The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • With N1.5b, Warri varsity will take off, says Omatseye

    With N1.5b, Warri varsity will take off, says Omatseye

    • Foundation visits Olu of Warri

    Chairman of the Concerned Iwere People for Higher Education (CIPHE) Foundation, Prof. Jim Omatseye, has said with N1.5 billion, the doors of the proposed University of Warri in Koko, Warri North Local Government of Delta State, would be opened for academic activities.

    He disclosed this during a visit to the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    Omatseye, briefing the monarch on how far CIPHE had gone with preparations for the beginning of academic operations, said the money would ensure the completion of infrastructure at the takeoff of the campus and payment of workers.

    He further revealed high expectations of getting the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC), and starting academic activities by next June.

    “We are hoping that before the end of January, we will have this visit (from the NUC) and we will move on from there. We are saying, barring complications from NUC, if we have this money, we are going to open our doors by next June or thereabout,” the professor said.

    The traditional ruler expressed sadness about the attitude of modern-day Itsekiri towards education, stressing his value for it.

    Speaking about a merger between the establishment of the university and the Itsekiri Education Trust, he said it would make it easier for people to invest. 

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    “If we are able to successfully merge and prioritise the university to get the Itsekiri home and abroad to invest, I think it will be wonderful if we are able to do that.

    Speaking about the outcome of the visit, Prof Omatseye told The Nation that from interactions with the traditional ruler, there was likelihood of merging the university plan with the Itsekiri Education Trust, which is a scholarship programme.

    Breaking down the planned use of the fund, he said: “N500million will be used to finish the infrastructure – classrooms, furnishings, laboratories, clinic, cafeteria and those things that are needed. Then N1billion will be used to pay workers, professors, lecturers and administrators.”

    Other members of the foundation present at the meeting were Prof. Festus Ogisi, Dr. Paul Ireyefoju, Mr. Joseph Edema Sillo, Pastor Tony Mejebi, Mr. Omagbemi Eyinsan and Mr. Eruwa Nelson.

  • BIM-MASSOB chieftain digs own grave in Imo 

    BIM-MASSOB chieftain digs own grave in Imo 

    The rising insecurity in the Southeast has forced the Senior Special Assistant to Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) on Media and Publicity, Mazi Chris Mocha, to dig his grave at Okwe community in Imo State.

    He said in a statement  yesterday that the tomb  was  a place he wished that after his death following active service, he would like to be buried there.

    The BIM/MASSOB chieftain, who decried the incessant arrests and secret killings of members of his organisation by security agencies, said nobody knew when death would come calling.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: loyalists blast Rep member for attacking Wike

    Mocha said: “The repeated onslaughts by the security agencies have, on many occasions, resulted in casualties on the part of members of our group, not knowing who will be the next victim of death.”

    He said he had consequently dug his grave in advance at a cemetery at Umunamu village, Okwe, in Onuimo Local Government of Imo State.

  • Governor to UNICEF, UNDP: we’re determined to eradicate poverty in Anambra

    Governor to UNICEF, UNDP: we’re determined to eradicate poverty in Anambra

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has given a rundown of the programmes his administration is implementing and other efforts being made to stamp out poverty.

    Prof. Soludo, at a two-day Partnership Roundtable Meeting attended by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), said his government was making efforts to uproot poverty.

    Launching the event organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with UNICEF at Best Western Meloch Hotel, Awka, Soludo said through the massive employment of teachers, health care workers, promotion of industrialisation and others, his administration had reduced poverty.

    The governor, represented by his Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, assured UNICEF, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other social development organisations of more partnership next year and beyond; saying their working relationship so far had been cordial.

    He said the government would continue to partner the international organisations on programmes that would help his administration to end poverty and improve the well-being of ‘NdË Anambra’ and other residents of the state.

    “The current administration is making efforts towards industrialising the state.

    “Anambra State has taken steps towards promoting inclusive growth, equality, security and a life of dignity for all. Over the past 20 months, the state government has reformed social sectors in the state,” he said.

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    The governor said he was working to improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state through the expansion of economic activities, attraction of more investments and exploitation of the abundant resource deposits across the state.

