with the government, adding that it was purely sponsored by voluntary donors.

    “This initiative is primarily run by those who are paid to serve. We also receive freewill donations, but not from those who do business with the government,” she said.

    According to Mrs. Soludo, the healthy living campaign is predicted on six segments, including promotion of good nutrition, environmental cleanliness, basic life skills and sound morals in the society.

    She said she had been carrying out campaign in primary and secondary schools to help children imbibe the culture of healthy living.

    She said, “For us to achieve a prosperous and livable homeland, we must embrace healthy living, both young and old and all the critical stakeholders in the society.

    “I started championing Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo 10 years ago. I give talks healthy life styles and good diets with our local foods.

    Read Also: Anambra: Still awaiting the Soludo solution

    “Our children need to get addicted to eating healthy, doing physical exercises and environment hygiene to stay healthy, rather than get addicted to their phones and social media.”

    Identifying vehicular pollution as one of the primary causes of air pollution driving climate change in society, Soludo’s wife urged Nigerians to embrace walking and cycling to reduce the menace and promote public health.

    “The emissions from our vehicles are polluting the air and environment; and this is hazardous to human health.

    “We need to introduce and embrace cycling to reduce carbon emissions and exposure. It is a clean mode of transport and a fitness choice with health benefits.

    “Sometimes we need to pack our cars and walk more, especially if we are not going long distance,” she said.

  • Gov. Eno pledges to incorporate recommendations of A’Ibom dialogue

    Gov. Eno pledges to incorporate recommendations of A’Ibom dialogue

    Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno has assured that most of the recommendations from the just concluded Akwa Ibom dialogue will be incorporated to enrich the economic development blueprint of the state.

    In his remarks at the closing ceremony of the 3-day event, the Governor noted that the time and energy exerted into the event by different subject matter experts within the state and beyond will not be in vain.

    He assured that his administration will work extra hard to ensure food sufficiency, security of lives and property, good education, expansion of infrastructure, and many other related developement plans as contained in the enriched ARISE Agenda.

    Governor Eno appealed to different stakeholders especially media professionals to be responsible and developmental in the practice, while avoiding content that will tear down the fabric of the state.

    As a demonstration of commitment to walking the talk, the Governor announced and presented letters of appointments to some professionals including; Dr (Mrs) Ime Udo, Mrs. Rose Eshiet and Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, as Honourary Special Advisers on Culture and Tourism, Oil and Gas, and Culture and Tourism respectively; to help drive the Agenda.

    Also offered an appointment was Mrs Linda Umoh as Senior Special Adviser on Diaspora, in fulfilment of his campaign promise to create a diaspora desk.

    He appreciated the facilitators, resource persons and all for their sacrifices which according to him, will yield the desired fruits in due time and season.

    Before their appointments, Dr (Mrs) Ime Udo was the president, National Association of Tour Operators of Nigeria, Mrs. Rose Eshiet was a retired Group General Manager, NNPC whileMr. Nkereuwem Onung was the National President FTAN /Chairman, Remlord Tours.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the event, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma acknowledged that the three days engagement was fruitful and impactful adding that the presentations by the different sub-sectors were excellent, and brimming with ideas.

    He appreciated the Governor for the initiative, opportunity and for inviting all Akwaibomites across political divides adding that it was an excellent achievement for the Umo Eno-led administration.

    On his part, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, who led paramount rulers, clan heads and other monarchs to the event, expressed satisfaction with the the event especially for its rich content and non – partisan approach.

    Ntenyin Etuk who is the supreme monarch of the Ibibio nation (Oku Ibom Ibibio) and Paramount Ruler of Nisit Ubium, the Governor’s LGA, urged everyone to support the agenda for a new Akwa Ibom and declared the total support of all the traditional fathers in the state.

    According to him, “I am very proud and excited about what I have seen today. Today is a very special day in my life for what God has used Umo Bassey Eno to do for Akwa Ibom State.

    “I sat down there listening to the presentations by the different sectors, we have never had it this good. We have listened, the facilitators have spoken, telling us the way to go. I want all of us to key into it. We, the traditional fathers, have keyed into this programme in totality,” he added.

  • Kano Emirate partners Legacy of Traditions on cultural firms

    Kano Emirate partners Legacy of Traditions on cultural firms

    The Kano State Emirate Council is partnering with the Legacy of Traditions to promote cultural firms.

