The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Police arrest seven over kidnapping activities in Adamawa

    Police arrest seven over kidnapping activities in Adamawa

    Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested seven people over alleged kidnapping.

    The command said in a statement on Saturday that the seven were suspected to have been terrorising some communities in Girei and Demsa local government areas.

    It said the suspects were traced and apprehended earlier on Friday, September 29.

    “Further to the Command’s renewed commitment to checkmating crimes and criminality in the state, on the 29/9/2023, the Command operatives attached to Girei Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, disconnected the suspects,” the police said in the statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje.

    Read Also: Floods: Adamawa communities seek Dasin-Hausa dam actualisation, River Benue dredging

    The statement identified the suspects as Kabiru Muhammed, 42; Ibrahim Audu, 17; Hassan Usman, 40; Musa Sani, 22; Bello Ibrahim, 35; Abdullahi Saidu, 17; and Muhammed Abdu, 40; all residents of Tambo, Girei LGA.

    “The suspects were trailed to their hideouts after the kidnap of one Koire Alhaji Ruwa of the same address and N10 million ransom demanded.

    “Interestingly, when the coordinator of the organised crime was apprehended, he immediately confessed, thereby giving instructions to his collaborators to unconditionally release the kidnapped victim to prevent him from the consequences of the crime he committed. There and then, the victim was released unhurt,” the police stated.

  • ‘We will recover tourism sites’

    ‘We will recover tourism sites’

    Abia State Government has initiated moves to retrieve Ojukwu Bunker, National War Museum and other important tourism sites in the state that are under the control of the Federal Government, for better management.

    The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Tourism and Entertainment, Mr. Justice Martins, made this known at a news conference in Umuahia.

    Martins, a music artist and entertainment expert popularly called J. Martins, who disclosed that the state government had engaged the Federal Ministry of Tourism, hoped that the move would be successful.

    The idea, according to him, was to prevent such historic and important tourism sites from further deterioration.

    The SSA to Governor Otti said the intention of the Otti-led administration was to revive the ailing tourism and entertainment industry and make the sector one of the active job and revenue generating sectors in the state.

    He said there were over 17 tourism sites in the state that had been identified and among others that would be harnessed to make them tourism potential and destination in the state.

    He said plans were also in the pipeline to develop the popular Azumini Blue River in Ukwa East, and turn the area into a major tourism site in the country.

    Read Also: ‘Nigeria can save $2b from medical tourism annually’

    J. Martins further said there were plans to build leisure parks in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia representing the three senatorial zones.

    He said by next month the state government would begin the certification of hotels in the state with a view to classifying them according to their ranks, and ensuring efficient service delivery.

    He said hotel owners had expressed delight about the proposal, promising to upgrade their facilities.

    economy as the 2023 theme focuses on green investments and tourism.”

    Continuing, he said: “Tourism is not just about visiting new places; it’s about forging connections, understanding different cultures, and appreciating the incredible diversity of our world.

    “It transcends borders and fosters a sense of unity among people. It has the power to break down stereotypes, promote tolerance and build bridges of understanding.

    “In a world where conflicts and divisions often dominate headlines, tourism becomes a force for peace and harmony.

    “Yet, the impact of tourism extends far beyond cultural exchanges. It is a formidable driver of economic growth, providing livelihood to millions of people around the globe.

    “Small and large businesses, from local artisans to international hotel chains, rely on the tourism industry for their sustenance.

    “As we emerge from the challenges posed by the global pandemic and insecurity, tourism can be a crucial catalyst for economic recovery and resilience.

    “Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, Abia is positioned to drive a regional and national tourism growth and is poised to strive to position. Abia is a safe destination of choice for quality entertainment, leisure and tourism.

    “We are jointly developing a blueprint for action in achieving the mandate of Dr. Otti’s led administration drive for a more robust and inclusive economy.”

  • NDDC rolls out foreign postgraduate scholarship

    NDDC rolls out foreign postgraduate scholarship

    • Invites applications

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced the commencement of an application process for its 2023/2024 Foreign Postgraduate (Masters) Scholarship Programme.

    A statement signed yesterday by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs Commission, Dr. Pius Ughakpoteni, said the offer marked a significant stride in the NDDC’s unwavering commitment to fostering human resource development and empowerment of youths in the Niger Delta.

    “Aiming to cultivate empowerment and specialisation, this initiative is designed to equip the vibrant minds of the region with indispensable skills and training.

