The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Otti launches training of 50,000 farmers

    Otti launches training of 50,000 farmers

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has launched the training of 50,000 farmers in Organic Agricultural Development Culture and Practice, at Abia State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) headquarters, Umuahia.

    Speaking at the event, the governor expressed delight about the selection of Abia as one of the 22 pilot states to participate in the first phase of the programme. 

    He said the aim of the programme was to promote non-agro business and ensure food sufficiency.

    Otti, represented by the state Director of Agriculture Services, Dr. Ngozi Obioma, stressed that effective agricultural practices would promote good health, generate employment and engender rural farmers’ participation.

    Urging farmers to make themselves available for the training, the governor said N2,000 fee that was expected to be paid by farmers, who would participate in the training, had already been paid by his government.

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    Agric Commissioner Prof. Monica Ironkwe said there was need to revert to organic agricultural culture and practice because of the damage that had been done to agriculture and soil through the use of inorganic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides and others.

    Ironkwe, represented by the Director of Finance, ADP, Mrs. Edna Egbu, said the high cost of inorganic fertiliser had made it almost unavoidable for small scale farmers to increase their cost of production. 

    She said the time had come for a change to organic agriculture, which, according to her, produced nutrients that were non-toxic to the soil and guaranteed the production of organic healthy food and rejuvenation of impoverished soil nutrients, among other benefits.

    The Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Aloysius Mba, said the ministry was committed to organising and managing agricultural sector to facilitate agricultural business, increase food security and employment, commodity value chain and agro-industrial development, to earn foreign exchange and contribute to socio-economic development. 

    The Director-in-Charge, Abia ADP, Mrs. Nnenna Udumma, said the state was lucky to be among the 22 pilot states selected across the country for the training. 

  • CAC trains stakeholders to tackle corruption

    CAC trains stakeholders to tackle corruption

    Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has trained its stakeholders on the effective use of its new platform, the Beneficial Ownership Register (BOR), to tackle corruption in public and private business organisations.

    It said Persons with Significant Control (PSC), a registration platform in BOR, would assist the Federal Government to monitor money laundering and sponsorship of terrorism by organisations.

    The commission spoke in Port Harcourt during a one-day training of stakeholders on BOR, organised in partnership with USAID, Palladium and World Bank.

    The Registrar-General, CAC, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, said BOR would help in the war against terrorism and proliferation of arms.

    He said the verification platform was designed to ensure transparency and accountability in business transactions of public and private organisations.

    Abubakar, represented by the Director of Compliance, CAC, Mr. Justin Biraol, said the required push for BOR was given by former President Muhammadu Buhari at the London Anti-Corruption Conference/Summit of May 2015.

    He said commitment was made at the conference that the country would implement the requirements of beneficial ownership, as part of the overall national anti-corruption strategy.

    Abubakar said the development led to the repealing and re-enactment of the Companies and Allied Matters (CAC) Act 2020.

    He said the move led to the enactment of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act and Proceeds of Crime Act of 2022 to ensure sanity among organisations.

    Abubakar said BOR was designed to serve as a verification platform for owners and significant members of business organisation.

    He said: “The commission with the assistance of the World Bank and other stakeholders such as Oasis developed and deployed the National Register of Beneficial Ownership on May 26, 2023 and has sequel to this deployment undertaken series of training on the use of the register.

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    “Prior to this period, the commission had collected Beneficial Ownership information for companies registered from January 1, 2021 through the

    CRP (Companies Registration Portal) in addition to collections from Annual Returns and Post incorporation filings for legacy companies.

    “The commission has also issued Beneficial Ownership or Persons with Significant Control Regulations 2022

    to provide clarity in the implementation of the framework. Other sector specific

    regulators have also issued guidelines or regulations on the same important issue.”

    Abubakar said the enforcement of BOR would assist the country to come out of the list of world’s Financial Task Force.

    He said the organised private sector was expected to use the register for customer due diligence and to check conflict of interests

    He said: “Effective implementation of the beneficial ownership framework is essential for the fight against corruption, money laundering, terrorism, terrorism financing, proliferation and proliferation financing.

    “It is also critical in the determination of

    whether or not the country gets off the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force.

    “It is also important to note that there are other key stakeholders that drive the

    implementation of the Beneficial Ownership framework. Any discuss will be incomplete without mentioning them.

    “The organised private sector is expected to use the register for customer due diligence and to check conflict of interest, the media for investigative journalism and the NGOs to promote accountability and transparency in governance, particularly in procurement.