    The Cultural Film Festival features over 20 cultural film screenings, with conversations with producers, directors, cultural ambassadors promoters, art and photography galleries of culture.

    The initiative is aimed at building a cultural economy through festivals and cultural traditions so that the legacies of existing heritage go to the future, the organisers said.

    The official opening of the cultural films festival took place at the Ado Bayero Mall, Kano. The closing ceremony will hold on July 30 and is expected to be attended by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    The organisation said the choice of Kano is because of the state’s rich culture, particularly its durbar as well as its status as the centre of commerce for the north and West African countries.

    The event in Kano is the first of its kind, focusing on cultural documentaries to enhance the cultural experience journey that will commence during the film screenings, which will remain on display until the end of 2023.

    Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, expressed delight over the initiative, saying he, like Legacy of Traditions, is passionate about the promotion of their rich cultural heritage, particularly the famous Durbar.

    “I commend the Legacy of Traditions, under the leadership of Princess Nere Emiko, the initiator of this unprecedented exhibition,” the emir said, acknowledging all the efforts she has made in partnership with Kano Emirate Council to raise the profile of the Durbar within and outside Kano.

    The monarch said the concept will preserve other aspects of the Durbar as a means of developing a durbar industry that will enhance economic and financial benefits for the people and country.

    Kano State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Ladidi Garko, described the event as “wonderful and spectacular,” noting that the Legacy of Traditions has challenged them to build on. 

    She appreciated the fact that the initiator, who hails from Delta State, has come to appreciate and showcase their culture to them.

    “This is an eye-opener. We are going to use this opportunity without allowing it to die. We will use the durbar to attract foreign investors to come and witness it so that we will go global,” the commissioner said, and announced that “in three months we will organise a food festival for people to come and see the different types of food we have in Kano.”

    Read Also: Kano emirates: A bar kaza cikin gashinta

    Director Legacy of Traditions, Nere Emiko, spoke on the importance of having a cultural film festival. 

     “A lot of time, unless you are there live, this gives you the opportunity to know it. It lasts forever, it goes further. And that expands the length and breadth our culture can go.

    “Kano is probably the city of culture. It has preserved tradition, legacy and culture more than anywhere. Kano is the only city where you go and see the Emir riding on the street and you see culture on the street. 

    “What we hope to achieve is honestly number one, we would like Kano to come back to take its place as a centre of tourism and culture.

    “Secondly, we would like to foster more cultural diversity. A lot of people don’t know Kano’s rich history as a melting pot of different cultures. I think the more hold cultural events like this the more we promote unity and diversity, also boost our tourism and economy,” she said.

  • Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps, kill fighter, arrest nine others

    Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps, kill fighter, arrest nine others

    Troops of 302 Regiment Nigerian Army and Anambra vigilante group have killed one Indigenous people of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) fighter and arrested nine of its members during separate raid operations at the group camps in Anambra State.

    Army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who said this in a statement, explained that the raids were part of ongoing clearance operations to ensure peace and security in South East Nigeria.

    Nwachukwu said the troops and vigilantes, in an effort to curb the illicit activities of the fighters in the communities, on Sunday 23 July 2023, destroyed IPOB/ESN camps in Oroma and Umuewelum Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, where they also arrested eight members of the group.

    Read Also: Troops sack IPOB/ESN enclave in Delta; capture fighter, firearms

    During the raid operation, according to Nwachukwu, the troops also recovered one AK 47 Rifle, one AKMS Rifle, three Lexus SUVs and two Motorcycles. 

    “In a separate operation, troops also raided IPOB camp at Mmiata Anam in Anambra South, where the gallant troops came in contact with the irredentist group and in the encounter, neutralized one IPOB fighter, while another was captured alive. The troops also recovered one AK 47 Rifle, one Dane gun and police uniforms,” he said.

    The army spokesperson enjoined citizens and particularly the people of the South East to continue to support and cooperate with the troops and other security agencies in their effort to end the security challenges in the region.

  • Desist from crude oil theft now, FOC warns criminals

    Desist from crude oil theft now, FOC warns criminals

    Rear Adm. Umar Chugali, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, has warned criminals to desist from crude oil theft and other illegalities in the maritime domain.

