The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • ‘Emmanuel spending unbudgeted state resources on PDP campaigns’

    ‘Emmanuel spending unbudgeted state resources on PDP campaigns’

    The Young Progressives Congress (YPP) in Akwa Ibom State has accused Governor Udom Emmanuel of using unbudgeted state resources to fund the campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    YPP said it was an act of ‘favouritism’ for the PDP-led state government to deploy public and tax payers’ money to fund a political party, adding that such money was neither appropriated for nor approved by the House of Assembly.

    State Chairman Dr. Nyeneime Andy, who made this known at a news conference at the weekend, queried Emmanuel’s donation of 31 Hiace buses costing N1.24billion to the PDP for the campaigns of its governorship candidate, Pastor Umo Eno.

    He said the state government, through its contractors, donated bullet proof cars and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the PDP governorship candidate while he was still serving as commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in the Emmanuel administration.

    He said: “At a New Year get-together with the PDP on January 4, Governor Emmanuel donated 31 Hiace buses, costing over N1.24billion, to the state PDP, for Pastor Eno’s campaigns.

    “Was the amount used in the purchase of the buses appropriated for and approved by the House of Assembly? Does the state government have a right to use public and tax payers’ money to fund a party?

    “Before now, the state government, through its contractors, had donated bullet proof cars and SUVs to Eno even when he was still the commissioner for Lands and Water Resources. Let us put this side by side with the recent case involving Senator Bassey Albert Akpan with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, denied the allegation and described the YPP position as politically- motivated, aimed at diminishing the transparent disposition of Governor Emmanuel.

    He said: “Governor Emmanuel is an epitome of transparency in governance. A fact attested to, by dispassionate Nigerians.”

  • APC faithful receive N149m food items

    APC faithful receive N149m food items

    Arrangements have been concluded for the proposed mega rally of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his running mate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sen. Kasim Shettima, in Anambra State this month.

    Food items worth over N149 million have been donated to members of the party in the state in support of the Tinubu/Shettima presidential ambition.

    The state Coordinator, Tinubu Shettima Campaign Council, Sen Maggery Okadigbo, who briefed reporters yesterday, said the 327 electoral wards in the state had concluded plans to receive the presidential candidate across the 21 local governments.

    Okadigbo, who is also the chairman of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd, said the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council had begun visit to the wards to ensure a hitch free campaign.

    She dismissed as unfounded and machinations of fifth columnists, the belief that Tinubu was not loved by Southeasterners, stressing that “in the history of Tinubu in politics, the Igbo have been favoured.”

    Okadigbo urged the electorate to disregard the rumour and embrace the move towards electing the next president.

    The Deputy Coordinator of the campaign council in the state, Sen. Emma Anosike, said the donated items were in support of Asiwaju Tinubu and his running mate, Sen. Shettima.

    “What we have done so far is to carry our party members along because they are the foot soldiers in this coming election. As a party, we find it instructive and essential for us to continue to interface with our party men and women at all times.

    “The campaign is not only for the candidates to carry the burden alone, because the victory of the presidential candidate is a victory for all party members.

    “In this modern world of politics, you don’t expect the candidates to exhaust themselves because of election. But when you contribute your quota to that success story, you gain from the victory,” he said.

    Insisting that there were two major parties in the country, Anosike said APC would emerge victorious in the presidential election following the achievements recorded under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

    He challenged APC critics to present reasons why the party and its standard-bearer would not win the election in view of the projects and juicy appointments given to the people of the Southeast by the APC government.

    “When people talk about the APC and the government, they forget the achievements of the party in the Southeast.

    “Most of those abandoned projects of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been completed by the APC government; from road construction to second Niger Bridge as well as reviving of moribund sea and dry ports in the Southeast and Akanu Ibiam Airport,” Anosike said.

    The Nation gathered that the items, including 220 bags of rice, were donated by party stakeholders for the Yuletide, while Okadigbo donated 21 cows to the 21 local governments.

