The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Eno dedicates ‘Governor of the Year’ Award to deputy, predecessors

    Eno dedicates ‘Governor of the Year’ Award to deputy, predecessors

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has dedicated the Governor of the Year Award—bestowed upon him by ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV—to his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; all past Governors of the state; and specifically, his immediate predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON. 

    Speaking at the Victor Attah International Airport upon his return from the award ceremony, Governor Eno expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from stakeholders and the people of Akwa Ibom across party lines.

    He attributed the recognition to the contributions of these key figures. 

    He praised his deputy, Senator Eyakenyi, for her unwavering support and role in maintaining peace, which has allowed his administration to stay focused on development. 

    Governor Eno also acknowledged his predecessors, including Arc. Obong Victor Attah, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Mr. Udom Emmanuel, stated that their efforts laid the foundation upon which he continues to build. 

    In a special tribute, he dedicated the award to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, emphasizing that his steadfast support was instrumental in his emergence as Governor and the recognition he is receiving today.

    “This award, for me, is dedicated to three sets of people. The first person is our Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, PhD. She has given me all the necessary support.

    “The second group comprises all former Governors of this State, from Obong Victor Attah to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and to the immediate past Governor, my political father, Deacon Udom Emmanuel. You know that in this State, God has blessed us with Governors who have continuously raised the bar.”

    He appreciated the people of the State for their support and for coming out en masse to receive him, saying he has been nominated for other awards, which, he noted, will also be dedicated to the people of the State.

    Recall that the Governor had dedicated the Leadership Newspaper award as Governor of the Year, 2024, to his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Eno, who sadly passed away last year, and to the immediate past State Executive Council (EXCO) members.

    “As of today, we have about four groups recognizing us as Governor of the Year: Leadership Newspaper; the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), which recognized me as Tourism Governor of the Year; New Telegraph, which named us Governor of the Year, Human Capacity Development, 2024; and the Security Watch Africa Initiatives, which recognized us as Nigeria’s Most Consistent Security-Supporting Governor, 2024.

    Read Also: Governor Eno: My focus is good governance for A’Ibom, not political gamesmanship

    “This harvest of awards could not have been possible without your support. So, we thank all of you.”

    He appreciated the Founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the entire management team for identifying and recognizing the modest efforts of his administration towards delivering the dividends of democracy to the people and for their independent assessment.

    The governor said the award was a source of inspiration to him and assured that the government, under his leadership, will redouble its efforts towards the development of the State.

     “I thank all of those institutions that have recognized what we are doing. Particularly on this occasion, I want to thank ThisDay and Arise TV for their independent assessment. But I also understand that to whom much is given, much is expected.

     “I promise you that we will continue to put in our effort—double and redouble our efforts—towards the development of our State. We will not stop until we accomplish all of the things that God has put in our hearts through the ARISE Agenda,” he added.

  • Sen Ekpeyong honoured among distinguished Young Leaders at THISDAY’s Awards

    Sen Ekpeyong honoured among distinguished Young Leaders at THISDAY’s Awards

    Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, representing Cross River South, has been recognised as one of Nigeria’s most promising young leaders at THISDAY’s 30th commemoration awards ceremony.

    The prestigious event, held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional resilience and innovation across various sectors.

    Under the theme “When the Going Gets Tough…the Tough Gets Rewarded,” the awards ceremony brought together Nigeria’s most influential figures, including governors, industry leaders, technocrats, and politicians.

    Senator Ekpeyong was honoured in the Young Global Leaders category alongside other distinguished recipients: Folake Akindele, founder of Tiffany Amber; Jennifer Adighije, CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company; and Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa.

    In his acceptance speech, Senator Ekpeyong demonstrated both humility and vision: “This recognition is not just mine but belongs to the pillars who have shaped my journey,” he stated, acknowledging his constituents and mentors, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Governors Ben Ayade and Bassey Otu. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Netanela, for her unwavering support.

    “This award strengthens my resolve to continue striving for excellence and creating meaningful impact, knowing that the journey is never walked alone but always with the encouragement of family, mentors, and partners”, he emphasised.

