The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Private school owners decry multiple taxation, marginalisation

    Private school owners decry multiple taxation, marginalisation

    Members of Owners of Private Schools Association of Nigeria (OPSAN) have raised the alarm over outrageous multiple taxes and levies by government agencies.

    OPSAN National President Prof. Uzochukwu Nwanonyuo made this known in Onitsha, Anambra State, during the inauguration of the state executive led by Chief Earnest Iwuamadi.

    He said it was regrettable that the government viewed them as business ventures, calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to review and harmonise school levies into one tax payment.

    Nwanonyuo said: “We call on the governor to intervene. Private schools must be prevented from multiple taxation, illegal levies and other unwarranted payments.

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    “Another challenge is the encroachment and harassment being witnessed by the supposed group, ‘Anambra State Joint Enforcement Unit’.

    “Government needs to make the regulatory unit understand that schools are not similar to commercial environment. It requires decorum; otherwise their activities have been affecting quality education in the state.

    “We proprietors are not running profit oriented businesses. Rather, we are doing social services for God and humanity, helping the government to address decadence in educational system.”

    Anambra State OPSAN President Chief Earnest Iwuamadi, commending his predecessor for effective leadership and successful transition, decried marginalisation of private schools.

    An OPSAN Board of Trustees (BoT) member and former Ogidi zone Chairman, Dr. Mary Obiokoye of Model Innovative School of Today, Nkpor, canvassed for more political appointments for proprietors from private schools.

  • Southeast NNPP leaders unite for national leadership

    Southeast NNPP leaders unite for national leadership

    Leaders of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the Southeast have reaffirmed their confidence in the national leadership of the party.

    The stance is contained in a statement, signed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Enugu State, Mr. Chidi Akim, at the end of an emergency meeting in Enugu yesterday.

    He said after examining the recent happenings in the party, the party leadership in the Southeast considered it very expedient to reach the following resolutions:

    “That we have confidence in the national executive of the party, led by Abba Kawu-Ali.

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    “That leaders in the Southeast are in support of any measure or policy initiated to move the party forward.

    “That party members in the zone are in support of the present reforms going on in the party, as this will reposition it for future engagements.

    “We wish to disassociate the leadership of the party in the Southeast from the said news conference granted by the group which called itself “Forum of NNPP Southeast National Assembly Candidate.

    “We strongly affirm that this group is neither known to the NNPP Southeast nor to the national leadership.

    “We also affirm that there is one NNPP under the leadership of Abba Kawu-Ali.”

  • Ex-agitators seek funding for amnesty loan scheme

    Ex-agitators seek funding for amnesty loan scheme

    • Ndiomu gets commendation

    Ex-agitators, under the aegis of Amnesty Leaders of Thought, have called on the federal and state governments, as well as oil multinationals to provide funds for the Presidential Amnesty Cooperative Society Limited Loan Scheme (PACOSOL), aimed at providing loan facility for amnesty beneficiaries.

    A statement by a leader of the Third Phase ex-agitators, Dr. Tam Odogwu, in Warri, Delta State, described the scheme as one of the “laudable initiatives” introduced by the Interim Administrator, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), to equip amnesty beneficiaries “with relevant entrepreneurial skills necessary to make them employed, as well as become employers of labour”.

    The statement said the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), under the leadership of Ndiomu, has in the last one year, undergone an overhaul that has proved to be the “best in history” of the programme.

    Odogwu said an inherited debt of over N7 billion was cleared by the current interim administrator, stating that his leadership “stands out” among past administrations.

    Recalling the objectives of the programme, which include to provide “economic empowerment and employment opportunities for ex-militants,” he noted that there have been some setbacks such as “inadequate funding, corruption, poor implementation of the programme’s activities and lack of sustained ownership”.

    Read Also: Amnesty programme and need for reforms

    According to the ex-agitator, reviews and reports from critical stakeholders of the programme showed that “Ndiomu’s administration, which happened to be the most attacked, condemned and vilified, has turned out to be one of the best in the history of the programme.

