The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • USAID implementing partners to synergise for greater achievement

    USAID implementing partners to synergise for greater achievement

    A two-day governance workshop for United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Implementing Partners (IPs) in Ebonyi State has ended with a resolution for a more robust synergy, to achieve collective and individuals’ goals and objectives.

    The workshop, held in Abakaliki, was attended by implementing partners working in the state, especially those from core sectors of Health, Education and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

    Acting Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Nigeria State Accountability Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity, Ahmed Mohammed, said the implementing partners had an important role to play in strengthening collaboration for sustainability of governance reforms in Ebonyi State.

    Read Also: British High Commission, USAID kick against GBV

    He noted that leveraging the strengths of each implementing partners had led to achievements, which if left alone for one IP, might not have been achieved.

    Mohammed called for development of sustainability mechanisms that would ensure the interventions and reforms continue even after the exit of the partners.

    He said this could be achieved if the IPs worked with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to institutionalise the programmes in the state.

    Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Solomon Azi, hailed USAID and the implementing partners for the well thought out and development oriented interventions they were carrying out in the state.

    He, however, called for the integration of the IPs’ Activities with the Peoples Charter of Needs, which is Governor Francis Nwifuru administration’s manifesto.

  • Diri, Ndiomu, Ogbuku, Boyloaf,Ateke, others get Niger Delta award

    Diri, Ndiomu, Ogbuku, Boyloaf,Ateke, others get Niger Delta award

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd);  Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and King Ateke Tom have received Niger Delta Peace Award.

    Others who got the peace advocate award are Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; Ebikabowei Victor-Ben (Boyloaf), High Chief Bibopere Ajube, Pastor Wilson Reuben, Felix Bony Ayah, Africanus Ukparasia and Kingsley Kuku.

    Read Also: Diri displaying ignorance of police roles in polls, alleges group

    The prestigious awards were given to them by the organisers of the Niger Delta Peace Day (NDPD), in partnership with the Congress of Niger Delta Ex-agitators, to recognise their efforts and contributions in ending militancy in the Niger Delta and sustaining peace in the region.

    NDPD was institutionalised in 2009 and made a work-free day by the Bayelsa State Government to commemorate Federal Government’s declaration of amnesty programme for ex-agitators in the Niger Delta

  • ‘Exposing kids to healthy living will raise their wellness’

    ‘Exposing kids to healthy living will raise their wellness’

    Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has said exposing children to healthy living would raise their wellness.

    She spoke at the weekend at Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Awka while inaugurating her healthy living clubs and healthy living garden competition in over 325 primary and secondary schools across the 21 local governments.

    She also inaugurated head teachers as healthy living champions, including those who majored in Physical Health Education or related courses, to lead the clubs.

    Read Also: ‘We’ll replicate Soludo’s Healthy Living Project in Anambra communities’

    Mrs. Soludo said early exposure of children, teenagers and youths to healthy living basics would make them responsible citizens in future.

    She noted that healthy living garden competition offered primary and secondary school pupils opportunity to appreciate agriculture, self-sufficiency, hard work and charity.

    She said: “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo is a product of deep passion. What we want to achieve is a culture of health consciousness, a mindset of positive change and safety of our children.

    “Being conscious of one’s body is the first step to achieving the right health. “

  • Truck driver, conductor die in Anambra accident

    Truck driver, conductor die in Anambra accident

    A truck driver and his conductor on Friday lost their lives in a fatal lone crash along Owerri-Ihiala expressway in Ihiala, Anambra State.

    The crash which occurred around Azia junction, involved one unidentified commercial driver of a Mercedes truck with registration number: XD131NSH.

    According to an  eyewitness, the driver who was on top speed, lost control and crashed after ramming into a big gutter by the road side.

    Read Also: Truck driver, conductor die in Anambra accident

    Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adeoye Irelewuyi attributed the cause of the crash to excessive speed and loss of control.

    He sympathised with the deceased family, warning motorists to desist excessive speed and drive within safe speed limit they could control.

    He said, “Two people comprising two male adults were involved in the crash; two male adults, the driver and his conductor were killed.

    “The dead victims were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Mortuary, Ihiala by good Samaritans before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team.

    “However, the FRSC rescue team has removed the debris littered on the expressway and normalcy in human and vehicular movement has been restored.”

  • UNIZIK VC lists things that attract expulsion

    UNIZIK VC lists things that attract expulsion

    The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Prof. Charles Esimone, has listed key things that attract expulsion to the new students of the Institution.

    They include certificate forgery, examination malpractice, cultism, robbery, rape among others.

    He read the riot act to them Friday during the 2023/2024 Matriculation of new students, at the Institution’s premises.

    He equally made it clear to the new students there would be no examination for any of them that failed to pay his or her school fees.

    Read Also: UNIZIK hails Tinubu’s efforts in improving varsity education 

    Esimone said, “For your stay in this University to successfully end with the acquisition of a University degree, you owe certain obligations to the University, your parents and yourselves.