    The evening was marked by world-class performances, including an electrifying show by legendary American singer Diana Ross and Nigerian superstar Flavour.

    The event was masterfully coordinated by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of THISDAY Media Group/Arise TV Networks, who shared powerful insights about resilience in journalism and leadership.

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    Other notable awards included the Governor of the Year category, which recognised Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) for their exceptional leadership and impact in their respective states.

    Senator Ekpeyong’s recognition among the Young Global Leaders highlights his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape and his potential to shape the nation’s future.

    His commitment to excellence and public service, built on good representation and a People First Agenda that drives every policy and project in the district, continues to inspire the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

  • Rivers LGA chair restores electricity in council after many years of darkness 

    Rivers LGA chair restores electricity in council after many years of darkness 

    Procures transformers, renovates schools

    The Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Martins Nwigbo, has restored electricity in Bori, the capital of the council after many years of darkness.

    The council chair also distributed transformers to communities and renovated schools within his first 100 days in office.

    He said that the council also witnessed significant transformations and highlighted his administration’s achievements in education, infrastructures and security.

    Giving an account of his stewardship after 100 years in office at the council’s headquarters in Bori, Nwigbo said the council delivered on its promise to restore power supply to Bori, the capital of Ogoni people. 

    He said the council purchased and installed five 500kva transformers, along with poles and lines in Bori, the LGA capital and successfully restored power after many years of outage.

    He said the restoration of power in Bori was part of the promise he made while campaigning for the office.

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    He said: “During my campaign, I discovered that Bori had been without power supply, and I vowed to address the issue, so within my first 100 days in office, this administration has installed five transformers in different communities and we have also installed solar lights on Hospital Road.”

     Nwigbo said the council completed the installation of solar-powered streetlights along Bori-Kono Road to enhance security and reduce reliance on costly diesel generators.

    He said the council distributed 2,000 notebooks to pupils, with a target of reaching 10,000 students, adding that his administration also remodeled a school in Sogho and planned to build a new facility. 

     Nwigbo emphasized that every child in Khana must have access to education, hinting that his administration had submitted proposals to the Commissioner for Education for the uplifting and remodeling of secondary schools in the council.

    To tackle the shortfall of teaching staff in rural communities in the council, he disclosed that the council embarked on construction of lodges to provide accomodations for members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

    He added that the council had recalled retired teachers, who were still active to strengthen the teaching staff adding that there was a provision of stipend for them.

    Nwigbo said his administration  incorporated the local government staff and sundry into the Rivers State Health Insurance Scheme adding that there was an ongoing plan to create a new town in Bori. 

    To address insecurity in the LGA, Nwigbo added that his administration adopted a dialogue-driven approach, consulting with various factions and encouraging cooperation. 

    He further said that the council was  committed to engaging with anyone willing to work towards peace and development.

    Nwigbo disclosed that the council’s Boundary and Dispute Resolution Committee successfully mediated on crises and was resolving disputes in many communities, including Kpong and Luusue Sogho, Kpaa ans Luudee Lueku, and Nyogor Lueku.

    He said in the area of agriculture, Khana Local Government partnered with Afri-Net Ltd to attract a Bank of Agriculture-sponsored initiative to the LGA. 

    He said partnership would enable a four-week training of over 2000 Khana residents in skill acquisition such as agricultural production, cosmetology, snacks and drinks production, craft and designs, and cybersecurity.

    He urged the people of Khana to support his administration’s efforts to develop the area.

  • Delta governor hasn’t borrowed a dime, says MOSIEND 

    Delta governor hasn’t borrowed a dime, says MOSIEND 

    …Group congratulates Oborevwori on new award 

    The leadership of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has hailed the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori on financial discipline saying he has not borrowed a dime since he assumed office.

    In a statement on Tuesday to congratulate the governor on his emergence as the ThisDay and Arise Television’s Governor of the Year, MOSIEND  said the award was in recognition of the governor’s exceptional leadership style.

