The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Supreme Court: Ogbu-Aguocha congratulates Tinubu, urges Atiku, Obi to join hands in nation-building

    Supreme Court: Ogbu-Aguocha congratulates Tinubu, urges Atiku, Obi to join hands in nation-building

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Enugu East senatorial election, Princess Adaku Ogbu-Aguocha, has hailed President Bola Tinubu over his victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, October 26.

    Ogbu-Aguocha, who spoke with journalists in Abuja, said the final judgment of the apex court is a testimony to the fact that Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election, having defeated all opponents to emerge the president.

    She expressed optimism that given the road map Tinubu has highlighted since his inauguration as president, there is no doubt that he would liberate the country from the numerous challenges facing it.

    She called on the opposition to tow the path of peace and reconciliation by embracing the court verdict, stating that “this is time for nation-building, and we need every Nigerian to support the president.”

    Ogbu-Aguocha noted: “The victory of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court, shows that he won this election hands down. The apex court has spoken. I must point out here that the job of governing Nigeria at this point in time is very challenging, and that is why anyone keen on nation-building must support the president and his government.

    Read Also: Supreme Court verdict: Justice has been served – Tinubu

    “I hereby urge the opposition parties to please sheathe their swords. Elections are over. Litigations are over. We have passed the stage of political party business and moved to nationhood right now. It is time for nation-building. Knowing the level of enthusiasm the opposition put in, I am sure they are inspired by the urge to build Nigeria. Now that President Tinubu has emerged winner, they should join him and also call on their supporters to join in supporting this government.

    “The task ahead is enormous. Nigeria is passing through challenging times and all of us, irrespective of party affiliation must put in an effort to get us to the El Dorado of our dreams. Nigeria must excel. Once again, congratulations my dear President! You deserve this victory.”

  • PTDF boss Aminu pledges development of indigenous capacities in oil industry

    PTDF boss Aminu pledges development of indigenous capacities in oil industry

    Newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Ahmed Galadima Aminu, has said the organisation will continue to contribute to the development of indigenous capacities in the oil and gas industry.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing him. 

    Aminu said this in Abuja when the leadership of  

    Adamawa chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC)visited him  in a show of solidarity.

    The delegation was led by the state Chairman, Idris Shua’ibu, and other executive members. 

    The delegation expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing one of them as the Executive Secretary of PTDF.

    The visit served as an opportunity to also extend felicitations and best wishes to the newly appointed PTDF boss.

     During the visit to the PTDF corporate office in Abuja, the APC  top brass presented a congratulatory letter to the Executive Secretary. 

    In the letter by Shua’ibu and Secretary Dr. Raymond Chidama, encouraged him “to ensure optimum capacity development in the area of oil and gas”.  

    The state chairman restated his firm belief in Aminu’s capabilities to deliver positive accomplishments in his new role. 

    He said the purpose for the visit was to “congratulate and felicitate with our brother Aminu Galadima on his appointment as the ES PTDF. 

    “This appointment is the first of its kind to  our state since we had a minister.We decided to come and have an interface with him.”

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new helmsmen for ICPC, NAHCON, PTDF

    The delegation conveyed the support and well-wishes to the ES, assuring him of their unwavering support from the home front. 

    Chidama further expressed confidence in Mr Aminu’s ability to deliver on the assignment given to him by Mr President.

    The PTDF boss expressed gratitude for the courtesy visit.

     He thanked President  Tinubu for the  confidence placed in him through the appointment emphasising his commitment to ensuring that PTDF continues to make significant contributions to the development of indigenous capacities in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

  • ‘Africans must be innovative and invest at home to boost economy’

    ‘Africans must be innovative and invest at home to boost economy’

    Foremost Igbo entrepreneur and statesman, Okemili Charles Odunukwe,  has urged Africans and Nigerians to be  innovative and invest in their homeland as first line option for economic growth of the continent.

    The industrialist, who is the President of Blue Orange Initiative and  Promoter, Colonades Hotels & Hospitality Range, was recognised as “Dynamic Entrepreneur Of Excellence” by Unizik Business School, Awka, Anambra State.

