The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • 600 Anambra pupils get Chinese scholarship

    600 Anambra pupils get Chinese scholarship

    Over 600 pupils of Igwebike Grammar School, Awka, Anambra State have been offered scholarship by a Chinese Engineering firm, Zhongtian Construction Nigeria Ltd.

    Managing Director, Tu Makuan, said the scholarship, meant for pupils from SS1 to SS3, would run for an academic session.

    He added that the gesture, which was part of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy.

    “We’re the company building Solution Fun City. Whenever I’m driving to our site close to your school, I get attracted to your school.

    Read Also: Soludo’s N2bn to 5000 youths will curb crime in Anambra – Ohaneze youth leader

    “I’m here to announce the sponsorship of school fees of pupils from SS1 to SS3 for one academic year. This is part of our CSR,” Makuan said.

    Education Commissioner Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said the philanthropy by the firm was informed by the commitment of teachers and pupils.

    She thanked the company for its generosity, describing it as worthy of emulation by other good spirited individuals and organisations in the state.

    Responding on behalf of the pupils, the school’s senior prefect, Chinedu Anago, thanked their benefactor for the gesture, pledging improved dedication to their studies to justify the scholarship.

  • Otti urges Federal Fire Service to prioritise Abia in trucks distribution

    Otti urges Federal Fire Service to prioritise Abia in trucks distribution

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged the Federal Fire Service to give the state priority in the distribution of newly acquired fire fighting vehicles.

    Dr. Otti, who thanked the federal agency for choosing Abia to site a training school in the Southeast, said although Abia might not be the biggest state in the country in terms of size, the state was, however, very busy in terms of commercial and industrial activities.

    He spoke while receiving the Assistant Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Achi-Okidi, who is on a working visit to the state.

    The governor said: “For us here in Abia, governance is comprehensive. While we are building infrastructure, while we are doing everything possible to create an enabling environment for investments and businesses, we will not take our attention away from protection. The Federal Fire Service is all about protection of life and property.

    “We do not want to wait until it happens and then we will be running helter-skelter. This is why we have operated safety of lives and property as part of our governance model and this is why we invited you.

    “There may be one or two things that are on ground, but the way I will like you to approach it is that there is nothing on ground, so that you can start from the scratch. Whatever you see on ground will just be a bonus.

    “There may be one or two trucks, whether they are serviceable or not, you will know. But if there are eight new trucks that have been brought in for the states, we will like to apply for two; and the other ones that you talked about that are so sophisticated, that can manoeuvre and go into tight spaces, it will be nice that since we have applied, that we also have some of them.

    “The whole idea is that the state may not be the biggest in size, but in terms of commercial and industrial activities, it’s a very busy state.”

    Read Also: Ezekwesili, Otti to Tinubu: Make your policies citizens-driven

    Mrs. Achi-Okidi, on behalf of the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, an engineer; expressed “profound gratitude” to Governor Otti and the people of Abia State for the “wonderful relationship, recognition and privileges” accorded the Federal Fire Service.

    She informed the governor of the siting of a fire service training school being built in Uzuakoli, a project attracted by an ‘Abian’, a retired permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dame Barrister Georgina Arisa.

    Mrs. Achi-Okidi said the Federal Fire Service was excited to see the Abia State Government after a very long time, rising to the challenge of having the federal agency to establish “a very good and robust fire station.”

    She added that the Federal Fire Service would give the state the support it needed.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, said Dr. Otti was working towards ensuring that the Fire Service and all emergency response services in Abia were revived and well equipped to respond to the safety needs of Abia people.

  • We risk flogging if we don’t sleep with 10 men daily, say sex workers

    We risk flogging if we don’t sleep with 10 men daily, say sex workers

    Over 20 girls have been rescued from sex slavery in a brothel at Oba in Idemili South Local Government of Anambra State.

    The girls were rescued during a raid by a team from the Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the state police command, following a tip off from a whistle-blower.

    Narrating their ordeal, some of the rescued girls said they were taken to the brothel by friends or relations under the guise of securing hotel job for them.

    They confessed sleeping with no fewer than 10 men daily to ensure their targets were met or risk being beaten mercilessly by their madam.

    They further revealed that they returned between N4,000 and N10,000 on week days, and N15,000 to N30,000 on weekends to their bosses.

    “Our phones and other belongings are collected from us before we are handed over to another woman, with a condition of being released only if we bring certain amount of money to her or be ready to serve her for one year.

    “We make between N4,000 and N10,000 on week days, and N15,000 to N30,000 on weekends for our direct bosses, which are collected by the owner of Top Ten Amaechi Etikokwu.

    Read Also: Man sends fake alert to sex workers after service

    “It is from the proceeds of the prostitution we pay our rent of N3,500 to the owner everyday.

