The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Senator empowers 14,000 constituents in Anambra

    Senator empowers 14,000 constituents in Anambra

    Sen. Tony Nwoye, a lawmaker representing Anambra North Senatorial District, has distributed empowerment materials to 14,000 constituents to reduce the rate of crime and unemployment.

    He distributed sewing machines, grinding machines, generators, engine boats, specialised kits to artisans, fertilisers to farmers, bags of rice and cash gifts to the beneficiaries.

    Speaking to reporters, the legislator, on the platform of Labour Party (LP), said the gesture was in fulfilment of his campaign promises aimed at improving the standard of living of his constituents.

    According to him, the beneficiaries are mostly youths and farmers from Ayamelum, Anambra East and West, Oyi, Ogbaru, Onitsha North and South Local Government that made up Anambra North Senatorial District.

    “This empowerment is part of my determination to empower my people to reduce the rate of crime and unemployment in the senatorial district and beyond.

    “I’m particularly disturbed each time I see people, especially youths, roaming the streets because they have no jobs.

    “I’m not here for political campaign but to thank God for seeing me through the February 28, 2023 general elections and for making me who I am at the moment,” he said.

    The senator, who promised continued empowerment programmes, advised beneficiaries to put the tools to maximum use to become self-reliant and for a better society.

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    Nwoye said he had attracted N34 billion Federal Government interventions funding for Otuocha–Nzam–Ida–Abuja road project.

    “The Onitsha-Otuocha-Aguleri-Omor-Adani road to stop at Enugu has been included in the 2024 budget, while the Aguleri-Otuocha-Nzam-Ihiaka-Abaji-Abuja road has been re-awarded and contractors will move to site this month.

    “Also, I promised to construct one road for each community in my constituency under the ‘Operation One Road for Every Community’ project,” he said.

    The lawmaker appreciated the LP presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and Prince Arthur Eze for their impactful contributions to his political career.

    Mr Ugochukwu Emeh, LP chairman, Anambra State, commended Nwoye for his achievements in the last six months of representing his constituents.

    He said the politicians elected on the platform of LP had continued to perform well across the nation.

    He urged the electorate to work for the success of the party, as it intensified efforts to produce the next governor in Anambra in 2025.

  • Ndiomu mourns Delta monarch Ayemi-Botu

    Ndiomu mourns Delta monarch Ayemi-Botu

    The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd),

    has commiserated with the people of Delta over the demise of King Charles Ayemi-Botu of Seimbiri Kingdom.

    Ndiomu described the death of the prominent monarch in Burutu Local Government as “a big loss to the Niger Delta.”

    He spoke during a condolence visit to the family of the departed traditional ruler in Warri, Delta.

    The statement was made available to reporters yesterday in Abuja.

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    The PAP boss said the late monarch was a lover of peace, who was committed to the development of the Niger Delta.

    He said since he assumed office as the interim administrator of PAP, the late Ayemi-Botu had been a pillar of support, offering very useful advice that had helped in his approach to some issues.

    Ndiomu, who regretted that King Ayemi-Botu left at a time he was mostly needed, said he would be remembered for his good work, particularly in his native Seimbiri Kingdom, where he ruled for an eventful 29 years.

    While urging the family to take solace in God, he tasked them to sustain his legacies, saying the PAP under him would support in any way it could during the funeral rites.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that King Ayemi-Botu, who died on October 5, 2023, at the age of 75, was crowned in April 2, 1994, in line with the customs and tradition of Seimbiri Kingdom.

    He was presented with the staff of office on April 4, 1995 by the then Military Administrator of Delta, Group Captain Ibrahim Kefas.

  • Fubara hails Army for tackling insecurity 

    Fubara hails Army for tackling insecurity 

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has hailed the Army for tackling insecurity in the country.

    He said civilian-military cooperation remained the surest way to foster and strengthen a healthy society.

    Fubara spoke at the weekend during the 6 Division Combined West African Social Activities (WASA) at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt Barracks.

    The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said WASA was ideal in strengthening regimentation and promotion of family values in the Army.

    He said: “Let me take this opportunity to commend the officers and soldiers of this division for your sacrificial contributions in the maintenance of peace and order in Rivers State. 

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    “The state will continue to support and collaborate with the Army in all its activities. Be assured of our full support in all your operations.

    “The cultural displays and performances witnessed here today are clear testimonies of the diversity and strength of Nigeria as a nation. 

    “As you begin your activities for 2024, it is my hope that you will approach these activities with renewed zeal, vigour and commitment.”

    Explaining the reason for the WASA, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Jamil Abdussalam, said it was established to strengthen relationship and social interactions among officers, their families and to display cultural heritage.