      He warned that the desire to take resources made in Nigeria or the continent, to hide in so called overseas safe havens, is at the centre of the current rising misery, Naira suicide tumble, multiple insecurities and criminalities.

    Okemili  hailed the Unizik Business School for pioneering a knowledge spread  to Ndigbo that is as unique as their acclaimed  apprenticeship business incubation, where the masters are trained on a practical business mentorship improvement.

    He said globally  Ndigbo are known for their unique apprenticeship business incubation; a training by masters for learners & beginners in practical business mentorship.

    “As a man who labours in the kitchen of hospitality, I know that when you enhance the sauce, the menu is richer. Entrepreneurship and innovation is being celebrated here, and Ndigbo homeland prosperity project, is being watered by Unizik Business School like a tree by the Riverside. We should all be proud of you, because knowledge is at the core of human progress. Indeed, it is one positive thing I encourage all to ‘snatch it, grab it and run with it,’ because in Unizik Business School, it is served a la carte with added value.

    Read Also: Wike to clerics: beware of failed politicians

    “Priority to Homeland Prosperity i.e “Aku luo Uno” is a philosophy that is dear to my heart and the organization that I am currently inspiring with like minds, the Blue Orange Initiative It is not just critical for Alaigbo now in particular, but  very urgent for our Nation Nigeria, and indeed Africa. Nigerians and Africans must wake up to the imperative necessity to innovate and invest in their homeland as a first line option for economic growth, sustainable development and political stability. The craving to take resources made here, acquired or stolen, to stash and hide in so-called overseas safe havens, is at the centre of our current misery, multiple insecurity and criminalities, because investments are not enough to generate peace and passion for nationalism. The few that are there are closing down as Naira, our currency is being driven to the pit of value suicide,” he said.

    Odunukwe, while appreciating Unizik for the recognition, said “Unizik Business School is doing a class act in intentionally making access to valuable knowledge open to the markets and artisans, who ordinarily may have been denied, even if they wished for it.”

     “That is the cornerstone for a needed shift in mindset, because as the Good Book said, a people perish for lack of knowledge.As for our leaders in the South East and our country, Nigeria, I do not have anything more to say that has not been said to them through grave appeals, passionate suggestions, and now endemic frustrations by those they lead. I simply will continue to add my heart beaten prayers that their minds be arrested by leadership conversion to do good and act sane. Nigeria really deserves their mercies now to show they are not inherited enemies of their hopes,” he added.

  • Preserve your resilience, Ndigbo told

    Preserve your resilience, Ndigbo told

    Human capital development expert, and a former president of  Aka Ikenga – the Igbo Think Tank, Dr Chris Asoluka, has urged the Ndigbo to  preserve its spirit of resilience in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

    He was spoke when Aka Ikenga President Agbalanze Chike Madueke, led a delegation of their leaders to felicitate with him in Lagos this week.

    Asoluka noted  that the  Ndigbo  had capacity to reshape their current realities, for better governance and rapid development.

    “Our enterprise and industry remains our national and global emblems, for which no one denies, nor any entity able to take away from us yet. So we must preserve it tenaciously, develop it exponentially, and improve on it digitally, because global competitiveness is about ideas and its powers to transform.

    “I re-emphasise that Ndigbo wherever they are, for which Aka Ikenga specially exists, are people with admirable resilience and competences. It is our historic and cultural provenance that we must keep aflame, to attract and enlighten current and future generations,” he said.

    Read Also: Wike to clerics: beware of failed politicians

    Reflecting on his times as the Group’s President, he said Aka Ikenga was an outcome of deep thinking, a child of necessity, that has now become a consequential adult proudly. He urged Ndigbo, especially the youths to rise and locate thier common  point of service to their  nationality and pitch their talents to uplift their homeland, through platforms as Aka Ikenga.

    The President of the group, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, assured  Asoluka that the commitment of the leadership is to grow from the character and foundations people like him and others laid.

    Elders of the group led by Elder Delly Ajufo, Chief Don Ezeh and Pharm. Nnamdi Obi decorated Asoluka as “Emeritus President” as guided by the President, who finally adorned him with a Presidential crest.

