The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • One killed as gunmen attack Anambra community

    One killed as gunmen attack Anambra community

    As Cardinal Okpalaeke and other eminent persons in the world are in Rome for the burial of Pope Francis, gunmen were in his community in Anambra State,  killing and burning vehicles.

    Amesi community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State is also the home town of the former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Valentine Ozigbo.

    The gunmen, who stormed the community on Friday, burnt some vehicles and destroyed the town hall, and in the process, one person was killed.

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    The attack has heightened tension in the state community.

    However, the identity of the victim has not been revealed by the security operatives, while three vehicles and two motorcycles were burnt.

     Ozigbo has therefore called on the state governor to come to the aid of the community

    He said: “Anambra is still bleeding, our towns, our villages, our people—still live under the shadow of fear. We must listen. And we must act.”

    One of the residents who pleaded anonymity said, “This cannot continue. We deserve to sleep without fear. We deserve leaders who will fight for our safety, not merely manage our pain.”

  • ‘Ned Nwoko’s defection to APC has proved political pundits wrong’

    ‘Ned Nwoko’s defection to APC has proved political pundits wrong’

    The defection of Senator Ned Nwoko, the lawmaker representing Delta North in the National assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been described as a move that proved political pundits across the country wrong.

    This is according to a  renowned political commentator Dr Chris Okobah.

    Nwoko defected to the APC in February fueling criticisms from different quarters. 

    In what appeared befuddling to political observers in the land, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa,and the entire PDP structure in the state , from the ward to the local government and state levels, disintegrated into the APC last Wednesday.

    Speaking on  the development, Dr Chris said:  “Just weeks ago, Nwoko’s switch from PDP to APC stirred a storm of controversy and criticism. Political pundits and party loyalists alike questioned his motives, with opponents labeling him a coward fleeing the PDP in anticipation of a looming political defeat.  

    Delta, long regarded as a PDP fortress, seemed an unlikely ground for such a monumental realignment. However, the tide has turned.”

    Dr Chris  noted that the mass defection of the governor and his executive team to the APC has rendered prior criticisms obsolete. “What was seen as political opportunism now appears, in hindsight, to be strategic foresight. It has forced a reckoning within Delta State’s political elite, raising one crucial question: What caused this political tsunami?

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     “At the center of this tectonic shift is Senator Ned Nwoko himself. A man of influence, charisma, and undeniable popularity, Nwoko has long commanded significant grassroots support across Delta State. His legislative record is decorated with impactful bills and advocacy, ranging from youth empowerment and education to regional development and environmental reform.

    “Nwoko’s defection didn’t just shake the party system; it shook the people. His political brand—characterized by pragmatism, accessibility, and a firm grasp of both local and national issues—has earned him widespread respect, particularly among the youth and middle class.

    As political analyst Prof. Adewale Onanuga observed, “When a man moves with the hearts of the people, he does not walk alone. He shifts the soul of a community.” That sentiment echoes what many in Delta felt when Nwoko left PDP: a sense that the state was on the verge of transformation, even if many couldn’t yet see how.”

    Dr Chris pointed out that Nwoko’s defection did more than challenge party loyalty. “It presented a new vision for Delta State. His ability to mobilize a large and active followership gave APC an edge that PDP hadn’t accounted for. His reputation for delivering on promises, paired with an unapologetically pragmatic approach to governance, positioned him as not just a political figure, but a movement.

    A quote by American political theorist John Maxwell captures this dynamic aptly: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Nwoko’s move to the APC, in retrospect, was more than political survival—it was a roadmap for change.”

    Continuing, he said “insiders suggest that the Governor’s defection, though surprising, was not impulsive. Sources within the corridors of power hint at months of discontent within the PDP’s state machinery, including internal factionalism, policy stagnation, and dwindling federal influence. The Governor, recognizing Nwoko’s traction and sensing a shift in the political winds, likely saw defection as the only viable path to sustained governance and relevance.

    This decision has now repositioned Delta as a battleground for the 2027 elections, with APC gaining an undeniable upper hand.

    “The Delta political shift underscores a broader truth in Nigerian politics: personalities often eclipse parties. Charismatic figures with genuine grassroots support have the power to realign political loyalties and reshape state dynamics.

