The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • ‘Don’t allow Igbo culture go into extinction’

    ‘Don’t allow Igbo culture go into extinction’

    A Nigerian-Canadian Peace Ambassador, Dr. Uba Iwunwa, has called for revival and promotion of Igbo culture, history and festivals, to preserve socio-cultural heritage of Ndigbo.

    Uba, founder and chairperson of Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation, a pan-Igbo humanitarian and socio-cultural group, made the call in a goodwill message in commemoration of the 2023 edition of the Eri World Cultural Festival, scheduled for Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government of Anambra State.

    She appealed to Southeast governors to work collaboratively in promoting the festival and other great events that project the rich culture and tradition of Igboland.

    The crowned queen mother also called on political, traditional, spiritual leaders and other stakeholders across Igboland and worldwide to project and treat their culture, history and ancestry with respect.

    Describing culture as identity of any society, Uba, a music artiste, actress and international-bestseller author, stressed that Ndigbo could not afford to allow their history and culture go into extinction or degenerate.

    She said rekindling and promoting culture among the Igbo was an act every indigene must carry out with every sense of pride.

    The statement said: “My culture is my pride and identity. Eri Festival is the cultural heritage of Igboland in honour of Eri, the progenitor of the Igbo ethnic nation. As we all know, culture is the social heritage of any society, which reflects the core identity of its norms and values.

    “Eri festival is one of those socio-cultural events of the year that I look forward to because it resonates with me as a daughter of the great Igbo nation with some historical connection to the Jews.

    “I am also happy with the fact that efforts were being made to commemorate the Eri festival every year by His Royal Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, Ezeora the 34th (Aka-Ji-Ofor Ndigbo).

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    “It’s my opinion that sons and daughters of the Igbo nation across the world should also cherish and celebrate Eri Festival.

    “Our culture is our identity. We cannot afford to allow our history and culture go into extinction or degenerate. We should rekindle and promote our culture with every sense of pride. Nobody can do that for us,” she said.

    “I urge Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, as well as his counterparts across the Southeast, to work in promoting the festival and other great events that project the rich culture and tradition of Igboland.

    “I’m happy with what we have seen recently of the Obi Onitsha Ofala festival. It’s time to give other festivals like that of Eri kingdom (and others across the Igbo land) greater recognition and promotion.

    “This is important particularly as others, the Yoruba, the Bini, the Fulani emirates, the Calabar, even the Itsekiri and so on, have succeeded in projecting their tradition and festival to global limelight and we are lagging behind.”

  • NUP hails Tinubu for reappointing Ejimike PTAD executive secretary

    NUP hails Tinubu for reappointing Ejimike PTAD executive secretary

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has  hailed President Bola Tinubu for reappointing Dr. Chioma Ejikeme as the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).

    In a statement  by its NationaI President, Godwin Abumisi, the union added that Ejikeme’s reappointment was one borne out of merit as she had in her first tenure as PTAD executive secretary rejuvenated the hopes of pensioners all over the country by her leadership style and professional disposition to the job. 

    The pensioners’ union distanced itself from rumours of a planned protest against her reappointment by some pensioners.

    The NUP added that “whoever the group of pensioners protesting her reappointment are, they are being used and sponsored by arch-enemies of the entire Nigerian pensioners.”

    The statement reads: “This sterling reappointment is indeed well merited and gladdens the hearts of the over two hundred and fifty thousand pensioners managed by PTAD, considering the diligent work she has so ably done for the pensioners ensuring the prompt payment of our monthly pensions and attendance to other challenging issues in the last four years.

    “I wish to state that in the NUP, there exists no objection to her appointment. Any talk of protests against her reappointment exists in the hollow minds of persons obviously sponsored by arch enemies of the Nigerian pensioner. I hereby call on all members of the NUP to rally around Dr Ejikeme in order to ensure she continues the good works of restoring the dignity of the Nigerian pensioner.”

    Also, the General Secretary of the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) Franklin Enrile, said his members feel disappointment and “very bittered” that any pensioner would think of kicking against Ejikeme’s reappointment for any reason.

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    He stressed that her achievements in the “administration of pension management in the country in the recent past that eased the stress and undignified treatment pensioners went through in the past was such that no right thinking person will wish contrary to her reappointment.”

    He said no member of FEPPPAN was “against her reappointment, let alone protest against it in any capacity.”

    “We in FEPPPAN are so shocked to hear that someone somewhere is kicking against Dr. Ejikeme’s reappointment. I wonder what whoever those pensioners stand to gain by protesting. We are rather grateful to President Tinubu for bringing her back to us. Her innovative ideas made our lives easier.

    “President Tinubu, in honesty, did us a favour by reappointing her and we appreciate him. In fact, the entire leadership of FEPPPAN celebration her reappointment with a paid advertorial just express out happiness for her reappointment.