    The group, in a statement signed by its National Vice-President, Chief Thompson Fuoye Robert, vowed to keep supporting the governor to move Delta forward.

    Robert said: “Governor Oborevwori is one man, who has managed the monies of the state prudently, being the only governor who has not borrowed a dime from anywhere to run the affairs of the state.

    “This is very unusual because almost all the governors have taken loans one way or another; thereby plunging their states into more debts,  a cancerous epidemic destroying the future of many nations.

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    “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was measured at the prudent level of using what he has to develop the state, rather than going to borrow and put the state in more debts.

    “Everybody understands that his predecessor has left a lot of burdens on the state which, ordinary, should be yardsticks for him to borrow money, but he chose not to borrow, rather, he is using what he has to develop the state.”

    Robert said the governor was executing projects in Ijaw communities and other areas including Asaba, the state capital.

    He said: “The Road from Asaba through Ozoro to Ughelli, they are working there 24 hours, whether you like it or not, it may not translate to the fact that he’s doing well well, but at least, in the past one year, he has been able to show capacity.

    “After a thorough check of the award given to him, we discovered that he merited the award because he has constantly paid civil servants, he has also ensured that pensions are paid timely.

    “Our fact check shows that he’s executing different developmental projects in the three senatorial districts, and for these reasons, we want to congratulate him that he has done well”.

  • Tinubu’s love for Niger Delta has enhanced NDDC’s operations, say elder statesmen, professional bodies 

    Tinubu’s love for Niger Delta has enhanced NDDC’s operations, say elder statesmen, professional bodies 

    …Stakeholders applaud NDDC board’s transparent leadership

    Prominent elder statesmen, professional bodies and ethnic nationalities have appreciated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the development of the Niger Delta saying his love for the region has enhanced the operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    In a communique they issued after reviewing the operations of the NDDC, the critical stakeholders said President Tinubu demonstrated his love for the region through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta.

    Those, who signed the communique are Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Sen. Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Olorugun Ese Gams, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Simeon Achinewu Prof. Atuboyedia W. Obianime, Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, Chief Edward Okpoko Mr. Dominic Saatah, Prof. Emenike Wami and Sir. Essang Nsa Bassey among others.

    In the communique entitled, NDDC Board and Management, Pioneering Excellence, the elders expressed their gratitude for the renewed peace in the region saying it was transforming the negative narratives of the past concerning the Niger Delta.

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    The leaders said: “We sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the leadership and members of the National Assembly, and other key policymakers for their steadfast support for the Niger Delta through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “We see how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta have significantly enhanced the operations of the NDDC and has enabled the Commission to fulfill its mandate more effectively and been repositioned as a strategic vehicle.

    *The President’s dedication to empowering the people of the Niger Delta through initiatives that prioritize skill acquisition, educational support, and entrepreneurial development through NDDC have not only transformed lives but have also restored confidence in the Commission’s activities”.

    The stakeholders said the  proactive oversight and legislative support from the National Assembly had further reinforced the President’s strides, ensuring that the unique needs of the region remained at the forefront of developmental initiatives.

    They  prayed that all funds due the commission that was yet to be released should be given to the commission to further boost the operations of the NDDC.

    They said: “We commend the synergy between the current Board and Management of the NDDC. Under their stewardship, the Commission has demonstrated a renewed focus on addressing the core developmental challenges faced by our communities. 

    “Their strategic initiatives have not only prioritized essential infrastructure development but have also embraced the empowerment of our people through skill acquisition, educational support, and entrepreneurial assistance. 

    “We recognize their commendable efforts in driving sustainable development, fostering transparency, and implementing impactful projects across the Niger Delta.

    “We applaud the Board and Management of the NDDC for their proactive engagement with key stakeholders and for establishing robust frameworks to ensure accountability and inclusivity in their operations. 

    “These measures have significantly restored public trust and enhanced the Commission’s credibility. We believe that, with continuous support from all stakeholders, the current Board and Management will consolidate the core mandate of the NDDC, as they have demonstrated the capacity to chart a transformative course for our region. 

