The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Rivers governor preaches peace at monarch’s funeral service

    Rivers governor preaches peace at monarch’s funeral service

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday dedicated most part of his speech at the funeral service of King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Amachree XI, the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom, to appeal to residents to embrace peace.

    He said although the state was in a difficult period, there was need for everybody to maintain peace in the interest of development and growth of Rivers.

    Speaking at the King Amachree Square in Buguma Town, Asari Toru Local Government, Fubara said the desire of his administration to enthrone an enviable Rivers could only take place in an atmosphere of peace.

    Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

    The governor in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant, Media, Boniface Onyedi, said residents must exhibit mutual harmony among themselves and contribute their quota to realise developmental activities lined up by his administration.

    He said: “We are in a difficult period, but just be peaceful. We cannot achieve progress in an environment of violence. We cannot grow our state to the level of our aspirations when there is trouble.

    “We can only advance to our dream state in a peaceful environment. I urge every one of you to be peaceful. Peace is the only instrument that can bring development.”

    The Intercontinental Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge, who represented the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, stressed the need for people to seek God, serve him truthfully, while living peacefully with their neighbours.

  • Court grants Fubara leave to issue substituted service to assembly, others

    Court grants Fubara leave to issue substituted service to assembly, others

    The High Court sitting in Isiokpo Judicial Division has granted Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara leave to serve the House of Assembly leadership as well as the Chief Judge by substituted services.

    The order for substituted service noted that the defendants be served through a publication in ThisDay and The Nation newspapers and also to paste the summons at the gates of the residence and office of the 1st to 4th defendants.

    Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

    The four defendants are Rivers State House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the Clerk of the Assembly.

    The order, which was endorsed by Wachukwu Anthony Ogurie, the Assistant Chief Registrar 11, disclosed that the case had been adjourned till December 4, 2023 for argument of the motion for interlocutory injunction.

  • Otu rewards youths for foiling ex-INEC official’s kidnap

    Otu rewards youths for foiling ex-INEC official’s kidnap

    Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has presented cash to some youths from Nyanghasang community in Calabar municipality for their role in foiling the kidnap of Mrs. Caroline Bassey, a former official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The foiled kidnap occurred three weeks ago and the state government had promised to encourage residents, who assisted government to combat crime.

    Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

    The governor had promised to reward community leaders and persons, who could help with useful security information that would lead to the arrest of kidnappers and other criminals.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, Otu hailed the youth of Nyanghasang community for being security conscious and for being vanguards against crime in their localities.

    He assured citizens of his administration’s willingness to partner the people to ensure the security of lives and property.

  • Calabar wears new look ahead of carnival

    Calabar wears new look ahead of carnival

    The capital city of Cross River State, Calabar, is wearing a new look ahead of the commencement of the 2023 edition of the Annual Calabar Carnival scheduled to begin today.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in a bid to ensure seamless movement, the state government is putting finishing touches to the rehabilitation of major streets and roads in the city.

    While drainage system across Calabar Municipality is being desilted, waste managers are also working round the clock to rid the streets and roads of wastes.

    The lawn on major roads and streets, especially in the carnival routes, has received the attention of the landscapers.

    The aesthetics of Calabar have been further enhanced with the reactivation of street lights on major roads and streets across the municipality.

    The government is also matching word with action to organise the best carnival since its inception in 2004 by carrying out rehabilitation of junctions in the city.

    While the junctions have been adorned with lightning and Christmas decorations, the foremost Millennium Park has been transformed to signpost the commencement of the carnival.

    The decorated junctions include Eleven Eleven, Mary Slessor, Calabar Calabar, Effiete and Etta Agbor

    Mr Austine Cobham, executive secretary of the state’s Carnival Commission, recently disclosed plans to make the 2023 edition of the festival the best organised in history.

    Cobham disclosed that four countries, South Africa, Brazil, Turkey and Egypt would participate in the carnival.

    He said 26 states of the federation had also indicated interest to be part of the annual carnival.

    He said adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure security of lives and property before, during and after the festival.

    Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

    He said the impact of the 32-day carnival would be felt across the states and not just Calabar city alone.

    “We are working to ensure that this year’s edition will be a record setting in comparison to previous editions held since 2004.

