The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Group urges Ajaero, NLC to end power outage in Imo after Uzodimma’s apology

    Group urges Ajaero, NLC to end power outage in Imo after Uzodimma’s apology

    A pressure group in Imo State, Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), has called on President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, to intervene on the strike embarked on by electricity workers.

    Ajaero was reportedly attacked by thugs linked to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s aide, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, on November 1, a development that prompted a solidarity strike by electricity workers, leaving the state in darkness in the past two weeks.

    Since the attack, power supply across Imo State has been deliberately halted by electricity workers aligning themselves with the plight of the labour leader.

    But, in a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Eke, OZAC implored Ajaero to reconsider the continuation of the strike.

    Expressing concern over the severe consequences, the group highlighted the economic downturn, collapsing small-scale businesses, and the precarious security situation arising from the prolonged power outage in the state.

    Read Also: Melaye kicks as INEC declares Ododo Kogi Gov-Elect

    While condemning the brutality inflicted upon Ajaero, the group acknowledged Governor Uzodimma’s apology on national television and the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, as positive steps that should compel Ajaero to have a rethink and suspend the strike of the electricity workers.

    OZAC emphasised the immense hardship faced by Imo residents due to the extended power outage, coupled with exorbitant fuel prices reaching N700 per litre and skyrocketing living costs. It, therefore, urged Ajaero to reconsider his stance, recognising the efforts made towards meeting the NLC’s demands and emphasising the necessity of restoring electricity to alleviate the people’s suffering.

    In its plea, OZAC urged Ajaero not to exacerbate the predicament of those he champions by prolonging the strike.

    The statement reads: “Two of the NLC’s demands have been addressed, with ongoing investigations by the Inspector-General of Police into his assault.

    “The prevailing challenges in Imo State necessitate a balance between pursuing workers’ rights and mitigating the severe impact on the daily lives of the state’s inhabitants. Our plea underscores the delicate balance between activism and the responsibility to alleviate the broader hardships imposed on the people of Imo State.”

  • Otu sets up 15-man policy review committee for Cross River State

    Otu sets up 15-man policy review committee for Cross River State

    The meeting of the State Executive Council of the Cross River State Government has given the nod to several initiatives meant to further development in the state and improve wellbeing of the residents.

    A release from the government house Press unit revealed that a number decisions were taken at the 17th meeting of the State Executive council presided over by the governor.

    Amongst the decisions taken includes the ratification of the composition of a 15man State Policy Review Committee which comprises eminent personalities to review extant policies in order to ensure policies and plans align with the current trends and best practices.

    At the meeting, the governor reiterated the government’s resolve to clear the backlog of unpaid gratuities owed retirees, and emphasised that government cannot allow the aged sleep hungry or be unable to afford their medications.

    “Consequently, funds are being sourced from the capital market to redeem the debts owed retirees by the government,” the statement revealed.

    Read Also: Palliatives: Cross River govt begins 2nd batch distribution

    The Executive Council also approved the contract award for the refurbishing, remodelling and upgrade of the State Library complex, Calabar. 

    Among roads to be rehabilitated are; Murtala Muhammed Highway and Ndidem Iso Road. Emergency intervention and remediation works were also approved for the Marina Resort gully erosion.

    The Council granted approval for a N400,000,000 (Four Hundred Million Naira) counterpart funding for the Agro-processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project facilitated by the Ministry of International Donor Coordination.

    It noted that an Executive Bill for the Re-establishment of the State College of Agriculture and Forestry, Obubra, was also approved by Council for transmission to the State Legislature.

  • Renewed Hope for Benue: Betta Edu, Gov Alia perform ground-breaking for Renewed Hope shelters in Tatyo /Markudi North

    Renewed Hope for Benue: Betta Edu, Gov Alia perform ground-breaking for Renewed Hope shelters in Tatyo /Markudi North

    Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Renewed Hope shelter for the poor and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Tatyo and Kyo communities in Makurdi North Local Government Area of Benue State.

    She performed the groundbreaking alongside the state governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, with a promise to work with the state government to ensure that the IDPs returned to their ancestral homes.

    This was made known in a statement sent to The Nation on Friday, November 10, by the minister’s special adviser of media and publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair.

    Speaking at the event, Edu said the project was in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to reduce humanitarian crises and poverty challenges in Nigeria.

    She said: “The president assured Benue People that if he was voted into power, he would provide security and resettle them back to their ancestral homes where some have been out for over 10 years following the Herdsmen-farmers conflict.

    The minister commended Governor Alia for ensuring that peace returned to Tatyo and Tyo communities, as well as other communities which have been engulfed by violence since 2012 resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands from their homes.

    Notably, since 2011, over 12,000 people have lost their lives in that alone, and thousands more were rendered homeless due to attacks by suspected armed herders in the Markudi North Local government area of the state.

