The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Obi laments 20 headless bodies, skeletons found in Abia

    Obi laments 20 headless bodies, skeletons found in Abia

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed shock over reports that 80 bodies, including 20 headless ones, as well as countless skeletons, were discovered in Abia State.

    The Nation reports Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the bodies were discovered by security operatives during a raid on the forest around Lokpanta cattle market in Umunneochi axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    Reacting to the development in a thread on his official X page yesterday, Obi described the development as “barbaric and cruel.”

    He said: “I read the bone-chilling story coming out of Abia State, where over 80 bodies were reportedly recovered around the cattle market, with about 20 headless decomposing bodies.

    “This level of barbarism and extremely cruel act only reflects how insecure our environment has been.

    “It unearths how insecurity has continued to ravage many parts of the country, taking innocent lives and killing the economy.

    “I thank Governor Otti for taking such a bold step against insecurity in the state. This is highly commendable.”

    Read Also: Japa: Collect cost of trained doctors, others from recruiting countries – Fayemi

    Obi said while he was governor of Anambra, he faced a similar situation.

    “I recall facing a similar situation in 2013 as the governor of Anambra State.

    “I was accompanying President Goodluck Jonathan to an official engagement outside the country when I received a sad report of about 35 decomposing bodies floating on Ezu River in Anambra State.

    “I had to leave everything, rushing back to the state to attend to the situation and ensure that order was restored to the vicinity.

    “Investigation was immediately commenced, with autopsies conducted, before the Federal Government took over the process and asked the state government to hands-off it,” he said.

    Obi added that security of lives and property remained the primary duty of any government and the key to any development.

    He urged governments to make more efforts to tackle insecurity.

  • Oil communities urge settlors on agreements, others to reduce face-off

    Oil communities urge settlors on agreements, others to reduce face-off

    Indigenes of host communities across Delta State have called on oil firms to abide by the agreements, interact with the right leaders and tackle pollution, in order to reduce conflicts and ensure smooth oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta.

    They spoke at a Peace Building and Conflict Management training organised by the Partnership Initiatives for the Niger Delta (PIND) Foundation in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government of Delta State.

    The 20 participants drawn from selected oil host communities, while identifying issues that caused face-off between them and oil companies (both multinational and indigenous firms), mentioned bad community leadership.

    A participant, Peter Satu, said delay in payment for executed contracts by companies often led to disruption of oil operations.

    Another participant identified as Femi said execution of substandard projects in the communities due to “lack of monitoring and inspection by the oil companies and no rise in pay, despite the current economic realities, are among concerns of the host communities.

    Yet another participant, Perez, noted that throwing only “casual jobs at indigenes, when there are qualified persons to take up technical jobs”, brings strife.

    Read Also: Peter Obi: I’m not a saint, there is nothing wrong with Nigeria

    Stanley Boyo and Oyen Omawumi decried the environmental degradation across the oil producing areas and the seeming lack of will by the settlors to address the situation.

    They said fishing, a major means of survival in the communities, had become unproductive due to the polluted waters.

    However, Solomon Ofoaramieyere pointed accusing fingers at the indigenes and their penchant for holding on to power.

    He recalled the early 1990s when issues concerning oil operations were tabled at town hall meetings with every community member present to give their input in decisions to be taken.

    Steven Etsano lamented that despite promising to convert to staff, community workers who have been with Chevron Nigeria Limited for many years, the company has failed to do so, leading to protests.

    The participants were, however, optimistic that if the findings of the training were acted upon, there would be “peace and harmony” among stakeholders.

    In a chat with reporters, Dr. Chukwudi Njoku, the capacity building coordinator for PIND Foundation, said the training and interaction would improve the capacity of the participants in peace building, as well as conflict management and prevention in their communities.

  • NDDC to collaborate with Port Harcourt Club to boost social activities

    NDDC to collaborate with Port Harcourt Club to boost social activities

    Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said the commission would partner Port Harcourt Club to boost social activities in the Rivers State capital.

    He spoke when members of the club’s executive paid him a visit in his office at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    Ogbuku said the commission was open to a sustainable relationship that would bring back the past glory of Port Harcourt city by reviving social life in the Garden City.

    He recalled with nostalgia the serene atmosphere created by the older generation, insisting that such beautiful scenery would be reignited to keep the old memories alive.

    He said the current generation would not allow social activities in the city to retrogress, vowing to galvanise progressive residents of the city to pull resources together to build a society that would be stronger and socially active.