    “Meanwhile, I want to believe that Mr. President examined her track records and found her worthy to continue the good work she started at PTAD. Therefore, we urge President Tinubu to ignore the noise,” he added.

  • Bayelsa APC alleges plot by PDP to cause mayhem

    Bayelsa APC alleges plot by PDP to cause mayhem

     Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have raised the alarm over plans by  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in cahoots with the state government   to cause a breach of the peace in Bassambiri-Nembe, a stronghold of the APC.

    A statement signed on Thursday in Yenagoa by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, revealed that as part of the plans, lawless men of the armed forces, and other outlaws from neighbouring states, have been allegedly mobilised with state resources to plant arms in some houses in the community to  cause mayhem.

    “The goal of this scorched earth policy is to make it extraordinarily difficult for electoral officials to gain access to the place, harass and intimidate our members and supporters, and ultimately prevent the November 11, 2023 elections from holding in Bassambiri-Nembe, our stronghold.

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    “We consider this intelligence credible as the PDP is now desperate, knowing that the Bayelsa people are not with them. Their performance in office has been lamentably poor. Hence they are not campaigning on any known record of achievement. Instead the PDP is running from court to court, trying to stop the APC from being on the ballot. Not only are they threatening violence, they are actually visiting violence on our members in places like Opokuma, Odi and Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opukuma Local Government Council (Governor Diri’s local government)  and Sangana in Brass Local Government Council,” the statement said.

    He added that the APC is committed to a free, fair and credible election  which can only be guaranteed in an atmosphere of peace. 

    The party called on the armed and security forces to caution their men and officers to act within the limits of the law in order to forestall a breakdown of law and order before, during and after the November 11, Bayelsa State governorship poll

  • Bayelsa making progress under Diri, says Obasanjo

    Bayelsa making progress under Diri, says Obasanjo

    Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has praised Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for his sterling performance.

    He said the state is making progress in all sectors of the economy.

    Chief Obasanjo hailed the governor for consolidating the legacies of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson.

    He spoke yesterday during the 12th Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene-Yenagoa.

    The former president said: “What I saw is more than what I expected. What you have here in Bayelsa that you have to cherish is peace. Comparatively, you have greater peace than other parts of the country.

    “You have security. Peace without security is no peace. Security without peace is no security. Here you have security, you have peace and you have stability.

    “If what is happening here is replicated in other states in Nigeria, then we will say we have a good country.”

    Governor Diri thanked Chief Obasanjo for honouring and identifying with the people and government of the state.

    He attributed his achievements to the support and cooperation of ‘Bayelsans’ and divine grace.

    The governor said: “Bayelsans want peace and development. The former governor laid the foundation upon which we are building and everybody who comes to the state acknowledges the peace and security. So, we cannot go back to the era of violence, impunity and brigandage. The essence of government is to bring peace, development and progress.”

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    “Today, we have added value to the development of Bayelsa. We are embarking on meaningful projects and programmes and we thank God for His grace to do these things.”

    He appreciated leaders of the state, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that he would have attended the event if he had not travelled out of the country.

    The lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and former governor of the state, Senator Seriake Dickson, appreciated Diri for sustaining the legacies of his administration, particularly road projects, annual thanksgiving, morning devotion at the Government House and monthly praise night.

    He said he was a fulfilled man because he successfully handed over power without rancour and the state was peaceful and on the path of development.

    The guest preacher, Pastor Lazarus Muoka of The Lord’s Chosen, Charismatic Revival Movement, delivered a sermon with the theme: “Blessed Are You.”

    He described Bayelsa as a blessed land, which God gave mineral resources.

    Chief Obasanjo inaugurated the second phase of the ongoing Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie senatorial road from Igeibiri to Angiama in Southern Ijaw Local Government.

    The former president lauded the developmental efforts of Dr. Jonathan, who started the project as well as Senator Dickson for continuing it.

  • Fish out perpetrators of Abia massacre, says Ohanaeze

    Fish out perpetrators of Abia massacre, says Ohanaeze

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing has appealed to security agencies to work in synergy to fish out those behind alleged killings, resulting in the discovery of over 50 bodies recently at Lokpanta cattle market, Umunneochi in Abia State.

    National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Chika Adiele, in a statement, said the group would launch a fact-finding mission into the discovery to set records straight and support efforts to stem further killings.

    The group called for an end to assassination, banditry and kidnapping in the state, assuring Governor Alex Otti of the backing of Igbo youths in his fight to rid the state of criminals.

    It restated its call for unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that his release would usher in peace “and guarantee security of lives and property of our people.”

    The statement said: “It is unacceptable to keep silent and allow these evil of monumental proportion to be swept under the carpet.