    She also donated 1,200 bags of rice and 3,000 cartons of spaghetti, which were distributed to the 327 electoral wards.

  • N320m tannery project ongoing in Delta, says NILEST DG

    N320m tannery project ongoing in Delta, says NILEST DG

    The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) is constructing a N320 million mini tannery in Delta State, its Director General, Prof. Mohammed Yakubu, has said.

    According to details from the 2023 budget, the tannery project, located in Orogun, Delta Central, would be equipped by the institute.

    Yakubu confirmed this in a chat with The Nation.

    The director general has been under attack for siting a similar project valued at N350million in Daura, Katsina State.

    The group had urged the institute to reverse the decision to establish the tannery project in Daura in the spirit of federal character and fairness.

    But Prof. Yakubu explained that he was only trying to redeem a pledge made by previous director generals of the institute.

    He said: “The said tannery (in Daura) has been in our budget since 2016. I only assumed office two years ago. I’m just trying to redeem the pledge my predecessors made then.

    “But currently we are building a tannery in Delta State. Please check our budget for 2023. I will send a copy to you to see for yourself.

    “I have in the past two weeks been attacked from the North, West and now the Eastern part of Nigeria for unknown reasons.

    “If building a tannery in the North is obnoxious to the sensibilities of the Western and Eastern Nigeria, I wonder why I should now be heralded by the Northern Youth Movement.”

  • Reject selfish politicians, Iwuanyanwu tells kinsmen

    Reject selfish politicians, Iwuanyanwu tells kinsmen

    An elder statesman and Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has advised his kinsmen to reject politicians seeking elective positions, who will not use the mandate given to them to serve their collective interest.

    He also urged stakeholders at Mbaitoli and Ikeduru local governments of Imo State, popularly called Mbaike, to respect the established principle of zoning for political offices, for equity, justice and fairness and to avoid domination of one council area against the other.

    Iwuanyanwu spoke in Owerri at a meeting of Mbaike People’s Assembly- the apex socio-cultural organisation of the indigenes of the two councils, during which he inaugurated the constitution drafting committee.

    Iwuanyanwu, the grand patron of the assembly, warned politicians from the two councils seeking elective offices to shun personal aggrandisement and use their mandate to serve the people who will elect them.

    “Anybody wishing to represent us after the forthcoming election or given the mandate must know that he is there with our mandate to serve us and not line his pocket,” he said.

    The business mogul, who decried the rising wave of youth and women unemployment in the areas, directed the assembly to set up a committee of prominent leaders, who would ensure speedy implementation of youth and women empowerment programmes, to reduce the hardship facing the people.

    He also directed the committee to pay attention to youth and women education, health as well as effective sustainable agricultural practices by the people.

    He enjoined the leadership of the assembly to establish a secretariat and ensure judicious management of the funds raised for the assembly.

    “I want this assembly to be a source of prosperity and a source of wealth to all of us. We will not allow any individual, group, association or even government to deny us what rightly belongs to us. But at the same time, we should not indulge in any form of criminality.”

    The President-General of the assembly and former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Marcillinus Nlemgbo, commended Iwuanyanwu for his charity to the poor through his Iwuanyanwu Foundation, noting that over 80 per cent of unemployed youths within and outside the state had been offered employment by the octogenarian.

    He admonished indigenes of the two councils living outside the state to establish branches there and keep contacts with the headquarters at home.

  • Rivers Pastor inducted into Hall of Fame

    Rivers Pastor inducted into Hall of Fame

    The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), in Port Harcourt,  Rivers State, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere has hinted of  plan to establish a free university to give opportunity to the less-privileged Nigerians to acquire university education free- of- charge.

    Apostle Chinyere also said that he had directed every family in his Ohanku community of Abia State to volunteer a youth each for his overseas scholarship scheme this year, in his bid to fight against teenage and girl-child pregnancy which is rampant in the community.

