The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Akwa Ibom govt to update social register

    Akwa Ibom govt to update social register

    Akwa Ibom State Government says it will upgrade its social register to enable it have accurate records of vulnerable persons.

    Governor Umo Eno, who made the disclosure at the weekend during the Government House monthly prayer service, said the aim was allow indigent persons access social programmes of the government.

    He urged government functionaries, community and religious leaders to assist the government in providing information to update the register.

    Eno said government intended to adopt the register for its intervention programmes, and warned against politicising it.

    “For the record, the National Social Register (NSR) is an information system that supports the outreach, intake, registration and determination of potentially eligible persons to benefit from social programmes.

    “There is a social register. It is active and it is recognised by the World Bank. We have over a million people from every local government, ward and unit. It’s done on household basis and it’s for the poorest of the poor.

    Read Also: Why I don’t want war in Akwa Ibom, by Akpabio

    “This week we will be updating that register. All our PAs in the wards will be helping us. We all have work to do, so I ask that we please show interest.

    “All our pastors, our fathers come from a place, show some interests in that social register. It will help us. This is what we want to be using as a state to help our people,” the governor said.

    He appealed to stakeholders to ensure registration was done devoid of political colouration, stressing that village heads, community leaders and stakeholders should concerned themselves with ensuring that no one, who could not be traced to any household, was enlisted under their community slot.

    “I like to emphasise that this is not another political jamboree. Let’s make sure it’s for everyone who belongs to that category, whether they voted for us or not. If we bring those divisions now, it won’t help us.

    “So the stakeholders, please just check to make sure they don’t put the names and bank accounts of people that are not from your village,” he said.

    Speaking further on the criteria for inclusion or delimitation on the social register, he said: “I don’t expect my name or any of your names to be on the social register. Please don’t do it. It is meant for people we can reach with very little things to support them.

    ‘Please don’t politicise everything. It is not a PDP register. It is a social register for ‘Akwa Ibomites’. So long as that person is from there and you understand that the person is on that cadre, please put their names.

    “It is not also for civil servants. We know those ones already,” the governor added.

  • ‘Fed Govt to visit erosion sites in Imo’

    ‘Fed Govt to visit erosion sites in Imo’

    Federal Government construction team will arrive in Imo State next week to conduct a NEEDS assessment on erosion sites.

    This initiative aims to address the devastating effects of erosion on communities.

    The senator representing Imo West, Osita Izunaso, made this known to reporters yesterday in Owerri while laying foundation stone of two skill acquisition centres in Urualla and Umukegwu Akokwa, Ideato North Local Government. 

    On the erosion menace in his senatorial district, particularly in Ideato, he said: “In fact, the Federal Government was ready for the past two weeks to come and do NEEDS assessment on the erosion issue. They will be here one week or two weeks to do a NEEDS assessment of the erosion sites in the area. So that it can properly be factored into the budget of 2024.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Another fuel scarcity looms in Imo, Abia, others

    On the skills acquisition centres, he said: “When we were campaigning we made a lot of promises. I am not the kind of person that will make a promise and I will not keep to it. I promised communities skill acquisition centres. And today we are laying the foundation stone. The contract has been awarded and they have started work. There will be borehole besides the skill acquisition centres itself. 

    “You can see the communities are excited. The traditional rulers and women are here.  The most important thing is for them to protect the project. They should secure it. They should ensure that things that will be put inside there are secured. Because the project is for the benefit of all.”

    According to one of the contractors at the project site, Queen Quilare, “we have a supporting facility like two offices. We have convinces. We also have storage facilities. To complement it, we also have borehole. Excavation is going on.”

    He said that would be completed in three months’ time.

    “Hopefully we will finish in three months’ time. But we are asking for extra two weeks to be able to meet up with our promises.”

  • Sylva’s running mate criticises Jonathan’s comment on mum’s relocation

    Sylva’s running mate criticises Jonathan’s comment on mum’s relocation

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has come under fire over his comment that he would have relocated his mother elsewhere if Chief Timipre Sylva, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had won the November 11 governorship election.