  • Sit-at-home victim’s family begs Nwifuru for assistance

    Sit-at-home victim’s family begs Nwifuru for assistance

    The family of Mr. Henry Oko, one of the victims of December 14, 2022 attack at Nwakpu market in Ikwo Local Government of Ebonyi State, by enforcers of the sit-at-home order, yesterday cried out for help.

    They implored Governor Francis Nwifuru and other well-meaning Nigerians to assist them, as the condition of the victim has worsened.

    The victim, it was gathered, underwent multiple surgeries at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, following bullet injuries and axe cuts and spent over four months in hospital before he was discharged.

    A family source said he was rushed back to the National Orthopaedic Hospital on October 1, 2023, following complications, “as his condition is now very critical.”

    Due to the severity of his case, the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital referred him to the University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, “where a team of medical experts are currently battling to save his life.”

    The father of four was at Nwakpu market, Ikwo, when some masked gunmen, who claimed they were enforcing the five-day sit-at-home order declared by a foreign-based Biafran agitator, invaded the market, shot sporadically and torched vehicles.

    They set his vehicle on fire, gave him axe cuts in the head and shoulder before shooting him in both thighs, very close to his manhood.

    Read Also: Tinubu calls for synergy within housing agencies

    He was left in a pool of blood, but was rescued by a combined team of the Army and the Police that later stormed the scene.

    Oko had a near-death experience, as his thigh bone was shattered by bullets, 17 of which were later extracted from his body.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, his immediate younger brother and Abia State correspondent of Vanguard newspapers, Mr. Steve Oko, described the situation as “miserable”.

    He said fortunes had been spent in the battle to save his brother’s life since last December, lamenting that the family had run out of resources to take care of the victim’s medical bills and other exigencies.

    The family appealed to public- spirited individuals to come to their aid.

    It said any financial assistance could be routed via the First Bank account of the victim’s wife: Angela C. Oko; 3081462002. “The family can also be reached through: 08038725600, 08102438417.”

    Oko appealed to Southeast governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to, as a matter of urgency, set up a committee to identify victims of sit-at-home in the Southeast for rehabilitation.

  • Delta Exco okays N714.4b budget proposal for 2024

    Delta Exco okays N714.4b budget proposal for 2024

    Delta State Executive Council (Exco) meeting, presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday approved a proposed budget of N714.4billion for the 2024 fiscal year.

    Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, who disclosed this at news briefing at the Government House, Asaba, said the proposed budget comprised N397 billion, representing 56 per cent for Capital Expenditure, while N316 billion, representing 44 per cent, is for recurrent expenditure.

    He said the 2024 proposed budget was premised on an exchange rate of N750 per dollar.

    According to him, “we just finished the state Exco meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The major discussion was on the 2024 proposed budget.

    “The budget size is N714.4 billion, broken down into capital and recurrent components of N397 billion capital, representing 56 per cent, while the recurrent component is N316 billion, representing 44 per cent.

    “The budget was premised on the vision of the current administration and encompassing largely on the activities and programmes that will drive the M.O.R.E agenda.

    Read Also: Tinubu will present 2024 Budget to NASS in November – Senator Adeola

    “It is still a proposition because the House of Assembly will still have to look at it and approve at a later date. However, broadly speaking, it’s a budget that the people will be happy and proud of because a lot of impactful and developmental projects will be embarked upon.”

    “The people should expect new townships and massive road infrastructures, with emphasis on quality; people should also expect some new expansions in the health care institutions we have in the state.”

    He said the state government would continue to fund small businesses across the state in 2024, adding: “We should expect the government to support the small and medium scale enterprises in the state with some kind of funds to support their businesses, which will be given at single digit interest rate.

    “Looking at other things, agriculture will get a boost, such as rice and food crops production. We are hoping that one of the ways to fight the ravaging inflation is to make food available. So, the Agric Ministry will be on its feet. As I said, it’s a people’s budget.”