    The clergy spoke during his induction into the Nigerian Book of Records(NBR) Hall of Fame   by the Director General (DG), Nigerian Book of Records and Research Centre, Prof. David David, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, yesterday.

    The honour was said to be in recognition of the great impact the Clergy has made to humanity, touching lives and giving hopes for the homeless and less-privileged of the society.

    The awardee was equally presented with the 1,500 page encyclopedia of the positive, good sides about Nigeria and Nigerians.

    Some other Nigerian Pastors wha are said to  have made it into the Nigerian Book of Record, just like the  Genuiness Book of Records include, Pastor E. A Adeboye, Pastor David Oyedepo and F. K. Kumuyi, among others.

    Presenting the award in the presence of the over 5,000 worshippers , Prof. David said:

    “Apostle Chinyere is not being inducted into the NBR Hall of Fame because of his impacts in religious Sector rather, because of the impacts he has made and still making to humanity in various areas particularly, education, welfare, healthcare.

    “He established  20 free primary and secondary schools, fully funded with four sets of school uniforms/sporting gears, books and exercise books, shoes/canvases provided for every pupil and student of the school, school buses are also provided in some cases.

    “His fully funded overseas scholarship scheme in different universities in Europe and America, have over 3000 students on the lists.

    “He built and equipped free mother and child hospital, with free Cesarean-section(CS), for any pregnant mother that would need it to reduce if not end maternal and infant deaths in the state and Nigeria at large.

    “He built and stocked a free restaurant for the hungry and less privilege of the society  irrespective of religion, tribe and tongue, as well as relocation of late Deborah Samuel’s family.

    “Some youths who were involved in violent crimes, such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism  as well as prostitution have been rescued, empowered and redirected into positive activities, including schooling and gainful employment.

    “Nigerian Book of Records is our own World Guinness Book of Record, people are not inducted into the NBR Hall of Fame by sentiments, relationship of religion, it is purely on meritorious bases, if one is  not qualified for it, there is no need…,

    “Just like this Apostle Chibuzor, when you check his records, you will see fanatic, credible things he has done and is still doing to humanity aside from being a religious man, a Pastor, and his humanitarian work has made him worthy to be inducted into this hall of Fame today.

    “Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere is not the only Pastor in Nigeria, but he has touched lives of Nigerian, his decision to nip in the bud what would have caused serious religious crisis in the country when late Deborah Samuel was killed last year was enough to have given him the recorgnition.

    Apostle Chinyere  expressed profound joy, excitement, and pride to be recognised by the Federal Government, and expressed the motivation to do more in touching lives directly.

    “I am excited, elated I never expected this. This honour will propel me to do more; if I can be recognised, I did not ask for recognition, moreso by the government,  I will do more.

    “This 2023, a lot of things are in the pipeline to touch the less-privileged of this country.” he said.

  • Group makes case for feature film Ije Awele

    Group makes case for feature film Ije Awele

    With its dedication to assisting innovative startups succeed and make positive impact on society, NFW Group, which believes that early-stage companies have the potential to create meaningful change, is committed to providing them with the support they need to grow and thrive.

    Whether it’s through financial investments, strategic planning, business development, or access to a network of industry experts and advisors.

    On what NFW is about, CEO John Bernard,  added: “We offer a range of services to help our portfolio companies succeed.

    In addition to our work in the startup space, we are also looking for new opportunities to innovate and grow as a company.

     Recently, we supported the production of the movie ije awele, marking our entry into the audio/visual space.

    The movie has Executive Producer, Emeka Nwokocha and lead actor, Victoria Nwogu.

     “At NFW Group, we are passionate about helping innovative startups make a positive impact on the world. Whether you are a social entrepreneur looking to solve a pressing social issue, or a technology company developing a game-changing product, we want to hear from you. If you believe that your startup has what it takes to make a real difference, we encourage you to reach out to us and learn more about how we can help you achieve your vision. Together, we can make a real impact on the world.”