    Chugali, who gave the warning during his maiden familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) on Monday in Warri, said that the Navy has zero tolerance for criminals sabotaging the nation’s economic assets.

    The FOC was received by the Commander, NNS DELTA, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, at the naval base in Warri.

    Addressing newsmen shortly after inspecting facilities at the naval base, the FOC said that the Nigerian Navy was determined to curtail crude oil theft in the maritime space.

    “Let me re-emphasise that the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies operating in the maritime space have zero tolerance for criminals sabotaging the nation’s economic assets.

    “Anyone operating in the maritime environment that indulges in criminal activities will not have a hiding place.

    “The Commander is ready, the platforms are ready and the morals of the officers and men are high, so we are going all out to ensure that not a drop of crude oil is missing,” he said.

    Chugali also said that the Navy would continue to partner stakeholders, including the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operations Delta Safe (OPDS), host communities and others, to effectively combat crude oil theft.

    “We are collaborating and synergising with not just the security agencies but all stakeholders to effectively form a barrier where illegalities will not thrive in the maritime environment,” he said.

    Speaking on the continuous setting ablaze of seized crude oil and others, the FOC said that the Navy was operating in accordance with the stipulated “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOP).

    He added that the current SOP was very effective, stressing that probably other means could be devised in future.

    “We have a Standard Operating Procedures handed to us. After evaluating every aspects of the environment.

    “For now it has been discovered that immediate response is to ensure that these things does not exist.

    “Maybe, it could be reviewed later but for now, every naval personnel and unit are operating according to the SOP and the extant regulations,” Chugali said.

    Read Also: NUPRC moves to curtail oil theft, enacts policy framework

    On his maiden visit, Chugali expressed joy over the facilities and conduct of the personnel.

    He noted that they were ready to discharge their responsibilities by ensuring that the maritime domain is free from criminal activities.

    “I have gone round all the units to understand their living, operations and administrative conditions so that I can know how to go about administering them.

    “I have seen about four units in Delta. What I saw is very commendable. The officers, men and the civilian Navy are in high spirits.

    “They are willing to discharge their responsibilities in the areas by ensuring that the maritime domain is safe, secure and free from all forms of criminalities,”‘ Chugali said. (NAN)

  • All materials used for 2023 general elections were printed in Nigeria, says Yakubu

    All materials used for 2023 general elections were printed in Nigeria, says Yakubu

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says all sensitive and non-sensitive materials used for the 2023 general election were printed in Nigeria.

    Yakubu, stated this during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the ongoing review of the 2023 general election held on Monday in Abuja.

    “I am glad to report that the printing of all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the 2023 General Election was entirely done in Nigeria.

    “This is the first time in 44 years since the transition to democratic rule in 1979 that this great step was taken and achieved.

    “This id in spite of the record number of 93.4 million registered voters and over 500 million ballot papers, result sheets and other documents for the five categories of the main elections and supplementary polls.

    “For this reason, the 2023 General Election was held as scheduled for the first time in the last four electoral cycles without a postponement arising from the non-arrival of materials,’’ Yakubu said.

    He added that other recorded positive development in the election include the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010 into the Electoral Act 2022, which gave INEC opportunity to get prepared on time.

    The chairman said that the new act which provides a period of 180 days for political parties to conclude their primaries and submit the names of candidates and the political parties for the elections.

    This according to him,  also helped INEC to commence the process of producing the election materials  in good time.

    “Furthermore, we were also able to expand voter access to polling units for the first time since the initial delimitation exercise in 1996.

    “Similarly, we introduced many technology-based innovations, including the physical registration and online pre-registration of voters using the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED), the various portals for the nomination of candidates, party agents and the accreditation of observers and the media.

    “We also collected and published data on the distribution of voters not only by age and occupation but also by disability.

    “Within the limits of available resources, we also tried to provide such inclusivity materials as braille jackets and magnifying glasses for some categories of voters with disabilities,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said that nevertheless, there were many challenges encountered before and during the elections including severe cash and fuel situations as well as the perennial insecurity nationwide.

    “Their impact on our deployment plans, compounded by the behaviour of some of our own officials in the field, made logistics management particularly challenging.

    Read Also: Yakubu’s property not attacked, says INEC

    “The deployment of thugs by some political actors made election day administration difficult in a number of places,’’ he said.