    “The National Beneficial Ownership Register is one of the best globally, not only because of the involvement of World Bank in its development, but it is also the only register that provides for instantaneous online verification of the identity of the Beneficial Owner through integration with the National Identity Management Commission’s database.”

    Precilia Orukpe, representative of Oasis Management Company, the firm that developed the platform, said the platform was user friendly, adding that it had unique features.

  • Police parade 92 kidnap, robbery, cult suspects, others in Enugu

    Police parade 92 kidnap, robbery, cult suspects, others in Enugu

    The Enugu State Police Command has paraded no fewer than 92 suspected criminals arrested between August 16 and September 25.

    Also, 12 kidnapped or abducted victims were rescued from various parts of the state within the period under review.

    The suspects were arrested for cultism, robbery, murder, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

    Items recovered from them included four AK 47 rifles, 66 other firearms of different calibres, 333 live ammunition of different calibres, 25 vehicles and several other incriminating items such as charms and phones.

    Addressing his maiden news conference since his assumption of office as the 28th commissioner of police in Enugu, the CP, Kanayo Uzuegbu, disclosed that the suspects included Kelechi Okwara aged 27, of Ohafia, Abia State, who had last Saturday, September 23, conspired with his brother, who works as a security man in a house in Trans-Ekulu Enugu to kidnap his brother’s master’s mother in-law, his nanny and a baby.

    Kelechi and his brother, who is now at large, had taken the victims to an unknown destination, on 23/09/2023 at about 8pm and demanded and obtained a ransom of N3 million from the said master and used the proceed to buy a red coloured Toyota Corolla car, which was recovered upon his arrest last Sunday 24/09/2023 at about 6.30pm at Nokpa/Ezimma Nike boundary point, by Police Operatives in Abakpa and Trans-Ekulu Police Divisions, with assistance from Neighbourhood Watch Group.

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    “Also earlier recovered is a Toyota Camry car the suspects had carted away upon the kidnapping of the victims. Further discreet investigation is ongoing”, the CP said.

    Uzuegbu, who said the task of effectively policing the society is daily becoming daunting, however said he had since his assumption of duty, ensured that the right policing strategies are devised to tackle existing and emerging security challenges in the State.

    “These strategies are subsumed in my grassroots-driven, proactive, people-oriented and problem-solving policing thrust, which is in line with the policing Vision and Mission of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.

    “In view of this, I have met and interacted with critical security stakeholders, including local government chairmen, traditional rulers, heads of other security agencies and many others, on the best ways to collectively tackle security challenges in the State. These engagements I must tell you have started paying off, as we are making remarkable progress in tackling violent crimes of kidnapping, armed robbery and the criminal activities of subversive criminals.

    “It is a known fact that it is humanly impossible to totally eliminate crimes in human society. However, I want to assure the good people of Enugu State and visitors that we remain committed to ensuring that maximum security and tranquility are maintained in the State”.

  • Forbes-rated socialite Sir Uyi announces date for grand opening of VANITI Lagos

    Forbes-rated socialite Sir Uyi announces date for grand opening of VANITI Lagos

    Forbes-rated socialite #Uyi Ogbebor aka Sir Uyi has announced date for the grand opening of the much-talked about club, VANITI Lagos.

    Sir Uyi, a household name in the hospitality industry, had recently announced the launch of VANITI Lagos, one of the biggest clubs in Africa.

    Uyi, whose company, HWP Group houses many other companies including top clubs, Moscow Underground, Hustle & Bustle, Whiskey Mistress and Magic City, is set for another groundbreaking opening on September 29, 30, and October 1, 2023.

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    In a post on his official social media handles announcing the dates of the grand opening, he wrote: “For a fact, it is no longer a rumor, we are yet to unveil the most anticipated quest, bet you don’t even know you are on it.

    “The Countdown trickles…
    As we go live on the 29th/30th & 1st Oct.

    “You are required to come quench that long burning desire at V A N I T I Lagos.”

    Many have said the club located at 17 Adeola Odeku Street Victoria Island Lagos with its architectural design remains the new wonder of Lagos.

  • Uzodimma empowers 15,000 youths in digital skills 

    Uzodimma empowers 15,000 youths in digital skills 

    • Receives Tech Governor of the Year award

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has empowered 15,000 youths in digital skills. 

    Five thousand youths had earlier been trained and empowered under Skill-Up project that is targeted at training and empowerment of 300,000 youths. 