  • 2023 Presidency: Tinubu/Shettima women campaign council inaugurated in Abia

    2023 Presidency: Tinubu/Shettima women campaign council inaugurated in Abia

    THE leadership of the Abia State chapter of Tinubu/Shettima Women Campaign Council has promised to ensure that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima wins in the state come February 25.

    The leader of the group and former Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu who was speaking to members of Tinubu/Shettima Women Campaign Council from all the 184 wards in the state, in Aba, stated that the country would gain more if Tinubu emerges the next president of the country.

    Nwaogu who was a former pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University of Calabar, Cross River State Governing Council, said that the APC presidential candidate has what it takes to be a leader and to steer and to steady the ship of the Nigerian state after President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

    While describing the APC standard bearer as a detribalised Nigerian, Nwaogu urged members of the group not to be distracted with what are being churned against Tinubu in the social media, adding that people contesting with him were threatened by the towering profile of the APC presidential candidate including his standing legacies in Lagos State.

    “The message that I bring to all of you here is that I don’t want division. Let us seek first, the election of Tinubu/Shettima on February 25th, 2023. It is the first election that will come before any other election. If he doesn’t win it, every other thing that we will be doing will be harder to achieve,” she said.

    Expatiating, she said, “If we win on the 25th of February next year with your efforts it means victory for the APC. I don’t want APC in the day and other party at night. I have never seen our party being divided as it is in Abia, but by the grace of God, women are unifiers. We must deliver Tinubu/Shettima on February 25. The reason is that there is a lot more at the federal level. If you allow yourselves to be deceived by anyone, you will have yourselves to blame.

    “I have looked at the 2023 general elections with my God-given expertise, Tinubu Shettima will win whether they like it or not.

    “I want to urge you all to join me to follow Tinubu/Shettima to the Promised Land. Let us seek first, the election of Tinubu/Shettima on February 25. It is the first election before any other election.

    “The reason is that there is a lot more to gain at the federal level. The victory of Tinubu/Shettima on February 25, every other thing shall be added to it. Do not allow yourself to be deceived. If you allow yourself to be deceived, you will have yourselves to be blamed.

    “Tinubu knows the road. Tinubu is not nepotic like other presidential candidates. Tinubu and Shettima are the incoming President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Don’t be deceived by what you read on social media. If they are not afraid of him (Tinubu), they will not be battling him the way that they are battling him.

    “I am happy with the number of persons that have come today to answer this clarion call from Abia women the 17 local government areas, 184 wards and the three Senatorial Districts in the state.

    “We are here for interest and that interest is for the victory of our own party. Our presidential candidate and vice president are Tinubu and Shettima.”

  • Maritime varsity VC announces accreditation of programmes

    Maritime varsity VC announces accreditation of programmes

    •As Tompolo donates 458 desks to varsity

    THE Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okenrenkoko in Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State, Prof. Emmanuel Adigio, has announced that all 13 programmes of the university have been duly accredited.

    Prof. Adigio disclosed this on occasion of the combined matriculation ceremony for the 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions of the university, yesterday.

    He stated that the programmes were accredited by the relevant government agencies, disclosing that the pioneer graduates of the institution are currently in various parts of the country for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    Addressing the matriculants, he charged them to strive for excellence as they begin their academic sojourn in the university.

    Urging the cadets to put their studies above every other thing, the VC encouraged them to be resilient in the face of challenges that may ensue in the course of their studies.

    “They should be guided by the reality that the time spent in this first paramilitary university in the country is the springboard to greater life hereafter. On this note, let me congratulate our matriculating cadets. You are indeed our seed planted with the expectation to flourish.”

    In a related development, the president and Chairman of Tompolo Foundation, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo has donated 458 single-seater desks to NMU.

