The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Edo gives estate developers two weeks to register or face sanctions

    Edo gives estate developers two weeks to register or face sanctions

    The Edo State Government has warned that it will sanction any estate developer operating in the state who fails to register and obtain formal approval for their estate layout plans.

    According to the government, the registration exercise is part of its ambitious urban renewal drive under “Project Shine” and the 30-Year Benin City Master Plan.

    In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Arc. Kate Isokpunwu, said estate developers have a two-week deadline to comply or face strict enforcement actions.

    The directive, the statement added, follows a recent stakeholders’ engagement where the government stressed the need for compliance, sustainable development, and orderly urban growth.

    Developers were urged to visit the Ministry promptly to complete the necessary registration and approval processes to avoid sanctions.

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    It reads in parts, “All estate layouts must be duly documented and regularized with the Ministry to align with the state’s long-term spatial and environmental objectives,” the statement said.

    “From October 2025, the Ministry will begin a comprehensive enforcement operation targeting illegal developments, especially those encroaching on government-designated forest reserves and protected areas.

    The statement further added that “Unapproved estate layouts will be sealed off, and violators prosecuted under existing laws.

    “This measure is not punitive but corrective. It is designed to ensure that development in Edo State remains sustainable, orderly, and consistent with our collective vision for a modern, well-planned city.”

  • Wike, Fubara, Amaewhule, Rivers elders, others meet in Port Harcourt

    Wike, Fubara, Amaewhule, Rivers elders, others meet in Port Harcourt

    …declares full reconciliation of Rivers political family

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, held a closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday night.

    Also in attendance were members of the Rivers State Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly.

    The meeting, described as the full unification of Wike’s political family in Rivers, was seen as a major step toward ending the long-standing political rift in the state.

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    Pictures from the meeting were shared on Facebook by the Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, who, however, did not disclose details of the discussions.

    Olayinka simply noted that the gathering signified that the political family in Rivers State is now fully united.

    He wrote, “FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and other leaders in a meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday. The Political Family is fully united.”

  • Oruk Anam PDP stakeholders back Akwa Ibom caretaker committee

    Oruk Anam PDP stakeholders back Akwa Ibom caretaker committee

    …congratulates Igwat Umoren on appointment as PDP caretaker committee chairman 

    The ward executive officers and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikot Ibritam Ward II, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, have passed a vote of confidence on the newly constituted PDP Caretaker Committee in Akwa Ibom State.

    In a communiqué issued on Thursday, October 2, after a meeting convened by the Ward Chairman, Hon. Ibanga Akaninyene, the stakeholders reaffirmed their support and loyalty to the State Caretaker Chairman, Barr. Igwat Umoren, and his team.

    The communiqué noted: “Whereas the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has since 1998 been the dominant and sole successful party in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, particularly Ikot Ibritam Ward II, the PDP ward executives and stakeholders hereby represent as follows:

    “That the people and stakeholders of the ward and community are profoundly grateful to the national leadership of the party for finding one of their prestigious sons, in the person of Barr. Igwat Osagyefo Umoren, worthy of the state leadership mantle of the party as CARETAKER CHAIRMAN of the party.”

    The stakeholders in their communique further stated: “That the people and stakeholders of the ward and community hereby pledge and reaffirm their unalloyed, unwavering and unflinching loyalty to the party to ensure the success of Barr. Igwat Umoren and the party generally.

    “That the people and stakeholders of the ward and community hereby pass a vote of confidence on Barr. Igwat Umoren as a loyal party gladiator, patriotic beacon of the greatness of Akwa Ibom State, a man of integrity, firm conviction and humanistic passion committed to steering the party steadily to its rightful destination of leadership in Akwa Ibom State.”

    The stakeholders and members of PDP Ikot Ibritam II thus called on all party members and the good people of Akwa Ibom State to continue to fly the flag of the party boldly and give the party all the support it needs to salvage the state and Nigeria from the current social, economic and political retrogression, confusion and quagmire.

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    Addressing officers, members and stakeholders at the meeting Lady Inamke Friday Sunday, the PDP Ward Women Leader stated that the PDP members in Oruk Anam particularly Ikot Ibritam Ward II install Governors, National Assembly members, State House of Assembly members and other political offices through party sweat and loyalty.

    It was reported that the motion passing vote of confidence on Barr. Igwat Osagyefo Umoren the State Caretaker Chairman was moved by Ex-Officio 4 Bishop James Emmanuel James and seconded by Blessing Sunday Jumbo.

    In his vote of thanks, a former councilor, Hon. Idongesit Udoetor emphatically called on the party faithfuls to take the support for Barr. Igwat Osagyefo Umoren and PDP as a personal project. “We use to work hard for others. It is now time to work for our own,” he posited.