    “We pledge our full support and partnership in advancing the shared vision of sustainable growth and peace in the Niger Delta. 

    “As stakeholders, we remain committed to collaborating with the NDDC, the Federal Government, and all other partners to build upon this foundation of progress. Together, we can achieve a Niger Delta that epitomizes peace, growth, and prosperity for everyone.

    “We call on all stakeholders, governmental agencies, and the general public to continue their support for the leadership of the NDDC as they work diligently to realize the aspirations of our people”.

    Others, who signed the communique are Chief Ita Ante, High Chief Thompson Fouye, Elder T. K Ogiriba, Dr. Aziba-Aloaguo Seibofa, Dr. Ken Robinson, Elder Marshal Kunoun,  D. D Kalsuo Archbishop Emmanuel Julius Ediwe Legborsi Pyagbara, Chief Ebiegberi Domo-Spiff and Amb Kennedy Tonjo West among others.

  • Nwifuru’s aide not arrested over N200m contract, says Ebonyi

    Nwifuru’s aide not arrested over N200m contract, says Ebonyi

    Ebonyi State Government has debunked reports alleging arrest of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s Senior Special Assistant on Project Monitoring, Chukwuma Nwiboko.

    Nwiboko, according to some media reports, was allegedly arrested over some contracts he was involved in for the State Government.

    According to the reports, he is allegedly under investigation for non execution of some contracts worth over N200m.

    But the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa in a statement described the allegations as false and misleading.

    According to him: “the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State on Project Monitoring, Chukwuma Nwiboko was not arrested by any Law Enforcement Agency and he is neither in detention nor under investigation of any contract, as non was awarded to him”.

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    “Let me explicitly inform the general public, that this is false and misleading.”

    Oketa explained that Governor Francis Nwifuru is investigating the ongoing contract execution of the duplexes of traditional rulers in the State.

    He further explained that the Governor is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring all contractors who are found wanting in the execution of the projects are made to face the Law. 

    The Media aide further noted Nwiboko is part of the team carrying out the investigation and was only at the police station for a brief moment as a witness.

    “The SSA to the Governor on project monitoring, Chukwuma Nwiboko is one of those saddled with the responsibility of fishing out the derailing contractors, as it is part of his job to monitor ongoing projects and report progress to the Governor. 

    “He was not awarded any contract, not to imagine one of such magnitude being alleged. He was only at the police station for some moments, as witness for the police who are investigating some of the arrested contractors,” Oketa said.

  • Onoh greets Fubara at 50

    Onoh greets Fubara at 50

    President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the south east Dr Josef Onoh has hailed Rivers Governor Simi Fubara who clocked 50 on Tuesday.

    Onoh, in the message, asked Fubara to remain focused in offering good governance to the people of Rivers State as he swore in his oath of office..

    He described Fubara as a man of wisdom whose large heart has accommodated and united the diverse people, residents and stakeholders of the oil-producing State in the Niger Delta.

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    Onoh stated that the people of Nigeria, Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State are united in their support for the success of the Fubura administration and urged him to prioritise people’s needs over and above any other consideration.

    “On behalf of myself and family, I wish you more prosperous years in good health and wisdom. In the words of Thomas Osbert Mordaunt, ‘Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife!
    Throughout the sensual world proclaim,
    One crowded hour of glorious life
    Is worth an age without a name.”

    “Happy birthday, Your Excellency. “Odunejogu Ndigbo! Odibo di uru Ndigbo, Dike di Igbo NMA,” Onoh stated.

  • Edo First Lady Office Administrator hails Sulaiman-Ibrahim on accomplishments

    Edo First Lady Office Administrator hails Sulaiman-Ibrahim on accomplishments

    The administrator of the Edo State First Lady Office, Edesili Okpebholo Arani, has commended the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for her hard work and accomplishments in national assignments. 

    She spoke during a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja on Monday. 

    The administrator was accompanied by the newly appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Bisi Idaomi, who sought the minister’s support on behalf of the Edo women. 