     He added that the 2023 training activities were designed to sharpen the capacity of officers and obtain positive gains.

    He said: “In the course of the year, we were able to make 112 arrests, destroy 233 illegal refineries and recover over 356 arms and ammunition. 

    “We will continue to contentiously perform our constitutional roles to defend democratic values in the country. I enjoin you all to remain dedicated and focused in the discharge of our collective responsibility.”

  • Oil spill: Akwa Ibom community gives IOCs one week to clean up 

    Oil spill: Akwa Ibom community gives IOCs one week to clean up 

    Youths of Ibeno Local Government of Akwa Ibom State have given International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the area seven days to clean up their environment.

    They issued the ultimatum at the weekend after patches suspected to be oil spill substances were found along the community’s coastline.

    The youth threatened to stop the operations of the IOCs, particularly those of ExxonMobil, if a proper clean-up is not carried out.

    Upon the discovery of the patches, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) summoned ExxonMobil, Savannah Energy, Monipulo, Addax and Frontier Oil on an inspection of the affected areas.

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    The Chairman, Ibeno Labour Committee, Chief Friday Ebong, said suspected oil spill substances had impacted negatively on the aquatic life of communities in the area.

    “Our primary occupation is fishing. We can’t continue to have our waters polluted by the oil companies because it kills fishes on our waters.

    “We have recorded low catches due to incessant oil spills. The most annoying part is that ExxonMobil that operates directly in our land and on waters has refused to take responsibility for the spill.

    “When we observed the strange substances on our shores, we quickly notified ExxonMobil, but in their usual character they didn’t respond to it. That prompted us to invite NOSDRA to come and see things for themselves.

    “We are a peaceful people, but if the clean-up is not done within one week, we will mobilise and stop ExxonMobil and other IOCs from operating on our waters.”

    A representative of NOSDRA, Mr. Akan Odungide, said the patches found on Ibeno coastline, running into about eight kilometres, would be subjected to laboratory test to ascertain if they were oil spill substances. He urged IOCs to team up and clean up Ibeno coastline to avert unrest from youths.

  • Minister warns political jobbers against creating rift in Cross River 

    Minister warns political jobbers against creating rift in Cross River 

    Minister of Sports Development Sen. John Owan-Enoh has warned those he described as political jobbers not to create rift in Cross River politics by propagating false ideas about him coming out for a governorship contest against Governor Bassey Otu in 2027.

    Speaking at Ikom, during a church service at his instance to thank God for his appointment into the executive cabinet, Owan-Enoh, who contested the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 elections, but lost to Otu, said he had told those who cared to listen not to create imaginary rift between him and the incumbent governor.

    He said Governor Otu was in his first term and “has demonstrated leadership and he is doing well for the state.”

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    “I will support him to the end. Detractors, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Anybody that comes out to contest against Governor Otu by 2027 will have to contend with me standing solidly with Otu,” Owan-Enoh added.

    He called for support for Governor Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying: “Asiwaju Tinubu has the intellect and capacity to turn things around in Nigeria, let’s support him. If you support me, support the president and pray for him.”

    The minister thanked Governor Otu for the leadership he was offering in Cross River State, noting that when it was obvious that other state functions wouldn’t give him chance to attend his thanksgiving service, he spoke with him and told him that the deputy governor and the secretary to the state government (SSG) would represent him.

    He said: “It’s not just the deputy governor and the SSG that came. The speaker of the state legislature and members as well as commissioners were also present.”

    The thanksgiving service was held at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Ikom, and officiated by the Bishop of the Ogoja Diocese, Most Rev. Donatus Edet Akpan.

  • ‘NDDC has secured agreement with WHO on health insurance’

    ‘NDDC has secured agreement with WHO on health insurance’

    The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, has confirmed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has agreed to partner the commission to implement health insurance project and other programmes that will benefit the people of Niger Delta.

    Ogbuku, in a statement signed by the NDDC’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the commission recently held a meeting with WHO officials and made a presentation on a health insurance project for the Niger Delta.

    Ogbuku said: “WHO is discussing with us on our health programmes. In fact, they have written to us, saying they want more meetings to explore collaborations in the execution of our free health care programme. They want to add professionalism and credibility to what we are doing.

    “The participation of WHO in our medical outreach programme will ensure that those vaccines that we don’t have access to, are procured through them for the benefit of our people.

    “We are not only looking at what they will bring to us in terms of funding, we are also looking at their contacts, reach and expertise in the medical field.”

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    Ogbuku said NDDC was equally discussing with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the areas of youth development and rebuilding public trust to enhance service delivery in the Niger Delta.