    Eminent personalities who flanked the new Akwa Ibom State PDP caretaker chairman at the meeting were Hon. Harrison Ekpo (Deputy Chairman), Enoch Godwin Enoch Esq., (State Legal Adviser), Comr. Aniekan Asukwo (State Youth Leader) And Comr. Ewa Okpo (State Publicity Secretary).

    Others present at the meeting include Ubong Emmanson Udo (Ward Publicity Secretary), Comr. Esitime Udoetuk, Anietie Isonguyo Okon (Ward Treasurer), Mr. Godwin Michael Akpan (Former Treasurer), Hon. Idongesit Daniel (Member), Samuel Umoren, Unyime Uwem (Ex-Officio 1), Ufok Effiong Udo, Idiong Effiong Akpan (Ward Secretary), Anietie Dickson Umoiso (Ex-Officio 5), Emmanuel Sunday (Ward Financial Secretary), Glory Ezekiel Thompson (Ward Vice Chairman), Eno Paul Udo, Pius Ben (Ward Auditor), James Okon James (Ward Youth Leader) and Unyime Udokang (Chapter Youth Leader).

    It would be recalled that the Guide Newspaper had in its latest publication this week reported that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sacked Elder Aniekan Akpan Led Exco of PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

    The development was made known in a press release signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba National Publicity Secretary of the PDP.

    Consequently, the NWC in a press release made available to newsmen approved the composition of a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of our Party from today, Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 for a period not exceeding 3 months or pending when a new State Executive Committee will be elected in the State.

  • APC chieftain Okechukwu slams Atiku over stance on 2027 race

    APC chieftain Okechukwu slams Atiku over stance on 2027 race

    …describes ex-VP as anti-democratic

    A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his insistence on remaining in the 2027 presidential race, except a younger candidate emerges through a “competitive primary.”

    Atiku, in a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, dismissed reports that he had offered to step down for younger aspirants under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as false and mischievous.

    He clarified that he would only concede if a younger candidate emerged through a fair contest.

    READ ALSO: What disqualified BBNaija housemates stand to lose

    Reacting in Abuja on Friday, Okechukwu, a former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), described Atiku’s stance as anti-democratic, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s long-standing zoning and rotation principle, which he said has been the glue holding the Fourth Republic together since 1999.

    Okechukwu recalled that Atiku himself benefited from zoning in the past but later campaigned against it, leading to his 2014 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary victory, which had no southern aspirant.

    He argued that discarding zoning in favour of “dollarised primaries” amounts to eroding equity, inclusion, and stability.

    According to him, Atiku’s position confirms fears that his pursuit of power is not to strengthen democratic institutions but to weaken the very principles that sustain Nigeria’s plural society.

  • Nigeria on path to sustainable growth, says Osifeso

    Nigeria on path to sustainable growth, says Osifeso

    The Aare Atunluse of Awori Kingdom and the Chairman, Mapcotec Nigeria Limited, Aare (Surveyor) Dr. Segun Osifeso, has said that as the nation marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the President Tinubu administration’s bold economic reforms and  infrastructure drive were a clear indication that the country was on the path to greatness and sustainable growth and development

    Osifeso, who made these remarks at Ota, Ogun State on Wednesday, noted that President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering unity and implementation of policies that were repositioning the country for greatness had rekindled the people’s optimism.

    He stressed that though the country may not yet be where the people hoped for,  but surviving as one united country for 65 years of independence against all  odds was a monumental achievement.

    Osifeso counseled that as Nigerians reminisce on the past 65 years of the country’s nationhood, they must admit that though the journey had not been an easy one, but it had been one that had held the people together as a formidable force.

    The renowned Surveyor noted that as Nigerians celebrate, they must put all hands on deck to actualise the Nigeria of  their dreams, the Nigeria that the heroes past fought and laid down their lives for.

    While felicitating with President Tinubu and Nigerians as the country celebrates her 65th Independence Anniversary, he urged Nigerians to uphold the values of hard work, patriotism, peace, justice and unity that defined them, expressing confidence that Nigeria will continue to experience growth, transformation and greater prosperity.

    Aare Osifeso, however,  urged leaders at all levels to support the Government’s reform agenda by promoting good governance, justice and policies that align with the President Tinubu’s transformative vision.

    The community leader prayed for a stronger, more united and more peaceful nation where the people’s collective dreams find fulfilment, adding that with collective determination and steadfast leadership, Nigeria will continue to overcome her challenges and achieve greater heights.

  • 65th Independence: Igwe Asadu felicitates Tinubu, Mbah, hails unwavering spirit of Nigerians

    65th Independence: Igwe Asadu felicitates Tinubu, Mbah, hails unwavering spirit of Nigerians

    The Chairman Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, has felicitated President Bola Tinubu, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all Nigerians as the nation marks her 65 years of in independence.

    Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem Ani Ogugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, also felicitated with Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and the good people of Enugu State.

