The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • NDDC, partners launch anti-drug abuse campaign in Imo schools

    NDDC, partners launch anti-drug abuse campaign in Imo schools

    In a bold and strategic effort to combat the escalating menace of drug and substance abuse among youths, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified its intervention in Imo State through a large-scale, multidimensional awareness campaign. 

    Partnering with Bitoonda Nigeria Ltd and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the initiative aims to drastically reduce drug experimentation and addiction among secondary school students across the state.

    Launched in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, this proactive campaign is themed, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse.” It highlights the urgent need for pre-emptive education as a cornerstone in safeguarding the well-being of young Nigerians effectively curbing the social, health, and economic consequences of substance abuse.

    The campaign’s broad scope involved awareness and interactive health talks, peer-led counseling sessions which focused on equipping youths with factual information about the risks of drugs, training them to recognize and resist peer pressure, and fostering communication channels that encourage open dialogue about drug-related challenges.

    Several prominent secondary schools across Imo, including Government Secondary School Owerri, Owerri City School, Girls Secondary School Ikenegbu, Emmanuel College Owerri, and Imo Government Girls Secondary School, have actively embraced and participated in this critical initiative. 

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    During the engaging school visits,the lectors delivered compelling presentations that detailed the severe implications of drug abuse on mental health, academic performance, and future career prospects. They reiterated that drug abuse is a complex societal challenge perpetuated by an illegal network of cultivators, traffickers, and users, necessitating a united, community-wide defense strategy.

    “It is deeply alarming to witness the surge in substance abuse among adolescents. This epidemic not only threatens their immediate health but also jeopardizes their long-term potential and the future development of our society,” the campaign speakers warned.

    They stressed that addressing the drug menace requires early preventive measures, sustained education, and the cultivation of a supportive environment that discourages drug use.

    Highlighting the pivotal role of youth as agents of change, the campaign calls on students to become advocates for drug-free lifestyles, encouraging peer support systems that amplify positive behavior and collective responsibility. The programme further encourages parents, teachers, and community leaders to remain vigilant and informed about drug abuse signs to facilitate timely interventions.

    School administrators expressed profound gratitude to the NDDC, Bitoonda Nigeria Ltd, and NDLEA for their visionary leadership and commitment to youth empowerment. They praised the campaign’s innovative approach in providing students with the tools to make informed choices, resist negative peer influences, and contribute meaningfully to a healthier society.

    Moving forward, the NDDC has pledged to sustain and expand this campaign through continuous monitoring, community partnerships, and the integration of technology-driven awareness programmes aimed at reaching even more youths across the states in Niger Delta and beyond.

  • Fear grips UNN as prob over alleged tampering with ex-minister’s certificate begins

    Fear grips UNN as prob over alleged tampering with ex-minister’s certificate begins

    Anxiety is rising within the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as the Federal Ministry of Education’s investigative panel begins moves to probe the alleged tampering of the academic records of former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.

    The tension intensified recently after the Joint Civil Society Front (JCSF), Enugu State, renewed its call for the suspension of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, arguing that allowing him to remain in office could impede the probe ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

    The panel was set up to unravel allegations that UNN authorities altered or misrepresented Nnaji’s academic records, a controversy that partly triggered his resignation from the Federal Executive Council.

    According to the JCSF, the situation has created widespread anxiety on campus, with staff and students fearing that the unfolding scandal could smear UNN’s long-standing reputation if not addressed with full transparency.

  • Tinubu appoints Adeyeye Renewed Hope Ambassador S’West Zone

    Tinubu appoints Adeyeye Renewed Hope Ambassador S’West Zone

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative Committees across the six geopolitical zones of the country, further strengthening the administration’s nationwide mobilisation and development agenda.

    The event, chaired on behalf of President Tinubu by the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, marks a renewed push to deepen grassroots engagement and consolidate public support for the government’s reform efforts.

    A statement from the South West zonal coordinating office of the initiative on Wednesday revealed that President Tinubu appointed Senator Dayo Adeyeye as the South-West Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, joining a team of respected political leaders selected to coordinate activities across the zones.