    “The goal is to facilitate their meaningful participation in the Federal Government’s local content programme and to enable them excel in professional disciplines, enhancing their global competitiveness,” the commission said.

    The statement said the programme offered a broad spectrum of fields in diverse engineering disciplines such as Biomedical, Software and Marine, and cutting-edge domains such as Artificial Intelligence and Math/Sciences.

    The NDDC said the opportunities also extended to health and social sciences, with options in Medical Sciences and Law, as well as Environmental and Physical Sciences, including Architecture and Environmental Science.

    Read Also: NDDC rolls out foreign postgraduate scholarship, invites applications

    To qualify for the offer, the commission said the applicant must come from the Niger Delta, possess relevant Bachelor’s degrees with commendable classifications from recognised institutions.

    It said prospective candidates are invited to submit their applications online through the commission’s official website [www.nddc.gov.ng](http://www.nddc.gov.ng), with the application window closing five weeks from the date of the announcement.

    On method of selection, the commission said: “Candidates will undergo a comprehensive selection process, including preliminary shortlisting, a computer-based test in Rivers State, and final verification through respective local government areas and community development committees. The scholarship amount will be determined based on the prevailing exchange rate of the Naira.

    “The NDDC remains steadfast in its mission to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically harmonious.

    “We extend our sincere best wishes to all applicants and eagerly anticipate welcoming the scholars who will contribute to shaping a brighter future for the region”.

  • Ogbuku to directors: make a difference in Niger Delta

    Ogbuku to directors: make a difference in Niger Delta

    The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has called on the newly- promoted directors of the commission to make a difference in the Niger Delta through the way they discharge their duties.

    Ogbuku, who spoke at the closing session of a two-week course on Leadership and Performance Management for directing workers of the NDDC in Abuja, said the provision of quality services to the people of the Niger Delta was a collective responsibility and should be given priority.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the reason for sending the new directors for training was to ensure they took the administrative knowledge acquired back to the commission for the overall benefit of the region.

    He said: “We are supposed to be training and retraining our workers. This is just the beginning. I want the directors to take back the knowledge they have gained to others in the NDDC to better appreciate their roles and understand the expectations from them.

    “We want to do things differently. We want to improve on our services. We want to take up challenges. We want to start with the workers first to ensure all the workers are properly trained and they understand their roles.”

    Read Also: MOSIEND urges Niger Delta states to domesticate Marine ministry

    Ogbuku urged the directors to ensure they utilised the experience acquired from the training to improve the administrative processes in NDDC, to ensure things were done differently.

    He said: “As new directors, you need to understand your roles and understand your boundaries. You also need to understand your strengths and understand when to use them and when not to.

    “You need to understand that you are public servants and not civil servants. So, these are some of the things we thought you ought to be equipped with.

    “Over the years we have seen a situation where the workers of the NDDC seem to act as politicians, but as directors who have been inducted into the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), I believe that you are not only going to be ambassadors of NDDC, you are also going to be worthy ambassadors of ASCON,” he said.

    Ogbuku noted that directors should be wary of their actions that could mislead their subordinates, who were looking up to them as role models.

    The Director General of ASCON, Mrs. Cecilia Gayya, was quoted to have said that training was essentially an activity designed to make employees more efficient and productive in the performance of their functions.

    She said the focus was to ensure efficient and effective application of knowledge, skills and attitude for improved performance.

  • Groups allege political sponsorship in traditional stool crisis

    Groups allege political sponsorship in traditional stool crisis

    Akwa Ibom United Front and the Peace Advocacy Initiative have alleged that the ongoing crisis over the highest traditional stool in the state is politically-motivated.

    The groups vowed to name the politicians sponsoring the faceoff among the royal fathers.

    The problem started when Governor Umo Eno gave assent to the amended Traditional Rulers Council Law CAP155, which some royal fathers from Annang and Oro nation described as ascribing perpetual leadership of traditional rulers to the Oku Ibom Ibibio.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom group impacts 1,300 lives through medical outreach

    The Ibibio is the largest ethnic group in the state.

    Traditional rulers from Oro and Annang ethnic groups have rejected the new law, describing it as discriminatory, insisting that the longstanding rotational provision among paramount rulers must be sustained. The Bill birthed the new Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers.

  • NYSC DG urges employers to stop aiding Corps members’ abscondment

    NYSC DG urges employers to stop aiding Corps members’ abscondment

    Director General, National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Yusha’u Ahmed, has cautioned employers of corps members against aiding and abetting their abscondment during the one year national service.

