The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Expert advocates functional feedback mechanism

    Expert advocates functional feedback mechanism

    Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government in Ebonyi State have been advised to provide adequate and functional feedback mechanisms. 

    A communications expert with the State Accountability, Transparency, and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity, Nneka Acholonu Egbuna, gave the advice in Abakaliki at an orientation workshop on Communication Strategy for Priority Ministries and the Internal Revenue Service. 

    The workshop is part of the working relationship between USAID and Ebonyi State Government and Civil Society Organisations.

    It is geared towards transparent, accountable and effective governance for improved service delivery in three priority sectors, including Education, Health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

    She told participants that ways of getting feedback included maintaining active social media channels for their organisations and also by providing contact details in all their messaging.

    Egbuna said having feedback channels would help the MDAs to get important feedbacks in real time that would help them to improve on their services and also checkmate fake government agents where necessary. 

    Read Also: Tinubu to NPC board: start work now, I won’t tolerate non-performance

    She said the objective of the workshop was to acquaint information officers with the state’s communication strategy and its implementation action plan.

    The Special Assistant to the governor on ICT, Tony Nwizi, said the orientation would deepen the knowledge of information officers on how to better explain the activities of the government in the chosen sectors to the public.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ebonyi State, Comrade Samson Nwafor, thanked  USAID and the State Team Lead for considering Ebonyi State for the orientation.

    One of the participants, Sylvester Egede, thanked the organisers of the programme, saying they would put into practice all they had learnt at the workshop.

  • Soludo’s wife weeps as she visits orphanage homes in Anambra

    Soludo’s wife weeps as she visits orphanage homes in Anambra

    The wife of Anambra state governor, Nonye Soludo, was in tears Monday, December 18, as she took a trip to orphanage homes in Onitsha and its environs.

    She, therefore, promised to undertake surgery for a child with cerebral palsy in one of the children’s homes in Onitsha.

    She visited three registered homes in the state, where she discussed with the management of the homes the urgent need to take up the treatment of one of them.

    The governor’s wife who had earlier visited five out of 39 registered homes in the state, promised to personally visit all community homes in the state before Christmas.

    Speaking shortly after the visits, Soludo’s wife said the visit was to extend love and kindness to the children’s home as a way of reassuring them that they are not alone in their plight.

    She described Christmas as a period of showing love, compassion, and support to one another.

    She said: “We have about 39 homes for abandoned and motherless children in the state. I have visited eight and I intend to visit and celebrate Christmas with the children in all the homes.

    “For me, Christmas means reaching out to the needy, less privileged, and motherless and abandoned children. They need our care and special expression of love to partake in the celebrations.

    “All the homes I have visited so far, I’m very impressed with the clean environment and how the caregivers are taking good care of the children.

    Read Also: Soludo to UNICEF, UNDP: we will eradicate poverty in Anambra

    She added: “I saw a very sick baby who requires medical intervention in one of the homes. I will make sure that the baby gets all the healthcare needed to stay alive and healthy.

    “I learnt they have been to the hospital and were given 50-50 chances. But we cannot afford to abandon her in such a condition. I will reach out to the management to further our discussions so we see how we can help this child.”

    Mrs Soludo urged well-meaning individuals, corporation organisations, and groups to reach out to the needy and make the Christmas celebration special for them.

    Responding, the Manager of Onitsha North Children’s Home, Mrs Rita Anekwe expressed appreciation to the governor’s wife, saying that the gesture would go a long way in putting smiles on the faces of the children.

    Mrs Soludo, during the visit, distributed various items such as bags of rice and beans, tubers of yam, toiletries, beverages, as well as cash gifts to the homes.

    She also seized the opportunity to pray, sing and dance with the children, while the visibly excited children prayed for the governor’s wife, her husband, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, and peace in the state throughout the festive season.

    The homes visited were Onitsha North Community Children’s Home, In-land Town, Onitsha South Motherless Babies Home, Odoakpu and Missionaries of Charity/ Gift of Mercy Community Children and Compassionate Home/ Orphanage, Fegge-Onitsha.