    The Renewed Hope shelter, which has a learning centre, health centre, and market, according to Dr. Edu will be built by the community members in clusters under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in partnership with the Benue State Government.

    She expressed sadness over the IDPs’  experience these past years and pledged that “for these wonderful people that have come from the IDP camps, the journey back to your ancestral homes has begun, “this is the beginning of a journey to return home.”

    “As we drove down here, I felt pain. I felt lots of pain. I saw deserted communities, and I saw the “food basket of the Nation” reduced to want and anguish. President Tinubu says hope is finally back in Benue; we need everyone to go back to the farms so we can have food security!

    The minister stressed that Benue was key in the food security agenda of the President’s Eight Point Agenda.

    She said: “Part of  President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda is food security and Benue is the Food Basket of the Nation, this state is therefore, key to him in terms of achieving food security hence peace and tranquillity of Benue, as well as the welfare of the people, are uppermost in his mind.”

    Speaking further, Dr Edu stated: “You cannot reduce the hope of a nation, the food basket of a nation, the food security stronghold of Nigeria to want, pain and anguish. Mr. President has sent me here to give the message of renewed hope to the people of Benue. I can tell you for sure that hope is here. Hope is here. “

    Earlier, Governor Alia lamented the suffering the displaced indigenes of the state had been through, saying their plight was quite heart-rending.

    Read Also: 2024 budget will deliver ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda to Nigerians, says Senate leader

    According to the governor, they’ve been longing to get back home and do what they know how to do best, which is farming. We have been working with the youths, security, and faith-based organizations among others to ensure that the displaced persons get on their feet again and possibly return to their ancestral homes. “

    The Governor commended Dr Edu for her passion and empathy for vulnerable persons in the state and promised to work with the federal government to ensure that the IDPs return to their ancestral homes.

    The Benue state’s number one citizen applauded President Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promise to the IDPs by providing Renewed Hope Shelters to them.

    It was a most reassuring experience as thousands of displaced persons danced for joy. It was the first time in 10 years that widows, women, men, and children were stepping their feet back in their ancestral land.

  • Anambra emerges first in polio vaccination in Southeast

    Anambra emerges first in polio vaccination in Southeast

    • 2.3m children vaccinated

    Anambra State Government yesterday said 2.3 million children under the age of 0-59 months received polio vaccine in the first phase of the Outbreak Response Exercise (OBR-I) in September.

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Afam Obidike made this known in Awka while launching the second phase of the polio immunisation campaign (OBR-II), being implemented by Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners.

    He said the first phase of the campaign, held from September 16 to 19, targeted over 1.5 million children, but it recorded 140 per cent coverage, as over 2.3million children got vaccinated.

    Obidike added that the second phase vaccination was still in response to the outbreak of polio virus in a neighbouring town in Nkanu West, Enugu State.

    He said: “We encourage parents and caregivers to present their children to be immunised, to strengthen their immunity against the virus.

    “We are also integrating routine immunisation during this four-day exercise as well as birth registration for children to help the state government with data to plan for their health care.

    “So, it is an all-encompassing campaign. The vaccines are safe and free of charge. We are hopeful that the campaign will be successful like we had in the first phase.

    “We urge the media to take the news out there so that people can understand the need to vaccinate their children against the disease. Vaccinated children live healthy and longer.”

    Appreciating WHO and other partners for their support, Obidike urged residents to report any health worker who demands money to administer the vaccines.

    Read Also:Polio vaccination: Anambra emerges first in southeast, vaccinates 2.3m children

    The state Coordinator, WHO, Dr. Adamu Abdul-Nasir, congratulated the state for exceeding the target and recording top in the Southeast in the first phase of the vaccination exercise (OBR-1)

    He said: “We want to commend the state government for its political will and proactive measures in preventing the polio virus from spreading to the state.

    “In this second phase, WHO is supporting the state with logistics and allowances for over 9,000 personnel who will be going to homes, churches, markets, streets and schools to administer the vaccines.

    “We are also supporting hard-to-reach communities to ensure eligible children get vaccinated”.

    Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Mrs. Chisom Uchem, said the state had taken delivery of over two million doses of the polio vaccine for the OBR-II campaign.

    She said the vaccination would start tomorrow and end on November 14 in the 21 local governments.

    “These few days, we will go all out to the nooks and crannies of the state to strengthen and surpass what we recorded in the first phase of the vaccination,” she said.

  • NDIC trains 200 students in savings, budget culture

    NDIC trains 200 students in savings, budget culture

    Two hundred students from Government Technical College, Enugu have benefited from savings and budget training organised by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    The corporation trained the students while commemorating the “2023 World Saving Day” in Enugu with the theme: “Conquer Your Tomorrow through Savings”.

    The NDIC Coordinator of the programme, Mr. Abdullahi Ubam,  addressing the students, said the programme was part of government’s initiatives towards encouraging financial savings among students.