    Ogbuku took the opportunity to request for the revival of the W.W. White football tournament among secondary school pupils in the state.

    Read Also: Japa: Collect cost of trained doctors, others from recruiting countries – Fayemi

    He said while growing up in Port Harcourt, it was through the football competition that pupils in secondary schools were brought together to socialise.

    The President of Port Harcourt Club, Soberekon Dikibo, while congratulating Ogbuku on his reappointment as the Managing Director of the NDDC, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making the right choice. He described him as a true Port Harcourt man.

    As a mark of honour, the leadership and members of the Port Harcourt Club conferred on the NDDC managing director an honorary membership of the club.

    Dikibo, while conferring the honour on Chief Ogbuku, said although membership followed a strict process of nomination and subscription, it was customary of the club to offer it to deserving public officers like service chiefs and heads of selected federal parastatals serving in the state.

    The Port Harcourt Club, founded in 1928, is family-oriented sports and recreational club South of the River Niger. It has been in existence for nearly a century and has over 1,800 members.

  • Nollywood launches film making in schools

    Nollywood launches film making in schools

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Anambra State has launched film making programme in secondary school curricula across the state.

    Chairman, Evangelist Leo Ewuzie, in a chat with reporters yesterday, said the initiative tagged: “Solution theatrical course clubs”, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, would replace the moribund dramatic societies in schools.

    He said the programme was targeted at uncovering and nurturing young talents and preparing them for opportunities in the thriving Nollywood and creative industry and tapping into the flourishing creative economy.

    Said he: “The partnership between the entertainment industry and the education sector will revolutionise the creative landscape of the state as well as offer brighter and more promising future for its young talents.

    “The ambitious project aims to achieve objectives, including talent discovery, movie production revival, unemployment, crime reduction and financial empowerment.”

    Ewuzie added that the initiative would host a three-tier sequential competition under the theme: ‘Rules and Regulations Guiding Discipline and Conduct in Anambra State Schools’.

    “Schools will compete at the local government level, showcasing their talent and creativity in dramatic performances.

    “The winning schools from the local competitions will progress to the zonal level, where they will compete against other talented participants from their zones.

    “The most exceptional performers from the zonal competitions will advance to the state grand finale, the pinnacle of the competition, where they will vie for the coveted title.

    Read Also: Peter Obi: I’m not a saint, there is nothing wrong with Nigeria

    “At each level of the competition, the top three performing schools and students will be recognised and rewarded for their outstanding efforts, further encouraging active participation and excellence in the field of dramatic arts,” he said.

    Education Commissioner Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said the project would function as a club in private and public schools, adding that only theatre could express certain ways of life while reflecting lessons capable of changing individual perspectives.

    “Art is life; and drama a living literature, which is a powerful tool to inculcate positive values, policies and programmes as well as drive individual talents for alternative means of livelihood in future,” she said.

    President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary School, Anambra State branch, Mr. Obima Arazu, praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s policies targeted at developing students.

    He said the project had already been embraced by schools in the state, expressing optimism of its positive impact on the students and society at large.

    Speaking on behalf of the students, Blessing Chike of Capital City School and Chinedu Anagor of Igwebike Grammar School expressed joy about the initiative.

    They thanked the governor for his caring disposition towards students.

    They said the project would offer them access to film making and other opportunities.

  • ‘School feeding incentive for families to prioritise education’

    ‘School feeding incentive for families to prioritise education’

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, has described the programme as incentive for families to prioritise education. She said it has not only improved children nutrition, but bolstered school enrollment and attendance rates, thereby becoming vital in the advancement of education, the alleviation of hunger and poverty eradication.

    She spoke at the Transitional Learning Centre in Wassa, where she had gone to oversee and assess the school feeding programme.

    Adeniji stressed the importance of education and nutrition in the comprehensive development of every child, irrespective of circumstances. She noted that initiatives like the programme hold the power to effect substantial positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.

    Read Also: Japa: Collect cost of trained doctors, others from recruiting countries – Fayemi

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation is exemplified by the Renewed Hope agenda. Within this framework, a vision is cast for a Nigeria wherein every child enjoys access to quality education and nutritious sustenance, regardless of their background or geographical location. By investing in the youth today, a brighter and more prosperous future is being forged for the nation,” she said.