    “While we are introducing new events for the carnival, we are also reintroducing some aspects of the carnival that had been stopped. For instance, the children carnival is coming back after 10 years.

    “Again, concentration will not just be in Calabar alone, central and northern parts of the state will also be made to feel the carnival.

    “Just like we are lighting up major roads and streets in Calabar for the festival, same will be done in central and northern parts of the state,” he stated.

    NAN also reports that as part of the plans to ensure seamless movement in and out of Calabar, the state government had on Tuesday inaugurated additional aircraft to boost the fleet of the state-owned airline, Cally Air.

    Governor Bassey Otu had said the Boeing 737, with the previous plane, would from Thursday (yesterday) be flying from Abuja and Lagos to Calabar during the 32-day carnival.

    The annual carnival, which started in 2004, has taken place every year, except in 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 lock down.

  • PISE-P galvanizes peace, unity in South East

    PISE-P galvanizes peace, unity in South East

    Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a dynamic non-partisan advocacy organisation, has emerged with a resounding mission to restore the South East‘s rightful place in the national political space and usher in the era of democracy dividends.

    Determined to attain this noble objective, PISE-P has devised a non-kinetic approach built on the Seven Pillars for Sustainable Development, gearing to accomplish its vision within the next five years.

    “The key to our success lies in our commitment to our objectives,” stated Ogbonna Ukuku, Project Coordinator.

    “These objectives encompass a range of transformative actions, such as reorienting citizens towards national unity, identifying the root causes of conflicts, and developing effective strategies for their management.

    “Moreover, PISE-P aims to carry out impactful programs and initiatives to foster national peace and harmony while positively impacting constituencies with the dividends of democracy”.

    He stated that additionally, the organization seeks to empower and nurture the youth as the future leaders of tomorrow through strategic programs that are politically, economically, and socially engaging.

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    Ukuku emphasised that the overarching goal of PISE-P is to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the South Eastern region of Nigeria. Leveraging on the seven crucial pillars of education, agriculture, commerce and industry, infrastructural development, culture and tourism, sports and entertainment, as well as governance and leadership, the organization aims to drive progress and create resilient communities that facilitate social cohesion.

    Speaking about the pillars in detail, Simon Karu, the Director of Programmes at PISE-P, highlighted the organization’s plans for education. These include establishing and renovating schools in conflict-affected areas, enhancing teacher training, providing teaching materials, and establishing scholarship programs for vulnerable and disadvantaged students.

    Karu also emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and vocational training for young people through the pillars of commerce and industry. PISE-P plans to establish business incubation centers, provide access to start-up capital, strengthen market linkages, support value chain development, encourage the establishment of cooperatives and business associations, and facilitate trade and investment fairs to drive economic growth and job creation.

    Sam Hart said the essence of PISE-P is to guide the people, and “we need help, we need hope and the need for the people to own it for it to be sustainable”.

    PISE-P was launched after a report of the SBM Intelligence, which said the region loses up to N13 billion a day whenever people stage a protest in the region. The South East region of Nigeria is known as a hub for entrepreneurial activities, as the majority of the people are into various forms of nano, micro, small, medium, and large-scale businesses.

    “A recent study by SBM Intelligence for DevEast Foundation Ltd./Gte, a not-for-profit policy and business advocacy organization, estimates that in the transportation sector, the South East loses about N10 billion – N13 billion every protest day, and traders also lose between N5.4 billion- N31 billion daily.”

    It continued that, “The South East region, once considered a hub for entrepreneurial activities, is grappling with a myriad of socio-economic issues, including rising unemployment, inflation, and security threats.

    “The impact of separatist agitations has led to economic downturns, hindering the region’s potential for growth. PISE-P recognizes the urgent need to address these challenges, restore peace, and unlock the untapped potential within the region.”

    Expressing gratitude, Mary Ikoku, the Director of Media, acknowledged the dedicated individuals involved in the formation of PISE-P. She said, “The coming together of this group of passionate individuals showcases a genuine interest in revitalizing the social, political, and economic growth of our region. I must particularly commend the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his overwhelming support and the pivotal role he plays in the organization. 

    Ikoku emphasized that the task of rebuilding the Southeast lies not only with political, religious, and traditional leaders but with every individual. She passionately called upon all stakeholders to join hands in repositioning the region for progress and development.