    As former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “The most successful politician is he who says what the people are thinking most often and in the loudest voice.” Senator Ned Nwoko, in many ways, has become that voice for a growing number of Deltans.”

    Concluding, he said: “What began as a controversial move by one senator has now snowballed into a political realignment of historic proportions. The story of Delta State’s transformation is not just about defections and power shifts—it’s about the enduring power of leadership, popularity, and vision.

    Senator Ned Nwoko, once dismissed as a defector running from defeat, now stands as a catalyst of change. And with Delta State now firmly in APC’s grip, the rest of Nigeria is watching closely, wondering where the next political earthquake will strike.”

  • Ugochinyere seeks FG intervention over Imo gully erosion

    Ugochinyere seeks FG intervention over Imo gully erosion

    The lawmaker representing Ideato North and South of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has raised the alarm over the worsening gully erosion crisis ravaging several communities in his constituency.

    He called on the Federal Government for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property.

    Speaking with reporters in his Akokwa hometown on Friday, Ugochinyere expressed deep concern over the massive environmental degradation that has severely impacted livelihoods, infrastructure, and the safety of residents in affected areas such as Urualla, Amanato, and Obodoukwu.

    While appreciating the ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities to address erosion challenges in the area, the lawmaker stressed that new and more threatening erosion sites have emerged, now posing an existential threat to entire communities.

    “Let me thank the Federal Government for coming to our rescue when we raised alarm on the erosion in various towns in Ideato. The President and the Federal Executive Council unanimously approved N25 billion for erosion control and work started, before the state government wrote that they want to take over and complete it,” Ugochinyere stated.

    “I also want to thank the state government for keeping to their commitment to complete the project. We’ve seen work that’s ongoing and we hope it will be completed in due time,” he added.

    However, the lawmaker noted that despite the efforts, the situation in some parts of Ideato has deteriorated beyond control. 

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    He specifically highlighted the gully erosion in Umuechi and Urualla, which he warned was threatening major landmarks, including the St. Jude Catholic Church, the king’s palace, and other federal infrastructure.

    “It’s so devastating that farmlands have been cut up to Obodoukwu, because of the abandonment of the World Bank project. The World Bank invested up to N9 billion, but due to the greed of the state government then, they pulled away—and our people are dying,” Ugochinyere lamented.

    He urged the Federal Government, as well as the Ministers of Works and Environment, to urgently intervene and salvage the situation before it escalates further.

    “Let me appeal to the Federal Government, the Minister of Works and Environment—please find a way to intervene and save our people. Put an end to this erosion menace,” he pleaded.

  • NSCC awards N6million grant to senior-led cooperatives in Akwa Ibom

    NSCC awards N6million grant to senior-led cooperatives in Akwa Ibom

    The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has disbursed a total of N6 million to six senior-led cooperative societies in Akwa Ibom State as part of its Income Security Initiative aimed at empowering older persons.

    The grants were presented during a workshop held in Uyo focused on Elder Abuse Awareness, Elder Justice Advocacy, and Economic Empowerment for Older Persons. Each cooperative received N1 million to enhance their activities in the arts, crafts, and agriculture value chains.

    The beneficiaries were selected following a comprehensive needs assessment, capacity-building sessions, and monitoring and evaluation exercises conducted across the state.

    The six cooperatives include Mbiabet Ikpe Rice Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Eyosung Community Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Etimbono Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Arise and Shine Pottery Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Associate Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

    Speaking at the event, NSCC Director General, Dr. Emem Omokaro, said the initiative is designed to acknowledge the value of older persons, promote income-generating ventures, and ensure that senior citizens remain active contributors to society.

    Dr. Emem said, “Although Nigerian culture traditionally values and respects citizens, migration and work-life pressures have led to increased neglect, abuse, and marginalisation of older persons.

    “NSCC is committed to addressing them not in isolation but in collaboration with other institutions like NAPTIP, National Human Rights Commission, National Orientation Agency, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, National Orientation Agency and the State governments to protect, empower, and support senior citizens across the country. 

    “The campaign emphasises that older persons are human beings with equal rights; they may have been born earlier, but they deserve the same level of respect and justice as anyone else”.

    She further said, ‘Therefore, any justice system for older persons must start from the family and community level, then extend to national systems like rehabilitation agencies.