    “Our administration is clear about its governance philosophy of transparency, traceability and holding public office holders to account,” he said.

    Soludo hailed UNICEF, UNDP and others for their support, saying they had added value to the state through their programmes.

    UNICEF Enugu Chief of Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe, praised Soludo for his efforts to develop the state for the benefit of the people, especially the children.

    She said the social protection policy of the government would improve key aspects of human capital development in the state, including social assistance, social care, social insurance, labour market interventions, micro and small enterprises development and complementary measures for social protection in the state.

  • 80% of primary schools in Southeast lack toilet facilities, says survey

    80% of primary schools in Southeast lack toilet facilities, says survey

    • ‘Pupils sit on floors’

    More than 80 per cent of public primary schools in the Southeast lack toilet facilities, according to a survey by the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE).

    The survey, which covered 1,387 public primary schools, showed that most of the schools did not have access to toilets and running water, contrary to the Universal Basic Education Commission’s recommendation of at least two toilets for pupils in a primary school.

    The lack of these facilities, according to the survey, forces pupils to defecate in the open, exposing them to risks such as snake bites, insect bites and sexual assault.

    The report also highlighted the inadequate availability of textbooks and other learning materials, as well as absence of doctors and ambulances at primary health care centres.

    The survey’s findings underscore the need for improved infrastructure and resources in the region’s primary schools and health care facilities.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: loyalists blast Rep member for attacking Wike

    CSAAE Founder Rev.Fr Dr. Godswin Agbagwa, who made this known to reporters in Owerri, Imo State capital, said the organisation in 2021/2022 trained 190 youths to carry out the Local Government Good Governance Monitor (LGGM) project launched with the aim to advance good governance at local government level in the country.

    He expressed sadness that in all the states where the project was carried out, they performed poorly in the provision of toilets and running water.

    Agbagwa said only 29.08 per cent of primary schools in Anambra State, for instance, had access to toilet and running water, while in Imo and Abia, 26.44 per cent and 14.38 per cent of their primary schools boast of toilets and water facilities.

    He said: “Lack of toilets in our primary schools is a serious issue because the pupils are forced to go into the bush to empty bowels,” adding that they could be bitten by snakes, insects and other reptiles. “They can also be raped; the girls can contract diseases that may affect their health in years to come.”

  • Expert advocates functional feedback mechanism

    Expert advocates functional feedback mechanism

    Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government in Ebonyi State have been advised to provide adequate and functional feedback mechanisms. 

    A communications expert with the State Accountability, Transparency, and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity, Nneka Acholonu Egbuna, gave the advice in Abakaliki at an orientation workshop on Communication Strategy for Priority Ministries and the Internal Revenue Service. 

    The workshop is part of the working relationship between USAID and Ebonyi State Government and Civil Society Organisations.

    It is geared towards transparent, accountable and effective governance for improved service delivery in three priority sectors, including Education, Health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

    She told participants that ways of getting feedback included maintaining active social media channels for their organisations and also by providing contact details in all their messaging.

    Egbuna said having feedback channels would help the MDAs to get important feedbacks in real time that would help them to improve on their services and also checkmate fake government agents where necessary. 

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    She said the objective of the workshop was to acquaint information officers with the state’s communication strategy and its implementation action plan.

    The Special Assistant to the governor on ICT, Tony Nwizi, said the orientation would deepen the knowledge of information officers on how to better explain the activities of the government in the chosen sectors to the public.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ebonyi State, Comrade Samson Nwafor, thanked  USAID and the State Team Lead for considering Ebonyi State for the orientation.

    One of the participants, Sylvester Egede, thanked the organisers of the programme, saying they would put into practice all they had learnt at the workshop.

  • Abia to partner private educational institutions

    Abia to partner private educational institutions

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has expressed his willingness to partner private educational institutions to foster education in the state and beyond.

    He made this known at the 8th convocation of Gregory University, Uturu (GUU).

    Dr. Otti said: “Let us collectively strive for a harmonious collaboration between the government, educational institutions and private sector. 

