The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Foundation awards scholarship to 30 indigent Ebonyi students

    Foundation awards scholarship to 30 indigent Ebonyi students

    A non-governmental organization, MSL Foundation has awarded scholarship to 30 indigent undergraduates studying in various universities across the country.

     The beneficiaries received a cheque of N120,000 each during the flag-off of the scholarship scheme in Abakaliki, the state capital.

     The foundation noted that the scholarshi was to enable students from Abakaliki local government area to be literate, lamenting that the people lack education.  

    Handing over the cheques, founder of the foundation, Lebechi Mbam described education as key to everything and urged the beneficiaries of the scholarship to make use of the opportunity for better tomorrow.

    Mbam, who is the current Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works explained that he understook the scholarship because of the suffering he passed through to graduate after he lost his father.

    He promised that the foundation will continue the program for as long as possible and will in subsequent editions incoporate the other two local go6areas in Izzi Clan.

    He said: “The society is becoming tougher every day. When we look at the challenges we face in raising our children, I was motivated because my people lack this education.

     “And the only way we can assist the world and live up to the expectation where the reason why God asked us to come and stay in this earth is to represent him and be an ambassador of Christ.

    “And by that, he demolished us to love our brothers and sisters and that is the love that we have extended to indigenous people of Abakaliki especially the youth. The youth are for the tomorrow, but we have to lay a foundation today.

    “This is the foundation we are laying now because I know that education is the key to everything we do. And as a youth, if based on the things that God has given to us, we extend the love and lay this foundation on the life of our youth and I know the implication.

    “And having passed through some hurdles during my academic session, I lost my father when I was still in school and I know it is all by God’s grace. I didn’t enjoy this benefit, but God saw me through in that way.

     “I felt it’s necessary that I should look to the less privileged who are willing to go to school, who don’t have the funds to pay for their tuition fees and this is what we do”.

    Wife of the state governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, Chairman of the scholarship foundation, Mbam Ogodo, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Odo and Chairman of Abakaliki local government, Ebere Nwogba commended Mbam for the scholarship.

    They opined that the scholarship will reduce illiteracy in Abakaliki local government and urged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity and acquire education.

    Mrs. Nwifuru  represented by wife of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof Nkechiynyere Echiegu, warned that any of the beneficiaries who plays with his or her studies, would be removed from the scholarship scheme.

    She lamented that Abakaliki local government was having low university enrollment and expressed the hope that the scholarship will change the situation.

    One of the beneficiaries, John Okechukwu, who is studying Medicine and owing tuition fees, lauded the Commissioner for the scholarship.

    He disclosed that he has gone through a lot looking for fund to clear his tuition fees and almost gave up until his name was listed as one of the beneficiaries.

    He promised to judiciously utilized the opportunity to make Mbam proud, describing him as his saviour.

  • Diri mourns tragic death of Bayelsa paramount ruler in road crash

    Diri mourns tragic death of Bayelsa paramount ruler in road crash

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, is deeply saddened over the fatal accident that claimed the life of the Amananaowei (paramount ruler) of Ofoni Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, HRH Auditor Onakpohor, on Friday.

    The sad incident occurred along the Sagbama-Ekeremor road as the vehicle conveying HRH Onakpohor and about 12 other traditional rulers somersaulted and skidded off the road into the bush around Sagbama community.

    The occupants of the vehicle were rescued and taken to the Sagbama General Hospital where the injured were administered first aid while those with more serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri.

    Unfortunately, the Ofoni monarch, who was part of the Bayelsa West delegation on the New Year visit of the immediate past governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West senatorial district, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, to Governor Diri at his country home, Sampou, passed on.

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    Immediately the governor was informed about the incident and loss of life, he directed that the event be cancelled.

    Governor Diri has been briefed by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who also hails from Ofoni, and on behalf of the state government expresses sincere condolences to the paramount ruler’s family and the people of Ofoni Federated Community.

    He also extended his sympathies and that of the government to the other victims of the accident and their families just as he prayed for their quick recovery.

