The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Non-indigenes in Delta oppose protest, call for govt’s support

    Non-indigenes in Delta oppose protest, call for govt’s support

    The leadership of the non-indigenes community in Delta State dissociated itself from the protest.

    The non-indigenes comprising of Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Ibo, Idoma, Tiv, Edo, and others directed their members not to join the protest.

    In a statement, its leadership said: “The Executive of the non-indigene community believes that the community should not be dragged into politics and should not be used by politicians to settle political scores.

    “The executives of the non-indigene community in Delta State appealed and directed its members not to be involved in the upcoming national protests as it would worsen the already fragile security and economic situation in the country. 

    “The planned protest with the hashtag #endbadgovernanceinnigeria seems to be politically motivated and our members are advised to steer clear of a protest that is likely to be hijacked by hoodlums that can potentially lead to fatalities and injuries. 

    “We advise all our members to remain law-abiding, be vigilant and avoid any act that could lead to a breach of law and security of the state and country.”

     In a communique read by Babatunde Ishmael, after a careful review, the non-indigene community executive agreed that while there is actual economic hardship in the country, it was a global issue which responsible governments have been addressing. 

    According to the communique, “the non-indigene community Executive also believes that another round of protests after the last #EndSars protests will actually worsen the precarious economic and security situation being witnessed in the country. 

    “The Delta State government has provided a conducive environment for the Non-Indigene community in Delta state to carry out their businesses without any form of discrimination or molestation. 

    “Also, as a government that has promised all-inclusiveness, the Oborevwori administration has appointed non-indigenes into his government. 

    “In order to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Tinubu administration, the Delta State government has been giving palliatives to vulnerable groups in Delta state and also carrying the non-indigene community along in this. 

    “The Executive of the non-indigene community believes that the community should not be dragged into politics and should not be used by politicians to settle political scores”. 

    To this end, the non-indigene community, arising from a crucial meeting resolved that “the current economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians is a global issue and we should exercise restraint and should not be seen ruffling feathers in a matter that can be settled amicably. 

    “The Executives of Non-indigene community in Delta State appealed and directed its members not to be involved in the upcoming national protests as it would worsen the already fragile security and economic situation in the country. 

    “The Delta state government has been partnering with the non-indigene community in Delta State in the form of political appointments and empowerment schemes for some of its members and as such we should support the Oborevwori administration and desist from engaging in a needless protest that is not a panacea to our challenges. 

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    “We have security information that some detractors are planning to penetrate the ranks of the non-indigene community in the State and we advise our members not to be used to destabilize the polity. 

    “The Delta State government has been giving palliatives in tranches to vulnerable groups, widows, the aged, and the disabled and this includes the non-indigene population of Delta state. 

    “The planned protest with the hashtag #endbadgovernanceinnigeria seems to be politically motivated and our members are advised to steer clear of a protest that is likely to be hijacked by hoodlums that can potentially lead to fatalities and injuries. 

    “We advise all our members to remain law-abiding, be vigilant and avoid any act that could lead to a breach of law and security of the state and country.”

  • Ibom Air chief pilot challenges stereotypes as barriers to career advancement

    Ibom Air chief pilot challenges stereotypes as barriers to career advancement

    Chief Pilot of Ibom Air, Captain Ruth Adebanjo, has challenged stereotypes and outdated beliefs suggesting certain professions are gender-specific.

    Adebanjo shared this insight during her motivational talk at the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Africa Festival in Lagos.

    Speaking to a diverse audience of young STEM enthusiasts and professionals, under the theme “Empowering Girls in STEM Careers: Strategies for Success, “Captain Adebanjo highlighted the importance of inclusivity and diversity in STEM.

    She emphasised that everyone, regardless of gender, should pursue their passion without limitations.

    She encouraged participants to strive for excellence in their chosen fields and stressed the importance of family support in nurturing young careers.

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    Adebanjo noted that a supportive environment plays a crucial role in both personal and professional growth.

    The STEM Fest provided a platform for interactions, workshops, and exhibitions to foster innovation and creativity among young people interested in STEM disciplines.

    Ibom Air proudly supported the event, aligning with its corporate social responsibility focus on education.