    The chairman said that while voter accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was very successful, the uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), especially for the presidential election, encountered a glitch.

    Yakubu said that this was explained in the commission’s statement released Feb. 26, adding that INEC is aware that the matter is currently the subject of litigation; hence the commission would reserve its comments for now.

    “Nevertheless, the performance of the technology deployed for the election is part of the ongoing review of the 2023 general election.

    “It will form an integral part of the comprehensive report that will serve as a basis for further engagement with stakeholders focusing on specific actions necessary for the improvement of future elections and electoral activities in Nigeria,’’ he said.

    (NAN)

  • Cultists kill Police Inspector in Lagos

    Cultists kill Police Inspector in Lagos

    Rampaging cultists on Sunday night killed a Police Inspector in the Ijanikin area of Lagos State.

    The deceased Inspector, whose identity was yet to be ascertained, was attached to the Zone Two Command headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.

    The Nation gathered that the cultists, suspected to be members of the Black Axe confraternity, attacked the Inspector at Alasia Bus Stop, around 9pm on Sunday.

    It was learnt that the hoodlums numbering about seven earlier had an issue with a close friend of the Inspector famous for his anti-cultism stance in the neighbourhood on Friday.

    It was however not clear if the attack on the Inspector was related to the issue between his friend and the hoodlums.

    According to residents, people were going about their businesses when the sound of gunshots suddenly caused hysteria.

    The cultists were said to have proceeded to axe the Inspector several times on the head, killing him on the spot.

    “Cult boys in my street killed a policeman yesterday (Sunday) night around 9pm. The area is Alasia Ijanikin Lagos.

    “Young boys are running helter skelter because of fear of being arrested,” said a source who pleaded anonymity.

    Read Also: Police arrest 18 suspected cultists, recover weapons, others in Enugu

    Contacted, Police Spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding that a suspect had been arrested.

    He identified the suspect as Sunday Igboro alias Ashile, adding that a manhunt for other fleeing culprits had commenced.

    Hundeyin said a search at the residence of the fleeing suspects led to the recovery of two cutlasses.

    The police spokesman identified those who had an issue with the Inspector on Friday as Sulaimon alias Struggle, Saheed aka Phobia, Rasheed Balogun (Africa), Udeme (Doctor), Charles (A4), Rafiu Dauda (Stone), Wale Joseph (Elemo), Luku, Emeka, Zigi and Ashile.

  • Enugu residents protest Monday’s sit-at-home

    Enugu residents protest Monday’s sit-at-home

    Residents of Enugu State on Monday trooped out and marched around the streets of the state capital in protest against the continued Monday sit-at-home in the state.

    This came as the State Government on Monday moved around parts of the state capital and sealed businesses that continued to obey IPOB’s sit-at-home

    Governor Peter Mbah on June 5 banned Monday’s sit-at-home in the state and urged residents to go about their legitimate duties. He also improved security around the state.

    On Monday, however, as early as 8 am, the residents gathered under the auspices of a Coalition of Civil Society groups and marched around the state capital to encourage the people to return to their Monday businesses.

    The protesters, led by their coordinators, Oninye Mammah, Bismark Oji, Charles Ogbu, Eberechukwu Anigbo, carried banners with inscriptions such as: ”Enough is Enough”; “Say no to Sit at Home in Enugu” and “Enugu people must be freed from the shackles of those who want to hold it down” among others.

    They also sang solidarity songs in support of Governor Mbah and against the sit-at-home as they marched through major roads and streets and converged on Michael Okpara Square.

    Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Enugu chapter, Rev Emmanuel Ede, described the protest march as “heartwarming”, saying it was an indication that residents were no longer comfortable with the forced sit-at-home every Monday in the state.

    Mrs Onyinye Mammah, the Executive Director, Heroine Women Foundation, who spoke on behalf of the coordinators, explained that they decided to take the bold initiative, following the devastating effect the continued Monday sit-at-home has had on the economy of the state and the Southeast region as a whole.

    Officials of the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) moved around parts of the State on Monday and sealed businesses that refused to open in compliance with an earlier order of the governor.

    Read Also: Kanu warns against sit-at-home as South East stands still

    Our correspondent, who monitored the development, observed that some shops were “sealed with immediate effect” at the Spar and Polo Malls among other places that refused to obey the directive to open for business. 