    The traditional ruler conveyed his felicitations in a statement to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Asadu, also known as the Ogadagidi of Edem Ani Ogugwu ancient kingdom, extolled the unwavering spirit of Nigerians whose sacrifices and dedication continue to sustain the nation’s unity and progress.

    He also hailed the courage of Nigeria’s founding fathers and celebrated the resilience and diversity that characterised the strength of the nation.

    Asadu, who is the immediate past Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers, commended the ongoing efforts to reposition the economy, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster national renewal.

    He urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain steadfast in love for the country, united in purpose, and committed to the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

    Asadu, who is member Board of Trustee Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (Nigeria Chapter), prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and protection for President Tinubu, Governor Mbah and others at the corridors of power, as they steer the affairs of the nation and called for continued peace, equity, and development across all parts of Nigeria.

    “On behalf of Enugu State Traditional Rulers and the good people of Edem Ani Ogugwu ancient kingdom, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to His Excellencies, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Peter Mbah, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

     “Sixty-five years ago, our beloved country attained the priceless gift of sovereignty, setting us on a journey of unity, peace, and progress.

    “Today, as we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we pay tribute to the resilience, industry, and enduring spirit of the Nigerian people whose sacrifices and hopes continue to drive our nation forward.

     “I commend the dedication to national renewal, economic transformation, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. These efforts reflect a commitment to the Nigeria of our dreams, one where equity, justice, and prosperity are shared by all.’’

    According to him, the  anniversary is a solemn reminder that the task of nation-building belongs to every Nigerian.

    “Let us therefore remain steadfast in love for our country, united in purpose, and unwavering in our collective resolve to overcome current challenges and secure a brighter future for generations yet unborn.

     “May the Almighty God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guide our leaders, and grant us lasting unity and prosperity.

    “Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!” Asadu said.

  • MADUAGWU: ARISE TV mourns news anchor

    MADUAGWU: ARISE TV mourns news anchor

    Tributes have continued to pour in for 29-year-old ARISE TV anchor and Lawyer Somtochukwu Maduagwu who died in a robbery attack in Abuja on Monday.

    In a fresh statement by ARISE News, Maduagwu had joined the media firm in September 2024 as a news anchor, producer, and reporter, where she made significant contributions.

    “In September 2024, she joined the ARISE NEWS team, where she has made her voice count as a News Anchor, News Producer, and a Reporter,” the statement reads. 

    The deceased fondly called ‘Sommie’, was known for her advocacy work, particularly in promoting the rights of out-of-school children and campaigning against s3xual and gender-based violence.

    In a video shared on Tuesday, one notable example of her advocacy was her involvement in submitting a memorandum for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill at the National Assembly.

    “There, Sommie, alongside millions of other Nigerian women, advocated for a stronger representation for Nigerian women at the National Assembly,” the station said.

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    Maduagwu’s background includes winning the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant, which led to her appearance on ARISE TV, and representing Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World pageant in Quanzhou, China, in 2023.

    “Through a blend of her legal dexterity and reportorial vigour, Sommie advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned energetically against sexual and gender-based violence.

    “Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory”, the station added.

    The FCT Police have confirmed that an investigation into the incident has begun.

    Maduagwu’s untimely death has sparked widespread grief and renewed calls for action against insecurity in Nigeria.

    Her colleagues at ARISE Television described her as “delectable, intelligent, and bold,” noting that her contributions to the station and the nation will not be forgotten.

  • 14 countries arrive Abia for international para-badminton

    14 countries arrive Abia for international para-badminton

    Fourteen countries have arrived in Abia State for the maiden International Para-Badminton Championship and the All-African Badminton Championship, scheduled to hold in Umuahia from September 30 to October 12, 2025.

    The Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, confirmed this during a press briefing at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.

    Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Raymond Chima Ukwa, Ananaba said the state is fully prepared to host the international community.

    He revealed that about 150 athletes and 60 officials are expected for the tournaments, with some already in Umuahia ahead of the opening. He also noted that world-class facilities, including the first wheelchair playing mats in West Africa, have been installed at the ICC.

    The Commissioner commended Governor Alex Otti for investing heavily in ensuring the venue meets international standards.

    READ ALSO; Nigeria @65: Abuja Command of NSCDC deploys 4,500 personnel

    President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih, appreciated Governor Otti’s support and disclosed that a three-day para-badminton workshop for coaches and players is underway, with successful participants to receive certificates after assessment.

    Also speaking, the CEO of the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), Jeff Shigoli, and the Head of Operations and Badminton World Federation International Classifier, Dr. Ahmed Reda, hailed Nigeria’s hosting as a milestone, making it the third African country after Uganda and Egypt to stage para-badminton activities.

    Several government officials and badminton stakeholders were present at the briefing, including Special Adviser on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwogbe, and Comrade Samuel Ekeoma.