    “These obligations are summarized below: Payment of Fees: It needs no gainsaying that you must pay your school fees as and when due to enable the University maintain existing facilities and provide new ones.

    “Any student who does not pay his/her fees by the appropriate time runs the risk of being excluded from examinations.

    “You must attend at least 75% attendance of all lectures and practicals for you to be allowed to write examinations.

    “Examination Misconduct could fetch you suspension for up to three years and even and

  • Enugu community rejects call for fresh Igweship election, withdrawal of suits

    Enugu community rejects call for fresh Igweship election, withdrawal of suits

    Some stakeholders of Akama Oghe community in Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State have strongly rejected the call by the state government to conduct fresh election for the Igweship seat of the community, terming it unjustified.

    The state commissioner for local government, chieftaincy affairs and rural development, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, had during the meeting of stakeholders of the community to resolve the lingering chieftaincy tussle in the community, announced the cancellation of the elections or selections of the two contenders for the throne.

    Read Also: United Nigeria Airlines to build MRO in Enugu

    The commissioner also requested that all matters relating to the Igweship tussle be withdrawn from the various courts to enable the town union to organise an election that would be monitored by the government. overnment.

    But, reacting to the request by the commissioner at the meeting, the people of the community, especially, the faction loyal to one of the contestants, Ozo Christian Akpata, rejected the request, appealing to the commissioner to allow the court to determined

  • Nigeria needs more tertiary institutions, says Nwobodo

    Nigeria needs more tertiary institutions, says Nwobodo

    Former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has said the number of universities and tertiary institutions in Nigeria cannot be too many, considering the population of youths in the country.

    He made the remark in his home at Amechi, in Enugu South Local Government of Enugu State, where the national leadership of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, presented him with the Founders Award.

    The elder statesman, responding to questions from reporters on the quality of tertiary institutions springing up across the country, said the number of universities in the country was not yet commensurate with the population of the country and the demand gap.

    He said: “Universities can never be too many in the country, considering the population. So, we need more universities or tertiary institutions, considering the number of applicants and those admitted. The demand gap is too wide.

    “As you already know, each year, close to two million candidates apply for admission into Nigerian universities, but less than half of that number gain admission into tertiary institutions.

    “To me, this a far cry and something that worries parents and families of candidates and the candidates themselves.”

    Nwobodo, therefore, called on the authorities to ensure any institution given licence to operate must guarantee quality education because, to him, whether government or private school, the products remain Nigerians.

    On the Founders Award given to him, he expressed happiness that he was able to elevate the college to a diploma awarding institution after it was established by Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former vice-president, saying the institution later metamorphosed into the current Federal Polytechnic Oko, which had trained thousands of persons in disciplines.

    Nwobodo, who was a teacher at the prestigious King’s College, Lagos, before becoming governor, recalled that he also established five other tertiary institutions, including a multi-campus university, because of his belief that education was key to the development of Eastern Nigeria then.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of thugs destroying opponents’ billboards

    “My joy is that that mustard seed planted by Alex Ekwueme, has grown to become a place where several courses are being taught,” he said.

    Presenting the award, the National President of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Nze Henry Chukwukadibia, said the award was given to Senator Nwobodo for his outstanding leadership, commitment to service and passion for education, which he exhibited as the governor of old Anambra State by establishing schools and institutions of higher learning, most especially College of Arts, Science and Technology, Oko, which has metamorphosed to Federal Polytechnic Oko.

    “We salute your education excellence built with the quality ofyour actions and the integrity of your intent, which has made our alma mater to become the Polytechnic of the Moment in Nigeria,” he said.

    He said besides Nwobodo, other founding fathers were Alex Ekwueme, the initiator, former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who made it a federal polytechnic and Mr. Ndu, the first principal of the institution, when it was College of Arts and Science.

  • Diri displaying ignorance of police roles in polls, alleges group

    Diri displaying ignorance of police roles in polls, alleges group

    • Govt: allegation false

    Bayelsa Professional Forum (BPF) has described as unfortunate, public display of ignorance of the roles of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during elections by Governor Douye Diri.

    The Secretary, BPF, Philip Erepa, in a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, said he watched with dismay during a live youth programme where Diri in his remarks suggested that the police had no responsibility during elections.

    Erepa said Diri, who alluded to a matter before the court, which he said was supposed to be a subjudice, ignorantly claimed that the police had no responsibility to stand as a witness in an election matter, which they monitored and secured.

    He said Diri in his frustration also made some damaging remarks against a former Commissioner of Police, CP Alausa and other respected patrons of the state and the country.

    He said Diri and his co-travellers lacked understanding that the police were saddled with the responsibility of securing any election in the country.

    He said by his statement, Diri was simply trying to pre-empt the court in his bid to truncate a legal process challenging his declaration as governor.

    Erepa said: “We have watched with utter dismay Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, in a live youth programme making an ignorant remark suggesting that the police have no assigned responsibilities during elections.

    “Diri needs to be educated that as protectors of the elections, the police monitor and secure the entire process and can also be called upon to stand as witnesses in any court process involving such elections.