    “This synergy is vital for creating an ecosystem where innovation, entrepreneurship and critical thinking thrive.”

    The governor, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, said collaborative efforts between the government and academic institutions paved the way for initiatives that transcended traditional boundaries. 

    He said partnerships are pivotal for driving innovation, research and the development of a skilled workforce, adding: “Gregory University Uturu, with its commitment to academic excellence and practical entrepreneurial training, becomes a cornerstone in shaping the future of our state.”

    Read Also: Renewing the hope of Nigerians

    Otti recalled that his administration allocated 20 per cent of the state’s 2024 budget to the education sector in recognition of the pivotal role education played in shaping the destiny of members of the society.

    “Southeast states, including Abia, consistently produce a high number of candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions. Thus, investment in the education sector becomes imperative, and our government’s commitment is commendable. 

    “This dedication aligns with the values upheld by visionary leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Michael Okpara, who understood that education brought glory and honour to our people. “

    He appreciated GUU’s distinctive features, saying: “The designation of undergraduates as ‘scholars,’ a full residency policy, and a focus on practical entrepreneurial training, sets it apart in the educational landscape. The dedication to language acquisition, exchange programmes and a diverse array of academic offerings further underscore GUU’s commitment to achieving global prominence.” 

    He called on other well-meaning ‘Abians’ at home and in the diaspora to leverage the uncommon transformation going on in Abia State and the enabling environment provided in the educational sector to come forward to invest and collaborate with the government in the sector.

    Otti congratulated the graduates, who have demonstrated excellence in character and learning and urged them to make positive impact on the society.

  • Nwifuru reiterates priority for welfare of widows, others

    Nwifuru reiterates priority for welfare of widows, others

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of the elderly and widows.

    He spoke at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, during the elders and widows party.

    The governor reiterated his stance to better the lots of people, especially the elders, widows and other less privileged ones.

    He said the essence of the people’s charter of needs was to ensure an effective target mechanism.

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    Nwifuru commended the elders for their resilience and contributions to the development of the state.

    He said his administration would continue to honour the elderly and widows.

    “When we honour our parents, God will honour us,” he said.

    The governor acknowledged the current economic realities, its effects on the widows and the elderly and pledged an upward review of their welfare.

    “I assure you that I am with you, I am for you and I will work for you.”

    Mr Uchenna Igwe, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, said the governor was committed to ensure that the welfare of all classes of people of Ebonyi would remain constant.

    Mr. Steven Obasi, on behalf of the elders, appreciated the governor for the annual programme and identified their contributions in the state.

  • NDDC chair extols virtues of Ondo centenarian

    NDDC chair extols virtues of Ondo centenarian

    The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, has described the departed centenarian and patriarch of the Abegunde family, Chief Williams Abegunde Fagbegi, as a trail blazer in his community in Akure, Ondo State.

    Ebie, who spoke during the funeral service of Chief Abegunde Fagbegi at the Cathedral Church of Saint David, Ijomu in Akure, said his successes and achievements in fields should be celebrated.

    He conveyed his condolences on behalf of the board and management of the commission to the family of the deceased, including the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde.

    Ebie in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, noted that Pa Abegunde Fagbegi’s transition would be felt not only by his family, but also by other Nigerians because of his contributions in aspects of life.

    He urged the family to be comforted that their patriarch lived a good and fulfilled life.

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    Ughakpoteni said: “His precepts will continue to inspire his family, friends and associates to aspire to accomplish greatness and establish a worthy legacy.”

    NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said the centenarian lived a life worthy of emulation.

    “We are here to honour and celebrate him, as well as support his children, whose towering personalities are evidence of his enduring legacies,” he said.

    He said the patriarch was a successful farmer and a visionary, who placed importance on education for his children. 

    Ughakpoteni added: “He exemplified hard work, love and devotion, with a passion for education as a panacea for poverty.”

    He said with their son as one of the executive directors at NDDC, Ondo State would get its fair share from NDDC programmes and projects.

    Responding on behalf of the family, Ifedayo thanked NDDC for coming to comfort them, as they performed the funeral ceremony of their patriarch.