  • Yuletide: Group tasks FG on southeast security situation

    Yuletide: Group tasks FG on southeast security situation

    Ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the federal government has been urged to enhance its security strategies in the southeast.

    Ambassador Festus Emmanuel Okpara, chairman of Ihitenansa Development Union, Abuja branch, expressed that the ongoing security situation, adversely impacting the socio-political and economic progress of the country, is unlikely to improve without renewed intervention from the federal government.

    Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, December 17, during the union’s end-of-year celebration, Okpara expressed regret that the region is poised to experience another decline in economic fortune, as fewer indigenes residing outside the region are expected to make the traditional journey home for the yuletide due to the uncertainties of the security architecture of the region.

    Saying that the government should be concerned about youth restiveness in the region if the insecurity situation persists, Okpara noted: “Yes, the government is trying as we can all see. We have seen the efforts but they should be concerned about the youth.

    “I believe that the youths are showing great understanding now but we should know that if it takes too long to manifest, things can quickly change.

    “If unemployment is aggressively addressed and the youths are meaningfully engaged, we will see that our problems as a country would have been more than halfway solved.

    “With what we are facing now, not many people will want to travel home to the East to celebrate the yuletide and we all know that that is one celebration that is almost a tradition.

    “What does that translate to? Less economic activities, and less spread of wealth which in a way adds to poverty.

    Read Also: Access Bank unveils yuletide rewards for customers

    “In summary, if the security challenges are addressed, economic activities must naturally pick up. No one is happy with what is currently happening there right now.

    “I urge President Tinubu to take a second look at the security situation in the East for the good of the region and the country.”

    Nevertheless, he encouraged the people of the region, especially the youths, to be patient and allow the new government time to implement its policies and programs aimed at addressing the numerous challenges facing the country.

    “I want to implore Nigerians and our youths in particular to be more patient and give the government time for what they are doing to manifest.

    “They should remember that nothing can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour and that is why patience is important.”

    The Welfare Secretary of the association, Victor Ikem, Agugoesi, in his plea, urged the aggrieved youths who are tarnishing the region’s reputation with kidnappings and other crimes to reconsider their actions.

    He added: “When the stories from the region are about kidnappings and incessant killings, how investors would be attracted to the region with all the negative perceptions?

    “My advice is that it is time to be practical and think about the future and economic survival of our region and the country at large”.

    The legal practitioner, nevertheless, emphasized the importance for the government to guarantee that the palliatives introduced to alleviate the hardships of Nigerians due to the economic decisions reach their intended recipients.

    He said: “The government should please ensure that the promised palliatives get to the common people and not end up as political tools like before.”

    The association celebrates the yuletide with different programmes yearly as thanksgiving for the outgoing year.

  • Abia to partner private educational institutions

    Abia to partner private educational institutions

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has expressed his willingness to partner private educational institutions to foster education in the state and beyond.

    He made this known at the 8th convocation of Gregory University, Uturu (GUU).

    Dr. Otti said: “Let us collectively strive for a harmonious collaboration between the government, educational institutions and private sector. 

    “This synergy is vital for creating an ecosystem where innovation, entrepreneurship and critical thinking thrive.”

    The governor, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, said collaborative efforts between the government and academic institutions paved the way for initiatives that transcended traditional boundaries. 

    He said partnerships are pivotal for driving innovation, research and the development of a skilled workforce, adding: “Gregory University Uturu, with its commitment to academic excellence and practical entrepreneurial training, becomes a cornerstone in shaping the future of our state.”

    Read Also: Renewing the hope of Nigerians

    Otti recalled that his administration allocated 20 per cent of the state’s 2024 budget to the education sector in recognition of the pivotal role education played in shaping the destiny of members of the society.

    “Southeast states, including Abia, consistently produce a high number of candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions. Thus, investment in the education sector becomes imperative, and our government’s commitment is commendable. 