    “Nothing can further assuage our painful feelings, except facts and justice.

    “Sadly, despite military/police check points on that axis, innocent commuters are subjected to all manner of humiliating experience, while suspected herdsmen move unhindered into the bush, destroying people’s means of livelihood.

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    “We are miffed by the audacity of these mindless herdsmen and their military agents, traversing the nooks and crannies of Ala Igbo with a trail of blood of innocent people on their footpath.

    “We say to them, enough! Assassination, banditry and kidnapping must be brought to an end along Umunneochi/Isuikwuato federal constituency with immediate effect.

    “Igbo youths are brave, industrious, enterprising, peaceful and above all ready for any uncertainty. Our silence is not cowardice. Thus we hereby launch a fact finding mission into this awful discovery in order to set records straight and support ongoing efforts to stem further impasse.

    “We have kept quiet for too long, while these bandits launch monumental destruction, purely orchestrated by overzealous security personnel.”

  • Obi laments 20 headless bodies, skeletons found in Abia

    Obi laments 20 headless bodies, skeletons found in Abia

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed shock over reports that 80 bodies, including 20 headless ones, as well as countless skeletons, were discovered in Abia State.

    The Nation reports Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the bodies were discovered by security operatives during a raid on the forest around Lokpanta cattle market in Umunneochi axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    Reacting to the development in a thread on his official X page yesterday, Obi described the development as “barbaric and cruel.”

    He said: “I read the bone-chilling story coming out of Abia State, where over 80 bodies were reportedly recovered around the cattle market, with about 20 headless decomposing bodies.

    “This level of barbarism and extremely cruel act only reflects how insecure our environment has been.

    “It unearths how insecurity has continued to ravage many parts of the country, taking innocent lives and killing the economy.

    “I thank Governor Otti for taking such a bold step against insecurity in the state. This is highly commendable.”

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    Obi said while he was governor of Anambra, he faced a similar situation.

    “I recall facing a similar situation in 2013 as the governor of Anambra State.

    “I was accompanying President Goodluck Jonathan to an official engagement outside the country when I received a sad report of about 35 decomposing bodies floating on Ezu River in Anambra State.

    “I had to leave everything, rushing back to the state to attend to the situation and ensure that order was restored to the vicinity.

    “Investigation was immediately commenced, with autopsies conducted, before the Federal Government took over the process and asked the state government to hands-off it,” he said.

    Obi added that security of lives and property remained the primary duty of any government and the key to any development.

    He urged governments to make more efforts to tackle insecurity.

  • Oil communities urge settlors on agreements, others to reduce face-off

    Oil communities urge settlors on agreements, others to reduce face-off

    Indigenes of host communities across Delta State have called on oil firms to abide by the agreements, interact with the right leaders and tackle pollution, in order to reduce conflicts and ensure smooth oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta.

    They spoke at a Peace Building and Conflict Management training organised by the Partnership Initiatives for the Niger Delta (PIND) Foundation in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government of Delta State.

    The 20 participants drawn from selected oil host communities, while identifying issues that caused face-off between them and oil companies (both multinational and indigenous firms), mentioned bad community leadership.

    A participant, Peter Satu, said delay in payment for executed contracts by companies often led to disruption of oil operations.

    Another participant identified as Femi said execution of substandard projects in the communities due to “lack of monitoring and inspection by the oil companies and no rise in pay, despite the current economic realities, are among concerns of the host communities.

    Yet another participant, Perez, noted that throwing only “casual jobs at indigenes, when there are qualified persons to take up technical jobs”, brings strife.

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    Stanley Boyo and Oyen Omawumi decried the environmental degradation across the oil producing areas and the seeming lack of will by the settlors to address the situation.

    They said fishing, a major means of survival in the communities, had become unproductive due to the polluted waters.

    However, Solomon Ofoaramieyere pointed accusing fingers at the indigenes and their penchant for holding on to power.

    He recalled the early 1990s when issues concerning oil operations were tabled at town hall meetings with every community member present to give their input in decisions to be taken.

    Steven Etsano lamented that despite promising to convert to staff, community workers who have been with Chevron Nigeria Limited for many years, the company has failed to do so, leading to protests.

    The participants were, however, optimistic that if the findings of the training were acted upon, there would be “peace and harmony” among stakeholders.

    In a chat with reporters, Dr. Chukwudi Njoku, the capacity building coordinator for PIND Foundation, said the training and interaction would improve the capacity of the participants in peace building, as well as conflict management and prevention in their communities.

  • NDDC to collaborate with Port Harcourt Club to boost social activities

    NDDC to collaborate with Port Harcourt Club to boost social activities

    Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said the commission would partner Port Harcourt Club to boost social activities in the Rivers State capital.