    The DG gave the warning yesterday in Awka, Anambra State during the 2023 edition of the NYSC Corps Employers Workshop aimed at receiving feedbacks from strategic stakeholders on strength, weaknesses and potential of the scheme.

    Ahmed, represented by Aluyor Osikhuemeh, identified delay in issuance of monthly/final clearance to deserving corps members and lack of provisions of their statutory welfare needs as other shortcomings of corps members’ employers that needed urgent attention.

    He also decried challenges of poor treatment as well as lack of support for community service development projects by corps members’ employers, expressing hope of such issues being addressed at the engagement.

    Read Also: NYSC DG to employers: Stop aiding corps members’ abscondment

    “We are also expected to review the roles of corps employers in achieving the objectives of the NYSC scheme, ways of addressing the security and welfare needs of corps members in their workplaces,” he added.

    Anambra State Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Iruma, expressed joy over declining reduction in cases of rejection of corps members by employers in the state.

    She described corps members as highly productive, particularly when meaningfully engaged in an enabling environment.

    She said: “Percentage of rejection of corps members in Anambra has drastically reduced.

    This is as a result of regular meeting with the employers and other critical stakeholders to forge way forward.

    “Most youths are restless because they’re not meaningful engaged. But if you create a stable emotional atmosphere, these corps members can give you much more than you bargain.”

    Appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the N8,500 monthly stipend to corps members, Iruma called for upward review of the allowance in view of the prevalent economic situation.

    “The governor’s favourable disposition to issues concerning the scheme is a clear manifestation of his youths’ driven policies and his dogged determination to ensure the state continues to be the light of the nation.

    “Besides, the governor has been addressing the issues of brain drain, including recruitment of teachers and medical personnel. On our part, corps members have also been filling the gap.

    “But with the prevailing economic situation, N33,000 can barely take care of these basic needs. When someone isn’t settled, it affects the mind.

    “Our corps members have the energy, initiatives and capacity to adapt to working environment,” she said.

  • Abia vows to ensure hospital doesn’t lose accreditation

    Abia vows to ensure hospital doesn’t lose accreditation

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said his administration will ensure facilities and infrastructure are put in place to make sure Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba

    does not lose accreditation during the coming accreditation.

    Dr. Otti, who addressed executive members of Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), who were on a working visit to him, said the government would partner the association to put things in place and ensure graduates of the institution were equipped with requisite  training to compete with their contemporaries across the globe.

    He said:  “We will do everything possible to support you for the place to function properly. We will partner you to address challenges facing the institution and tidy them up before the visitation panel comes for accreditation.”

    Governor Otti added: “You remember a few months before accreditation was withdrawn, I had written to the then governor to warn of the impending de-accreditation, which they responded to with a nonchalant attitude and which later resulted in the eventual withdrawal of accreditation.”

    Read Also: Abia govt begins demolition of houses

    Describing payment of salary as a basic responsibility of the government, he said his administration was instituting worker-friendly policies and welfare packages that would discourage brain drain prevailing among doctors across Nigeria.

    Otti, noting that his administration was prioritising health care service as evident in the ongoing renovation and equipping of three of the 15 general hospitals and select health centres among the 192 health centres in the 17 local governments, said he was committed to achieving minimum standard in the health care facilities of the government.

    He added that government was working with international health care agencies to standardise and improve health care services.

    The governor lauded the NMA for its planned free medical outreach in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government, saying the gesture would complement the ongoing free medical exercise being carried out by his administration across the three senatorial zones, which he said would last till December.

    He used the forum to announce that he would soon inaugurate an eye clinic in Umuahia, which had been fixed by his administration.

    He described human life as very important, saying the ongoing turnaround in the health sector was to make health facilities function optimally.

    He promised to support the forthcoming Physicians’ Week to be hosted by Abia State between October 22 and 28 and approved their request for them to use the International Conference Centre, Umuahia as venue for the opening programme of the Physicians’ Week.

    The state Chairman of NMA, Dr. Isaiah Abali, thanked Governor Otti for regularising salaries of doctors in addition to abolishing the dichotomy among Abia civil servants.

  • Mutfwang felicitates Bishop Oyedepo on 69th birthday

    Mutfwang felicitates Bishop Oyedepo on 69th birthday

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has facilitated Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church, as he celebrates his 69th birthday.