    With PISE-P at the helm, the South East can look forward to an era of inclusive political representation, driven by sustainable development and a united vision for the future.

  • Soludo to firm: our hearts beat together for development in Anambra

    Soludo to firm: our hearts beat together for development in Anambra

    Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has said the way his heart beats for development for Anambra is the way a firm, Dotland Property Development company, beats.

    He hailed the company for acquiring and developing paradise estate at Enugu-Agidi, which according to him, would help develop Awka Capital Territory.

    Soludo spoke while performing the groundbreaking ceremony of Paradise City Estate.

    The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) explained that the property would also help to make Anambra liveable and prosperous as envisaged by his administration.

    Soludo was represented by the Chief Executive Officer CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Hon. Chido Obidiegwu.

    He stressed that his administration was committed to providing enabling environment to the citizenry with genuine businesses and intentions to thrive. 

    According to him: “We gathered because of the importance attached to housing and shelter. We’re already providing food, water, education, youth and women empowerment, and others. 

    “Our people living within and outside Anambra should bring their wealth home by providing shelter, industries and others.

    “We have about 440 plots or two hectares of land here. You can purchase as many plots as possible because they are genuine and unencumbered property. 

    “You won’t have issue with anyone. Enugwu-Agidi are in support of it. Whatever investment you make here are in good hands and you will reap the benefits later,” he added. 

    Managing Director, Anambra State Housing Corporation, Mr Chike Anyaonu, represented by Mr Eric Onwumere, said the government would assist the property owner to access resources from various trusted sources to complete the estate.

    Read Also: Soludo to Corps members: my govt will treat you as critical national assets

     Igweonwu, the publicity secretary of Enugu-Agidi Brotherly Union (EBU), who represented the community, assured their support as he prayed for potential inhabitants to the property to be fruitful and prosperous in all endeavours. 

    MD of Dotland Property Development Company, Chief Emeka Anyadubalu, assured that relevant documents related to the Paradise estate were available and issuable to those willing to invest into the property.

    He added that it was a few minutes drive to Awka and Chinụa Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport respectively.

  • HYPREP partners firm to empower 454 Ogoni

    HYPREP partners firm to empower 454 Ogoni

    The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and Buafa Agro Resources Ltd have begun a four-month marathon training of 454 Ogoni indigenes in agricultural entrepreneurship.

    This is in line with the alternative livelihood empowerment scheme, recommended for the people of Ogoni by the United Nations Environment Project (UNEP) report as part of conditions to clean up oil impacted areas of the communities.

    No fewer than 5,000 people are expected to benefit in this first phase of the livelihood empowerment programme.

    Read Also: Don seeks change in HYPREP leadership

    There are diverse aspects of the training, but Buafa Agro Resources Ltd is collaborating with the Federal Government interventionist agency to train those interested in agriculture, particularly fishing and poultry farming.

    Speaking to The Nation at the training centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the training firm, Famaa Bariledum, said beyond the agreement reached with HYPREP, his company deliberately decided to include a course in “mindset for entrepreneurship”, to gift them the right mindset that would help them succeed in the business.

    “The training is on and we are trying to impart in the people the right knowledge in agricultural entrepreneurship development.”

  • Egbesu Brotherhood urges Tinubu to ‘prioritise reintegration’ of ex-militants

    Egbesu Brotherhood urges Tinubu to ‘prioritise reintegration’ of ex-militants

    • Supports calls for Ndiomu’s replacement

    A group, Egbesu Brotherhood, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “prioritise reintegration” of ex-militants across the Niger Delta by sacking the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd).

    In a statement signed by its Chief Superintending Officer, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, the group said Ndiomu’s sack would translate to the President’s fulfilment of campaign promises on the drive to foster development across the region.

    Egbesu Brotherhood called for “overhauling government intervention agencies, parastatals and departments tasked with fostering development and peace in the region.”

    It hailed President Tinubu for the screening and inauguration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, expressing concern about the pattern of “interim appointments” in the Niger Delta as observed in the previous government.

    The body said its submission emerged from an assessment of activities in the Niger Delta.