    Speaking about collaborations with other organisations, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC had made significant gains since it embraced Public-Private Partnership (PPP), as a major policy thrust.

    He said: “Partnership is one of the major ways to achieve sustainable development in the Niger Delta and it is important that NDDC, as the driver of development in the region, stays at the forefront of building the right partnerships.”

    The NDDC boss said that the PPP arrangement went beyond collaborations with International Oil Companies (IOCs), as it extended to other critical sectors such as health, education and youth development.

    Ogbuku said: “In some areas, we are seeking technical assistance, not necessarily money. I can assure you that the PPP programme is gaining momentum and it is also gaining the interest of a lot of people. 

    “We are looking for technical support in the area of training for our workers, because we need properly trained workers that will be able to lead most of our programmes and they need to be updated on a regular basis.

    “Some of these collaborations, especially the ones from the private sector, need to be studied carefully, because we can’t afford to mortgage the interest of our people. We are not just working for ourselves; we are representing the people of the Niger Delta and we must ensure that the right decisions are made.”

    He said  there had been positive fall-out from the partnership arrangements and cited the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NDDC and the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to collaborate in diverse fronts in the delivery of sustainable development projects.

    Reacting to concerns about the approach of the current NDDC board to the policies introduced before their inauguration, Ogbuku said the board members were happy with the initiatives and had keyed into them.

    He said: “We have had opportunities to interact with members of the board, especially the chairman, and they were convinced on the need for the programmes. In some cases, they asked for details of the key programmes.

    “In our last board meeting, our consultant on Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, HOPE, made a presentation and the board members were impressed. They have also requested that we have a meeting with KPMG to also make a presentation on the progress in producing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to cover all aspects of the commission’s activities and transactions.”

    Ogbuku expressed satisfaction with the synergy between the board and management, attributing it to the experience and knowledge of the board Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie. 

    “The chairman has a rich administrative background in both public and private sectors. Certainly, we will achieve more together as management and board, because if there is one thing we must do, it is to work together to bring development to the people of the Niger Delta,” he said.

  • Fake certificates: Varsity seeks prosecution of illegal campuses operators

    Fake certificates: Varsity seeks prosecution of illegal campuses operators

    The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo, has called for the arrest and prosecution of operators of illegal satellite campuses in the name of the university.

    The university in a statement on Saturday reacting to a recent report credited to the National Universities Commission (NUC), described as disturbing the purported existence of illegal satellite campuses running in the name of the university.

    The institution’s Head of Corporate Communications and Protocol, Mike Aladenika, admonished the NUC to go all out to arrest and swiftly prosecute anyone found guilty in the illegal operation.

    Aladenika applauded the NUC’s decision to “investigate the proprietors and recover illegal fees and charges on subscribers.”

    The statement added that the institution neither ran any satellite campus nor did it give anyone the permission to do so on its behalf, either directly or indirectly.

    “The Senate has not approved any satellite campus anywhere; it has not approved that any certificate be awarded in the name of the university to anyone emerging as “products” from such illegal campuses either.

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    “We have continued to emphasise this. We are glad that by reportedly using the tag “illegal” for such satellite campuses, the NUC is on the same page with us.

    “Surely, anything the university has not approved is illegal, null and void,” he said.

    The spokesperson asserted that the Ambrose Alli University was a frontline state university in Nigeria that had earned the respect of all stakeholders in the last 40 years.

    “It is a respected institution; it is more than forty years old, and has produced world class alumni, its current student population stands at more than 36,000.

    “For an institution that towers so high to be “milling certificates” through illegal satellite campuses must be a strange phenomenon.

    “We cannot, therefore, wait to see the outcome of the reported NUC “further investigations” on these reported “illegal satellite campuses.”

    Expressing delight that the regulatory body has come out strongly against institutions, issuing fake certificates, Aladenika said the school was satisfied that AAU was not listed among the “58 illegal degree-awarding universities in Nigeria.”

  • Five African-American women trace roots to Calabar

    Five African-American women trace roots to Calabar

    Five African-American women on Saturday in Calabar embraced Efik as their ancestral root after being inducted into the kingdom at a formal ceremony by Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House.

    Following their induction, the women had additional names added to their original names.

    They were named: Sandra Baker-Ekanem Abasi Ntiero, Amania Drane-Asari Abasi Ntiero, Brenda Camille Davis-Nkese Abasi Ntiero, Yvonne Taylor-Nkoyo Abasi Ntiero, and Dorletta Flucas Payton-Ekei Abasi Ntiero.

    Following their induction into the Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House, the women were presented to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V.

