The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Bayelsa deputy governor urges doctors to uphold professional oath

    Bayelsa deputy governor urges doctors to uphold professional oath

    • Young lawyers enjoined to promote human rights advocacy

    Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has reminded medical workers, particularly doctors, the need to obey their professional oath at all times in the performance of their duties.

    He urged young lawyers to take interest in promoting and protecting human rights of the people, as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.

    Ewhrudjakpo spoke yesterday when the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa chapter and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Community Development Service Legal Aid Group paid him visits at the Government House, Yenagoa.

    He decried a situation where most doctors disobeyed with impunity the Hippocratic Oath they swore to before being inducted into the medical profession.

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    Ewhrudjakpo said the Hippocratic Oath makes it mandatory for medical professionals to place premium on saving life first before considering the financial implication of doing so.

    Addressing the NYSC Legal Aid Group, Ewhrudjakpo drew parallels between contemporary legal practice in Nigeria and what was obtainable during the times of legal luminaries like Gani Fawehinmi, Rotimi Williams and Nikki Tobi.

    He noted that legal practice had suffered terrible setback, and therefore, challenged upcoming young lawyers to avoid the apparent blunders in the Nigerian Justice delivery system in recent times.

    Assuring his visitors of government’s support, Ewhrudjakpo urged the NYSC group to initiate a radio programme to educate the public on fundamental human rights, stressing that many citizens were being oppressed due to ignorance of their basic rights.

    He said: “I want you to focus on what you can do. I believe that quite a number of persons are not aware of their rights, and that is a major issue.

    “And that will dovetail to the issue of domestic violence and human rights abuses that take place. I want you to find out whether we have any programme on air that educates us about our rights, otherwise we initiate one. “

    In their remarks, the President, Association of Resident Doctors, FMC Yenagoa Chapter, Dr. Sintei Shadrachson, and his NYSC CDS Legal Aid Group counterpart, Mr Fiwasayo Akintayo, hailed the Governor Douye Diri-led administration for supporting health and NYSC programmes.

    They, however, solicited government’s continued support to enable their organisations function more effectively.

  • Wike approves N13.1b for schools

    Wike approves N13.1b for schools

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the sum of N13.1 billion to finance renovation, new construction of toilets and provision of furniture across secondary and primary schools in the Six Area Councils for 2024.

    The Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo said this yesterday during the end of year media briefing in Abuja.

    He said the amount earmarked will be shared to the councils according to their area of school project needs.

    The education secretary explained that the minister had pledged his commitment to ensure that all the projects are executed in 2024.

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    Hayyo said: “The minister of FCT, who has been described as Mr. Project, approve new constructions, renovations or rehabilitation, provision of furniture and  construction of toilets in secondary and primary schools to the tune of over N13 billion.

    “Wike pledges that all the projects will be executed in 2024, we are not going to give detail of how many schools will be renovated or constructed in each Area council of the FCT because the school needs of the Area Councils are not equal.

    “There are some Area Councils that the demands are higher; there are so many dilapidated and congested classrooms.

    We know how the current minister of FCT changed the phase of education in Rivers state, it is the same system that he is going to do in the Federal Capital Territory, that is why he has approved the money for the school projects”.

    Hayyo also said that from January till December, 2023, the Education Secretariat had trained secondary education board staff in London for British Education Training Technology show.

    He listed other trainings to include: “International training on innovative/entrepreneurship, training of school librarians in e-library, training of teachers in Computer Based Test, online training of 80 English teachers by British council, training of 96 members of School Based Management Committee and many more others”.

  • Bill for child online access protection scales second reading

    Bill for child online access protection scales second reading

    A Bill to protect child online access has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

    Titled, “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Enactment of Child Online Access Protection Bill (2023) and other Issues of Online Violence against the Nigerian Child” is sponsored by Hon Olumide Osoba.

    Olumide, in his lead debate, said in the face of technological advancements, children encounter unprecedented risks online and it was important to consider their safety in the digital age.