    “It’s worthy to note that barely one year in office, Maj.-Gen. Ndiomu (Rtd) in his usual candour has been able to correct a plethora of irregularities in the amnesty programme and this has brought some level of sanity in the payment of stipends, tuitions, allowances and contractors”.

    He stressed the need for sustenance of the loan scheme, saying the N65,000 monthly stipend cannot cushion the current living cost in the country.

    “The loan with no or little interest and minimal collateral requirements will avail beneficiaries of the opportunity to establish small and medium enterprises in the Niger Delta.

    “Consequently, the Amnesty leaders of thought are using the Amnesty Interim Administrator Maj.-Gen.  Ndiomu (Rtd) one year anniversary as a medium to call on the Federal Government, all governors, National Assembly members from the region, particularly the Senate president, multinational oil corporations and non-governmental organisations to partner this astute administrator by providing the funds needed to help improve and sustain the presidential amnesty cooperative loan scheme, which has become a veritable and significant component of the reintegration phase of the amnesty programme.

    “The long-term success of the programme is also dependent upon programmes like the ongoing amnesty cooperative loan scheme being tailored to the specific needs of the ex-agitators in the region and their communities at large. Hence, the call for sustenance and continuity,” he said.

  • NDDC boss urges directors on transparency

    NDDC boss urges directors on transparency

    The Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has described the commission as an instrument for the transformation of the oil rich Niger Delta. 

    He urged newly-promoted directors in the commission on the need to be transparent and ensure transparency. 

    Ogbuku spoke at a two-week workshop organised for the directors in conjunction with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), in Abuja. 

    Ogbuku, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibegha Oworibo, said: “As directors, I challenge you to lead with integrity, transparency and a deep commitment.”

     to the people of the Niger Delta. Embrace innovation and collaboration as tools for progress. Champion inclusivity and diversity in your teams, for it is through diverse perspectives that we find the best solution.

    “The road ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with immense potential. Together, we can do our bit to help create a Niger Delta that is prosperous. sustainable and a source of pride for all residents. Let this workshop be the beginning of your remarkable journey as directors of the NDDC, and let it mark the beginning of a brighter future for our beloved Niger Delta.

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    “To lead effectively, you must have a clear vision of where we are headed and the purpose that drives us. Our vision for the Niger Delta is one of inclusive and sustainable development. It’s a vision where every child has access to quality education, where health care is not a luxury but a right, where our environment is protected for future generations and where economic opportunities abound.

    “Your purpose as directors is to turn this vision into reality, step by step, decision by decision. Let your leadership be guided by the principles of empathy and stakeholder engagement, financial management, and sustainable development. You will learn from seasoned experts, engage in thought-provoking discussions and participate in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios. 

    “This immersive learning experience will equip you with the skills and insights necessary to lead with confidence and competence.

    “But this workshop is not just about individual growth; it is also about the collective progress of the Niger Delta.

    “As leaders, your decisions and actions will ripple through our communities, impacting the lives of our people. The NDDC’s mission is to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, and your leadership is central to achieving this goal. We cannot afford to falter or stagnate; we must rise to the occasion with wisdom, courage, and innovation.

    “The Niger Delta is not just a place on the map; it is a vibrant and diverse region with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to resilient communities, talented youth, and hardworking individuals who deserve the opportunity to thrive. As Directors, you have the privilege and the responsibility to be stewards of this region’s future. In the path ahead, you will encounter challenges that may seem daunting, but remember that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.”

    The Director General of ASCON, Mr. Cecilia Gayya, said the country is at a crossroads as a nation. 

    He said: “The current economic crunch is a wake-up call for all of us to look inward and begin to do things differently. We must be more proactive, resourceful and committed to the ideals of innovation, creativity and resourcefulness in managing public resources. In other words, effective leadership and performance management skills of the directing staff who are strategic managers at the NDDC must be sharpened and re-focused to ensure greater effectiveness and efficiency. “

    He, therefore, stressed the importance of training and re-training in any organisation.

  • AA candidate heads for Appeal Court

    AA candidate heads for Appeal Court

    The governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA) in Akwa Ibom State, Prince Jeremiah Udoh, has concluded plans to challenge the judgment of Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal at the Appeal Court.