    The development led to activities getting at their full gear in the major markets in the state as traders rushed to open their shops for businesses.

    The Ogbete main market, New Market, Kenyetta and Artisan markets opened with several traders.

    Also, there were improved vehicular movements in the city centre as security checkpoints increased with soldiers, DSS and Mobile Police Officers manning them.

  • Singer Bella Shmurda welcomes child with secret lover

    Singer Bella Shmurda welcomes child with secret lover

    Famous singer Ahmed Akinbiyi aka Bella Shmurda has welcomed a child with his secret lover.

    This came barely a year after losing a child before birth.

    The Nation reports that the ‘Ara’ crooner announced the arrival of his son in a post shared on Twitter.

    The singer also went down dark memory lane following the loss of his first child, stating he was hurt, angry and confused.

    Sharing a glimpse of the baby, the singer wrote: “A few days to the drop of my album last year, I was an emotional and mental wreck.

    “I’d just gotten to the UK where I was scheduled to do some promotional activities when I heard the news that I’d lost the child I was expecting at birth.

    “At the same time, I started getting threats to my life. The mere fact I was in the UK was an opportunity for certain people to hurt me and I saw a video of a group of guys that had been sent to a location I was supposed to be to attack me there.

    Read Also: Mohbad, Bella Shmurda partner for new song ‘Pariwo’

    “I was hurt, angry, and confused. It was the darkest place I’d ever been in my life, but sometimes, light found its way through to me in that tunnel.

    “It’s a few days to the drop of my project this year. This time, I got the news that my little boy is here.

    “I’m happy and blessed. What’s lost can never be rejected, but I have another chance, a new lease on life. A new purpose.

    “I’m a new Daddy, DO NOT DISTURB,” he tweeted.

  • Imo: LP governorship candidate vows to end killing of traditional rulers

    Imo: LP governorship candidate vows to end killing of traditional rulers

    Sen. Athan Achonu, Labour Party (LP) Candidate  in the Nov. 11 governorship election in Imo,  has vowed to end the killing of traditional rulers and others in the state  if elected.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Media, Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation, Mr Chibuike Diala,  in Owerri on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that other traditional rulers had  been killed in the state by unidentified gunmen beginning from 2021.

    Among the traditional rulers murdered were, Eze E. Duruebere of Okwudor autonomous community and Sampson Osunwa of Ihebinowerre autonomous community, both in Njaba council area f the state,  killed on Oct. 19, 2021.

    Also, the traditional ruler of Obudi Agwa, Eze Ignatius Asor in Oguta council area of Imo,  killed on Nov. 14, 2022.

    In Ezi Orsu community, Oguta council area of the state, Eze Victor Ijoma was murdered on May 25, 2023 while  the traditional Prime Minister of Isiama,  Mgbele community, also of Oguta LGA was murdered in his town on the same day.

    Achonu, who was reacting to the recent killing of the traditional ruler of Nguru Autonomous Community in Aboh-Mbaise council area of the state, His Royal Majesty, Eze James Nnamdi, said he would address the challenge of insecurity head on if elected.

    He decried  the rising spate of insecurity and criminality ravaging the state, with its attendant killings and destruction of public and private property, and called on all the actors to seize fire and give peace a chance.

    “It is saddening that our state has recently descended into clear anarchy, where brutes run riot without any restraint and blood is spilled on a daily basis.

    “This abominable disregard for the sanctity of human life and defilement of our cherished traditional institution is condemnable and alien to our culture and nature.

    “I commiserate with the people of Nguru, Mbaise people and the entire Imo people on this yet another unwarranted killing of our people and urge the governor to rise to the occasion and save our people,” Achonu said.

    Read Also: Imo guber: Kema Chikwe endorses Uzodimma for second term

    He urged Imo people to key into his ‘Take Back Imo’ agenda, as, according to him, it is the only guarantee for a safer and more prosperous Imo.

    NAN recalls that the late Eze Nnamdi, popularly known as Mirioma, was killed in his palace at about 3.00pm on Monday, July 17, 2023.

    According to an eye witness report, he was killed by unidentified gunmen who drove into his compound in two vehicles, dragged him out of his palace and asked him a few questions before shooting him seven times.

    He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Imo, ASP Henry Okoye, while  confirming the development said a high powered investigation had been launched into the incident.  (NAN)