    The governor equally commiserated with his predecessor, Senator Dickson, who was leader of the delegation.

  • Otuaro receives award of excellence from youth leaders

    Otuaro receives award of excellence from youth leaders

    The youth leaders of Okerenkoko Federated communities in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have conferred an award of excellence on the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro.

    The youth leaders unanimously acknowledged Otuaro’s giant strides in quality service delivery at the PAP through its robust educational and vocational schemes, stakeholders’ engagement and peace-building processes, and policy of inclusivity, among others.

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    The community youth leaders, including Famous Ololobou, Ijoukumor Oturubo and Samuel Ijeleba, who spoke separately, urged Otuaro to continue to do his best for the growth and development of the region, despite the unnecessary distractions by his detractors.

    They said persons working against Otuaro were undermining President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda which the PAP helmsman was implementing through the programme to foster sustainable peace, stability and security in the region.

  • Hon. Ikenga is a man of unimpeachable, says Amadi

    Hon. Ikenga is a man of unimpeachable, says Amadi

    Dr. Chima Amadi, a renowned scholar and transparency advocate, paid a landmark visit to the Representative of Ideato Federal Constituency, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, in his hometown of Akokwa, Ideato South LGA, Imo State.

    The December event drew an impressive crowd of over 10,000 people who gathered to hear Dr. Amadi commend Ikenga for his steadfast leadership and integrity.

    Describing Ikenga as a “strong pillar of support” and a symbol of sincerity in a challenging political landscape, Dr. Amadi expressed his admiration for the lawmaker’s dedication to his constituents.

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    He also lauded the people of Ideato for their unwavering loyalty to Ikenga, particularly during critical moments, emphasizing their commitment to the ideals of good governance and progress.

    “Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere is a man of unimpeachable character, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of our people,” Dr. Amadi said. “His sincerity and integrity are qualities that we should all emulate, and I am proud to stand with him in solidarity.”

    Dr. Amadi also donated ₦50 million to support the rebuilding of destroyed properties during the invasion of the lawmaker’s home shortly before the 2023 elections.

    This gesture was met with widespread applause and appreciation from the crowd, who saw it as a testament to Dr. Amadi’s dedication to the well-being of the community.

  • Abducted’ Anambra bishop, driver return

    Abducted’ Anambra bishop, driver return

    The Anglican Bishop Godwin Okpala, who was declared missing in Anambra State, has returned.

    Okpala, a professor and retired archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi, went missing alongside his driver on December 6 during a journey to Umuchu.

    There were speculations that both men were abducted by kidnappers.

    The cleric, Mr Okpala, gave an indication of his return in a post on his Facebook page yesterday morning

    “Praise The Lord!” he wrote on his Facebook page.

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    Several Facebook users expressed happiness over the return of the cleric.

    About four hours later, the Anglican Church confirmed the release of the cleric via a post on its Facebook page.

    “Breaking News: Archbishop Godwin Okpala and driver safely released,” the church wrote, suggesting that the cleric was kidnapped and had been released.

    “The church and the wider community are rejoicing over the safe return of Archbishop Godwin Okpala and his driver, a testament to the power of faith, prayer, and community solidarity,” the church added.

    Meanwhile, details of Okpala’s whereabouts and return remain sketchy.

  • Removal of suspended Edo council chairmen worsens crisis

    Removal of suspended Edo council chairmen worsens crisis

    The crisis in Edo State local governments took a different dimension yesterday.

    Several persons were reportedly injured, as gunmen allegedly invaded Uhunmwode Local Government headquarters in Egor.

    The Chairman of the council, Kenneth Adodo, alleged that the people involved in the shooting were policemen from Edo State Government House.

    This followed reports of impeachment of the chairmen of Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon local governments by the elected councillors.

    Their Owan East counterpart; Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri,  reacted swiftly to his own impeachment. He maintained that his purported impeachment and that of his deputy, Clement Ojebuovbo, was unconstitutional and illegal.