    Incidentally, incumbent Governor Douye Diri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the poll.

    But the APC deputy governorship candidate, Great Joshua Maciver, took exception to the former president’s outburst and his partisan endorsement of Diri in spite of his statesmanship.

    Maciver, in a statement yesterday, said: “It is with a deep sense of concern and sadness that I, Great Joshua MacIver, deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa State, address the endorsement of Governor Diri by former President Jonathan.

    “In a manner that departs from the expected statesmanship, I find it disheartening that Jonathan, in a state where his role should be father like and non-partisan to all candidates, has chosen to endorse a specific individual, during a political season.

    Read Also: You’re an icon of democracy, Tinubu tells Jonathan at 66

    “Furthermore, I express my reservations regarding the former president’s statement about the planned relocation of his mother to Abuja had Governor Diri lost the governorship election. This public speech, openly demarketing Bayelsa State as unsafe and insecure, is a sentiment that should not be voiced by someone of his stature.

    “Sadly, Jonathan’s recent action has made him lose the respect of all true followers of the former Minister of State Petroleum Resources and APC governorship candidate in the last election, Chief Sylva.”

    He advised Jonathan as a statesman to be wary and conscious of his statement at all times and to avoid a situation whereby people would begin to question his statesmanship and integrity as a former leader and father of all, irrespective of political leanings.

  • How Diri won re-election, by activist

    How Diri won re-election, by activist

    Election observer group, CellHub has explained how the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri won re-election.

    Managing Director, CellHub, Idris Usman said meticulous data mining, strategic planning, and deliberate policies orchestrated by the organisation, contributed to Diri’s victory.

    According to Usman, the aforementioned factors played a pivotal role in “the remarkable victory.”

    “With unwavering dedication and a profound understanding of the Bayelsa political landscape, Mr. Usman utilised his expertise to usher Governor Douye Diri to another term in office.

    “The comprehensive data analysis and strategic insights provided by CellHub were key in identifying constituents’ needs, mapping voter behavior, and establishing the most effective campaign strategies.

    “Months of effort and diligent research unfolded into a masterful campaign that appealed to the aspirations and concerns of the people of Bayelsa,” a statement by the organisation said.

    Usman said by leveraging on in-depth data analytics at CellHub,

    Governor Diri’s re-election was made easy.

    The statement added: “Moreover, CellHub’s deliberate policies, designed to enhance voter engagement and mobilisation, further contributed to the resounding success of Governor Diri’s campaign.

    “By implementing innovative communication strategies, targeted messaging, and inclusive community outreach initiatives, CellHub magnified Governor Diri’s vision, solidifying his position as the people’s choice.

    Read Also:Bayelsa poll: I’d have relocated my mother if Diri lost, says Jonathan

    “The undeniable impact of CellHub’s data-driven approach, combined with my astute leadership, have ultimately resulted in an impressive electoral triumph, affirming the governorship of Douye Diri as a testament to the strategic excellence exemplified by CellHub.

    “This data l-driven approach by CellHub, was enhanced by the land achievements of the Diri administration in the State, in the areas of unprecedented infrastructural revolution, human capacity development and most significantly the ability of Governor Diri to make Bayelsa State one of Nigeria’s most peaceful, despite the desperate antics of his opponents to create tension and instigate violence in the build up to the election.

    “As an organisation committed to utilising cutting-edge data analysis and strategic planning, CellHub is ecstatic to have played such an instrumental role in the re-election of Governor Douye Diri.

    “This success not only reaffirms CellHub’s expertise in political campaign management, but also underscores our unwavering dedication to supporting clients in achieving their goals. It is also important to mention.”

  • Education Minister, others to speak at Edutech Summit

    Education Minister, others to speak at Edutech Summit

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and the McAnderson Associates, United Kingdom Chief Executive Officer, Akindayo Akindolani, have been scheduled among personalities to speak at the 2023 Edutech Summit.

    The two-day event, organised by Afritex in partnership with relevant stakeholders, would be held at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The 2023 edition is themed: “Next Step Learning – Bridging Science, Technology Engineering & Mathematics Education (STEM) With Cleantech.”