    It expressed discontent with the prolonged neglect of pressing issues crucial for sustaining peace and development in the region, as well as government’s encountered obstacles in providing funding.

    Read Also: We’re focused on job creation, fight against hunger, corruption, others – Tinubu

    Egbesu Brotherhood also expressed concern about the “presidency’s silence” on the alleged diversion of earmarked funds by Gen Ndiomu for reintegration of the amnesty beneficiaries.

    “The Brotherhood notes the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s positive impact on peace and development since 2009.

    “It questions the presidency’s silence in the face of counter-allegations and protest threats from ex-agitators, suggesting it may tarnish the administration’s early days.”

    “The Brotherhood expresses growing belief in rumours among Niger Delta youths about Ndiomu’s alleged manipulative tactics to retain power, citing his confident assertions that no one can remove him from office,” the statement said.

    Declaring support for any planned protest to shut down Abuja, the group said: “Our stance is clear, we seek Ndiomu’s removal from office and the appointment of a qualified individual with roots in the struggle for genuine representation.

    “The current peace in the region has led to a significant increase in crude oil production in Nigeria. This serves as a call for the President to address corruption within the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    “The plea is to prioritise the reintegration of disillusioned youths, aiming to prevent a resurgence of unrest. Over 90 per cent of amnesty beneficiaries are reportedly dissatisfied with the programme’s status or weary of past governments’ deceptive approaches to their reintegration into the society,” the statement concluded.

  • FUTO okays N30m grant for host communities

    FUTO okays N30m grant for host communities

    The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof.  (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti, has said the institution’s council has approved establishment of N30 million grant to enhance cordial relationship between the school and its host communities.

    She said the school had instituted an annual allocation of N10 million for 100 students in tertiary institutions at N100,000 per student from the 10 host communities.

    Disclosing this at the 34th and 35th combined pre-convocation news briefing yesterday at the council chamber, Owerri, Otti, the 8th substantive vice chancellor, said the school had also established N10 million poverty alleviation project for 100 poor women and youths from the host communities at N100,000 per persons.

    She said the university had also earmarked N10million for a community development project, noting that the host communities would decide on the project choice.

    The school will graduate 5,091 students on Saturday to mark the combined ceremony of graduating classes of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions disrupted by the protracted Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in 2022.

    Read Also: ASUU worried over FUTO leadership crisis

    Breaking down the graduands by class of degrees, Oti said 57 students would be graduating with first-class honour, 1,086 second class upper, 2,477 second class lower and 245 third class, totalling 3,865 graduands for 2020/2021 set, while in 2021/2022, 63 students graduated with first-class honour, 591 second class upper, 544 second class lower and 28 third class, totalling 1,226.

    Oti, who has received awards, said the school has recorded modest achievements in infrastructural development, completed ongoing projects, including building of Vice Chancellor’s lodge, construction and furnishing of building for Department of Software Engineering, among others.

    “In the last two years, FUTO has attracted unprecedented ICT infrastructure worth nearly N2 billion to the university.  We hope to build a university that revolves round information technology, to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

    “The school has been selected as the only institution in the Southeast for siting digital economy park project worth N1.2 billion, among others,” she said.

  • Court to hear Rivers Assembly crisis suit Dec. 5

    Court to hear Rivers Assembly crisis suit Dec. 5

    Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has scheduled December 5 to begin hearing in a suit concerning the leadership tussle of the state House of Assembly.

    The suit was filed by the member representing Ahoada East State Constituency two in Rivers Assembly, Edison Ehie, praying the court  to restrain Martin Amaewhule from parading himself as the Speaker and presiding over the activities of the house.

    The presiding judge, Justice Phoebi Ayua, adjourned the case.

    Read Also: Appeal Court dismisses Cole’s, Ekwu’s, Itubo’s, Briggs’ suits against Fubara’s victory

    When the matter came up, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), K.C.O. Njemanze, informed the court of his appearance to replace the lawyer already representing the plaintiff.

    The oral application was opposed by the lead lawyer to the applicant, N. O. Akporuvweku, saying they were not notified about change of lawyers.

    The lawyer to the first and second defendants, Ferdinand Oshoke, prayed the court to consolidate and accelerate hearing in all applications filed in the matter since it bordered on the legislative arm of the government.