    Speaking with reporters in Uyo, Udoh, who expressed dissatisfaction about the verdict, said it was without justice. 

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    The governorship candidate expressed surprise that the main issue at the tribunal, which was non-compliance with the court order by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload, publish his name and particulars on its (INEC’s) portals as the authentic governorship candidate of AA, in line with Electoral Act 2022, could be dismissed for lack of merit.

    He urged his supporters at home and in the diaspora to remain calm and be law-abiding, assuring them of victory at the Court of Appeal.

  • Abia govt will alleviate traders’ pains, says commissioner

    Abia govt will alleviate traders’ pains, says commissioner

    Abia State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, has assured traders of government’s readiness to alleviate the pains they face in the course of doing business. 

    The commissioner, who gave the assurance when he visited traders at  Umuahia Ultra-Modern Market, Ubani Ibeku, said the Governor Alex Otti administration was government of the people, adding that Ubani Market was of great importance to the government as it was the largest market in Umuahia. 

    Ukaegbu said Governor Otti, whom they supported at the polls, would work for the good of ‘Abians’, noting that the state government knew their plight, including bad road, “which is under reconstruction.”

    He said the government was aware of Umueze-Agbo road construction, adding that it was working to move traders at Isigate back to Ubani market.

    Speaking about the dilapidated shop buildings, the commissioner promised the traders that the government will ensure the market becomes functional.

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     stressing that when government provides a conducive market environment, the traders will be happy and pay their levies with ease and generate revenue for the state.  

    The Chairman, Umuahia Ultra-Modern Market, Ubani Ibeku, Iroham Nwoko, thanked the commissioner for the visit which he said was first of its kind in the history of the market.

    He thanked Dr. Otti for his love for the traders and listed some of their challenges hindering growth of the market and the required revenue expected from them to include bad roads, transportation, electricity and security. 

    Others, according to him, are placing of waste disposal trucks and the full implementation of HAB 13 law passed by the House of Assembly concerning markets. 

    Nwoko implored the government to rehabilitate the fire service office and establish a rubber slippers/plastic manufacturing company in the market to help make it more viable. 

    A trader, Chief Simon Osuji, thanked the commissioner for the visit, describing him as a hardworking and vibrant person who has come to change the old order of administration by coming closer to the traders.

    He pledged their support to the Otti administration. 

    The commissioner, accompanied by the Director of Commerce, Elder Mecha Udonsi, was welcomed by market executives and traders.

  • ‘Support Soludo’s green environment’

    ‘Support Soludo’s green environment’

    Federal Government has urged Anambra State residents to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s initiative of clean, green and sustainable environment.

    Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Ishaq Salako gave the advice at the Plastic Waste Sustainability Summit organised by Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment.

    The minister, who spoke virtually, said Federal Government was planning to establish more recycling hubs to help in converting waste to wealth.

    He, however, regretted that over 1.5million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually in Nigeria were posing threat to food safety and quality.

    He said: “Plastic pollution has become one of the environmental problems not only in Nigeria, but also in the world.

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    “Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment is putting together a national system to support cycler management of waste products such as plastic, aluminium, electro and electrical equipment, batteries and so on.

    “I want to assure Anambra Government that once the system becomes operational, the state will get its slot of benefits.”

    Secretary to State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, assured people of government’s readiness to support efforts geared towards conversion of waste to wealth, waste to biogas, waste to compost manure, waste to energy and waste to other useful products.

    Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odumegwu, an engineer; said the summit was in furtherance of the clean, green and sustainable environmental vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

    He called on the residents to stop indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste materials.

    Convener of Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association, Philip Obuesi, a lawyer; said waste products such as plastic waste materials, when properly recycled, would help reduce the volume of waste to be managed and evacuated by the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA).

    He added that plastic waste, when recycled, served as resource materials for many other end-products.

  • UNICAL’s engineering courses set for NUC accreditation, says VC

    UNICAL’s engineering courses set for NUC accreditation, says VC

    The Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has dismissed a claim by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) that the university engineering courses were not accredited by the professional body.