  • Ikwerre Congress warns against call to cancel Tompolo’s contract

    Ikwerre Congress warns against call to cancel Tompolo’s contract

    The Ikwerre Peoples Congress (IPC) Worldwide has cautioned against what it described as a perceived self-serving advocacy to cancel the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security, owned by a famous ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo.

    The Chairman, IPC, Livingstone Wechie, said yesterday in Port Harcourt that instead of some aggrieved stakeholders calling for the cancellation, they should rather demand their integration into the contract.

    He said: “We have observed this unwarranted trend and advised that what is of most importance is the needed integration of stakeholders across the region, instead of the destructive campaign anchored on a pull-down syndrome. We should be asking for more opportunities than pushing for cancellation.”

    Wechie recalled that the idea of pipeline surveillance contract was first muted by Annkio Briggs under the late President Umaru Yar ‘Adua’s administration during the pre-negotiation stages for the amnesty programme, but was opposed by certain Niger Delta stakeholders, who felt it was not deserving for armed agitators to handle it.

    Read Also: Tinubu will present 2024 Budget to NASS in November – Senator Adeola

    He said: “To be fair, during the armed struggle for Niger Delta emancipation and resource ownership, lives were lost and our Ijaw compatriots played a leading role while acknowledging the intellectual contributions of some respected Ikwerre players being a leading stakeholder ethnic block in oil and gas infrastructure as well as other ethnic groups, which made their contributions.

    “It is noteworthy that Tantita Security is not the only company awarded the pipeline surveillance contract in the region. The call for its cancellation smacks of personal vendetta.

    “There are others or another pipeline surveillance contract allegedly linked to the Olu of Warri and all must be properly engaged and come to the table with a view to harmonise and resolve the outstanding issues to avoid giving a dog a bad name without justification by calling out only Tompolo’s contract.

    “Finally, Niger Delta must avoid the plot to use this pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tompolo through his company to cause disaffection among stakeholders. It is public knowledge that some known stakeholders are already accommodated by Tompolo within the contract and this virtue must be commended while we demand the decentralisation of the contract to accommodate others.

    “Therefore what is mostly needed now is not infighting, but the galvanisation of relationships across the region to engineer a sense of ownership by the people. It is highly recommended that the issues should be resolved on a roundtable in the interest of peace and development.”

  • NDDC deploys 370 collation officers, supervisors for Project HOPE

    NDDC deploys 370 collation officers, supervisors for Project HOPE

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has deployed 370 collation officers and supervisors from the 185 local governments in the nine Niger Delta states for the registration of youths to benefit from its Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE) project.

    Speaking during the deployment at the Rivers State Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Centre in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, urged the collation officers and supervisors to register the youth, adopting the transparent process already established by the commission.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the development and empowerment scheme was designed to create a comprehensive resource database of the youth population of the Niger Delta.

    He said it would provide a platform for the NDDC to empower youths of the region on sustainable basis.

    Ogbuku said the Project HOPE initiative, coming after many years of unplanned and mismanaged projects execution in the region, would focus on the needs of the youth, their qualifications, skills, passion, interests and employment status.

    He said: “Project HOPE has come to stay. When it was launched on July 12, 2023, some sceptics thought it was not going to be feasible. The initial rush by youths to register on the platform crashed the system, but it was quickly restored.”

    He described the collation officers and supervisors as the real hope of the Niger Delta, saying the trainees came from all the local governments in the region through a transparent online selection process.

    He said: “I assure you that the HOPE initiative is real and will be sustained. The database that we are building will not only help us to select the right persons, but it will also help us to monitor their progress. We are using technology to ensure that you do not need to know anybody to be enlisted into the programme.”

    Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said  the HOPE project represented a true capacity building.

    Read Also: Tinubu calls for synergy within housing agencies

    He said: “We must commend the NDDC for the initiative. The process of selection was very transparent, and this gives credibility to the programme.”

    He advised the collation officers and supervisors to train others, saying Rivers Government was very passionate about the programme.

    Gbali congratulated the NDDC and the Rivers State Government on achieving what he called a significant milestone.