    In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the programme is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, November 21, and some of the sessions would focus on the linkage between clean technology innovation for sustainable education.

    Akindayo said part of the summit’s objective is to seek active collaboration with cleantech companies in the country to deliver useful and cleaner technological solutions for school learning.

    He cited an example of the organisation’s partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Microsoft, where nearly 500 students are being trained across three significant states – Bauchi, Lagos, and Abia States on ICT skills.     

    He said: “We are lucky to have been supported by the AfDB on the Coding for Employment project. It is a testament to our commitment to supporting young people, creating values through digital skills, ultimately making them employable.”

    As a panelist, he unfolded plans to discuss, among others, the need for education institutions to include the importance of online safety as an integral part of their vision and digital strategy.

    Read Also: Essence of education, collaboration to greater future, by Shettima

    In his remarks, the organizer, Oyesola Oworu of Afritex, described the event as the fifth in the series.

    He disclosed that in the past four editions, the event was able to converge dynamic and creative education professionals and enthusiasts from across the country to explore new education-driven technologies.

    “EdTech Summit and Awards is Africa’s largest EdTech Summit connecting educators, innovators, and influencers for two days of inspiration, impact, and social innovation,” he stated.

    Oworu, however, revealed that the 2023 edition of the EdTech is aimed to encourage students to apply their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and CleanTech knowledge to address local environmental challenges and also help schools reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact in the country and Africa at large.

  • 40% varsities IGR : Onoh lauds Obi over comment on Tinubu

    40% varsities IGR : Onoh lauds Obi over comment on Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu’s former spokesman in the southeast Dr. Josef Onoh has commended the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi for keeping politics aside to place the greater interest of Nigerians through his support, constructive criticism and advise on the President’s reversal of the automatic withdrawal of 40 percent from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Federal universities.

     Tinubu on Friday, during the 75th Founders day celebration of the University of Ibadan, announced the reversal of the automatic deduction of 40 percent from the federal universities IGR which he said was ill-timed at a time that the universities are financially choked.

    Obi immediately reacted to President Tinubu’s reversal of the policy, commending the presidential order and saying the 40 percent IGR underlines a lack of attention to the abuse of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund).

    Extolling Obi’s critique, Onoh said that unlike the other opposition members that criticize and antagonize the federal government even when it does something positive, Obi’s action has demonstrated true sportsmanship, exposing his value for Nigeria beyond mere politics and commend the LP presidential candidate for the immense applause he gave to the Tinubu administration.

    Onoh assured Obi that the Tinubu-led administration will not take for granted his recommendations and, noting that Obi’s commendation will encourage other well- meaning Nigerians to come together to perceive government as a collective pursuit other than as an individual entity.

    He stated that what His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi has done was a testament to the passion he has for Nigeria in moving it forward for the collective benefit of all Nigerians, adding that the state of education in Nigeria has been a major concern of all for decades.

    Onoh said: “Nigeria as a third world country despite being the most populous country in Africa and having the largest economy has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, with only 59 percent of the adult population able to read and write. President Tinubu during the campaign made education as one of the priorities in his manifesto.

    “He was aware of many challenges facing higher education in Nigeria, from inadequate funding, corruption, inadequate infrastructural facilities, shortage of academic staff, strike actions, Brain-drain, poor research, weak administrators and insecurity.

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    “The President’s directive is an affirmation of his commitment to Nigerians towards building a better society and His Excellency Peter Obi’s commendation of Mr. President’s directive isn’t just taken as a political statement, rather it’s a strong motivational words of encouragement and commitment to Nigerians and I assure him that his support to the greater good of Nigerians isn’t taken for granted by the Tinubu led administration.

    “I urge more Nigerians to emulate his actions and realise that irrespective of our political differences, Nigeria belongs to us all and together we will definitely renew hope and lay a better foundation for the future. This administration will work towards achieving greater access to university education in Nigeria, and will also focus on curbing financial waste in the Nigerian University System (applying the policy of consolidation to its letter).