    She said the success of the programme is not solely on government efforts, but also on the support and participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

    Adeniji called upon CSOs nationwide to emulate and support the Renewed Hope agenda championed by the President. She urged them to join hands with organisations such as Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, and the government, as together they strive to positively transform the lives of youth.

    She thanked the CSOs and other stakeholders involved in the programme.

  • 600 Anambra pupils get Chinese scholarship

    600 Anambra pupils get Chinese scholarship

    Over 600 pupils of Igwebike Grammar School, Awka, Anambra State have been offered scholarship by a Chinese Engineering firm, Zhongtian Construction Nigeria Ltd.

    Managing Director, Tu Makuan, said the scholarship, meant for pupils from SS1 to SS3, would run for an academic session.

    He added that the gesture, which was part of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy.

    “We’re the company building Solution Fun City. Whenever I’m driving to our site close to your school, I get attracted to your school.

    Read Also: Soludo’s N2bn to 5000 youths will curb crime in Anambra – Ohaneze youth leader

    “I’m here to announce the sponsorship of school fees of pupils from SS1 to SS3 for one academic year. This is part of our CSR,” Makuan said.

    Education Commissioner Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said the philanthropy by the firm was informed by the commitment of teachers and pupils.

    She thanked the company for its generosity, describing it as worthy of emulation by other good spirited individuals and organisations in the state.

    Responding on behalf of the pupils, the school’s senior prefect, Chinedu Anago, thanked their benefactor for the gesture, pledging improved dedication to their studies to justify the scholarship.

  • Otti urges Federal Fire Service to prioritise Abia in trucks distribution

    Otti urges Federal Fire Service to prioritise Abia in trucks distribution

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged the Federal Fire Service to give the state priority in the distribution of newly acquired fire fighting vehicles.

    Dr. Otti, who thanked the federal agency for choosing Abia to site a training school in the Southeast, said although Abia might not be the biggest state in the country in terms of size, the state was, however, very busy in terms of commercial and industrial activities.

    He spoke while receiving the Assistant Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Achi-Okidi, who is on a working visit to the state.

    The governor said: “For us here in Abia, governance is comprehensive. While we are building infrastructure, while we are doing everything possible to create an enabling environment for investments and businesses, we will not take our attention away from protection. The Federal Fire Service is all about protection of life and property.

    “We do not want to wait until it happens and then we will be running helter-skelter. This is why we have operated safety of lives and property as part of our governance model and this is why we invited you.

    “There may be one or two things that are on ground, but the way I will like you to approach it is that there is nothing on ground, so that you can start from the scratch. Whatever you see on ground will just be a bonus.

    “There may be one or two trucks, whether they are serviceable or not, you will know. But if there are eight new trucks that have been brought in for the states, we will like to apply for two; and the other ones that you talked about that are so sophisticated, that can manoeuvre and go into tight spaces, it will be nice that since we have applied, that we also have some of them.

    “The whole idea is that the state may not be the biggest in size, but in terms of commercial and industrial activities, it’s a very busy state.”

    Read Also: Ezekwesili, Otti to Tinubu: Make your policies citizens-driven

    Mrs. Achi-Okidi, on behalf of the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, an engineer; expressed “profound gratitude” to Governor Otti and the people of Abia State for the “wonderful relationship, recognition and privileges” accorded the Federal Fire Service.

    She informed the governor of the siting of a fire service training school being built in Uzuakoli, a project attracted by an ‘Abian’, a retired permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dame Barrister Georgina Arisa.

    Mrs. Achi-Okidi said the Federal Fire Service was excited to see the Abia State Government after a very long time, rising to the challenge of having the federal agency to establish “a very good and robust fire station.”

    She added that the Federal Fire Service would give the state the support it needed.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, said Dr. Otti was working towards ensuring that the Fire Service and all emergency response services in Abia were revived and well equipped to respond to the safety needs of Abia people.

  • We risk flogging if we don’t sleep with 10 men daily, say sex workers

    We risk flogging if we don’t sleep with 10 men daily, say sex workers

    Over 20 girls have been rescued from sex slavery in a brothel at Oba in Idemili South Local Government of Anambra State.

    The girls were rescued during a raid by a team from the Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the state police command, following a tip off from a whistle-blower.

    Narrating their ordeal, some of the rescued girls said they were taken to the brothel by friends or relations under the guise of securing hotel job for them.

    They confessed sleeping with no fewer than 10 men daily to ensure their targets were met or risk being beaten mercilessly by their madam.