    “There’s a strong commitment to working with older persons’ associations and translating policies and advocacy materials into local languages, making them accessible across diverse communities.

    “In many areas, existing traditional systems already support elder care, and the goal is not to replace them, but to strengthen and complement them. Religious institutions, local councils, and other grassroots networks are also part of this broader support ecosystem that ensures justice and inclusion for older adults.

    “NSCC messages highlight the role of religious institutions such as churches and mosques in protecting the rights and well-being of older persons. Since many Senior Citizens individually are more involved in religious communities later in life, faith-based organisations are key stakeholders in elder care. These institutions often hold greater influence and respect than government authorities within families and communities.

    “The idea is to build a community-based ecosystem that includes families, religious bodies, and healthcare facilities, all working together to uphold the dignity, rights, and care of older persons. When each part of the community plays its role, the entire system becomes stronger and more supportive for the elderly.

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    “The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) is actively training and certifying caregivers (also known as Auxiliary Workers to help families better care for the elderly. This effort is part of a larger plan supported by His Excellency to build a skilled workforce and create inclusive elder care programs, including cooperatives and livelihood initiatives.”

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of older persons in the state, citing several initiatives under his administration.

    “We have constructed 174 ARISE Compassionate Homes across the 31 LGAs and provided N50,000 each to 600 elderly persons across all wards. We’ve enrolled hundreds of seniors in the State Health Insurance Scheme and are currently building a senior citizens’ home in Ibiono Ibom,” he said.

    The governor also urged young people to show care and respect for older citizens in their communities.

  • Okechukwu lauds Tinubu’s committment to SEDC

    Okechukwu lauds Tinubu’s committment to SEDC

    The Executive Director (Projects), South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Toby Okechukwu, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his vision and commitment in integrating the South Eastern part of Nigeria into his developmental policies, through the interventionist commission.

    Okechukwu gave the commendation on Tuesday during the Orji River Economic and Development Summit held in Orji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The primary objectives of the Economic and Development Summit were to: create awareness of the potential of Oji River in terms of location and natural resources, promote long term and sustainable development and prosperity and Encourage investment and collaboration between public and private sectors as well as external stakeholders.

    Delivering his goodwill message at the event,  Okechukwu, who once represented Aninri, Awgu, and Orji River Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said that the SEDC was set up with a clear mission to drive sustainable development and position the South-East as Africa’s preferred investment destination by 2030.

    The former lawmaker lamented the war decades ago damaged more than infrastructure, as it also broke the region’s momentum, stressing that the mission of the commission is to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and unity in the South East through strategic investments and empowerment initiatives.

    Okechukwu said: “The Commission was established under the SEDC Act 2024 and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as a critical vehicle to accelerate the recovery, reinvention, and prosperity of the South East region. 

    “The war decades ago damaged more than our roads and homes, disrupted our economic rhythm, slowed our institutions, and deepened a sense of marginalization. SEDC is our collective answer to that history. We must not wait for the centre to fix the East. We have to do it ourselves and do it smartly.

    “Our mission is to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and unity in the South East through strategic investments and empowerment initiatives.

    ” Our vision is to position the South East as the preferred investment destination in Africa by 2030. We are therefore taking action: To build a $1 billion asset base within 10 years by strategically leveraging both public and private capital. We are developing programs for urban renewal, energy hubs, innovation corridors, and agro-industrial zones.

    “The war decades ago damaged more than our roads and homes, disrupted our economic rhythm, slowed our institutions, and deepened a sense of marginalization. SEDC’s clear roadmap demonstrates that we are not just a bureaucracy; we are focused on long-term goals while executing in real time.

    ” It is a business-minded, regionally driven platform for catalytic change. We are launching security interventions, investing in startups, restoring broken infrastructure, and activating our human capital.”

    Focusing on the summit’s host community, Orji River, Okechukwu described the Local Government Area as uniquely positioned within the Awka–Enugu–Onitsha economic corridor, whose economy, when properly harnessed, should be above many in the country.

    He urged stakeholders in Oji River to take advantage of key SEDC opportunities, including the Priority Project Fund, diaspora-driven urban planning, youth enterprise grants, regional security investments, and the planned 50,000-hectare agricultural development initiative.

    “Oji River is not on the margin of development. It is on the edge of opportunity. The future of this region depends on smart alignment, and Oji River should not be looking only inward. 