    Other zonal ambassadors appointed include: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (North Central); HE Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (South-South); HE Isah Yuguda (North-East); HE Aminu Bello Masari (North-West), and Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (South-East)

    “Speaking with journalists in Abuja shortly after his inauguration, Senator Adeyeye expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his total commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda across the South-West.

    “He pledged his commitment and preparedness to work assiduously with the National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope initiative, HE. Sen. Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State Governor, is working towards the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for all Nigerians.

    “He further urged all appointees on the current assignment to dedicate themselves to the realisation of the objectives,” the statement read.

  • Edo Assembly summons Tuface’s wife, Natasha over alleged misconduct

    Edo Assembly summons Tuface’s wife, Natasha over alleged misconduct

    The Edo State House of Assembly has summoned wife of Tuface Idibia, Hon Natasha Osawaru Irobosa, over a case of misconduct leveled against her.

    Hon Natasha, who represents Egor Constituency in the Edo Assembly, was accused of dragging the House into disrepute.

    Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker of the Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, said Tuface’s wife has been trending negatively in the media.

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    He said Natasha must appear before the House standing committee on Ethics and Privileges within a week to defend her self in respect of a case of misconduct.

    The Speaker noted that Natasha would also show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against her.

    He asked the Committee to report back to the House on its findings within two weeks.

  • Delta North lawmakers, council chairmen reject proposed inclusion of Anioma in southeast

    Delta North lawmakers, council chairmen reject proposed inclusion of Anioma in southeast

    …reaffirm commitment to South-South

    Lawmakers representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the Delta State House of Assembly, alongside the nine local government chairmen from the district, have firmly rejected proposals suggesting that a future Anioma State should be situated within the South-East geopolitical zone.

    In a jointly signed statement issued on Sunday, the legislators and council bosses reiterated their longstanding demand for the creation of Anioma State but insisted that the state must remain within the South-South region where the Anioma people are historically and administratively located.

    The leaders said their position followed extensive deliberations on renewed national discussions and ongoing legislative processes concerning the creation of new states across the country.

    According to the group, the agitation for Anioma State is “a legitimate aspiration deeply rooted in history,” championed by past and present leaders of the people.

    They described the struggle as a generational pursuit aimed at securing political identity, cultural preservation, and accelerated development for the Anioma nation.

    “Our quest for a distinct and autonomous Anioma State is not a fleeting political venture but a legitimate aspiration deeply rooted in history, championed by our revered forebears,” the statement read.

    “We are united in the belief that the creation of Anioma State is a matter of justice, equity, and a necessary step towards fulfilling the political and developmental destiny of the Anioma people.”

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    The leaders expressed “total and unequivocal support” for the creation of Anioma State strictly from the present nine local government areas in the Delta North Senatorial District.

    They listed the LGAs as Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North-East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani, with Asaba proposed as the state capital.

    They pledged to deploy their “full political weight and mandate” to lobby and support every legitimate effort that will lead to the establishment of Anioma State.

    However, the group condemned what they described as attempts to drag Anioma into a merger with the South-East, stressing that such propositions contradict the historical and geopolitical identity of the people.

    “We vehemently oppose any proposed move or merger with any part of the South-East geopolitical zone,” the statement declared.

    “Anioma is, and must remain, in the South-South. The Anioma people are historically, geographically, and administratively aligned with the South-South. This position is deeply rooted in our heritage and is non-negotiable.”

    The Delta North political leaders assured constituents that they would remain steadfast in protecting the collective interest and identity of the Anioma nation, even as discussions on state creation continue at the national level.

  • A’Ibom community resolves land dispute with oil firm

    A’Ibom community resolves land dispute with oil firm

    The Obianga and Iko Nta communities in the Eastern Obolo local government area of Akwa Ibom state have resolved the lingering dispute over land with Ibom Developers Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

    ‎The peace deal was brokered after a tripartite committee set up by the state government concluded the first phase of a comprehensive relocation and development plan.

    The agreement addressed years of disagreements over land access, blocked waterways, the “Lagos” fishing settlement, and the relocation of residents affected by the company’s industrial expansion.

    ‎Chairman of Eastern Obolo local government area, Samuel Nteogwuijah, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and praised Governor Umo Eno for personally visiting the communities at the height of the conflict.