    Apart from training the youth in digital literacy skills, they are exposed to acquire the 4th industrial revolution skills needed to align and fit into the evolving digital world. 

    The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, in a statement said the project was part of the shared prosperity agenda of the Uzodimma administration. 

    He said: “Imo is the first state in Nigeria to equip the large number of young citizens with vital digital skills, thus getting them equipped and ready for today’s technology-driven world and economy.”

    According to him, “the initiative to infuse Imo youths with digital skills is in line with the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022- 2026, so as to make the state the digital skills hub of Africa.”

    He said the project was also aimed at curbing the menace of unemployment and insecurity. 

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    Emelumba said the project was an investment by Governor Uzodimma to create a future for youths, to enable them achieve success like Elon Musk and Bill Gates. 

    The commissioner expressed satisfaction that the skills acquired by the 15,000 youths were in demand and top earning that would grant them financial freedom. 

    He listed the skills they were trained in to include digital marketing, Web and App Development, LAN Networking, Content Creation, Basic Data Analysis, Graphics Design, Programming, Cyber September and Virtual Assistance, among others.

     Governor Uzodimma has received ‘’TECH Governor of the Year’’ award from the Cohort 2 Skill-Up Imo Project graduates, in appreciation of his initiatives for them.

    The award was bestowed on him at the Government House, Owerri when the graduating students of the second batch of Skill-up Project, organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government, came on a solidarity visit.

     Uzodimma thanked them for the honour and expressed delight at receiving them. 

    He commended them for the enterprising spirit they have exhibited and commitment to be entrepreneurs within the digital Technological family.

  • Mbah urges Southeast residents to patronise UK Visa Centre in Enugu

    Mbah urges Southeast residents to patronise UK Visa Centre in Enugu

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah yesterday urged Southeast residents to patronise the United Kingdom (UK) Visa Application Centre in Enugu.

    Mbah made the call when he submitted his visa renewal application at the centre.

    The governor, who described the application process as swift and seamless, took the opportunity to appreciate the UK authorities for opening the centre.

    He said the centre would strengthen the UK-Southeast socio-economic ties.

    Mbah also advised Nigerians, especially people of the Southeast in and outside the region, to apply for UK visas at the Enugu Visa Centre.

    Speaking to reporters after submitting his application, Mbah said: “It was quite an experience”, adding that he was quite impressed.

    “I noticed that first of all, the time you spend here to file your application is quite short. We do not have the heavy traffic, as you will experience in other places.

    “I should also take this opportunity to call on our brothers and sisters in other Southeast states to know that there is now a visa centre in Enugu,” he said.

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    He said there was no need for them to go and stay on the long queues in Lagos and Abuja while they could easily come to Enugu and get their application processed expeditiously.

    “If you are coming to a centre like this, you are thinking of comfort, confidentiality and the amount of time you spend being attended to and you have all those benefits here.”

    “So, it is an opportunity even for those who live in Lagos and Abuja, I will also enjoin them to visit this Enugu UK Visa Centre to get attended to as quickly as possible,” the governor said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the British High Commission in Nigeria on September 11 announced the opening of a new submission centre for UK visa applications in Enugu State, starting from September 13.

    The UK Mission said the facility would operate from the Omedel Luxury Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu, and would offer twice-a-week service on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, said the new visa application submission centre followed requests by Mbah and many others during his visit to Enugu in June.

  • NEMA distributes relief materials in Enugu

    NEMA distributes relief materials in Enugu

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday began the distribution of relief materials to 10,040 households affected by the 2022 flood disaster in Enugu State.

    The Director General (DG) of the agency, Mr. Mustapha Ahmed, said during the distribution in Enugu that the gesture was under the Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI).

    Ahmed, represented by the Enugu State team supervisor of SNELEI, Mr. Ladan Ayuba, said the distribution was to improve the socio-economic conditions of the affected households.

    He identified the items as livelihood equipment which included sewing machines and grinding machines, while the food items include rice, beans, garri, sorghum, vegetable oil, salt, tomato paste sachets and seasoning cubes.

    Ahmed said the non-food items are mosquito nets, nylon mats, blankets, form mattresses, set of cooking pots, cooking stoves, toilet soaps and detergents.

    The agricultural inputs also distributed include water pumps 3HP, growth enhancers, liquid fertilisers, pesticide, herbicide, yam seeds, rice seeds and maize seeds.

    He said the agricultural inputs were given to take farmers back to their farm lands, to stimulate crop production and safeguard national food security in the middle of economic downturn.