    She said UNICAL engineering courses were just in their third year, getting ready for the National Universities Commission’s (NUC’s) accreditation in November 2023.

    Prof. Obi said when COREN approached her for the engineering course accreditation, she told them to hold on until the institution is through with NUC accreditation slated for November/December 2023.

    She added that when COREN came to UNICAL for engineering resource verification, her institution passed.

    She said the reason she objected to COREN accreditation before NUC was because UNICAL was being supervised by NUC and not COREN.

    The VC said the university was yet to graduate any set of engineering students.

    Stressing the implication of allowing COREN to come first for accreditation before NUC, Prof. Obi said: “If COREN comes for accreditation and says we have passed and NUC comes later and says we have failed, NUC will stop us from running the programme.

    We must first get NUC accreditation before we can welcome COREN to our school.

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    “Our engineering programme is a new programme, which attracts NUC verification and is only due for accreditation this year.

    “We have not graduated anybody. We have engineering students who are in their third year. NUC is coming for the first accreditation by November/December.

    “Parents and our students should please note that the University of Calabar got approval to start five of the seven programmes in 2020.  The programmes are due for the first accreditation in November/December this year and the university is preparing to host the NUC team as scheduled.”

    She said last month, the university got another approval from NUC to run Electrical Electronics and Computer Engineering after a successful resource verification of the programmes in April. 

    “As it stands today, seven engineering programmes have been approved for the university.

    “We shall be admitting students into the last approved programmes this admission year. This is verifiable from NUC.

    “It should be noted that NUC is our supervising agency and the only body that approves or disapproves the running of degree programmes for universities.

    “COREN as a professional body should be more concerned with licensing its professionals. Their interest in quality control should come in only when NUC has approved the programme and not before.

    “Universities should not be caught in the covert superiority of professional bodies with NUC, rather it is expected that COREN and indeed all professional bodies should be working together with NUC for the overall good of the Nigerian university system and the quality of our products,” the vice chancellor added.

  • Ohanaeze, governors not at war over Igbo Day celebration

    Ohanaeze, governors not at war over Igbo Day celebration

    Apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has said it is not clashing with Southeast governors over the Igbo Day celebration and Southeast Summit slated for the same days.

    Information shows that the well-publicised Igbo Day 2023 celebration is scheduled to be held in Enugu, on September 28 and 29, while the Southeast Summit being organised by the five Southeast governors is expected to hold in Owerri, Imo State capital, the same period.

    The clash in date has since caused confusion among watchers of development in the Southeast.

    But reacting to the seaming confusion, President General, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said the two events would not clash as the governors would be the chief hosts in both events.

    He said both events were mutually complementary and had the approval and support of Southeast governors and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    Iwuanyanwu said the leadership of the two groups is intentional to ensure the events hold same time.

    He said: “Our attention has been drawn to some misinformation capable of generating confusion regarding the concurrent hosting of Igbo Day 2023 and the Southeast Summit on Security and Economy. “It has, therefore, become necessary to make the following clarification for the avoidance of doubt.

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    “Both events are very dear to Ndigbo and the Southeast geo-political zone. This is why we have decided to host both events concurrently to ensure massive attendance by our people.

    “Accordingly, the programmes for both events have been structured to accommodate the schedules of our governors and our eminent sons and daughters who are travelling from far and near to attend the events.

    “On the 28th, all of us will be in Owerri for the first day of the summit, which starts by 10am. By 4pm the same day, the first programme of Igbo Day 2023, a public lecture, will be held at the Old Governors Lodge, Enugu.

    “The summit will continue in Owerri on Friday the 29th with breakaway sessions on security, economy and related issues by only invited stakeholders, professionals, technocrats and experts.

    While on the same 29th the grand finale of Igbo Day 2023 will continue in Enugu for all other Igbo sons and daughters.

    “It is to be noted that the date ’29th’ of September is of historical significance to Ndigbo and is sacrosanct for Igbo Day Celebration. The governors of the Southeast, who are the hosts of both events, are working hand in hand with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide for the success of both events.

    “We are in full agreement and concord to host both events concurrently and not on two different dates to ensure massive attendance by our people.”