    He spoke when members of the club’s executive paid him a visit in his office at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    Ogbuku said the commission was open to a sustainable relationship that would bring back the past glory of Port Harcourt city by reviving social life in the Garden City.

    He recalled with nostalgia the serene atmosphere created by the older generation, insisting that such beautiful scenery would be reignited to keep the old memories alive.

    He said the current generation would not allow social activities in the city to retrogress, vowing to galvanise progressive residents of the city to pull resources together to build a society that would be stronger and socially active.

    Ogbuku took the opportunity to request for the revival of the W.W. White football tournament among secondary school pupils in the state.

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    He said while growing up in Port Harcourt, it was through the football competition that pupils in secondary schools were brought together to socialise.

    The President of Port Harcourt Club, Soberekon Dikibo, while congratulating Ogbuku on his reappointment as the Managing Director of the NDDC, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making the right choice. He described him as a true Port Harcourt man.

    As a mark of honour, the leadership and members of the Port Harcourt Club conferred on the NDDC managing director an honorary membership of the club.

    Dikibo, while conferring the honour on Chief Ogbuku, said although membership followed a strict process of nomination and subscription, it was customary of the club to offer it to deserving public officers like service chiefs and heads of selected federal parastatals serving in the state.

    The Port Harcourt Club, founded in 1928, is family-oriented sports and recreational club South of the River Niger. It has been in existence for nearly a century and has over 1,800 members.

  • Nollywood launches film making in schools

    Nollywood launches film making in schools

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Anambra State has launched film making programme in secondary school curricula across the state.

    Chairman, Evangelist Leo Ewuzie, in a chat with reporters yesterday, said the initiative tagged: “Solution theatrical course clubs”, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, would replace the moribund dramatic societies in schools.

    He said the programme was targeted at uncovering and nurturing young talents and preparing them for opportunities in the thriving Nollywood and creative industry and tapping into the flourishing creative economy.

    Said he: “The partnership between the entertainment industry and the education sector will revolutionise the creative landscape of the state as well as offer brighter and more promising future for its young talents.

    “The ambitious project aims to achieve objectives, including talent discovery, movie production revival, unemployment, crime reduction and financial empowerment.”

    Ewuzie added that the initiative would host a three-tier sequential competition under the theme: ‘Rules and Regulations Guiding Discipline and Conduct in Anambra State Schools’.

    “Schools will compete at the local government level, showcasing their talent and creativity in dramatic performances.

    “The winning schools from the local competitions will progress to the zonal level, where they will compete against other talented participants from their zones.

    “The most exceptional performers from the zonal competitions will advance to the state grand finale, the pinnacle of the competition, where they will vie for the coveted title.

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    “At each level of the competition, the top three performing schools and students will be recognised and rewarded for their outstanding efforts, further encouraging active participation and excellence in the field of dramatic arts,” he said.

    Education Commissioner Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said the project would function as a club in private and public schools, adding that only theatre could express certain ways of life while reflecting lessons capable of changing individual perspectives.

    “Art is life; and drama a living literature, which is a powerful tool to inculcate positive values, policies and programmes as well as drive individual talents for alternative means of livelihood in future,” she said.

    President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary School, Anambra State branch, Mr. Obima Arazu, praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s policies targeted at developing students.

    He said the project had already been embraced by schools in the state, expressing optimism of its positive impact on the students and society at large.

    Speaking on behalf of the students, Blessing Chike of Capital City School and Chinedu Anagor of Igwebike Grammar School expressed joy about the initiative.

    They thanked the governor for his caring disposition towards students.

    They said the project would offer them access to film making and other opportunities.

  • ‘School feeding incentive for families to prioritise education’

    ‘School feeding incentive for families to prioritise education’

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, has described the programme as incentive for families to prioritise education. She said it has not only improved children nutrition, but bolstered school enrollment and attendance rates, thereby becoming vital in the advancement of education, the alleviation of hunger and poverty eradication.

    She spoke at the Transitional Learning Centre in Wassa, where she had gone to oversee and assess the school feeding programme.

    Adeniji stressed the importance of education and nutrition in the comprehensive development of every child, irrespective of circumstances. She noted that initiatives like the programme hold the power to effect substantial positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.

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    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation is exemplified by the Renewed Hope agenda. Within this framework, a vision is cast for a Nigeria wherein every child enjoys access to quality education and nutritious sustenance, regardless of their background or geographical location. By investing in the youth today, a brighter and more prosperous future is being forged for the nation,” she said.

    She said the success of the programme is not solely on government efforts, but also on the support and participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

    Adeniji called upon CSOs nationwide to emulate and support the Renewed Hope agenda championed by the President. She urged them to join hands with organisations such as Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, and the government, as together they strive to positively transform the lives of youth.

    She thanked the CSOs and other stakeholders involved in the programme.