    “We sleep with about 10 men a day in order to meet up with the target given to us and if we don’t meet up, we will be beaten mercilessly by our madam,” they said.

    On how they feed and cope at the brothel, the girls confessed being given N500 every morning for feeding for the entire day, saying the food was brought to them by the security guards positioned at areas in the hotel.

    Confirming the incident, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, said two of the rescued girls were underage persons and had been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment.

    She said the arrested suspect currently in the police custody would be arraigned at the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrates’ Court in Awka.

    “Before embarking on the raid, investigation was carried out by the ministry and it was discovered that the management of the hotel, Top Ten Hotels, Oba, trafficks girls from all parts of the country for prostitution,” Obinabo said.

    Appreciating police efforts in assisting to rescue the girls, the commissioner lamented the spate of trafficking despite government’s efforts to stop the menace.

    She said justice would be served, restating government’s commitment to end child kidnapping, trafficking and sex slavery.

    She advised residents to report suspicious activities in their vicinity for prompt response and action.

  • Petrol scoopers stone fire fighters

    Petrol scoopers stone fire fighters

    Some residents of Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government of Anambra State on Tuesday pelted men of the state Fire Service with stones while attempting to put out fire from a fallen petrol tanker in the area.

    The residents, including women, stormed the scene of the incident to scoop fuel immediately the tanker fell, spilling its contents along the drainage.

    State Fire Chief, Martins Agbili, an engineer; confirming the incident, decrying the act.

    He warned residents against frequent attacks on firefighters while carrying out their duties.

    He said: “Immediately we received a distress call about the incident, I sent my team of firefighters and firetrucks to the scene, given the possibility of an explosion or fire outbreak from the tanker laden with petrol.

    “On arrival, however, the residents already immersed in the act, threw caution to the wind and pelted my men with stones, as they saw them as hindrance, ignoring the inherent danger.

    “It took the intervention of officers from the state police command and military personnel to rescue the firefighters, as well as disperse and control the hostile crowd, to enable my men carry out their duty.”

    Read Also: Dealing with the unyielding petrol market headache

    Reiterating the danger associated with such reckless behaviour, Agbili regretted the alarming frequency residents were roasted alive while scooping fuel during similar incidents.

    “We once again warn Anambra residents to cease from such dangerous ventures. Those who tempt their fate will bear the blame for their misfortunes,” he said.

    Agbili has refuted reports alleging that Niger bridge was on fire.

    Social media, on Tuesday evening, was awash with reports and video clips showing the bridge was engulfed in flames.

    Clarifying the true situation in a short video clip, Agbili dismissed the rumour, warning residents against circulating unverifiable messages.

    He, however, said the fire on the bridge was caused by a collision between two vehicles, which was contained almost immediately.

    He urged the public to disregard such fabricated reports and go about their lawful businesses without fear.

  • Abia govt shuts school over two-year-old’s death

    Abia govt shuts school over two-year-old’s death

    • Operation permit withdrawn, says commissioner

    Abia State Government has announced the sealing off of a private school, Emerald International School, operating in Aba South Local Government.

    The Nation had reported that a two-year-six-month-old baby, David Etim, the only son of his father, Jacob, died after falling off from a three-storey building of the school where his class was situated.

    Education Commissioner Prof. Uche Eme-Uche in a statement said the operational permit of the school had also been withdrawn.

    Read Also:Abia govt begins demolition of houses

    She urged parents and guardians, whose children and wards attended the school located on Crystal Park Avenue, off Port Harcourt Road, to withdraw them.

    Eme-Uche said government’s action was hinged on the outcome of the ministry’s findings in the school.

    The commissioner said the school was operating below the standard set for private schools, which she attributed to the death of the pre-nursery pupil.

    The incident, our correspondent gathered, is still being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Abia State Police Command.

  • Bayelsa health workers servethree-days warning strike over welfare

    Bayelsa health workers servethree-days warning strike over welfare

    The coalition of healthcare workers under the aegis of Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) Unit-Branch, Okolobiri in Bayelsa State has expressed their displeasure over  what it called non implementation of welfare
    packages approved by Governor Douye Diri.

    In a statement  by the Union’s  Chairman, Comrade Dogiye, Lucky Ebiteinye and the Secretary, Comrade Ozeze Jasper, to press home their demand, the group  urged the Bayelsa State government to implement the approved packages or face a strike  scheduled to kick off on November 1.

    The Union,  in the statement, laments that after series of promises by the  governor on different Workers’ Day anniversary, that nothing has been done nor positive response given to their request by the authority concerned.