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    The councillors in Orhionmwon on Wednesday impeached the Leader of the house, Daniel Osariemen and replaced him with Chuks Isan, claiming that Osariemen was being mobilised to impeach the Chairman, Newman Ugiagbe and his deputy, Midwest Ogbebor.

    The purportedly suspended Leader, Osariemen, was alleged to have led unknown persons to take over the secretariat of the council, where he purportedly resumed as the acting chairman of the local government.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Orhionmwon Local Government Chairman, Roy Osariemen, said the action of Abudu was illegal and that Neeman Ugiagbe remained the chairman of the local government.

    Addressing reporters in Benin City yesterday, the Chairman of Owan East Local Government, Okodo-Kadiri, said his purported impeachment processes were full of irregularities, which, according to him, went against the provisions of the law.

    He referenced Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (as amended in 2002), which outlined specific procedures for the removal of council executives.

    Okodo stressed that the councillors failed to establish a seven-member investigative panel, noting that the mace used during the impeachment was not the official mace of Owan East Local Government.

    “The governor alleged that council chairmen embezzled N50 million meant for salaries, but this claim lacks merit,” he said.

    “Monthly salary expenditures far exceed N50million in most councils and salaries were paid promptly up to November, contrary to the governor’s claims.”

    “If funds were misappropriated, where is the proof? Our bank records are clear, and no salaries are owed.

    “More so, the purported impeachment revealed that two key councillors were involved in the process—Haruna Mohammed and another member from Ward Seven, who had been suspended for gross misconduct prior to the session.”

    He argued that the participation of the suspended councillors in the process rendered the proceedings invalid and emphasised that his office was never notified of their reinstatement, as required by due process.

    He expressed confidence in the courts to do the needful and reverse the illegal impeachment proceedings.

    The latest incident comes about three weeks after the House of Assembly passed a resolution suspending all chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local governments for two months.

    The house also mandated leaders of the legislative arms to take over leadership of their councils.

    The suspension of the council’s chairmen and their deputies followed a motion moved by the member representing Esan North East 1, Isibor Adeh and seconded by the member representing Akoko-Edo 2, Donald Okogbe.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo had written a petition to the House over the refusal of the chairmen to submit financial records of their local governments to the state government.

    In the letter, the governor, who described their action as an act of insubordination and gross misconduct, requested the House to look into the matter.

    When the matter came up for debate, 14 members voted in favour of the motion for their suspension, six opposed the motion, while three members did not participate in the voting.

    House of Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku had told the members that all of them must speak on the matter.

    After they had all spoken, the Speaker directed the Clerk, Yahaya Omogbai, to do a head count of the members who supported or opposed the suspension of the council’s chairmen and their deputies.

  • Oba in Diaspora appeals to Soludo to recognise Emelobe as new Igwe

    Oba in Diaspora appeals to Soludo to recognise Emelobe as new Igwe

    Indigenes of the Oba community of Anambra State in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean have appealed to the State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to recognise the new traditional ruler of the community.

    The indigenes, under the aegis of the Oba Progressive Union (OPU), appealed to the Governor to recognise the new Igwe, in the person of HRM Igwe Augustine Emelobe, who, according to them, emerged through the will of the people.

    The letter read in part, “We have carefully followed and analysed the protracted process of selecting a new Igwe for our town since our late Eze Okpoko I went to be with his ancestors six years ago.

    “Our town is exhausted, and we have long awaited this opportunity to move forward with a new leader. After years of ups and downs, we have finally arrived at two qualified candidates who met our town’s constitutional requirements. All nine villages of our entire community came together and conducted an open and transparent election for the two candidates on Saturday, 21st December 2024. This election date was agreed upon between Commissioner Collins Nwabunwanne and our town’s President General, Engineer Uzor Ejiofor, on 17th December 2024.

    Read Also: Oba Kingdom’s new Igwe receives Ọfọ, crown in sacred ceremony

    Our town unanimously voted and agreed on the election date. Engineer Augustine Chinedu Emelobe won the election with 1,143 votes, while his opponent secured 26 votes. The overwhelming support for Engineer Emelobe is difficult to ignore.