    The lawmaker, who represents Abeokuta North/ Obafemi-Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency of Ogun State, described the Bill as a pivotal initiative to shield the Nigerian child from the perils of online violence and exploitation.

    His words, “I stand before you today not just as a legislator but as a parent deeply concerned about the safety of our children in the digital age. In the face of technological advancements, our children encounter unprecedented risks online. The Child Online Access Protection Bill (2023), which I sponsor, is a pivotal initiative to shield the Nigerian child from the perils of online violence and exploitation.

    “Raising our children in this era of the internet has become an enduring task. The threat of violence has escalated, affecting our children physically, sexually, and psychologically. While we acknowledge the
    significance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act signed into law on June 12, 2023, it is crucial to recognize the specific vulnerabilities children face in the digital space.

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    “Honourable Members, the internet has become a breeding ground for threats to our children, and the absence of mandates to sensitize and enlighten parents, government, and the public on the alarming increase in child abuse due to online activities calls for a robust legislative intervention. We cannot
    afford to underestimate the impact of the internet on our children.

    “Every child has the right to be protected from abuse, exploitation, and violence stemming from cyber�bullying, cyber-extortion, identity theft, drug trafficking, phishing, and other forms of online abuse.
    Our child protection systems must be extensive and robust, ensuring the well-being and safety of our children.

    Honorable Speaker, esteemed colleagues, this bill necessitates a collaborative effort from stakeholders, including legislators, clergymen, parents, the Police Force, Legal Aid, Births and Death registry, Judiciary, Media, Social welfare offices, and Internet Service Providers. Together, we must develop a comprehensive framework through legislation, policy, and institutional context to shield our children from online malaise.

    “This bill proposes a framework to prevent and address harms caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted online content. It emphasizes the importance of reporting incidents promptly and highlights the steps for addressing various types of online abuse. Additionally, it outlines fines, imprisonment, and other penalties to discourage online aggression and violence.

    “In essence, this bill mandates Internet Service Providers to block access to materials depicting violent conduct, regulate illegal/restricted content irrespective of the host, and remove intimate images and
    videos shared online that negatively impact children.

    “In conclusion, this debate calls for collective action. As Representatives of the people, as parents and as guardians of the future, we bear a collective responsibility to protect our children/citizens. The Child Online Access Protection Bill is a pivotal step towards ensuring a safer digital future for Nigeria’s youth. I urge you, my esteemed colleagues, to support and pass this bill to complement existing legislation, providing a comprehensive shield against online violence targeting our children. Let us secure the digital future of Nigeria’s youth and ensure a safer online environment.”

  • Offor, Eze dole out millions to support non kinetic approach to end insecurity in S/East

    Offor, Eze dole out millions to support non kinetic approach to end insecurity in S/East

    Prominent Igbo sons and philanthropists, Chiefs Emeka Offor and Arthur Eze, have thrown their weight behind the peace initiative in the south east region with financial commitment.

    The initiative is being championed by an organisation known as Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) with the support of the members of the National Assembly from the zone led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

    The project is a comprehensive five-year peace-building and development initiative designed to address the complex socioeconomic challenges and security issues facing the South East region of Nigeria.

    It is essentially pushing for a non-kinetic means of resolving the lingering air of violence and security challenges in the region, improving the infrastructural development of the state and ensuring greater political inclusion of the zone in the national equation.

    Receiving a delegation of the organization led by Kalu who paid him a courtesy visit yesterday, Offor lauded the initiative, saying it was a welcome development.

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    He said that going by the eight cardinal pillars of education, agriculture, commerce/Industry, infrastructural development, culture and tourism, sports/entertainment, governance/leadership and reconciliation/rehabilitation/reintegration encapsulated in the non kinetic measures, PISE-P is well positioned to give a new lease of life in the south east by tackling the security challenges.

    Offor doled out millions to support the project l, calling other prominent Igbo sons and daughters as well as Nigerians from all walks of life to support the project.