     He said the latest agreement is the result of months of negotiations, consultations, and concessions aimed at safeguarding community interests while supporting industrial development.

    ‎“After exhausting all observations and adjustments, both communities have agreed to this first phase of the relocation as directed by the Governor.

    “The Paramount Ruler has also endorsed it. This company has come to stay, and we must work with them for the development of Eastern Obolo and Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

    ‎The Village Head of Obianga, Chief Humphrey Oyet, also commended the committee for its transparency but cautioned the company to honour all aspects of the agreement.

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    ‎‎“We thank the committee for standing by us. But if the company does not keep to the agreement, the community will also not keep to its own bargain,” he warned.

    ‎Community leader and scholar, Prof. Gamaliel Harry, described the signing as an important but early milestone, urging stakeholders not to assume that all issues have been fully resolved.

    ‎“This is preliminary work. The fears of the community must not be allowed to become reality. Much more must be done,” he advised.

    ‎Ibom Developers FTZ, represented by Mr. Ahmit Gosh, appreciated the state government’s role in securing the peace deal and assured the communities of full compliance.

    ‎“We assure you that the concerns of the communities will be addressed. The company is fully committed to everything contained in the agreement,” he said.

    ‎Chairman of the Tripartite Committee, Dr. Nse Essien, declared that peace had been restored, commending all parties, especially the council chairman, village heads, and the company for their cooperation.

    He disclosed that the company has already proposed the construction of 200 new buildings as part of the resettlement scheme.

  • Enugu, EU deepen strategic ties, roll out new energy, education projects

    Enugu, EU deepen strategic ties, roll out new energy, education projects

    The Enugu State Government and the European Union (EU) have agreed to scale up their collaboration across key sectors, especially education, energy, health and youth empowerment.

    This emerged at the weekend during a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah by a high-level EU delegation at the Government House, Enugu.

    The delegation, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, also included the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, and the Portuguese Ambassador, Mr. Paulos Martins dos Santos, among other senior diplomats.

    Mignot said the EU was committed to strengthening cooperation in ways that align with Mbah’s ambitious reform agenda.

    “The purpose of the visit is to meet you and talk about the partnership between the European Union and Enugu State, its potential, and your vision for the future,” he stated.

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    He highlighted ongoing EU-supported projects in the state, particularly in the energy and education sectors.

    “On energy, Enugu is one of seven states benefiting from the Solar for Health Project, under which we will provide technical assistance and funding for 20 solar microgrids that will power 20 primary health centres and 124 SMEs,” he said.

    The envoy also listed the Small Hydro Power for Agro-industrial Sectors Project, implemented by UNIDO, and the Nigeria Energy Support Programme executed by GIZ, which include electrification support, capacity building and funding for three interconnected mini-grids with a combined 1MW capacity for up to 1,000 beneficiaries.

    On education, Mignot announced that Enugu is one of the beneficiary states in the EU-UNESCO programme, Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria, Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS), which will train teachers in Smart Green Schools until June 2028.

    He further noted the EU’s partnership with the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival held annually in Enugu, saying the 2025 edition included grants and training for emerging filmmakers.

    Belgian Ambassador Leenknegt underscored Belgium’s longstanding economic ties with Enugu, particularly through Emenite Limited, a Nigeria–Belgium joint venture established in 1961.

    “They are delivering high-quality products and employing more than 300 people from the region. We will continue to foster this relationship,” he said.

    Portugal’s Ambassador, Martins dos Santos, highlighted his country’s interests in energy, infrastructure and agriculture, noting that “the footprint of the European Union in this country is huge and multidimensional.”

    Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the EU for its alignment with his administration’s developmental priorities, particularly in education, health and energy.

    “I have seen a huge alliance between our vision and the aims of the EU, especially regarding your programmes across Africa,” he said, noting that Enugu’s decision to allocate over 33% of its budget to education was to secure the state’s future competitiveness.

    Mbah invited EU member countries to explore new investment opportunities in aviation, gas and energy, disclosing that the state-owned carrier, Enugu Air, had been launched, and that the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport would soon become fully operational.

    “That means more international carriers will fly from Enugu. We encourage you to speak to your home carriers to consider Enugu,” he said.

    He added that the state was working with the Federal Government to extend gas pipelines to Enugu to unlock economic opportunities in the gas subsector.