    According to him, Pa Abegunde Fagbegi touched many lives and achieved milestones in his life.

    He thanked friends and associates for joining the Abegunde family to bid farewell to Pa Abegunde Fagbegi.

  • Diaspora group, activists laud Tinubu, IG on police green initiative

    Diaspora group, activists laud Tinubu, IG on police green initiative

    United States of America (USA) green energy initiative, the Sustainable Energy for Developing Nations Initiative (SEDNI), has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding for the Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI).

    It is aimed at engaging green innovative solution to boost the operational efficiency and capacity of the Nigeria Police to fight crime and maintain law and order in Nigeria. 

    SEDNI, based in Houston Texas, USA, in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaac ThankGod, an engineer; described the Nigeria Police initiative as commendable, saying it should be emulated by other African countries and all developing nations. 

    SEDNI said despite the challenging nature of providing security in a country like Nigeria, the initiative would open up the minds of the populace and highlight certain socio-economic factors for effective policing and crime reduction, environmental sustainability, climate change, as well as supporting the lives and livelihoods of the members of the police and their families.

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    The group pointed out that besides encouraging a more civil-police relationship, the ‘Nigeria Police Emission Reduction Programme’ policy would also alleviate the living standard of the men and personnel of the Nigeria Police.

    SEDNI said the initiative would include becoming sources of solar lighting across the police stations, police colleges, police barracks, police outposts and communities in alignment with the transition to low-carbon climate-resilient development.

    The group said: “The programme will encourage transitioning to energy efficient vehicles and gas conversion vehicles, thus reducing premium motor spirit (PMS) consumption and air pollution, while increasing efficiency and promoting a healthier lifestyle among police personnel and the community.

    “The initiative will also leverage environmentally-sustainable waste and water management, including solar boreholes and waste-to-energy programmes, thereby reducing operational costs, creating jobs and a cleaner environment.

    “The NPF is also going beyond our immediate environment by lighting up communities with solar power to reduce security vulnerability and herder-farmer crisis, conducting outreach programmes to educate citizens on the importance of preserving natural resources, reducing pollution and engaging in sustainable practices, thereby effectively managing scarce natural resource-induced conflicts such as the herder-farmer conflicts.”

    SEDNI also agreed that the Nigeria Police is leading by example by recognising the need for government agencies and the private sector to take proactive measures in aligning climate action with law enforcement and security issues.

    The organisation further said: “The SEDNI welcomes the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun’s commendation and assurance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and other COP-28 participants that Nigeria will rank among the nations where government institutions will lead by example on climate change initiatives.

    “The Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI) is a testament to the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to add tremendous value to the Federal Government, while performing its core law enforcement responsibilities.”

  • APGA chieftain dumps party for APC with members

    APGA chieftain dumps party for APC with members

    One of the pillars of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Hilary Udeano, has dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He joined the party with no fewer than 2,000 members, having served as a local government chairman in Anambra East Local Government during the administration of Chief Willie Obiano.

    Speaking with The Nation, Udeano said they were the people that made APGA thick in Anambra State, adding that he had come to bring that same energy into the APC.

    He said he joined APGA at that time to help his brother, who was the governor, adding that governorship election in Anambra in 2025 would not be easy for APGA again, especially in Anambra East Council.

    Read Also: Challenges before Aiyedatiwa

    During the gathering of the party at the weekend in Awka, one of the chieftains of APC in Anambra State, Chief Paul Chukwuma, gave Christmas gifts, including rice and cash worth over N200 million, to the party members.

    He said it was his little way of lifting members of his party in Anambra State since APC was not the party in power in the state.

    The Deputy National Organising Secretary of APC, Nze Chidi Duru, hailed Chukwuma for the kind gesture.

    He called on the party faithful to make unity of purpose their watchword, noting that togetherness remained the only reason the party would succeed in taking over power from APGA.

    The state APC Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, advised other wealthy members of the party in the state to emulate Chukwuma, saying such gesture had never been done in the state. 

    He noted that the gesture would strengthen peace and unity among members in Anambra and beyond.