    Another prominent Igbo son and billionaire businessman, Chief Arthur Eze, also firmed up his promise of committing some finances to the project.

    Kalu also recently led a delegation of PISE-P to brief him on the project’s mission to which he pledged some huge amount of money.

    PISE-P will be officially unveiled on December 29, 2023 in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

  • Felix Arome bags award at CEOs Network Africa

    Felix Arome bags award at CEOs Network Africa

    In a momentous celebration of leadership and excellence, Arc. Felix Ojoniko Arome, the esteemed Group Chief Executive Officer of The Reef Group, has been conferred with the prestigious Achievement Award at the CEOs Network Africa’s 5th Annual Under 30 CEOs Awards 2023.

    This distinguished accolade is a resounding recognition of his unwavering support for youth development in Nigeria.

    Arc. Arome’s commitment to empowering and nurturing young talent has set him apart as a visionary leader dedicated to the growth and development of the next generation of business leaders.

    His advocacy for youth development in Nigeria has not only been impactful within The Reef Group but has also extended to broader community initiatives, creating opportunities for young professionals to thrive and succeed.

    The Achievement Award, lavishly bestowed upon Arc. Felix Ojoniko Arome, serves as a testament to his exemplary leadership and his outstanding contributions to fostering a culture of innovation, mentorship, and growth within the Nigerian business landscape.

    The Reef Group, under the visionary guidance of Arc. Felix Ojoniko Arome, continues to be a beacon of inspiration for young entrepreneurs, reflecting the values of mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement.

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    As a leader who recognizes the potential of the youth and actively works towards their development, Arc. Arome exemplifies the spirit of the CEOs Network Africa’s Under 30 CEOs Awards, which aims to celebrate and honor leaders making a significant impact in their respective fields.

    Dignitaries, including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, and other notable personalities, gathered to witness and celebrate the remarkable achievements of young business leaders at the Annual Under 30 CEOs Gala and Award Night.

    Arc. Felix Ojoniko Arome’s recognition for his unwavering support for youth development further solidifies The Reef Group’s position as a trailblazer in the industry, with a leader whose influence extends beyond business into the realms of social responsibility and community building.

    Beyond his professional achievements, Arc. Arome’s dedication to family life is evident.

    He is happily married to Unekwu Hadiza Arome, and together, they share the joys of parenthood with their two wonderful children. This balance of professional success, personal contentment, and a commitment to youth development speaks to Arc. Arome’s holistic approach to life and leadership.

  • Security on Delta waterways attributed to Navy’s efforts

    Security on Delta waterways attributed to Navy’s efforts

    An advocacy group, Niger Delta for Stability (NDFS), has attributed increased security stability on Delta waterways and its environs to the efforts of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta. 

    The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Tunde Akpodote, in Warri yesterday said the “dynamic leadership” of the Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, has reduced criminal activities in the command’s area of responsibility.

    According to the body, NNS Delta has employed cutting-edge technology and sustained presence in the maritime environment, thereby ensuring the security of national assets and sustainable peace in the state.

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    “Since commodore assumed office, we observe that there has been relative peace on our waterways. Besides, with its collaborative efforts with other sister agencies, there has also been peace recorded in the upland areas of the state.

    “There has been significant reduction in sea robbery, crude oil theft and other illicit activities within its area of responsibility under the command of the commodore.

    “The doggedness of officers and men of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Warri, in synergy with sister services and agencies, has contributed to the peace and tranquility currently experienced in most riverine and coastal communities,” it said.

    Hailing NNS Delta for playing its statutory duty, NDFS urged its personnel not to rest on their oars by ensuring they built on the relative peace enjoyed in the area.

  • Otti orders removal of political billboards

    Otti orders removal of political billboards

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed local government chairmen across the 17 councils to dismantle the billboards used by parties during the last general election.

    This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Prince Okey Kanu, commissioner for Information and Culture.

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    Kanu, quoting the governor, gave the local government chairmen till the end of this month to carry out the directive.