    They further revealed that they returned between N4,000 and N10,000 on week days, and N15,000 to N30,000 on weekends to their bosses.

    “Our phones and other belongings are collected from us before we are handed over to another woman, with a condition of being released only if we bring certain amount of money to her or be ready to serve her for one year.

    “We make between N4,000 and N10,000 on week days, and N15,000 to N30,000 on weekends for our direct bosses, which are collected by the owner of Top Ten Amaechi Etikokwu.

    Read Also: Man sends fake alert to sex workers after service

    “It is from the proceeds of the prostitution we pay our rent of N3,500 to the owner everyday.

    “We sleep with about 10 men a day in order to meet up with the target given to us and if we don’t meet up, we will be beaten mercilessly by our madam,” they said.

    On how they feed and cope at the brothel, the girls confessed being given N500 every morning for feeding for the entire day, saying the food was brought to them by the security guards positioned at areas in the hotel.

    Confirming the incident, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, said two of the rescued girls were underage persons and had been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment.

    She said the arrested suspect currently in the police custody would be arraigned at the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrates’ Court in Awka.

    “Before embarking on the raid, investigation was carried out by the ministry and it was discovered that the management of the hotel, Top Ten Hotels, Oba, trafficks girls from all parts of the country for prostitution,” Obinabo said.

    Appreciating police efforts in assisting to rescue the girls, the commissioner lamented the spate of trafficking despite government’s efforts to stop the menace.

    She said justice would be served, restating government’s commitment to end child kidnapping, trafficking and sex slavery.

    She advised residents to report suspicious activities in their vicinity for prompt response and action.

  • Petrol scoopers stone fire fighters

    Petrol scoopers stone fire fighters

    Some residents of Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government of Anambra State on Tuesday pelted men of the state Fire Service with stones while attempting to put out fire from a fallen petrol tanker in the area.

    The residents, including women, stormed the scene of the incident to scoop fuel immediately the tanker fell, spilling its contents along the drainage.

    State Fire Chief, Martins Agbili, an engineer; confirming the incident, decrying the act.

    He warned residents against frequent attacks on firefighters while carrying out their duties.

    He said: “Immediately we received a distress call about the incident, I sent my team of firefighters and firetrucks to the scene, given the possibility of an explosion or fire outbreak from the tanker laden with petrol.

    “On arrival, however, the residents already immersed in the act, threw caution to the wind and pelted my men with stones, as they saw them as hindrance, ignoring the inherent danger.

    “It took the intervention of officers from the state police command and military personnel to rescue the firefighters, as well as disperse and control the hostile crowd, to enable my men carry out their duty.”

    Read Also: Dealing with the unyielding petrol market headache

    Reiterating the danger associated with such reckless behaviour, Agbili regretted the alarming frequency residents were roasted alive while scooping fuel during similar incidents.

    “We once again warn Anambra residents to cease from such dangerous ventures. Those who tempt their fate will bear the blame for their misfortunes,” he said.

    Agbili has refuted reports alleging that Niger bridge was on fire.

    Social media, on Tuesday evening, was awash with reports and video clips showing the bridge was engulfed in flames.

    Clarifying the true situation in a short video clip, Agbili dismissed the rumour, warning residents against circulating unverifiable messages.

    He, however, said the fire on the bridge was caused by a collision between two vehicles, which was contained almost immediately.

    He urged the public to disregard such fabricated reports and go about their lawful businesses without fear.

  • Abia govt shuts school over two-year-old’s death

    Abia govt shuts school over two-year-old’s death

    • Operation permit withdrawn, says commissioner

    Abia State Government has announced the sealing off of a private school, Emerald International School, operating in Aba South Local Government.

    The Nation had reported that a two-year-six-month-old baby, David Etim, the only son of his father, Jacob, died after falling off from a three-storey building of the school where his class was situated.

    Education Commissioner Prof. Uche Eme-Uche in a statement said the operational permit of the school had also been withdrawn.

    Read Also:Abia govt begins demolition of houses

    She urged parents and guardians, whose children and wards attended the school located on Crystal Park Avenue, off Port Harcourt Road, to withdraw them.

    Eme-Uche said government’s action was hinged on the outcome of the ministry’s findings in the school.

    The commissioner said the school was operating below the standard set for private schools, which she attributed to the death of the pre-nursery pupil.

    The incident, our correspondent gathered, is still being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Abia State Police Command.