    “We should be thinking across borders economically, logistically, and strategically. Oji River doesn’t need to wait to be absorbed into someone else’s plan. It has to position itself and shape the agenda.

    “SEDC has allocation available to each state for high-impact projects. This money is not allocated based on size; it is allocated based on readiness. Identify the land. Mobilise your cooperatives. Get into the conversation. If you are stable, connected, and well-policed, you become a node of confidence in the regional economy.”

    He also emphasised the need for strategy and coordination as the people of Oji River mobilize for the new wave of growth.

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    “The people of Oji River are not lacking in talent. We are not lacking in ideas. What we need now is organisation, structure, and speed. There needs to be a deliberate effort to identify Oji River’s comparative advantage. Put together your priority project list. Build your partnerships. Package your proposals. Make them bankable.”

    The former lawmaker also appreciated the National Assembly, particularly, the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu for legislative ingenuity in ensuring that SEDC Act was enacted, passed, and assented to.

    Chronicling President Tinubu’s administration’s efforts for the development of the South East region, He hailed the President for several projects that are beneficial to the region such as the construction of the Abia Airport, launch of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu State and so on.

    Rt. Hon Toby used the occasion to reaffirm his personal and professional commitment to the growth of Oji River and the Greater Awgu region.

    “I may hold a new portfolio, but my commitment to this place has never changed. Where Oji River is building, I will be there. Where your ideas are ready, I will open doors. Where your ambition matches your execution, I will match it with advocacy. Let’s not talk about the future anymore. Let’s build it,” he added.

  • Ilaje: Nwifuru gives financial support to 800 Ebonyi victims

    Ilaje: Nwifuru gives financial support to 800 Ebonyi victims

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has disbursed N200, 000 each as financial assistance to about 800 indigenes of Ebonyi State who were evacuated back to Ebonyi State from the Ilaje Otumara village demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government.

    The victims mostly women and children who were repatriated back about 4 weeks ago by the State Government now share tale of relief from the benevolence of the State Government.

    One of them, Charity Okeosisi described their experience as painful and agonizing.

    She noted that many of them lost all they had laboured for in life and said that they have been forced to start life all over again on arrival to Ebonyi State.

    Mrs. Okeosisi who expressed a sigh of relief following the disbursement of the funds by the State Governor noted that weeks after the Ebonyi State Government evacuated them back to Ebonyi State, they has been living from hand to mouth as there are nothing left for them to feed.

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Martina Ofoke, expresses satisfaction that the Ebonyi State Governor heard their cry and promptly intervened on their behalf pointing out that the financial assistance of the State Government will will go a long way in helping them put food on their table.

    Some other affected victims while commending the gesture of the state government assistance also expressed the optimism that the State will also empower them to start up something in the State as they have no other place to go.

    The State Commissioner for Special duties and Focal Person, Ebonyi State Diaspora office, Mr. Valentine Okike-Uzo handed over the cheques to the victims.

    He noted that this is one of the measures the state government deployed to cushion the hardship faced by the victims repatriated back to the State.

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    Okike-Uzo assured that the approximately 800 victims who were properly documented will all receive the N200,000 naira financial assistance of the state government and urged them to utilize it well in meaningful ventures.

    He assured the victims that the State Government would also come up with more intervention programs that will help in resettling them and urged them to remain good citizens of the State while they reside in their different localities.

    The Commissioner took turns to hand over the cheque to the victims.

  • PWDs protest alleged exclusion from EMOIMEE host community devt trust in Akwa Ibom

    PWDs protest alleged exclusion from EMOIMEE host community devt trust in Akwa Ibom

    People living with disabilities (PWDs) from Eket, Esit Eket, and Onna local government areas have staged a protest over their alleged exclusion from the EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).

    The protesters shut down the EMOIMEE HCDT office in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, accusing the Trust’s management of sidelining them in its empowerment and development initiatives.

    Mr. Benjamin Eyene, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed disappointment over their continued neglect despite multiple appeals and formal letters.

    “We have not been carried along in the Trust’s programmes. Qualified members among us should benefit from the scholarship scheme, and we deserve representation on the Trust’s management committee,” Eyene said.

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    The group also demanded the establishment of special skill acquisition centres—three per local government area—to support persons with disabilities.