    In a birthday message to the cleric, Governor Mutfwang reflected on the profound impact that Bishop Oyedepo has had on the lives of individuals worldwide.

    He lauded the Bishop as an epitome of resolute faith, whose messages of holiness and righteousness are delivered with courage and deep spirituality.

    He noted with delight, the exemplary leadership that Bishop Oyedepo has exhibited throughout his lifetime, saying it transcends barriers of faith, ethnicity, and region.

    He identified the virtues of selflessness, devotion, humility, sacrifice, and tolerance that have been consistently preached by the revered man of God.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Bishop Oyedepo at 68

    These virtues, the Governor noted, should serve as guiding principles for all members of society, fostering a healthier and more harmonious community.

    Governor Mutfwang pleaded with Bishop Oyedepo to collaborate with other spiritual leaders in championing the cause of denominational unity in the country.

    He was of the belief that if the various branches of the christian faith could work in unison, Nigerians would undoubtedly be inspired to follow a path of unity, light, and prosperity.

    Governor Mutfwang also encouraged Bishop Oyedepo to continue steadfastly in his fearless and unwavering propagation of the Gospel of Christ, even in the face of societal challenges.

    He assured the Bishop of his support, as well as the support of the people of Plateau State.

  • Nasarawa Assembly probe sale govt liaison office in Lagos

    Nasarawa Assembly probe sale govt liaison office in Lagos

    Nasarawa State House of Assembly has commence probe into the sell of the state government properties in Lagos, especially the state government liason office in Lagos.

    The Umaru Tanko Al-Makura administration (2011-2019) had with the approval of the 5th state House of assembly (2015-2019) given the Al-Makura administration the nod to go ahead and sell the said properties.

    But the current assembly presided over by the same speaker Ibrahim Balarabe had last week set up a 9-man adhoc committee to probe the sale of the properties.

    The team led by its Chairman, Larry Ven Bawa on arrival in Lagos moved straight to the building located at plot 1234 Bishop Oluwole, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

    Read Also: Nasarawa Assembly clears 16 commissioner-nominees

    The committee inspected the structure of two blocks of two-storey building with many rooms, a boys quarter, cafeteria, swimming pool and other facilities.

    The team also met with some citizens of the state in Lagos under their union, Nasarawa State Development Association, Lagos chapter where they had a comprehensive interaction.

    istration of Almakura.

    ” We are here as directed by Speaker Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi. This was based on our resolutions during the House proceedings to investigate alleged sales of state government properties in Lagos and other states.

    “To find out the real cause of the protest by our citizens in Lagos, see the building, know your conditions and situations, especially those arrested as well as investigate actually if the building was sold, who bought it, where is the transaction process and where is the money, was it deposited to the government coffer or not,” he said.

    The committee chairman advised them to stop protest as the assembly will thoroughly investigate the matter.

  • Transparency: 175 MDAs ignored FOI request, says report

    Transparency: 175 MDAs ignored FOI request, says report

    About 175 Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government didn’t actively respond to requests made through the Freedom of Information Act, a new report on FOI ranking has shown.

    The 2023 FOI transparency ranking was conducted by the Public and Private Development Centre in collaboration with Accountability Lab Nigeria; BudgIT Foundation; International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR); Basic Rights Watch, Right to Know and Media Rights Agenda and unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The FOIA, signed in 2011 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, gives Nigerians the right to access information on government activities in the custody of any public institution or where public funding was utilised.

    Section One, subsection (1) of the FOIA states that “Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act, law or regulation, the right of any person to access or request information, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution howsoever described, is established.”

    In several subsections, the act highlights the process by which information should be requested, noting that public institutions must ensure that the information requested is provided.

    Read Also: NSCDC foils 30 attempts kidnap on school children

    There are, however, exemptions for security agencies and provisions for delays in responses.

    In the new report, an analysis of 238 public institutions ranked by their responsiveness, disclosure and proactive disclosure level revealed that the National Population Commission, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigerian Correctional Services, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 136 other agencies did not attempt a response to FOI requests.

    The research also disclosed that 136 MDAs scored below 15 points while the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and National Orientation Agency emerged as the most compliant public institutions with 70.3 points, 64.6 points, and 63 points respectively.

    According to the FOI ranking, the responsiveness of ministries reduced to 47 per cent from 70.4 per cent recorded in 2022 adding that only two institutions had full proactive disclosure of public information in 2023.