    The statement  reads: “In an attempt to have a continuos working and harmonious relationship with the Bayelsa State Government, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) Unit-Branch, Okolobiri in Bayelsa State, in a congress meeting dated October 6, 2023 resolved to humbly remind the State Governor, Douye Diri on the  non-implementation of an executive pronouncement made on May 1, 2022 and May 1, 2023, Workers Day celebration, directing relevant government authorities to immediately implement the payment of reverse call-duty and hazard allowances to the affected health professionals.

    Read Also: N1.62b property lost to fire, says agency

    “We request that the reverse call-duty allowance be implemented for its union members to reflect in October, 2023 salary to relief the burden created by economic challenges in the country and in anticipation of your pronouncement made months ago.

    “We also request that the hazard allowance be effected, the approval and implementation of the July 25,  2023 National Salary Income and Wages Circular on the Reviewed Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) as attached below,” stated the Union.

    The group also demand that the payment of all pending promotion arrears to its members including the provision of vehicles to ease logistics and movement of staff due to transportation challenges in the country be met.

    The Union in an appeal, urged the State Governor to intervene in the prolonged matter, alleging that the undue neglect of their request has demoralized their work spirit, while cautioning that a 3-day warning strike to that effect will commence on November 1 2023.

  • NBA to Oborevwori: extend quality infrastructural projects delivery to judiciary

    NBA to Oborevwori: extend quality infrastructural projects delivery to judiciary

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Effurun branch, has urged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to extend his building of quality infrastructural projects across the state, to facilities in the judiciary.

    It hailed the governor for awarding the projects for the construction of three flyovers, as well as expansion of the NPA-DSC Expressway at Effurun/Warri area of the state to Julius Berger Company PLC.

    Chairman of the branch, Ben Ubioworo Esq., who spoke with reporters after their monthly meeting, said Governor Oborevwori had broken the jinx of poor and substandard performance that had bedevilled the state for decades.

    Decrying the poor condition of courts in the state, particularly the courts in Effurun, Warri and their environs, Ubioworo urged the governor “to replicate the New High Court complex in Asaba, in the Central and South districts of the state.” 

    “The desire of His Excellency to revamp our road infrastructure should be extended to the state judiciary facilities.”

    Appealing to monarchs and youths in the area to ensure hitch-free execution of the N78 billion flyovers and road project, he said the timely completion of the projects would transform Effurun and Warri to mega cities befitting of their status as oil cities. 

    Read Also: Bandits kill one, abduct 25 in Southern Kaduna

    “As a body whose duties include promotion of good governance, we have considered Your Excellency’s move and effort towards executing quality and standard projects to better the lot of ‘Deltans’ as a move worthy of commendation.

    “The recent award of the contract for the building of flyovers and roads in Warri/Effurun to a reputable construction company, Julius Berger, is an indication that you are poised to deliver quality governance to our people.

    “We therefore use this as an opportunity to express our appreciation to His Excellency and also to advise our monarchs, youths and community leaders to ensure and guarantee a peaceful and a secure environment, to enable the contractor complete the projects in record time,” the chairman said.

    Noting that the branch would commend “every sustained good moves of the governor geared towards the delivery of good governance to the people of the state,” he, however, added: “It will also not hesitate to constructively criticise His Excellency in areas where he is perceived not to be faring well.” 

  • Sylva victory excites Bayelsa APC

    Sylva victory excites Bayelsa APC

    The Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has  described as big win for democracy,  the judgement which reversed the   disqualification of its candidate for the November 11, 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election Chief Timipre Sylva.

     The Court of Appeal had on Tuesday in Abuja  reversed the disqualification of Sylva for the November 11 polls.

     This followed the October 9 judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided by Justice Donatus Okorowo which nullified the candidature of Sylva in the November 11 governorship election on the excuse that he had taken the oath of office twice as Governor of Bayelsa State. This led to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) de-listing  Sylva’s name from the list of candidates.

      A statement by the APC  Publicity Secretary in the state,  Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, said justice has been served and it is victory for the state.

       “The Appeal Court by its ruling has given the people of Bayelsa State a choice on November 11. A choice between light and darkness. A choice between moving to the mountain top and descending to the valley below. A choice between moving forward and backward. Democracy is about choices. And the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in sponsoring this frivolous case has demonstrated its mortal fear of our party, APC, and candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.

     “The PDP is desperate. They do not want us on the ballot. We thank God that this distraction is now over. justice has been served.”

    Read Also: Tinubu sets up committee to consider gaps in police legal framework

     “The Appeal Court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, ruled that the first respondent (Mr. Demesuoyefa Kolomo) is not an aspirant in the elections and therefore lacks the locus standi to file the case; that the upper court cannot exercise jurisdiction where  the lower court lacks it; and that the appeal is meritorious and allowed. A cost of N1 million was  awarded to the appellant.