    The DG added that the livelihood support was to help artisans improve their businesses and grow the economy.

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    He urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the items to improve their socio-economic conditions.

    “Beneficiaries are advised to avoid selling the items and destroying the good intention of the Federal Government,” he said.

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, lauded NEMA for its support to the state.

    “We want to extend our gratitude to the DG, NEMA, for always partnering the state in times of emergency.

    “It is important that we acknowledge that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made commitment to continue to support the states that are going through flood-related matter through NEMA,” he said.

    Some beneficiaries expressed joy about the items they received.

    Mr. Julius Eke of Enugu East Local Government, who got food items, thanked the government for bringing smiles to him and his family.

    Mrs. Akuabata Mbah, another beneficiary, said she was happy over the distribution, and thanked the Federal Government for its intervention. 

  • ‘Over 296,000 under five children without identity rights in Anambra’

    ‘Over 296,000 under five children without identity rights in Anambra’

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reassured commitment to an all-inclusive social protection policy that would address vulnerabilities in Anambra State.

    Enugu Chief Field Officer, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, gave the reassurance at a three-day stakeholders’ engagement forum organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with UNICEF.

    Chiluwe, represented by Acting UNICEF Field Officer, Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, referenced multiple indicators of 2016 and 2021 mixed survey as captured by the National Planning Commission, expressing concerns about the worrying indicators in the state.

    She said: “From the records, Anambra is the only state in the Southeast where Penta 3 coverage declined within the period in view, while the rest states increased remarkably.

    “Anambra has the highest zero dose cumulative population in the zone, precisely 39,805 children of under two yet to receive first dose of Penta vaccine. 

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    “Access to handwashing facilities in the state is low and still reducing further, went down from 30 per cent in 2016 to 19 per cent in 2021. These are all indicators of poverty. “

    “Again, access to child education in Anambra is below 70 per cent and second lowest in the Southeast. Out of school children is highest in the region with 23 per cent. Only 32 per cent of primary school aged children enter primary 1 in the state.” 

    “The state also has the highest cumulative under 5 population birth registration as many as 296000 plus children of under 5 are yet to have their births registered, Actually the highest in the Southeast. 

    “By implication, these children are being denied of their rights of identity as their birth registrations are not documented.”

    Applauding government’s efforts in improving citizens’ lives, including free antenatal care, employment of health workers and teachers, free education, among others, the UNICEF chief, however, insisted that an all-inclusive social protection policy would reverse the negative indicators.

    “Although the governor requested we make the policy available by December, but with the assurances from Budget and Economic Planning Commissioner, we believe it should be ready by November.

    “What UNICEF has done to ensure the November deadline is achieved is to mobilise all resources within and outside UNICEF, including hiring a renowned international consultant on social protection supporting national process,” she said.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, while declaring the workshop open, said the social protection policy was in line with the 50-year vision plan of Soludo-led administration of improving lives of the poor and vulnerable.

    He expressed confidence in the calibre of manpower and implementing partners involved in the process to deliver on the mandate amid dwindling global economic challenges.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, said the workshop was targeted at engaging relevant stakeholders to technically review earlier drafted social protection policy ahead of its launch in November.

  • Flood: Fed Govt lifts 18, 904 households in Anambra

    Flood: Fed Govt lifts 18, 904 households in Anambra

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun distribution of relief materials to 18, 904 households affected by flood in Anambra State.

    Director General Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed made this known in Awka during the distribution of the special national economic and livelihood emergency intervention to 2022 flood victims and vulnerable persons.

    Ahmed, represented by the Assistant Director, Mr. Olusegun Afolayan, said the intervention was to cushion the devastation and economic hardship occasioned by the deluge and fuel subsidy removal.

    He listed the items distributed to include sewing machines, grinding machines, water pump machines, stove, pots, mattresses, mosquito nets, mats, soap, buckets and blankets.

    Others are herbicides, pesticides, growth enhancer, fertiliser, yam, rice, beans, maize seedlings, salt, garri, sachets of tomato pastes, vegetable oil and seasoning cubes.

    Ahmed said: “The 2022 flood disaster devastated many communities across the country, including Anambra State.

    “After the flood, damage and loss assessment were conducted and relief items were approved for 18,904 households in Anambra.

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    “The assessment was done in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency, hence, the distribution of the relief items to support the victims’ quick return to normalcy.”