    They vowed to continue the peaceful protest until their grievances are addressed by the Trust’s management.

  • Okpebholo to recruit more teachers

    Okpebholo to recruit more teachers

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to improve learning facilities, recruit more teachers, provide good infrastructure, a conducive learning atmosphere and secure school environments.

    He spoke yesterday when he inspected renovation of some schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, which were in very bad condition when he visited them in January.

    The governor, who since his assumption of office, took bold steps by embarking on people-focused programmes and policies, had earlier declared a state of emergency in the education sector.

    He said he was working to change the narrative in the education sector.

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    The infrastructural development of the Okpebholo-led administration has already transformed many public schools.

    The governor says his administration has put modalities in place to ensure public schools compete favourably with private schools in terms of learning, quality facilities, good infrastructure, secure and conducive environment, as well as affordable fees.

    He said his administration was working to ensure the education system was able to meet global standards.

  • Obedient Movement merges with Tinubu Support Group, backs re-election

    Obedient Movement merges with Tinubu Support Group, backs re-election

    The leadership of the Obedient Movement led by Alhaji Ahmad Abulfathi at the weekend decided to collapse its national, zonal, state, local government, and ward political structures into the Nationwide Tinubu  Connect  Associates (NTCA).

    This decision was reached following a strategic high-level and exhaustive meeting held in Lagos with the National Leader of NTCA, Henry Nwabueze. 

    Represented by the 36 States coordinators of the Obedient Movement, they all agreed to merge their structures at the various levels into NTCA to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

    A statement by Ahmad Abulfathi quoted the lead representative of the movement to have said: “We are proud to align with the Nationwide Tinubu  Connect Associates to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu while completing two terms in office.

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    “In the spirit of fairness and unity, we urge Mr Peter Obi and other intending contestants for the 2027 presidential election to jettison their ambitions for the re-election  of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We cannot afford to distort and discontinue these laudable structures of development courageously built by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu like removal of subsidy, local government autonomy, tax reforms, revival of refineries, student loans, establishment of ministry of livestock (to regulate the rearing of Cattle etc), establishment of regional development commissions, electricity reforms, increased GDP and foreign reserves, establishment of over 8,800 new primary healthcare centres across the country, upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to

    handle trauma, oncology, and infectious disease control. And lots more..

    “It is simple. Go And verify, as Mr Peter Obi would fondly say. We Nigerians are called upon to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, despite these initial challenges being faced, no pain, no gain. Continuity is the intention and our sincere conviction. In a show of solidarity, the movement has pledged to mobilize all youth and women leaders across the nation into the NTCA framework, which it now recognizes as a stronger and more inclusive platform to achieve this Nigerian HOPE.

    “Sequel to this alignment agreement, the Obedient Movement will adopt the identity and operational direction of Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates, to demonstrate its commitment to unity, progress, and national development.”

  • Presidential aide Johnbull greets Okotete on birthday

    Presidential aide Johnbull greets Okotete on birthday

    Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull, has congratulated a former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Women Leader, Hon. Stella Okotete on her birthday.

    In a statement on Sunday, she described Okotete as a remarkable leader who has dedicated her life to serving others and making impacts on her communities.

    She said: “Warmest congratulations to my leader, Hon. Stella Okotete on her birthday! 

    “Today, we celebrate a remarkable leader who has dedicated her life to serving others and making a positive impact on her community.

    “Hon. Okotete’s commitment to public service is truly inspiring. 

    “She has worked tirelessly to promote the welfare of her constituents, advocating for their interests and driving development in her community. 

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    “Her selflessness and dedication have improved the lives of countless individuals, making her a beloved and respected figure.

    “Her passion for serving others is evident in her work. Hon. Okotete has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that have brought hope and opportunities to many. 

    “From supporting your girls and women through economic empowerment to political mentorship, her efforts have had a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.

    “Hon. Okotete’s love for her country is evident in her tireless efforts to contribute to its growth and development. 

    “She is a shining example of leadership, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and work towards building a better future for all Nigerians.

    “On this special day, I wish Hon. Stella Okotete good health, happiness, and continued success. May her birthday be filled with joy, love, and celebration. 

    “May her life continue to be a blessing to many, and may her legacy inspire future generations to serve with passion and dedication.