    “This dedication aligns with the values upheld by visionary leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Michael Okpara, who understood that education brought glory and honour to our people. “

    He appreciated GUU’s distinctive features, saying: “The designation of undergraduates as ‘scholars,’ a full residency policy, and a focus on practical entrepreneurial training, sets it apart in the educational landscape. The dedication to language acquisition, exchange programmes and a diverse array of academic offerings further underscore GUU’s commitment to achieving global prominence.” 

    He called on other well-meaning ‘Abians’ at home and in the diaspora to leverage the uncommon transformation going on in Abia State and the enabling environment provided in the educational sector to come forward to invest and collaborate with the government in the sector.

    Otti congratulated the graduates, who have demonstrated excellence in character and learning and urged them to make positive impact on the society.

  • Nwifuru reiterates priority for welfare of widows, others

    Nwifuru reiterates priority for welfare of widows, others

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of the elderly and widows.

    He spoke at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, during the elders and widows party.

    The governor reiterated his stance to better the lots of people, especially the elders, widows and other less privileged ones.

    He said the essence of the people’s charter of needs was to ensure an effective target mechanism.

    Read Also: Challenges before Aiyedatiwa

    Nwifuru commended the elders for their resilience and contributions to the development of the state.

    He said his administration would continue to honour the elderly and widows.

    “When we honour our parents, God will honour us,” he said.

    The governor acknowledged the current economic realities, its effects on the widows and the elderly and pledged an upward review of their welfare.

    “I assure you that I am with you, I am for you and I will work for you.”

    Mr Uchenna Igwe, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, said the governor was committed to ensure that the welfare of all classes of people of Ebonyi would remain constant.

    Mr. Steven Obasi, on behalf of the elders, appreciated the governor for the annual programme and identified their contributions in the state.

  • NDDC chair extols virtues of Ondo centenarian

    NDDC chair extols virtues of Ondo centenarian

    The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, has described the departed centenarian and patriarch of the Abegunde family, Chief Williams Abegunde Fagbegi, as a trail blazer in his community in Akure, Ondo State.

    Ebie, who spoke during the funeral service of Chief Abegunde Fagbegi at the Cathedral Church of Saint David, Ijomu in Akure, said his successes and achievements in fields should be celebrated.

    He conveyed his condolences on behalf of the board and management of the commission to the family of the deceased, including the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde.

    Ebie in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, noted that Pa Abegunde Fagbegi’s transition would be felt not only by his family, but also by other Nigerians because of his contributions in aspects of life.

    He urged the family to be comforted that their patriarch lived a good and fulfilled life.

    Read Also: Challenges before Aiyedatiwa

    Ughakpoteni said: “His precepts will continue to inspire his family, friends and associates to aspire to accomplish greatness and establish a worthy legacy.”

    NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said the centenarian lived a life worthy of emulation.

    “We are here to honour and celebrate him, as well as support his children, whose towering personalities are evidence of his enduring legacies,” he said.

    He said the patriarch was a successful farmer and a visionary, who placed importance on education for his children. 

    Ughakpoteni added: “He exemplified hard work, love and devotion, with a passion for education as a panacea for poverty.”

    He said with their son as one of the executive directors at NDDC, Ondo State would get its fair share from NDDC programmes and projects.

    Responding on behalf of the family, Ifedayo thanked NDDC for coming to comfort them, as they performed the funeral ceremony of their patriarch.

    According to him, Pa Abegunde Fagbegi touched many lives and achieved milestones in his life.

    He thanked friends and associates for joining the Abegunde family to bid farewell to Pa Abegunde Fagbegi.

  • Diaspora group, activists laud Tinubu, IG on police green initiative

    Diaspora group, activists laud Tinubu, IG on police green initiative

    United States of America (USA) green energy initiative, the Sustainable Energy for Developing Nations Initiative (SEDNI), has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding for the Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI).