    “Our town is eager to bring this long-drawn-out process to an immediate end. We humbly ask your administration to please review the election results, videos, and all relevant documents to confirm the validity of this election. Our members are eager to bring serious economic development to Oba and Anambra State in general.”

    Pointing out threats of violence in the community, the group narrated efforts it has made to address the challenges.

    It stated, “Our organisation, upon hearing the horrible news about the burning down of the Oba Civic Centre and the Nigerian Police post by some hoodlums last September, immediately raised funds and started the rebuilding of these burnt-down facilities.

    “In addition, we recently rebuilt the Oba Community Health Centre with solar-powered 24-hour electricity, a new solar-powered borehole, clean water, brand new roofs for all the health centre buildings, German floors for the entire compound, and many more.

    “Our members are eager to work with your administration and our new Igwe to coordinate significant foreign investments and technology transfer into our dear state.

    “Your Excellency, we humbly ask that you hear the cry of our people and grant us this request for the progress and peace of our community and Anambra State by helping us to finalise the election of a new Eze Okpoko II of Oba.

    “The Oba people have spoken and have made their choice through their votes on the next Igwe for our town. We eagerly await your urgent response,” the statement concluded.

  • Let’s be objective in building our economy, Enugu Catholic Bishop begs Nigerians

    Let’s be objective in building our economy, Enugu Catholic Bishop begs Nigerians

    The Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, has appealed to Nigerians to be objective in their efforts at building the nation’s economy.

    The Bishop also urged Nigerians, especially businesses and service providers, to stop using the irregular foreign exchange to naira as an excuse to arbitrarily increase prices of every product and service.

    Delivering his New Year message in a chat with newsmen in Enugu, Bishop Onaga, expressed hope that the lot of Nigerians would change for the better in 2025.

    He said: “As we enter the year 2025, just like every other year, we hope for the better. As we’re beginning from January 1st, it is our wish that our lot will change in a very significant manner. Life will become better.

    “Let me tell all of us. It is for us to contribute as individuals for the progress of this our country in 2025.

    “Let us start from whatever angle, be very sincere with our people. Let us pray for the well-being of our people. Let us not hoodwink them with words. Let us tell ourselves the truth”.

    He called on Nigerians to unite in making 2025 a success.

    Onaga said: “If it is said that fuel should be sold at N950 per liter, why sell your own at N1000? Why don’t you sell at that same price? If a 50kg bag of rice is supposed to sell for N90,000, why sell it at N104,000?

    “If you are supposed to repair a vehicle in normal situation with N20,000, why do you have to claim because dollar is high, it must be N30,000?

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    “And we’re pleading with our politicians and leaders, there are policies that can help us live well. We have tried everything in 2024, it is not a crime or an act of cowardice for you to readjust and say, in 2024, it didn’t work, in this year, let me try something better. 

    “So, I expect our leaders, politicians, leaders of industries and what have you to readjust. This issue of blaming everything on the price of dollar should stop.

    “Sometimes we’re thinking like men on the streets and not experts. But it’s not true because we’ve lived in a country that about nine years ago was exchanging one dollar for N150. Yes, the whole economy is turning not only in Nigeria. But the astronomical ways we increase prices of goods and services in this country does not really tally with reality.

    “So, I’m pleading with the economists, financial experts, politicians, in particular, to be more objective in this year, 2025. Let us all work together to make the year 2025 less discomforting nation than it was last year.

    “So, if all of us work together, we shall justifiably sacrifice the much we should, we shall contribute the much we should and make this country move forward. God has given us everything. Let us manage what God has given us very well in this country in 2025. Let our resolutions be to improve on what we had in 2024”.

    He also called on fellow preachers to try their best to tell their followers the truth, as they is the only thing a preacher owes his congregation.

    “What the Nigerian society expects from every preacher in this country is truth. Truth telling is the only thing that can save us. Truth telling does not mean arrogance. Truth telling does not mean insult. Truth telling means seeing things the way they are and conveying them. 