  • Southern leaders beg youths to shelve planned protest

    Southern leaders beg youths to shelve planned protest

    Some southern leaders under the aegis of Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN) have appealed to organisers of #EndBadGovernance protest to shelve the planned protest. 

    In a statement on Wednesday, July 24, by its national coordinator, Ralpheal Okorie the leaders noted that the present economic challenges were not peculiar to Nigeria, explaining that it is a global challenge. 

    President Tinubu had pleaded with the organisers to shelve the protests and give his administration more time to execute people-oriented programmes.

    The leaders said their fear is that the planned protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, may be hijacked by hoodlums and other miscreants, who may turn the exercise into violent uprisings. 

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    They also called on Tinubu to address the nation and allay the fears of Nigerians on what the administration was doing to meet the demands tabled by the protesters. 

    The statement read: “On planned nationwide protest, we have called on the conveners of the planned protest to stop it and that protests all over the world have never been used to solve a problem.

    “The situation in Nigeria is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, and it is a global nature. We are using this medium to advise our teeming youth not to join in the protest because protests of this nature will naturally be hijacked by miscreants.

    “The real intention will not be achieved. Again, we also want to call on Mr. President to address the nation if possible to calm frayed nerves, knowing that he has the best of intentions for our dear country.”

  • Kalu celebrates Tinubu over assent to South East Devt. Comm. Bill

    Kalu celebrates Tinubu over assent to South East Devt. Comm. Bill

    Deputy Speaker. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has thanked President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law, approving the creation of the commission. 

    The bill was sponsored by Kalu and all the lawmakers from the south east region from the House of Representatives.

    The bill sought to establish a commission that will be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage fund from allocation of the federation account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war after 54 years. 

    The commission will as well tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the Southeast States which include Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi. 

    Reacting to the development in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, the elected Kalu profusely thanked President Tinubu, his colleagues in the national assembly and indeed, all Nigerians for supporting the bill.

    He also conveyed the appreciation of all Ndi Igbo from the South East region, assuring them of more positive attention from the President.

  • Beyond the years: Celebrating Senator Ashafa’s impact, dedication at 69 

    Beyond the years: Celebrating Senator Ashafa’s impact, dedication at 69 

    July 22nd is Gbenga Ashafa’s day. In celebrating his life’s journey, I find it to be an honour and a privilege to reflect on his contributions to society over three decades. For a man who has spent more than half of his eventful life in the service of people, state, and country, July 22nd has never been just another birthday anniversary. It is a day set aside for the celebration of his excellence, dedication, and commitment to public service. I am often reminded of his big shoes and the fact that he has distinguished himself as a public administrator, whose impact on Lagos State and the federal front remains indelible. His public service journey, when examined through the lens of his various roles, showcases a career marked by efficiency, change, and significant process improvements. As Executive Secretary, and later Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, he brought about policies that streamlined operations surrounding the issuance of title documents and enhanced service delivery in land administration.

    His tenure as Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District (2011 – 2019) was an interesting period. During his two terms, he was not only a legislator but a forward-thinking leader. He sponsored bills and motions that addressed critical issues and worked to bring about positive change for his constituents. His role in sponsoring the first cohort of young energy professionals into the Lagos Energy Academy (in partnership with Siemens) is evidence of his devotion to youth empowerment and encouraging innovation. The weekly empowerment programmes at his constituency office on CMD Road in the Ikosi area were moments of bonding and sharing. I saw the genuineness of empathy as he gave artisans, technicians, widows, trade unions, orphans, and other vulnerable groups of people various tools of trade to either start businesses or boost their existing ones. I think that his devotion to MSMEs underscored his belief in the potential of every Nigerian to contribute to societal development, no matter how little their capacity in the present.

    As MD / CEO of the Federal Housing Authority (2020 – 2024), his leadership was instrumental in revamping FHA’s estates, providing quality housing, and enhancing the living standards of Nigerians. He wasn’t all about brick and mortar development but about building communities and creating environments where families could thrive. His focus on sustainability and long-term planning ensured that these estates would benefit and serve generations to come.

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    Since stepping back from public service in 2024 to embrace his roles as a grandfather, loyal party man, and philanthropist, my father has continued to exemplify the spirit of service. His philanthropic endeavours have touched many lives and reaffirmed his dedication to creating a better society. Whether through educational scholarships, healthcare initiatives, or community development projects, his work and donations have continued to make a difference where it matters most. His involvement in various charitable causes showcases his longstanding belief in the power of giving back and supporting those in need.