  • Body solicits increased subvention for varsity

    Body solicits increased subvention for varsity

    University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association has appealed to Cross River State Government to consider and approve increase in the subvention given to the state-owned university.

    The body, under the leadership of Mr. Peter Inyali, the recently-elected national president of the body, spoke in Calabar during a presentation event where they donated 50 bags of rice (10kg) to ex-students working in the university.

    Inyali implored Governor Bassey Otu to consider an upward review of the government’s monthly subvention to the university.

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    He said some officials were owed salaries not because the management was unwilling to pay, but because the money not just there. 

    “The subvention from the government can no longer carry the university because the institution is growing with new programmes and the staff strength is expanding. Even if salaries are paid, the hard economic condition will make it difficult for you to cater to the enormity of challenges facing you with your meager salaries,” he added.

    Inyali hailed the governor for the rehabilitation of internal and external roads within the institution, noting that he had been generous to the university even before now. 

    Speaking on behalf of ex-students working in the university, Dr. Godswill John, convener, ‘BLazers for UNICROSS’, praised the alumni executives for their magnanimity, noting that the rice would be shared fairly.

  • DESOPADEC contractors appeal for variations

    DESOPADEC contractors appeal for variations

    Indigenous contractors handling projects for the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) have appealed to the state government to allow variations in their contracts, due to rising inflation.

    They hinged their stance on the depreciating value of the naira and continued delay in adequate funding of projects by previous administrators of the commission. 

    Chairman of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum, Ogie Samson, an engineer; made the appeal at the body’s thanksgiving/end of year party held at Jeddo, Okpe Local Government.

    He said members were facing challenges in the execution of projects due to increase in prices of materials, and stressed the need for the interventionist agency to allow for review of contracts.

    Ogie said: “We the indigenous contractors are pleading with DESOPADEC to allow for contract variation where cogent and verifiable reasons are adduced because of inflation, since the commission owes contractors heavily”.

    Disclosing that the forum had received some favourable response, he, however, urged the management of the commission to keep to the promise as from next month.

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    The forum chairman said no union or association enjoys using protests to press home genuine demands when the system works seamlessly.

    Lauding the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chief Oghenekome Okpobor, for his response to the forum’s complaints unlike before, Ogie assured DESOPADEC management of mutual relationships in the coming year, in an effort to hasten development of the host communities, in line with the mandate of the agency.

    He hailed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his sterling performance since he assumed office, expressing confidence that he would not disappoint the people.

    He urged the governor to allocate more funds to DESOPADEC to enable the commission bring the expected development to the oil producing areas.

    Highlight of the event was a thanksgiving service held at Dunamis International Centre, Warri, along NPA Expressway.

  • Delta trains 110 facilitatorsfor Fed Govt’s scheme

    Delta trains 110 facilitatorsfor Fed Govt’s scheme

    No fewer than 110 facilitators in Delta State have begun training aimed at enrolment of beneficiaries into the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.

    The cash transfer programme is a partnership between the World Bank, federal and state governments targeted at uplifting 15 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

    Delta State Head of the Cash Transfer Unit, Mrs. Modupe Osharode, spoke in Asaba during a one day workshop for cash transfer facilitators from the 25 local governments.

    She said the beneficiaries were expected to receive a monthly stipend of N25,000 for a three-month period.

    Osharode said: “The part the state plays is to facilitate enrolment of the beneficiaries, but the Federal Government pays the money.

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    “They (facilitators) know their local governments, they know their communities, they know their terrain very well, so they work as foot soldiers.

    “What I want to tell the communities is that the register is credible, our duty is just to disclose the list so that they will come out and check if their names are there.”

    She said the focus of the exercise were the over 60,000 unbanked households in the state social register.

    “Most times, we target the adult female in the household. She is the person that comes out for the household, but the money is for the use of the household.

    “What we are set to do is to go and look for the unbanked ones, so that they can open accounts for them.”

    Some of the facilitators expressed readiness to accomplish the task of enumerating beneficiaries, following the training by the state Cash Transfer Unit.