    “Let us interpret the word of God the way it should be interpreted because the word of God, they say, is a two-edged sword. It can cut negatively, it can cut positively. But you know at the end of the day, the word of God is meant to convey hope, salvation and strengthen the spirit while making sure the society is built upon justice and right.

    “Let all preachers, beginning from myself in this year 2025, be inclined to saying the truth always to our listeners, our followers,” he said.

  • Oba Kingdom’s new Igwe receives Ọfọ, crown in sacred ceremony

    Oba Kingdom’s new Igwe receives Ọfọ, crown in sacred ceremony

    The town of Oba in Anambra State was abuzz with celebrations on Monday as residents gathered to honour their newly elected monarch, HRM Engr. Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe. 

    The ceremony marked his emergence as the Igwe-elect of the ancient town.

    The solemn traditional rites were conducted by elders and kingmakers, led by the elder of Urueze, also known as ‘Aka ji Ofo Oba,’ along with elders from the town’s nine villages. 

    They presented the Igwe-elect with a new Ọfọ Oba, the town’s highest staff of authority and spirituality, symbolising the community’s trust and confidence in his leadership.

    The event took place at the community’s ancient shrine in Urueze, the oldest settlement in Oba. 

    Following the traditional rites, the new monarch proceeded to St. Bethel Anglican Church, also in Urueze, where he dedicated his crown and leadership to God.

    The ceremony attracted prominent figures from Oba and was steeped in the town’s rich traditions and customs. Music, dance, and a variety of local delicacies added to the festive atmosphere. 

    Traditional music groups and bands showcased their talents, adding vibrancy to the occasion.

    The journey to this moment began on December 21, when Oba residents held a well-attended and peaceful election, widely covered by the media and shared across social media platforms. 

    The process was supervised by security agencies, including the police.

    At the conclusion of the election, Engr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe emerged as the Igwe of Oba and Eze Okpoko II, ushering in a new era of leadership for the community.

  • Yuletide: Senator Nwoye doles out N200m, 10,000 bags of rice to constituents

    Yuletide: Senator Nwoye doles out N200m, 10,000 bags of rice to constituents

    Senator Tony Nwoye has distributed N200million and over 10,000 bags of rice to his constituents to enable them celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivities.

    Nwoye who represents Anambra North Senatorial District on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), said the gesture was meant to cushion the effects of the current harsh economic realities being experienced by his people.

    According to a statement by his media office, Nwoye’s gesture elicited widespread jubilation from his people as over 2,000 bags of 50kg, 5,500 bags of 25kg and 10,000 bags of 10kg with cartons of Groundnut oil, Tin tomatoes, Bags of Salts, cartons of Maggi and seasoning were distributed to the 99 Political Wards in Anambra North Senatorial District.

    The Senator also doled out millions of Naira in cash gifts to selected 3,762 persons (38 stakeholders in each of the 99 political wards) in the seven Local Government Areas of Anambra North.

    While handing over these items to selected committees from each Local Government in Anambra North, Senator Nwoye acknowledged that Nigerians were going through a tough time.

    He stated the donation is part of  measures he has put in place for the people of the Senatorial District as a way of giving back to the society for the love and solidarity the people have shown him.

    “This rice, maggi, salt and other food items are not for stakeholders and Labour Party members alone; but for the people at the grassroots – mechanics, tailors, indigenes and non-indigenes of Anambra North.

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    “I will never take your support for granted, and I assure you I will continue to provide leadership for a better Anambra North and Anambra State,” he said.

    According to the statement, “Distinguished Senator Dr Tony Okechukwu Nwoye has continued to show capacity as the senator representing Anambra North Senatorial zone at the National Assembly.

    “In just a year and six months, he has performed creditably attracting worthy projects and empowering his people.

    “This gesture from Senator Tony Nwoye has never been seen in the zone. He has brought the required change of touching the lives of his people especially at this period of hardship. Those who voted for him are proud of his representation.”