    “Downsizing the number of support staff in Nigerian University System; retraining of Nigerian universities’ academic staff to embrace ICT/ e – learning; and encouraging all universities in Nigeria to establish distance learning centres to provide more opportunities for all to have access to university education; and revision of education trust fund support for the production of books and journals in the Nigerian tertiary institutions; production of online materials for distance learning centers that would serve the greater populace desiring university education in our country.

    “Once again I applaud Peter Obi for his positive commitment and recommendations towards advancement of education in Nigeria and let him be assured that with his support and that of all well-meaning Nigerians irrespective of political differences and benefits, we all support our government towards building a better nation. Be assured that it will inspire this administration to aspire to the benefit of us all.”

  • IYC seeks more advocacy for energy transition, global partnership

    IYC seeks more advocacy for energy transition, global partnership

    To mitigate environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region, there is need to intensify advocacy for a cleaner energy transition in Nigeria, the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, has said.

    He stated this during deliberations with the former Vice President of the United States of America, Al Gore, on mutual areas of cooperation on climate change as it affects the oil-rich region, at the just concluded Climate Reality Leadership Training held in Accra, Ghana.

    A statement by the IYC spokesman, Amb. Princewill Binebai, Friday, disclosed that the event which held between November 13 to 15 was organised by the Chief Executive Officer, Climate Reality Project and ex-USA VP, Gore.

    Speaking on the sidelines, Lokpobiri x-rayed possible areas of collaboration to tackle the environmental problems bedeviling the Niger Delta as a result of oil and gas exploitation and the need to create more awareness for corner energy transformation.

    Read Also: IYC hails Tinubu’s triumph at Supreme Court

    He further thanked the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for supporting the Nigerian delegation to actively participate in the event.

    Responding, the American politician expressed satisfaction with the “visible commitment” he witnessed by the cluster of Nigerian delegation.

    He assured of his continued support and possible flag-off of a climate change programme in Nigeria.

    Lokpobiri led members of the IYC ninth national executive council and other critical youth leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria to participate in the programme which had Mr. Muhammed Adow, Prof. Chukwumereji Okereke among other renowned global green energy advocates, as panelists.

  • S’South monarchs hail end to Obong of Calabar crisis

    S’South monarchs hail end to Obong of Calabar crisis

    The South South Monarchs Forum led by His Majesty (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja Jeki V, CFR, Jaja of Opobo as Chairman of the forum have expressed joy over the eventual ending of the crisis that have bedeviled the throne of the Obong of Calabar for the past 15 years.

    Jaja of Opobo who stressed the revered status of the throne of the Obong of Calabar commended the State Governor for upholding the long established tradition and custom of the Efiks in taking the decision that brought the long drawn crisis to an end.

    He called on Efik leaders, who may have lost out or been misled during the tussle for the throne of the Obong of Calabar, to sheath their swords and join hands with His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, to build a great Efik kingdom.

    Recall that while Edidem Abasi-Otu V was duly re-selected and proclaimed as Obong of Calabar by the Etuboms’ Conclave in line with the Supreme Court judgement of January 2023, some Efik leaders decided to pitch tent with former Finance Minister, Etubom Anthony Ani, who had been in various courts over the past 15 years trying to oust Edidem Abasi-Otu from the throne.

    However, Governor Bassey Otu, last week, affirmed Edidem Abasi-Otu V as the Obong of Calabar thereby effectively bringing to an end the apparent succession battle.

    Speaking in Calabar during a solidarity visit to the Obong of Calabar, Chairman of the South-south Monarchs’ Forum, His Majesty (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja Jeki V, CFR, Jaja of Opobo, said their visit to the Monarch was to show solidarity and appreciation to God for bringing the distraction to an end.

    “We are here under the umbrella of South South Monarchs Forum on a solidarity visit to one of our own, the Obong of Calabar, who has been affirmed as the duly selected Obong of Calabar. We commend the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu for upholding the truth in line with the tradition of the Efik people.