    “We are open for business and will continue to ensure that investments and businesses thrive in Enugu State,” Mbah assured.

  • Police recover bodies of two alleged kidnapped Cameroonians from Anambra river

    Police recover bodies of two alleged kidnapped Cameroonians from Anambra river

    Anambra State Police Command said it has recovered two female decomposed bodies suspected to be among three Cameroonian women kidnapped in the state.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this on Saturday, said the bodies were recovered in Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area by operatives in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers.

    He said both bodies had been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.

    Ikenga further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, had ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim.

    He said, “We wish to update the public on the ongoing investigation into the alleged kidnapping of three Cameroonian women in the State.

    “Recall that Police investigators had earlier arrested two suspects: Nonso Augustine Akpeh ‘M’, 37 years old, and Kingsley Akpeh ‘M’, 44 years old, who are currently assisting operatives with vital information.

    “In continuation of these efforts, on the evening of 28th November 2025, Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers, conducted an intensive search along the Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area.

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    “During the operation, the team recovered two (2) female decomposed bodies believed to be victims of the kidnapping incident.

    “The operatives immediately contacted the family of the kidnapped victims, who positively identified the recovered bodies as his wife, Mrs Bognou Alice and his niece, Miss Sandra.

    “Both bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.

    “To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends, has ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim.

    “He has also directed all units involved to strengthen operational activities aimed at apprehending the third suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, who is currently on the run, to ensure he faces the full weight of the law.

    “The Commissioner further reassures the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, maintaining security, and delivering justice.”

  • Anambra issues license to power firm for electricity distribution

    Anambra issues license to power firm for electricity distribution

    Anambra State government has issued an interim license to the First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FPEDC) as the electricity distributor in the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman, Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Prof. Frank Okafor, said the transfer of power was to ensure steady power supply in every part of the state.

    According to him,  the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration is committed to making the state a choice destination by way of making power less of a luxury in the state.

    While disclosing that the temporary license would last for one year, Okafor said the commission was optimistic about improved power supply.

    He promised to ensure thorough oversight over the activities of the company to ensure targets were met.

    “Today, history is made in our dear Anambra State. A journey to adequately regulate the energy sector, in particular, the Electricity Business in Anambra State, has commenced.

    “We thank the Anambra State House of Assembly, which brought the Anambra State Electricity Law (ANEL) into life,” he added.

    Managing Director Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Engr. Praveen Chorghade described the license issuance as an important milestone in a transition that would ultimately deliver a vibrant, competitive and dynamic electricity market in the State.

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    Chorghade, represented by Engr Dr Ernest Mupwaya, said, “We are determined to invest in infrastructure, deploy technology that enhances efficiency, strengthen customer engagement and support the emergence of a resilient and future-ready electricity market.

    “FirstPower, as an EEDC subsidiary, is responsible for distribution activities within Anambra State, although operated under the NERC licence issued to EEDC.”

    Earlier, Managing Director, FPEDC, Mr Okechukwu Okafor, said the licensing was to formalise the company’s presence in the state.

    He said, “We want to inform stakeholders that EEDC is no longer in charge, but an independent body saddled with the responsibility of distributing electricity in Anambra state.

    .“We are going to partner with the industrialists, the state government, and Ndi Anambra for them to understand that our presence is geared towards a better solution to electricity.”

  • Ex-PDP leader celebrates birthday

    Ex-PDP leader celebrates birthday

    Former National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Olisa Metu on Thursday secured bail of inmates of Nnewi Correctional Center in Anambra state with minor offences.

    Metu also offered scholarship scheme for five inmates of the facility, just as he promised to build world class skill acquisition centers for them.

    Addressing the inmates during his visit to the center as part of activities marking his 60 year birthday, Metu further announced sinking of water borehole for the Center to address lack of portable drinking water at the facility.

    Metu informed them he was once like them and understood how it felt to be behind bars, urging them not to lose hope nor view their conditions as end of the road.

    He said, “I’m here with my family, wife, siblings, close friends and associates to spend time with you. I want you to know that your condition is not permanent, but for a while.

    “I want to tell you something that will shock you. I’ve been here like you people. A lot of prominent people have been here like you people.