    She outlined all the beautiful projects of the governor, and his determination to create an enabling environment for women and children, and the entire Edo people. 

    According to her, the state’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Centre was the best as it boasts of modern facilities, which include a creche, skills acquisition centre, and a shelter home where victims are rehabilitated and re-integrated into society. 

    The Commissioner also commended the minister and urged her to carry her along in policies and other activities of the ministry.

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    She assured the minister that the entire 18 local governments and 192 wards would be grateful for her practical assistance to the state. 

    The minister commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for hitting the ground running in such a short time. 

    She assured the Administrator and the commissioner that Edo is very dear to her heart, promising to make the state a focal choice of her programmes, among others. 

    The minister said her desire for each state is to set aside N1billion for victims of SGBV, which will be coordinated by the state and its committee. 

    She thanked them for the visit and promised to carry the commissioner along in all her activities.

  • Otti warns against extortion, fraud in Abia teachers’ recruitment

    Otti warns against extortion, fraud in Abia teachers’ recruitment

    Abia State Government has warned individuals or groups planning to extort or defraud applicants in the ongoing recruitment of over 2,000 teachers for public schools, to be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

    The government had last week announced its decision to recruit about 2,500 teachers in public schools across the state.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Alex Otti emphasised the commitment of his administration to a transparent and merit-based selection process.

    The statement said the recruitment aimed to revive the state’s education sector, which had faced challenges over the years.

    Ekeoma revealed that the application process would be conducted online, with detailed guidelines to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.

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    He acknowledged concerns that some desperate applicants might fall victim of unscrupulous elements seeking to manipulate the system for personal gain.

    The statement noted: ‘’Transformative measures, including sponsored extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65.

    ‘’Approval of a special welfare package for teachers, particularly in rural areas. Introduction of tuition-free education in primary and secondary schools. Approval of monthly running costs for school heads.

    ‘’Reconstruction and retrofitting of school buildings across the state’s 17 local governments. Training of 200 master trainers by a renowned consultancy firm to enhance teacher capacity.’’

    The government urged the public to report cases of bribery, extortion, or fraud, saying anyone caught violating the recruitment guidelines would face legal consequences.

  • FUTO warns against dropping governor’s name to grab disputed land

    FUTO warns against dropping governor’s name to grab disputed land

    Host communities of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) have cautioned dubious individuals in Imo State against dropping the name of Governor Hope Uzodimma and his administration for the purpose of grabbing the community’s disputed land.

    The communities, which spoke through their attorney, Chief Sam Anokam, described as misleading and outright falsehood, the claim by some individuals in media reports that the disputed land with FUTO in Obinze and Umuoma Nekede communities in Owerri West Local Government was acquired by the Imo State Government under a housing project.

    The report also claimed that the land was collectively released by the communities to the state government, saying the land in dispute was outside the area under litigation between FUTO and host communities.

    But, the host communities, which described the claim as untrue and misleading, insisted that the land was part of the subject land in contest between the host communities and FUTO.

    Anokam warned companies and individuals against dragging the officials of the state government and Imo State Housing Corporation into the said land.

    “These persons are pursuing vested, personal interests as land grabbers, who are dropping the name of the governor. Let me add that the said prominent persons should make public, letter of the land release.

    “They should produce letter of land release by Imo State governor or the Federal Government. It is meant to once again defraud unsuspecting land purchasers.

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    “These dubious people are fond of using Imo Housing Corporation. Where is the former Commissioner for Housing and ex-General Manager of Imo Housing Corporation? They were agents of land grabbing activities over this swathe of land.

    “Imagine the dubious persons crediting my efforts at initiating the intervention of the Federal Government to Imo State Government. I challenge them to publish Imo State Government correspondence that gave rise to the Inter-ministerial Committee and I publish mine and the Federal Government response.

    “If the governor is behind them, then the governor should apologise to his former Commissioner for Lands, Noble Atulegwu and Nze Chinasa Nwaneri for disgracing them out of office over the same land grabbing offence.”