    Iwuanyanwu said Ndigbo were taking advantage of the closeness of the five states to one another in the Southeast to host the two important events concurrently.

    “In fact, every state in the Southeast is within two hours driving distance from each other. That is a strong evidence of our common history, destiny and oneness, which these two events are re-enforcing.

    “It is, therefore, my pleasure to welcome all our invited sons and daughters, in-laws, friends and partners to the Southeast Summit on Security and Economy and Igbo Day 2023 on the 28th and 29th of September, 2023,” he said.

  • Pamtech CEO Chidomere Ndubuisi awarded, inspires at Owerri Business Week 2023

    Pamtech CEO Chidomere Ndubuisi awarded, inspires at Owerri Business Week 2023

    The Owerri Business Week, convened by the Bedrock Initiative culminated in a spectacular event as it awarded Engr. Chidomere Ndubuisi, the visionary CEO of Pamtech Group, for his outstanding contributions to the world of business and his compelling insights on fostering lasting success.

    The event, held at the prestigious Swiss Beland International Hotel, Owerri showcased Engr. Ndubuisi’s remarkable journey and his profound talk on “Building a Lasting Business with 3 Gifts”.

    The award ceremony was a fitting recognition of Engr. Ndubuisi’s remarkable leadership, innovative mindset, and dedication to building a thriving enterprise. His stewardship of Pamtech Group has not only transformed it into a global powerhouse but also set new benchmarks for sustainable business practices.

    In his awe-inspiring keynote address, Engr. Chidomere Ndubuisi drew an ingenious analogy between the human body and the elements that compose a thriving business. He expounded on how the “3 Gifts” – Body, Soul, and Spirit – mirror the essential components of a flourishing enterprise.

    The Body: Departments – The Foundation of Structure and Systems.

    Engr. Chidomere Ndubuisi likened the departments of a company to the human body, highlighting their vital role in establishing a strong foundation. Just as the body’s various systems collaborate to sustain life, departments work in harmony to ensure the smooth operation of a business.

    His emphasis on efficient coordination of the structures and systems of the body resonated with the audience, underscoring the significance of interdepartmental synergy.

    Read Also: Pamtech CEO Chidomere Ndubuisi bags International Business Leader award

    The Soul: Customer Service – The Soul of the Business.

    Engr. Chidomere Ndubuisi masterfully compared the soul of a business to the concept of customer service. Just as the soul drives human emotions and interactions, exceptional customer service forms the emotional core of a successful enterprise. He urged businesses to prioritize customer satisfaction, emphasizing the value of building genuine connections and understanding clients’ needs.

    The Spirit: Organizational Culture – The Driving Force.

    The pinnacle of Engr. Chidomere Ndubuisi’s address was the notion of organizational culture as the spirit of a business. Drawing parallels with the human spirit, he showcased how a strong organizational culture shapes a company’s values, ethics, and long-term vision. Engr. Ndubuisi advocated for fostering an environment that nurtures innovation, collaboration, and team members’ growth, as these factors collectively drive the company’s spirit toward greatness.

    In his speech, Engr. Ndubuisi expressed his gratitude for the honour and shared his unwavering commitment to further advancing the business landscape. He credited his success to his dedicated team at Pamtech Group, underscoring that their shared commitment to the “3 Gifts” philosophy had been instrumental in the company’s remarkable journey.

    The Owerri Business Week has once again provided a platform for visionaries like Engr. Chidomere Ndubuisi to inspire and lead the way. As attendees left the event with renewed determination, it was evident that his insights would continue to shape the future of business and innovation.

    Also in attendance were esteemed speakers and industry leaders, the likes of the Labour Party Presidential Candidate and erstwhile Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, Ugochukwu Omeogu, Obinna Ukachukwu, Sen. Athan Achonu and a host of other prominent figures in the State.

    The Owerri Business Week 2023 may have come to a close, but the legacy of Engr. Ndubuisi’s teachings on building a lasting business with the “3 Gifts” will undoubtedly endure, guiding entrepreneurs and business leaders on the path to sustainable success