  • NGO, partners tackle textile waste in FCT, Enugu

    NGO, partners tackle textile waste in FCT, Enugu

    A non-profit organisation, The People’s Project for Social and Climate Justice (TPP) has collaborated with the Rotaract Club of Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Lugbe and SustyVibes Enugu to tackle textile waste in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Enugu.

    The collaboration was part of activities to mark World Clean-Up Day 2025 with a series of hands-on activities in Abuja and Enugu.

    The events, held at Kuchingoro Community – a suburb in the nation’s capital and at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), focused on addressing the global issue of textile waste, in alignment with this year’s World Clean-Up Day theme: “Strive for Five-Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion.”

    The Abuja clean-up started with a community-wide effort in Kuchingoro.

    The event brought together community leaders, residents, to clean areas ranging from the Chief’s Palace to the local market, roads, and government secondary school (GSS) Kuchingoro.

    The team’s collaboration with local leaders demonstrated the power of community action in tackling waste challenges.

    Beyond the physical clean-up, the event also included an educational awareness session for over 50 children.

    Programs and Partnership Lead at The People’s Project, Gloria Ukamaka Christopher emphasized the importance of community involvement in creating lasting change.

    She noted: “You can’t achieve change unless you carry the community along,”

    The Chief of Kuchingoro, Alkali Dakaci Ibrahim Wamba, expressed gratitude for the initiative, praising The People’s Project for its timely action and commitment to environmental change.

    Principal of GSS Kuchingoro, Mrs. Mbanefo Theresa Ngozi also thanked the team for choosing her school, noting her excitement to see how the children would apply their new knowledge.

    In Enough, the organisation took its awareness about waste management, sustainability, and the impact of textile waste on the environment to UNN.

    Speaking at the event, a representative of SustyVibes, Sedy Isaac said: “We are saving the planet. A greener environment begins with us. We have only one planet, and it’s our duty to protect it.”

    Also speaking, a representative of TPP said: Deborah Osonuga: “With clean people, achieving clean cities is possible.”

    A representative of Enugu State Waste Management Board, Mr. Tobechukwu said: “A cleaner tomorrow is possible, it depends on our efforts to ensure that.”

    A student of the university, Student, Emmanulla Chinecherem: “Our drainages are not refuse dump sites. To foster a healthy environment, I have to dispose of waste carefully.”

    The clean-up covered several key areas on campus, including the Love Garden, Old Refectories, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Manua Bus Stops, and the Faculty of Law.

    The team worked diligently to collect and sort waste into plastic, sewage, and solid waste categories.

    Over 30 bags of waste were collected, significantly reducing litter within the university environment.

    The program also provided an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful conversations with students about the importance of waste management and its effects on public health and the environment.

    Many students expressed gratitude and curiosity about the initiative, eager to learn more about how they could contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

    Ends****

  • Tinubu will win 2027 presidential election – Renewed Hope Ambassadors

    Tinubu will win 2027 presidential election – Renewed Hope Ambassadors

    The Renewed Hope Ambassadors has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure a landslide victory in the 2027 presidential election.

    In a statement jointly issued on Monday by its coordinators in the five South East states, the group said Tinubu’s growing popularity stems from the economy-revamping and nation-rebuilding effects of his policies and programmes.

    The declaration comes ahead of the President’s visit to the South East on Tuesday, where he will be hosted by leaders in Owerri, the Imo State capital, as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in power. During the visit, Tinubu is also expected to commission major projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

    The South East coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors – Chief Henry Ikoh (Abia), Chief Okey Ezenwa (Anambra), Barr. Kelechi Igwe (Ebonyi), Barr. George Ogara (Enugu), and Rt. Hon. Opiah Goodluck (Imo) – described the visit as an opportunity for the President to “feel the famed warmth of the South East and to witness the massive support of the people of the zone for him and his administration.”

    They hailed Tinubu as “the father of our nation and the transformer of our era,” stressing that the South East was excited to receive him.

    READ ALSO; Jonathan will contest 2027 presidency, says Jerry Gana

    “While we welcome Mr. President to Imo State, the Heartland State, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors applaud the economy-revamping and nation-rebuilding effects of his well-thought-out policies and programmes, which are inspiring positive actions among hardworking Nigerians across the nation, particularly in the South East and in the Diaspora,” the statement read.

    The group noted that Tinubu’s visit coincides with the commissioning of landmark projects in Imo State by Governor Uzodinma in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Assuring Tinubu of the South East’s commitment to his re-election bid, the group added: “Indeed, the South East wants to vote massively for President Tinubu in 2027 to sit at the front of the table in the equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure.”

    The Renewed Hope Ambassadors reaffirmed their resolve to work under the leadership of Governor Uzodinma to ensure the President records a sweeping victory in 2027, not only in the South East but across the country.