    As his son, I am immensely proud of his public service record and the enduring impact of his work. Senator Gbenga Ashafa is a man whose life’s work continues to inspire and uplift those around him. His journey is far from over, and I firmly believe that his wealth of experience and dedication to service will see him continue to contribute to Nigeria’s progress in even greater capacities. Happy Birthday, Dad. Your legacy is not just in the positions you have held but in the lives you have touched. Here’s to many more years of health, happiness, and continued service to our beloved nation. May your journey of impact and service continue to inspire us all to strive for excellence and to make meaningful contributions to our communities and country. Most important of all, as my father, you’ll always have my honour, profound respect, and admiration.

  • Outrage as Catholic priest allegedly flogs women, choir members in Enugu

    Outrage as Catholic priest allegedly flogs women, choir members in Enugu

    A priest in the Enugu Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Linus Okwu, has reportedly flogged women, girls and other choir members of his church for allegedly failing to clear grasses within the church premises.

    Okwu, who is the parish priest of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, allegedly whipped the parishioners, comprising mothers, young men, ladies and teenagers.

    Trouble was said to have started when the angry priest, armed with canes, interrupted a choir practice in his parish and demanded an explanation on why the church field was yet to be cleared.

    Not satisfied with the responses he got, he ordered the choir members to kneel and started flogging them mercilessly.

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    One of the victims who pleaded anonymity said she went home with bruises.

    She further stated that the shock would continue to live with her for a lifetime.

    The source said: “The Priest, who was visibly furious while addressing the choir members told us that since we hardly comply with the teaching and instruction of the church, that he would apply the stick approach to ensure compliance.

    “I was sitting on a row of seats where teenage members of our choir were, so, when he started flogging, I withdrew to the back seat with the hope that he wouldn’t flog adults and mothers amongst us, but to my surprise, he flogged everybody, including myself.

    “When I tried to put up resistance, he told me that if my father flogs me at home when I wrong him, he also reserves the right to whip members of his congregation as the father of the church if they falter. I was badly bruised when he finished with me.”

    Our correspondent attempted to contact the director of communication of the Enugu Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Aneke, but he was not available.

  • We have not made position on new minimum wage, says Rivers govt

    We have not made position on new minimum wage, says Rivers govt

    The Rivers state government has promised to make its position on the new N70,000 minimum wage known to members of the public.

    The government in a statement signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, however, denied a report claiming that Governor Siminialayi Fubara promised to pay civil servants N80,000 minimum wage.

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    “The Rivers state government will make its position on the issue known in due course,” the statement said.

    Describing the report as fake news, the statement said its response was to correct the impression it would have created in the public’s minds, especially civil servants in the state.

    “The general public, particularly civil servants in the State, are advised to discountenance the false claims in the online media platform,” it added.

  • FG urged to end insecurity in South

    FG urged to end insecurity in South

    A pan-Southern Nigeria group, Southern Solidarity Alliance, has urged the federal government to put an end to insecurity in the South, lamenting that it has affected economic and social development in the region.

    It also bemoaned what it described as the marginalisation of Southern states.

    The group’s National Coordinator, Mr Ndubuisi Okafor noted that allocation of resources to states was imbalanced, noting that Southern states were being jettisoned.

    Making their demands known, Okafor said: “The Quota System and federal character should be totally scrapped as against the prevailing selective implementation.

    “It should be replaced with a pure merit and Competitiveness Merit system based on competitiveness is key to development and should be instituted in every facet.

    “Nigeria should stop picking where to implement quota systems and federal character, which have overtime undermined development in the South and Nigeria as a whole. Where appointments into offices still become quotarized, it must be sweeping. But competitive tests are elevational for stakeholders.

    “The Lagos-Ibadan Express should be the model for the reconstruction of and upgrade of some, if not all the roads in the South. There should be comprehensive addressing of the imbalance between the North and the South and practice of true federalism. Security should be technologically driven like in other countries of the world. Population data and fingerprinting technology and CCTVs should be deployed by all the Southern States.