    The Executive Secretary of the foundation, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, announced the donation during his goodwill message at the combined matriculation ceremony.

    “Tompolo Foundation is presenting 458 single desks (furniture) worth millions of naira to the university,” he said.

    Noting that Tompolo is a strategic partner of the varsity, Bebenimibo said measures are being put in place to enable the institution compete well with other world class universities.

  • Union dismisses rumour of fire outbreak in Anambra market

    Union dismisses rumour of fire outbreak in Anambra market

    AUTHORITIES of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA) has refuted alleged fire outbreak at Ogbaru Relief, (main) market last Friday.

    Some media outfits had reported that some plazas in the market were on Friday gutted by fire, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

    But President-General, Chief Humphrey Anuna described the report as false and unfounded, expressing dismay at the social media fake report, saying such thing never happened in the said market or in any markets in the State.

    He said such fake news was capable of triggering blood pressure on hearing the news which could lead to sudden death.

    He said, “There was no such fire outbreak in Ogbaru Relief (Main) market, nor in any market in the State. It was a figment of the imagination of the social media writer.

    “Such fake news by the social media should be stopped to avoid sudden death because somebody who is having High Blood Pressure, HBP, may die on hearing that his wares in the market have been gutted by fire.”

    Also speaking, chairman of the said market, Chief Daniel Nwanodi, said there was no such inferno in the market, neither were such structures as displayed in the social media found in the market and its environs.

    “We don’t have such plazas in the market nor was any shop in the market gutted by fire last Friday. Unless in other markets not in Ogbaru Relief (Main) market.

    “In the market and its environs there is no such plazas, so they know where they got such picture of plazas on fire with thick smoke bellowing from the plazas.

    “All I know is that there is no suck inferno in our market on Friday and there will never be,” he affirmed.

  • Archbishop to Nigerians: Don’t complain about election outcome if you don’t vote

    Archbishop to Nigerians: Don’t complain about election outcome if you don’t vote

    EMERITUS Archbishop and Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Maxwell Anikwenwa has joined the call on eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to enable them exercise their franchise in the forthcoming general elections.

    The cleric made the call on Saturday during the dedication of Our Saviour’s Church, Awka, Anambra State by the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim.

    He said Nigerians’ duty remained casting their votes during elections, regardless of religious affiliations, warning those who shy away from such crucial responsibility not to complain if the outcome was unfavourable to them.

    He said, “Every Nigerian, irrespective of religious beliefs, should register and collect his/her PVCs in order to carry out his/her civic responsibility of voting during elections

    “It’s an important duty of every Nigerian citizen to vote during elections. Whoever that doesn’t contribute in this all important responsibility should not complain.

    “Whether the outcome favours you or not, you’ve done your bit. You don’t need to worry. But if you don’t vote, you don’t need to complain; it’s as simple as that.”

    Earlier in his sermon titled, “Never give up”, drawn from Matt. 15:21, Archbishop Ibezim urged the congregation not to allow life challenges to hinder them from worshipping and rendering services to God.

    He also commended the parishioners for their contributions towards the growth and expansion of the church, urging them not to relent, especially towards the proposed vicarage.

    “Worshipping God brings miracles. Don’t allow life challenges stop you from serving God; and don’t complain whenever you’re asked to do something in the church because it’s a privilege to work for God,” he added.

    On his part, Chairman, Dedication Committee, Chief Chukwuemeka Orjiakor appreciated God for being part of the epoch making event, urging the congregation to join hands to ensure the vicarage was completed at recorded time.

    One of the dignitaries at the occasion, Samuel Nwofor, was full of gratitude to God for rapid spiritual and numerical growth the church had recorded since inception.

    Nwofor, Candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Awka South 1, Anambra State House of Assembly, also expressed joy at improved turnout of voters at the PVC collection centres.

    He urged those yet to collect theirs not to sit at home and complain about those in power, insisting their votes would definitely count only if they voted.