    Advising on judicious use of the items, the NEMA boss warned against selling the non-food items, which he said the beneficiaries were expected to continue their livelihood with.

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo thanked the Federal Government for assisting the state, regretting that the effect of the flood disaster was beyond the state government.

    Soludo, represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, restated his administration commitment to supporting programmes targeted at alleviating the socio-economic hardship of the people.

    He said the flood affected health, education and economic sectors as well as the livelihood of residents.

    “In preparation for this year’s flooding, the holding camps are already activated and people in the riverine areas will soon be moving in as the water level continues to rise this year,” he said.

    SEMA Executive Secretary Chief Paul Odenigbo said the beneficiaries were drawn from 10 local governments affected by the flood.

  • MOSIEND urges Niger Delta states to domesticate Marine ministry

    MOSIEND urges Niger Delta states to domesticate Marine ministry

    The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has hailed the Federal Government for the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    MOSIEND’s commendation is contained in a statement released by its National President, Mr. Kennedy Tonjo-West, yesterday in Yenagoa. 

    The group noted that the establishment of the ministry had opened the eyes of the people of Niger Delta to marine potential of the region.

    MOSIEND, therefore, called on the leadership of the Niger Delta to replicate the Federal Government’s initiative by increasing its wealth creation and revenue generation profile.

    It regretted that the maritime potential of the region were yet to be harnessed.

    Tonjo-West said the novel initiative would boost the nation’s dwindling economy if states in the Niger Delta were able to think smart and explore it to their advantage.

    He added: “The Niger Delta region is richly blessed with undiscovered and untapped resources that can rapidly upscale revenue generation and economic growth.

    “We want the governors in the region not to waste any further time but to key into the Federal Government’s initiative.

    “The opportunities in the marine and blue economy abound, hence, we should delve and explore, because across the globe, countries with littoral topography are consciously taking advantage of immense derivatives. “This ministry at the centre is an open door to welcome yet another vista of boundless opportunities inherent in our region. “Beyond oil and gas, Niger Delta communities are blessed.”

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    According to him, “In this harsh economic situation there is an urgent need for diversification and looking beyond oil and gas, the marine and blue economy is a promising outlook.”

    He explained diversification to mean “when people in the upland are talking about agriculture, people in the riverine areas should be talking about the maritime activities.”

    MOSIEND called on Niger Delta governors to close ranks for the purpose of cohesion and regional growth to invest massively in the marine sector, saying “this is the only way forward.”

    Tonjo-West said Tinubu’s approach looks promising to support any smart thinking region.

    According to him, “it is expedient for politicians and leaders of the Niger Delta region to work together in achieving better results in the overall interest of the people now that there is a president who has good intentions for the region.”

    He said creating the ministry at the state level was also a means through which the federal government could channel funds to develop the states through these ministries in the various Niger Delta states.

    According to him, separating Marine from the ministry of transportation will make the states to focus on developing the potentials in the maritime domain and achieve great results.

    “Go to Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states, they don’t have any activity to develop the maritime sector.

    “And we need to now think outside the box to change the narratives; and building the seaports and reviving the already existing ones are the only way forward.

    “We are impressed with the appointment of our illustrious kinsmen and women into the federal cabinet, and we urge them to work with the governors and legislators to improve the infrastructure and well-being of the people.

    “We, as MOSIEND, have, at several times, kicked against the continued concession of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Rivers State to Dangote and other users.

    “It is not a wise decision as it makes no economic sense in terms of internally-generated revenue or employment opportunities when compared with when the federal government was managing it.

    “NPA used to be a beehive of activities; generating huge revenue for government and creating employment for thousands of unemployed youths.

    “But today, the reverse is the case. The concession of NPA to Dangote crippled the economy of Rivers.

    “Look at the place, it is underdeveloped, it has become a graveyard where nothing is happening. If you see the place now, you will cry. Even the bay has become dilapidated. 

    “Why is Dubai thriving? Is it not because of the sea? So why are we concentrating on only Lagos State?

    “Why don’t we develop the other seaports to generate revenue for the states and create employment for the masses?” Tonjo-West asked rhetorically.

    The MOSIEND president advocated revival of seaports in Port-Harcourt, Warri and Calabar and building the Agge deep seaport in Bayelsa and the Akwa-Ibom seaport.

    He explained that the move would change the narratives in iger Delta, especially now that the federal government was rehabilitating Nigerian refineries to help the economy bounce back.

    He said public/private partnership was the best approach to reviving the moribund seaports, saying the time to take that steps was now.