    The Obong of Calabar noted that with their formal induction as members of the Efik Kingdom, they are now bonafide members of Abasi Ntiero Family of Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House of Efik Eburutu Kingdom.

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    The Obong commended them over their decision to trace their roots and described their decision as a welcome development for others to emulate.

    He said: “It’s a welcome development. We don’t want to shy away from it, especially for those who want to trace their roots and have found somewhere convenient for them that they can actually fit in.

    “I welcome all of you to Calabar. I welcome all of you back as you are now a part of the ancient Efik Eburutu Kingdom.”

    A representative of the Americans, Lady Chioma George W, who spoke on their behalf, appreciated the kingdom for giving them a sense of belonging.

    “I feel that I and my fellow African-American ladies are now finally back home. We all feel so special and connected to all the Efik brothers and sisters we have met.

    “Thank you very much for accepting us into your family and home.

  • Soludo vows to tackle erosionproblems in Ekwueme’s community

    Soludo vows to tackle erosionproblems in Ekwueme’s community

    • Bans sand mining; commissions civic centre named after ex-VP

    Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has vowed to tackle the pandemic erosion problems in the home of late former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    As a result, the governor has announced a ban on sand mining in Oko community, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

    He said he would be signing executive orders to stop the activities in the area, as well as formation of a task force for enforcement, with severe penalties for defaulters.

    Soludo spoke during commissioning of the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre in Oko at the weekend, a deserving honour for the legacy of the former Nigerian Vice President and renowned politician, Chief Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    He identified sand mining and uncontrolled flooding as key contributors to erosion in Oko, explaining that its solution required collective action from the community, individuals, and the government.

    The governor also revealed plans for a 25-person committee to develop solutions to the challenge.

    While recalling a previous town hall meeting he had with stakeholders, where he reiterated the threat faced by the community, Soludo stressed the urgent need to address the scourge which he described as serious threats to Oko community.

    He thanked the people of Oko for honoring a man who is not just a father of Oko and Old Aguata Union (OAU) but Anambra, Nigeria and Africa.

    He also commended the Ide Memorial Group and other contributors for building the Civic Centre in Dr. Ekwueme’s memory, recalling his role in the “Ekwueme Movement”.

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    “Dr. Ekwueme as an idea and an institution will never die; Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones concept was Dr. Ekwueme’s idea,” he added.

    The governor pledged to construct crucial roads, including the Oko-Ogboji-Aguluezechukwu road with a spur to the Civic Centre and the Oko-Ndiowu road as well as the Pan Brewery road.

    Earlier, Oko Peoples Union Chairman, Comrade Luke Nweke, expressed gratitude for the completion of the Civic Centre and Governor Soludo’s support in combating the erosion.

    The ceremony was a blend of celebration and commitment, with Governor Soludo praising Dr. Ekwueme’s contributions while simultaneously addressing the critical issue of erosion threatening Oko.

    Dignitaries who attended the event included National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke- Ogene, Traditional Ruler of Oko, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Wife of the former Vice President of Nigeria, Lady Beatrice Ekwueme, among others.

  • Police hunt for kidnappers of Imo traditional ruler

    Police hunt for kidnappers of Imo traditional ruler

    Imo State Commissioner of Police Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad to hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the kidnap of the Traditional Ruler of Orodo Autonomous Community and former Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers Eze Samuel Ohiri.

    Eze Ohiri was abducted in his palace on Saturday.

    The unidentified gunmen had taken the royal father to an unknown destination and are yet to make a statement.

    Eze Ohiri is the traditional ruler of the Orodo autonomous community in Mbaitoli LGA of the state and had served as the state chairman of the traditional institution under Rochas Okorocha, former governor of the state.

    An indigene of the community who confirmed the development to newsmen said, “Eze Samuel Ohiri, former Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, was kidnapped a few hours ago in Orodo, his country home.

    “The community, as I speak, is in palpable tension as many have fled for their dear lives. We are yet to hear from the family who came home for Christmas.”

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    Danjuma on Saturday called on the general public, the family and relatives of Eze Ohiri to remain calm as the Command is on top of the situation and has taken affirmative investigative steps towards ensuring that the victim is rescued unhurt and his kidnappers are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

    He said more Police operatives have been deployed to the Mbaitoli axis for robust visibility patrol to forestall similar occurrences.

    Danjuma in a statement by the spokesman, Henry Okoye reaffirmed the Command’s steadfastness towards ensuring the maximum safety and security of all and sundry in Imo State.

    CP Danjuma condemned the dastardly act in totality and vows that no stone would be left unturned until Eze Ohiri is released and his kidnappers brought to book.

    “We have taken some affirmative steps towards ensuring that the victim is rescued and that his kidnappers are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”