    It is aimed at engaging green innovative solution to boost the operational efficiency and capacity of the Nigeria Police to fight crime and maintain law and order in Nigeria. 

    SEDNI, based in Houston Texas, USA, in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaac ThankGod, an engineer; described the Nigeria Police initiative as commendable, saying it should be emulated by other African countries and all developing nations. 

    SEDNI said despite the challenging nature of providing security in a country like Nigeria, the initiative would open up the minds of the populace and highlight certain socio-economic factors for effective policing and crime reduction, environmental sustainability, climate change, as well as supporting the lives and livelihoods of the members of the police and their families.

    Read Also: Renewing the hope of Nigerians

    The group pointed out that besides encouraging a more civil-police relationship, the ‘Nigeria Police Emission Reduction Programme’ policy would also alleviate the living standard of the men and personnel of the Nigeria Police.

    SEDNI said the initiative would include becoming sources of solar lighting across the police stations, police colleges, police barracks, police outposts and communities in alignment with the transition to low-carbon climate-resilient development.

    The group said: “The programme will encourage transitioning to energy efficient vehicles and gas conversion vehicles, thus reducing premium motor spirit (PMS) consumption and air pollution, while increasing efficiency and promoting a healthier lifestyle among police personnel and the community.

    “The initiative will also leverage environmentally-sustainable waste and water management, including solar boreholes and waste-to-energy programmes, thereby reducing operational costs, creating jobs and a cleaner environment.

    “The NPF is also going beyond our immediate environment by lighting up communities with solar power to reduce security vulnerability and herder-farmer crisis, conducting outreach programmes to educate citizens on the importance of preserving natural resources, reducing pollution and engaging in sustainable practices, thereby effectively managing scarce natural resource-induced conflicts such as the herder-farmer conflicts.”

    SEDNI also agreed that the Nigeria Police is leading by example by recognising the need for government agencies and the private sector to take proactive measures in aligning climate action with law enforcement and security issues.

    The organisation further said: “The SEDNI welcomes the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun’s commendation and assurance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and other COP-28 participants that Nigeria will rank among the nations where government institutions will lead by example on climate change initiatives.

    “The Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI) is a testament to the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to add tremendous value to the Federal Government, while performing its core law enforcement responsibilities.”

  • APGA chieftain dumps party for APC with members

    APGA chieftain dumps party for APC with members

    One of the pillars of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Hilary Udeano, has dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He joined the party with no fewer than 2,000 members, having served as a local government chairman in Anambra East Local Government during the administration of Chief Willie Obiano.

    Speaking with The Nation, Udeano said they were the people that made APGA thick in Anambra State, adding that he had come to bring that same energy into the APC.

    He said he joined APGA at that time to help his brother, who was the governor, adding that governorship election in Anambra in 2025 would not be easy for APGA again, especially in Anambra East Council.

    Read Also: Challenges before Aiyedatiwa

    During the gathering of the party at the weekend in Awka, one of the chieftains of APC in Anambra State, Chief Paul Chukwuma, gave Christmas gifts, including rice and cash worth over N200 million, to the party members.

    He said it was his little way of lifting members of his party in Anambra State since APC was not the party in power in the state.

    The Deputy National Organising Secretary of APC, Nze Chidi Duru, hailed Chukwuma for the kind gesture.

    He called on the party faithful to make unity of purpose their watchword, noting that togetherness remained the only reason the party would succeed in taking over power from APGA.

    The state APC Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, advised other wealthy members of the party in the state to emulate Chukwuma, saying such gesture had never been done in the state. 

    He noted that the gesture would strengthen peace and unity among members in Anambra and beyond.

  • Stakeholders adopt approaches to check proliferation of illicit arms

    Stakeholders adopt approaches to check proliferation of illicit arms

    • Centre destroys over 3,000 weapons, 20,000 ammunition

    Stakeholders across broad spectrum of the society in Cross River State have expressed concern about the proliferation of illicit arms and light weapons by wrong persons and subsequently adopted new approaches to check and control the situation.