     “Provision of adequate and affordable housing in both urban and rural areas in secure, healthy and decent environment for all Nigerians is the primary mandate of this Ministry and equally one of the cardinal focuses of the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Therefore, the issues of Housing and Urban Development are being given the deserved attention. The Ministry intends to actualize the aforementioned mandate, through a multi-stakeholders and institutional engagements and collaborations.”

     Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Sen. Gbenga Ashafa said the government has to make concerted and deliberate effort at urban development, through building of new cities and regenerating of the old ones.

     He said through this, not only will we provide houses to our people, we will also deliver more liveable and secure environment to them.

     He added, “More importantly, the value chain of the housing industry remains the surest bet of creating jobs, both directly and indirectly, employing both professionals and non-professionals. This will enable us to reinforce growth and recovery in our Urban Economies.”

  • Our plans for  Benue IDPs, by Fed Govt

    Our plans for  Benue IDPs, by Fed Govt

    The Federal Goverment has restated  it’s commitment to address humanitarian challenges bedeviling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State.

    A Federal Commissioner ,  National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, gave the assurance during the flag off   of the distribution of relief materials in Ichwa IDPs camp in Makurdi, the state capital .

    Aliyu said that the Federal Government’s ultimate goal  has been to see peace and security restored in Benue and in Nigeria, so that the IDPs can return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

    He said: “The Commission is working hard to strengthen our collaboration with the state government to address the humanitarian challenges and provide durable solutions. The plight of our dear brothers and sisters who have been forced to flee their homes by conflict is a pressing concern.

    “My dear brothers and sisters, I have seen you beaten by rain and scorched by the sun because you live in dilapidated make shift shelters. You have fled your homes and left behind your farm lands and lost your livelihoods. As a Commission, we are not oblivious of the numerous problems  you face.

    “I want to assure you that as the Federal Commissioner of The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, we are fully committed to assisting you with relief materials in the short term and livelihood restoration, housing, education for your children and healthcare for all.

    Read Also: Tinubu sets up committee to consider gaps in police legal framework

    “We are working with the state government to provide you with durable solution. As a gesture of our commitment, today, we will distribute some food items, non food items and empowerment materials. I assure you that we will come back to provide you with more support and more sustainable interventions,” he added.

    The federal commissioner noted that while efforts of cushioning the living conditions of IDPs in the camps is ongoing, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged that humanitarian aid alone cannot address the underlying problems, adding that the President under the Renewed Hope Agenda is working tirelessly to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the state and facilitate the IDPs return to their ancestral homes.  

    The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, intimated that there were  14,229 people made up of 2403 households in the Ichwa camp.

    Also, the Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Aondowase Kunde, said that the humanitarian crisis in all of 21 IDPs camp in the state with over two million population had been quite overwhelming for the state government alone to handle.

  • Imo NLC drops strike plan over court order

    Imo NLC drops strike plan over court order

    Imo State wing of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has dissociated its members from the plan of the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to occupy Imo State from today.

    Addressing reporters in Owerri after a meeting with other Labour leaders in the state, the state Acting Chairman of NLC, Rev. Philip Nwansi, said organised Labour in Imo would not be part of the planned action because of a subsisting court order stopping the NLC from embarking on any such action.

    The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State chapter, has cautioned the Ajaero-led NLC against any strike in the state, saying “Occupy Imo is politically- motivated.”

    The Industrial Court sitting in Owerri on October 27 granted an order restraining the NLC from embarking on any industrial action in Imo State.

    The NLC chairman said based on the court order, the planned strike code- named: ‘Occupy Imo’ had become illegal.

    “All the affiliate unions, we are obeying the court order and we urge Imo workers to be at their duty posts tomorrow as law- abiding citizens,” Nwansi said.

    He said besides the court order, the organised Labour in Imo State did not see any reason the national body should order a strike.

    “Imo State workers say no to ‘Occupy Imo’ because we have not found reasons enough for the action,” he said.

    Read Also: Bandits kill one, abduct 25 in Southern Kaduna

    Nwansi noted that Labour in Imo State had been on the same page with the state government and wondered why the national body should cry more than the bereaved.

    He said since the Labour had no industrial dispute with the state government and since the court had declared the planned strike illegal, workers should go about their duties.

    CAN Imo State chapter enjoined the NLC leadership to shelve the idea of occupying Imo State in the name of a strike because of the negative impact it would have on the people.

    It said it was unthinkable for Labour leaders to contemplate strike in Imo or any other part of the country now because of what the people are passing through.

    CAN Chairman, Rev. Eches Divine Eches, gave the advice when speaking to reporters during a call on Governor Hope Uzodimma at the Government House Owerri, by the group.

    Eches, who said CAN had come to restate its position on the Imo Charter of Equity as the way to go in guaranteeing political stability in Imo, praised the governor on the giant strides he had recorded in the state since being in the saddle.