    He said: “The NDDC has indeed, changed the narrative. The selection process is excellent and transparent. We want Niger Delta youths to excel and we want to train people and equip them with useful skill sets. This is a big milestone. For once, we are getting it right.”

    The consultant for NDDC Project HOPE, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, thanked the NDDC for initiating the novel project in youth empowerment and pledged to cooperate with the commission to ensure the success and sustainability of the programme.

    Responding on behalf of the Collation Officers and Supervisors, the Ogbia Local Government trainee, Mr. Azibator Azimo, thanked the NDDC for giving them the opportunity to contribute in building a comprehensive database for youth development.

  • Enugu begins fight to prevent cervical cancer

    Enugu begins fight to prevent cervical cancer

    Enugu State Government has rolled out efforts to prevent cervical cancer among women with the launch

    of Human Pappilloma Virus (HPV) routine vaccination against the disease.

    Speaking at an event held in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah said the vaccine was free and available to young girls between nine and 14 years at health care centres across the state.

    Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, promised to deal with individuals or groups found dissuading residents from accepting and receiving the vaccination.

    He said the state must take advantage of the vaccine in fighting cervical cancer.

    “I urge our women in the churches and other places of worship, in homes and schools, to embrace the vaccine. I implore you to dismiss the false claims against the vaccine because it has been certified by the world health authorities as safe,” the governor said.

    He noted that health care professionals were facing the challenge of the spread of false information in their efforts to deliver the vaccine to those that needed it.

    Mbah called for collaboration of health care authorities and professionals with women organisations in places of worship, to re-educate the people that the vaccine was safe.

    “We need to explain to them the investment the state government has continued to make in preventing diseases that are preventable,” he said.

    Read Also: Tinubu will present 2024 Budget to NASS in November – Senator Adeola

    He expressed dismay against those who, though not trained health professionals, used the social and mainstream media to spread false information to the public, warning that the government would go after them in line with the laws.

    The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, who lamented the rising scourge of cervical cancer among women, said investing in prevention was not only the right thing, but the smart thing to do.

    Ani-Osheku said Enugu was joining 15 other states for the first phase of the roll-out of the vaccination programme, adding that it would run simultaneously in all the 17 local governments and would be administered at primary health care centres, schools, centres of worship and communities.

    Health Commissioner Prof. Emmanuel Obi hailed the action of the vaccination programme, saying prevention would save young girls from suffering cervical cancer in future.

    Goodwill messages were delivered by the representatives of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and a non-governmental organisation, FHI360, who declared the vaccine safe for the prevention of cervical cancer.

  • APC gets first woman political leader in Akwa Ibom

    APC gets first woman political leader in Akwa Ibom

    Obongawan Okure has emerged as the first All Progressives Congress (APC) female political leader of Asang Court Area in Nsit Ibom Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

    Nsit Ibom is the local government of the party’s governorship candidate in the last election, Obong Akanimo Udofia.

    The APC Chapter Chairman of Asang Court Area, Mr. Emmanuel Jimmy, said  Okure was elected due to her leadership qualities and commitment to the growth of the party.

    He said her appointment as a political leader was a call for service to better the welfare of party members in Asang Court Area as well as the fortunes of the party.

    “Her passion for service, her exceptional leadership qualities and her unrelenting commitment to the welfare of the people have earned her this esteemed position.

    Read Also: Tinubu calls for synergy within housing agencies

    “Throughout her political career, she has worked towards the betterment of our community, striving to uplift the lives of the people and ensure their voices are heard.

    “Under her guidance, we can expect a renewed focus on grassroots empowerment, improved health care facilities, quality education, infrastructural development, job creation and enhanced security measures,” Jimmy said.

    Okure promised to chart a new course for the APC in the area and the state in general.

    Party chieftains at the event included Godwin Akpan (Uyo Senatorial District Chairman), Patience Anako (Uyo Senatorial District woman leader) and Mr. Cosmos Inyang (APC stakeholder).

    Others were Emmanuel Jimmy Akpan (APC Chapter Chairman, Nsit Ibom),  Udo Okoh (Deputy APC Chapter Chairman), Godswil Inyang and (APC Chapter Secretary, Nsit Ibom) among others.