    Read Also: Senate passes NDIC Act amendment Bill for second reading

    “What Diri and his co travellers fail to understand is that the police have statutory responsibility in the conduct of elections in Nigeria. They are the only security outfit with that responsibility. The role of the police is to secure the election. This is why you find a policeman at each of the polling units.

    Contacted on the allegation against Governor Diri, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, in an apparent move not to respond to it, just wrote: “I’m ashamed of whoever wrote and signed this statement.”

    “We are also baffled that Diri out of his frustration made disparaging remarks against Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Alausa, for simply doing his job. Diri should be told that his utterance in a matter, which is subjudiced, is an affront to the judiciary and an attempt to pre-empt the court.

    “We find Diri’s recent comments as an attempt to harass not just a decorated member of the Nigeria Police Force, but also the entire Nigeria Police Force.”

  • Governor seeks siting of NJI Southsouth campus in Bayelsa

    Governor seeks siting of NJI Southsouth campus in Bayelsa

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said his administration will do its best to ensure Southsouth campus of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) is sited in the state.

    He gave the assurance yesterday when the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary led by Oluwole Oke visited him at the Government House, Yenagoa.

    He said siting the NJI in Bayelsa would complement the campus of the Nigeria Law School in Yenagoa.

    Diri promised members of the committee of his government’s support to achieve the reforms required of the justice system in the country, particularly as they carry out their oversight function in the state.

    He called on his former colleagues to bring their wealth of experience to bear on addressing the challenges bedevilling the judiciary and asked them to proffer solutions at the end of their tour.

    Diri said: “You talked about the NJI. We have the Law School here in Yenagoa, and this will complement a school like that. So, I assure you that the state government will support siting of the NJI in Yenagoa.

    “We believe you will put in your best to make the judiciary in our country better. I am sure you will bring your wealth of experience to bear.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of thugs destroying opponents’ billboards

    “As you know, our problems are multifaceted that people always first point to the executive because it carries out the day-to-day administration of government. But it does not end there. The judiciary has its own challenges too.”

    Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Oluwole Oke, said they were in the state for on-the-spot assessment of the infrastructure in the judiciary, the courts, as well as to ascertain the welfare of the personnel working at the courts.

    On the issue of siting a campus of NJI in the Southsouth, he said it was borne out of the need to reduce cost of judicial workers travelling for courses to the NJI headquarters in Abuja in relation to the security and safety of participants.

    Oke noted that with the governor’s assurance to facilitate the establishment of the NJI campus, the committee would look at it and decide appropriately.

  • NNS Delta attributes reduced oil theft to personnel’s efforts

    NNS Delta attributes reduced oil theft to personnel’s efforts

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has attributed reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crime within its areas of operation (AOO) to the collective efforts of its personnel.

    Speaking at a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Warri Naval Base, outgone Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, said despite the challenges during his tenure, achievements, which included destruction of illegal refining sites and arrest of sea robbers, were recorded.

    Yahaya assumed office on May 2, 2023, as the 13th Commander of the NNS Delta.

    He said NNS Delta also participated in clearance operations and exercises, in line with the base’s mandate of securing the maritime environment to enhance economic activities.

    “I am happy to inform you that our collective efforts and commitment have brought about commendable reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crime.

    “The base anti-crude oil theft operations have recorded success in the destruction of illegal refining sites in our areas of operations.

    “During the period under review, the base destroyed illegal refining sites and storage facilities containing stolen crude oil and illegally-refined Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO).

    “Furthermore, between May 2023 to date, the base patrolled for about 21,630 hours, resulting in the deactivation of illegal refining sites and handling of stolen crude oil,” he stated.

    Yahaya said the anti-crude oil theft unit of the base apprehended suspects with offences bordering on crude oil theft and improper documentations, adding that some vessels were also apprehended and consequently handed over to the anti-graft agency and other relevant authorities for prosecution.

    He said deployment of swamp buggies had discouraged the operations of illegal bunkering in its areas of operations.

    “The last swamp buggy operations we conducted between August 20 and September 23, 2023 recorded about 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegally-refined AGO.

    “This is indeed a testament to the laudable performance of this base in the period under review.

    Read Also: Senate passes NDIC Act amendment Bill for second reading

    “For this, I am grateful to the dedication and commitment of officers and ratings of the base. I urge you to extend same and even more to the incoming commander,” he said.

    The outgone commander expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government,  military and para-military agencies within the NNS Delta areas of operations for their support throughout his stay, noting that the inter-agency cooperation and synergy had sustained peace in the area.

    The incoming Commander, Commodore Muhsin Abba, urged NNS Delta personnel to discharge their duties in accordance with the mandate of the Navy.

    “They should be disciplined, obedient, loyal and should not collaborate with anybody that undermines the economic activities of the country.

    “As you know, oil is the mainstay of our economy and anything that will impede the production of oil within our areas of operations is going to be stopped. We will ensure the mandate is pursued to the best of our ability,” Abba said.

    The ceremony featured the signing of handover note, lowering/hoisting of pennant, presentation of unit flag and inauguration of car park at the base.