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    “Multilevel policing should be introduced. Governments- federal, states and Local governments should be seen to be just. Economy should be improved through practical measures. Equity, fairness and justice must be seen to prevail. The insecurity in the South-East should be specially looked into.

    “Nigeria is gifted resource wise, every federating unit should develop and tap its own resources while paying to the center.

    “Finally, the Southern Solidarity Alliance calls on the Tinubu government to implement the 2014 National Confab report, which is a product of negotiation among delegates from all the geo-political regions.

    “The report has answers to several ills bedeviling this country. In an alternative, there should be a convocation of a sovereign national conference to cure all ills and remedy all imbalances.”

  • A​’Ibom govt defends proposed Ibom Towers in Lagos 

    A​’Ibom govt defends proposed Ibom Towers in Lagos 

    The Akwa Ibom State Government has defended its decision to construct an 18-floor apartment building, Ibom Towers, on Aboyade Cole Street, Lagos, after criticisms from an online publication. ​​​

    The publication questioned the rationale of the proposed building, suggesting the funds should be used to provide food for the people. 

    In response, the government issued a statement clarifying the project’s objectives and addressing the ensuing media frenzy.

    Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in the statement, 

    said the Eno-led administration aims to increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) without imposing additional taxes on the people. 

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    According to him, the 18-storey Ibom Towers will feature one and two-bedroom flats and business suites intended for high-income earners, with proceeds directed to the state treasury. 

    He said the state plans to convert its liaison office in Abuja into a three-star hotel to further boost income.

    Part of the statement read: ”While the media is free to do its job as the interrogator of government’s activities, we hope some of their interrogations would be products of reason, rationality and deep intellectual capital put into analyzing government’s actions, rather than playing to the gallery and the unfortunate celebration of a herd mentality.

    ”Governor Umo Eno came to serve, to uplift, to challenge and galvanize our people to dream more, become more and Arise further and shine. He remains irrevocably committed to that vision, and nothing will distract him. 

    ”The 18-storey proposed Ibom Towers and the three-star hotel in Abuja are great investments that would guarantee solid income to the state government. 

    ”Like Ibom Air, which was attacked and described as a “ white elephant” project by the same herd of “nattering nabobs of negativism” apologies to the late United States one-time Vice President, Spirow Agnew, the proposed Ibom Towers and the three-star hotel in Abuja, will stand out as enchanting symbols of the continuous Rise and ascendancy of the Akwa  Ibom identity when completed. Governor Umo Eno should be celebrated rather than pilloried.”

  • Oborevwori​’s wife to launch care centers for children with autism ​

    Oborevwori​’s wife to launch care centers for children with autism ​

    Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, has announced plans to establish three special care centers for children with autism across the state’s senatorial districts.

    This initiative was revealed during the celebration of World Autism Day on April 2 at the General Hospital in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area.

    Highlighting the significance of the day, Deaconess Oborevwori noted that the United Nations recognizes April 2 as a time to advocate for the rights of individuals with autism worldwide.

    She stated, “You Matter Charity Foundation is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by persons with autism and supporting vulnerable individuals and their families.”

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    She emphasized that autism is not a death sentence or a spiritual issue but a manageable health condition that requires proper care and unconditional love from parents and caregivers. “Awareness of autism may be low in our region, but we are committed to educating the public about its symptoms and appropriate responses.”

    In addition to raising awareness, the foundation aims to establish specialized care centers for children with autism and other related challenges, ensuring they receive quality healthcare. Collaborating with the State Ministry of Primary and Basic Education, the foundation also plans to create special schools tailored to the educational needs of these children.

    Deaconess Oborevwori expressed gratitude for the support of donor agencies, partners, and volunteers, who will help empower caregivers with essential resources.

    Barr. Lawrentta Ogbedo, Director General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, added that the program will help educate school teachers on effective methods to support children with autism.

    During the event, Dr. Theresa Ogholaga, a pediatric neurologist, shared insights on autism, advising expectant mothers to prioritize proper prenatal care. She listed common signs of autism, such as difficulties in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and extreme reactions to sounds.

    The celebration included free medical screenings and medication distribution, culminating in the donation of land by Hon. Ransom Onoyake for the establishment of a center in Uvwie.