    He said the World Savings Day is observed annually across the globe on October 31 to inform people about the idea of saving their money in a bank.

    He added that the day was also set aside to increase public awareness of the importance of savings for modern economies and for individuals.

    Ubam said the programme was targeted at educating students on the need to imbibe the culture of saving, adding that it was meant to catch them young.

    Ubam said the initiative would encourage financial prudence and resource management among students as well as inculcate the knowledge of savings in them so that they would grow up with it.

    The Director, Schools Department, Enugu State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Francisca Nwokolo, hailing NDIC for organising the training, said it would help them to be focused in life, especially in financial related matters.

    Read Also: Supreme Court verdict, vindication of Tinubu’s popularity, says Sylva

    She appealed to the Federal Government to extend the training to all secondary schools in the country, stressing that it would help to catch them young.

    “The students need the experience regarding saving and the difference between needs and wants, so that it can reflect in their lives,” she said.

    The Principal of the college, Mr. Christopher Isiefe, welcoming the NDIC team, described the training as wonderful, stressing that every human needed to save for future.

    Commending NDIC, Isiefe advised the students not to be wasteful in life, but to save little they had.

    One of the students, Chijoke Nwodu from Electrical department, said he was impressed with the training, adding that he now understands the importance of savings. 

  • ‘Soludo has done well in two years’’

    ‘Soludo has done well in two years’’

    Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Ifeatu Obi-Okoli, has described the achievements of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration as credible and unprecedented. 

    He said Soludo, in less than two years, had done as much as what his predecessors did in eight years. 

    Speaking exclusively with The Nation, Obi-Okoli, a lawyer and former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, said Soludo had built over 400 kilometres of roads in less than 16 months.

    He also scored Soludo high in human capital development, youth empowerment, education and health care, which he noted had been a threat to the opposition.

    Said he: “When you talk about road construction, how many kilometres of good roads in less than two years. Mr Governor’s profile has been incredible. 

    “I’ve been through the system right from the Ngige administration and one can say by fair comparison, the performances of previous administrations, including the last, have been credible. 

    “In fairness, Governor Soludo, in less than two years, has done as much as what his predecessors did in eight years. 

    “When you talk about road construction, how many kilometres of good roads that have been built in 16 months, the governor has been able to construct 400 kilometres of roads. 

    Read Also: Soludo weeps as school reveals names of three pupils killed by lightning

    “Ngige’s government of three and a half years, which I was part of, built 685 kilometres of roads within three and a half years. Peter Obi’s administration capped it all.

    “If you come to initiatives of the current government, talk about human capital development, you know before now, it has always been make me SA, SSA. But Soludo came with a new brand.

    “We’ll rather ensure people are gainfully employed. Teach them trades with take- off grants. With this, you have a permanent means of livelihood than depending on stipends that come from appointments. 

    “This we demonstrated a few days ago at the International Convention Centre (ICC). The first batch of graduates was empowered with N2billion as take-off grants. 

    “So people are going into backgrounds, depending on the area of training, photography, animal husbandry, tailor

  • 100 drivers, technicians, others begin training in Anambra

    100 drivers, technicians, others begin training in Anambra

    Over 100 drivers, plant operators and technicians in the state civil service, under the umbrella of Anambra State Co-ordinating Council of Technical Workers Association (ANSCCTWA), have begun free mandatory conversion course.

    Declaring the workshop open in Awka, Head of Service (HoS), Theodora Igwegbe, said the six-month Batch 15 mandatory conversion course for drivers and technicians on grade level 7, was to improve service delivery.

    She urged the workers to imbibe discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. 

    Igwegbe said: “We have gathered because we want to embark on a programme to improve your skills. We want you to realise that there are best practices to embrace to do your work well.

    “This course is aimed at improving service delivery. Without the training, none of you will be able to progress in your career or perform your duty very well.

    “The training has been held 14 times under previous administrations, but the current administration has considered the present economic hardship in the country to deliver it free of charge to the workers.”

    Describing the training as part of the welfare package of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to civil servants to advance in their career, the HoS enjoined the participants to take it seriously, warning culprits of chances of losing opportunity of being converted. 

    Read Also: Polio vaccination: Anambra emerges first in southeast, vaccinates 2.3m children

    A director in the ministry, Mr. Bayo Ojeyinka, urged the participants to use the training to change the narrative about drivers by demonstrating professionalism and devotion to their job.

    He said: “Most of us are interested in what we are supposed to get. These things must change. We have to change our attitude to our work. There is nothing like a chief driver in the civil service. You’re given this work to elevate you and not to depreciate you.” A director in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Bennett Aniekwe, an engineer; advised participants to shun truancy, but should take the programme seriously. to excel at the end of the exercise. 