    The stakeholders, including market women, traditional and religious leaders, youths’ organisations, media practitioners, civil societies, trade unions as well as security operatives were assembled at a one-day workshop organised by the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, South-South zonal office in Calabar.

    Speaking on the theme of the workshop: ‘Whole society approach in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria’, the guest of honour and special adviser to Cross River State Governor on Security, Maj.- Gen. Okoi Obono (Rtd), said the small arms and light weapons in the hands of the wrong persons was one of the ills of the society that needed to be fought with others to free the society.

    Read Also: Renewing the hope of Nigerians

    He said: “If there is a fight and you are without a weapon, when you are tired you will stop the fight, but if you have a weapon, you may be charged to fight on. So, we need to free our society of the situation.”

    He said for the state government, a lot of initiatives had been put in place working with the ministries and MDAs by way of their policies in synergy with the Office of the Security Adviser to make sure crime was combated. 

    “Like it’s rightly said, the society also has a role to play in the whole exercise. We have carried out a lot of sensitisation and advocacies in the 18 local governments in the state.”

    Obono said the security agencies relied much on information and tip off that helped to identify hideouts of such arms and weapons in the state, adding that a weapon factory that was unravelled in  Akamkpa Local Government was based on a tip-off.

    The Zonal Coordinator of the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, South-South office, Maj.-Gen. Martins Obot (Rtd.), said the office had retrieved and destroyed over 3,000 weapons of different sizes and shapes, including AK47 rifles, general purpose machine guns, propel granites, locally made single and double barrel guns, some cut to size.

    “We have also retrieved large quantity of ammunition; more than 20,000 so far. We have carried out the destruction exercise and we are sure that other exercises for destruction will take place when due.”

    Guest lecturer, Dr. Ndifon Neji Obi, a sub-dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar, as well as the coordinator of Peace and Conflict Studies at the university, noted that an intervention as done by the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons was very appropriate, “especially now that the Federal Government is trying its best to ensure that conditions are created where negative energies can be redirected to peace resources.”

    He said most conflicts in communities across Nigeria were facilitated by the availability of small arms and light weapons.

    “Bringing stakeholders together to build consciousness is a critical point and an appropriate foundation for ensuring such weapons are laid off in communities, by the communities.”

  • Insecurity: PISE-P bold, courageous way to bring peace in South-East — Ribadu

    Insecurity: PISE-P bold, courageous way to bring peace in South-East — Ribadu

    The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has lauded the new peace initiative in the South-East, saying it was a bold and courageous way to restore tranquility in the region. 

    The project is a new peace initiative championed by Peace in the South-East Project (PISE-P), which is pushing for a non-kinetic means of resolving the security and other sociological challenges in the South-East, improving infrastructure and achieving inclusion of the zone in the national equation. 

    So far, the initiative has gained the endorsement of Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, the business class and many other notable Nigerians and institutions across the country.

    Receiving a delegation of the organisation led by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on a courtesy call Thursday night, the NSA Ribadu said with PISE-P, common sense has taken over. 

    He said: “This is very good. Now, common sense has taken over. I think it’s a wonderful thing. It is the right thing to do. This is a bold, courageous one. The way you are going is the way it should come out. Our people have suffered. Unfortunately, things do happen. But let’s put it behind. This government is a different one. The President started very well. It’s a good one.”

    Kalu told the NSA that the new message of peace has received massive support from the people. 

    Read Also: Ribadu to the rescue

    “You encouraged me to lead from the front. The message of peace is a good one and it’s been embraced by all. We are using every platform to push it. Our people are responding. They say we want peace. We have developed a concept note. The DG DSS has been in support of this. This is what we have been doing anywhere we go to. Peace is better,” Kalu said.

    Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, has also endorsed the peace initiative. 

    Gbajabiamila gave his endorsement on Thursday when Kalu also led another delegation to inform him about the peace initiative for the South-East region.