    “On behalf of the South South Monarchs Forum, I appeal to those who may have lost out to sheath their swords in the interest of Efik people. In life, we must know when to say ‘it is alright, let us all come together as one people to build our heritage’. I urge us all to again embrace peace which Efik people are known for,” he pleaded.

    Corroborating, Chairman, Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, commended the Etuboms’ Traditional Council for remaining steadfast, shunning material inducements and religiously adhering to Efik tradition in choosing the Obong of Calabar, adding “if the processes were faulty, the story would have been different today.”

    In his response, the Obong of Calabar lauded the Monarchs for their show of love, adding that the South South monarchs had once again proven that they remained their brothers’ keepers.

    “I commend you for this show of solidarity and I will not take this for granted. We will continue to do our very best to bring all our people together for the good of the Efik kingdom,” the Obong of Calabar stated.

  • Refinery signs $259m project deal

    Refinery signs $259m project deal

    • Egypt, Zimbabwe, Malawi presidents, Obasanjo witness agreement signing

    Azikel Petroleum Refinery, a subsidiary of Azikel Group, has signed a debt funding with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), for Azikel refinery project. 

    The debt financing deal reached between Afreximbank and Azikel Petroleum Refinery was made at the Intra-African Trade Fair 2023 held between November 9 and 15 in Cairo, Egypt. 

    The agreement was signed by the President of Azikel Group, who is also the Chairman of Azikel Petroleum Refinery, Dr. Azibapu Eruani (CFR) and the Director, Project and Asset Based Finance of Afreximbank, Helen Brume, on behalf of the bank. 

    A statement yesterday by Mr. Austin Ebipade, the media assistant to the president of Azikel Group, said personalities present to witness the agreement signing were the presidents of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-vice-president Namadi Sambo and President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah.

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    The statement quoted Afreximbank as saying that Azikel Refinery project was catalysing the new industrialisation in Nigeria. 

    Debt funding is the participation of Afreximbank in the construction, development and operation of the 12,000 bpd Azikel Hydro-skimming Refinery in Bayelsa State. 

    Azikel Refinery Project aims to bring reliefs to the challenges of insufficient refined petroleum products in Nigeria.

    Speaking after the signing ceremony, Eruani reiterated his commitment to the development of Nigeria and Africa by his unquenchable passion in guaranteeing the new industrialisation of Nigeria, creating energy sufficiency and sustainable development.

  • Abbas, Umahi, others unveil Nwifuru’s wife’s pet project

    Abbas, Umahi, others unveil Nwifuru’s wife’s pet project

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has unveiled the pet project of wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, named: “Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO).

    Also in attendance at the event were Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, wives of some governors, including those of Imo, Ogun and Cross River states, National Assembly members and other eminent Nigerians.

    The pet project was launched in Abakaliki, with Abbas, wives of Imo, Cross River and Ogun governors, Umahi, many National Assembly members and other personalities in attendance.

    The event was also used to launch Gender Based Violence (GBV) Centre, which Nwifuru’s wife is planning to build for rehabilitation, reintegration and empowerment of GBV survivors (victims).

    Mrs. Nwifuru hailed the eminent Nigerians for supporting her pet project.

    She said: “It is a collective effort of us that will actually help me to actualise my mission of stopping Gender Based Violence.  

    “The first thing I started immediately was stopping child trafficking, child labour, women abuse and men abuse because I am not first lady for women, I am equally first lady for all. So, I am for men and women.”

    The governor’s wife called for efforts to end GBV in the state through her pet project.

    Read Also: Yobe PDP lawmaker defects to APC

    Wife of Cross River State governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, praised Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project, which she said would serve as a beckon of hope, offering support and opportunity to those who needed it most.

    She described Ebonyi governor’s wife as a role model and an advocate for positive change, saying her dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality was commendable.

    Speaker Abbas, represented by Amaobi Ogar, said the pet project would end GBV that had been on the rise in the state.

    He commended Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project, which, according to him, would touch and save lives.

    Sen. Umahi congratulated the governor’s wife on the project and described it as apt.

    Governor Francis Nwifuru said the event was germane considering that it would create impact on the lives of the people, especially women, children and the less privileged, who were in need of care and support.