    ANSCCTWA Chairman, Egbuonu Daniel, described the exercise as a relief to his members whom he lamented had stagnated on the job.

    He hoped that the exercise would not only assist in changing drivers narratives, but would also help to better their lots.

    “The training is not solely for drivers, but also for tailors and caterers, as it is a prerequisite for advancement in the service,” Egbuonu said.

  • Niger Delta happy with Ogbuku’s leadership style, says ex-INC boss

    Niger Delta happy with Ogbuku’s leadership style, says ex-INC boss

    Former President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime, has hailed the leadership style of the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

    He said the region is satisfied with his approach.

    Obianime spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday while highlighting the outcome of a recent strategic meeting between Ogbuku and Niger Delta leaders.

    He said the vision of the NDDC boss, especially the ongoing ‘Operation HOPE’ and the proposed Niger Delta stakeholders conference, showed that Ogbuku was committed to a stable region. 

    He said: “It is true that the chiefs, elders and leaders of the region met with the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Ogbuku. It is also true that we ventilated about the problems bedevilling the region. 

    Read Also: Amnesty programme trains 20 ex-Niger Delta agitators in aircraft maintenance

    “At that meeting, leaders expressed their opinions about the underdevelopment of the area, despite the large amount of money that has been pumped into the interventionist agency known as the Niger Delta Development Commission. 

    “From the response of the managing director, it was very clear that we are in a new era. He told us that hope is not lost and what we will gain at the moment with Operation HOPE. 

    “He also told us about his vision of having a Niger Delta Stakeholders Conference. Not just a conference, but a representative conference where leaders will look at the aspects of the mission and vision of the NDDC, it’s performance and to proffer solution to areas where they think things were not going well. 

    “By the time we finished the meeting with him, we were satisfied that he is the man meant for the job and he knew exactly what he was doing. We believe that with such a leadership who knows their mission and how to go about it, we are guaranteed a stable Niger Delta.”

  • Council chairmen, principal officers must live in their domains, says Eno

    Council chairmen, principal officers must live in their domains, says Eno

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has reiterated his resolve to ensure local government chairmen and other principal officers live in their domains.

    The governor yesterday directed the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs to enforce the Extant Law of the House of Assembly, to compel the council helmsmen to live in their territories.

    This was part of the resolutions reached during the enlarged State Executive Council meeting presided over by Eno yesterday.

    Read Also: Gov Eno dismisses policy alert’s budget padding allegations

    He directed the reactivation of water works within the Uyo metropolis and select rural areas in the state.

    The governor decried the illegal reopening of a Chinese company, Golden Tripod Company, accused of undertaking operations hazardous to human health and inimical to the environment. 

    It was resolved that the facility should be closed down and an alternative land allocated to them on the industrial estate at Itam.

    Eno said additional one month basic salary would be paid to civil servants in December for their Christmas break.

  • Governor promises paymentof bursary to Akwa Ibom students

    Governor promises paymentof bursary to Akwa Ibom students

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has promised to pay bursary to students of the state origin studying in tertiary institutions in the country.

    Eno, who made the pledge in Uyo yesterday during a round-table meeting with student leaders from clusters in the students’ community, urged them to shun anti-social behaviours.

    Represented by his Personal Assistant on Students Affairs, Wisdom Offong, the governor said as future leaders, they must strive to live above board in readiness to impact positively on the society.

    According to him, “the software applications to be deployed in the execution of Geographic Information Systems (AKWAGIS) payment of bursary awards to undergraduates are ready and the process of ensuring that every student is carried along is ongoing. This is done to ensure transparency and accountability in the process”.

    He advised students to live exemplary lives and serve as role models for their much younger ones, while being conscious of their environment, stressing that any suspicious movement should be reported to security agencies.

    The President, National Association of Akwa Ibom State students (NAAKISS) Worldwide Ubong Ekwere, had on behalf of members passed a vote of confidence in the governor for his fatherly disposition towards students in the state. 

    He assured the governor of the determination of the students to support his administration and appealed for quick payment of bursary to students from the state in higher institutions.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom to host musical fiesta

    Ekwere said: “We are passing a vote of confidence in Governor Eno for the bursary payment, N100million educational intervention funds for students living with disabilities, being the first of its kind, the building of model primary schools across the state, timely payment of WAEC fees for secondary school pupils and many more, just in a few months in office.” 

    Addressing reporters after the meeting, Offong said the meeting was a strategic engagement with the aim of discussing pressing issues bothering the student community and possible ways to chart a better course for the community.

    He added: “The processes and progress so far made as regards the payment of bursary as approved by Governor Eno were explained; the contributions, suggestions and observations of the leaders in attendance were noted. Students were assured of a speedy response to the yearnings of the community.”

    The meeting, which ended with a dialogue with students expressing their views on issues relating to their activities, was attended by student leaders like the National Financial Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Ibiangake Asuquo and others.