The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Politicians urged to de-emphasize politics, amplify governance

    Politicians urged to de-emphasize politics, amplify governance

    Public office holders have been urged to use their respective offices to serve the people by de-emphasizing politics and amplify governance and collaboration irrespective of party towards attracting dividends of democracy to their constituents. Rev Fr Linus Edet who made the charge while delivering a homily at Christ the King Parish, Odoro Ikot, Essien Udim LGA, at the special thanksgiving mas to mark 100 days in office by the Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II said, once election is over, policy formulation and implementation should be for constituents and not only those who voted for or against any elected officials.

    He commended the lawmaker for keeping to his promise, stating that the significance of the first 100 days in office which has its origin from the United States of America, is one that provides a benchmark upon which the speed, focus, policy direction and philosophy of a new administration is guaged and evaluated.

    “Your commitment to your pledges and responsibility to your people is commendable”, he stated.

    Also speaking, the Parish Priest, Very Rev Dr Cletus Okon, thanked Prince Akpabio for remembering his constituents especially the poor and vulnerable and urged him to sustain the tempo. “Your good works is already spreading like a wildlife in the communities. Keep the flame burning and sustain the tempo”, he admonished.

    Read Also: Planned indefinite strike: Again, FG invites NLC

    Presenting his scorecard, Prince Akpabio who thanked God for His grace, mercy and enablement, told the gathering that in just 100 days in office, he has sponsored 4 Bills, Co-sponsored 6 and presented 2 Motions on the floor of the House, both of which have received the prompt attention and intervention of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, an act he noted is a demonstration and proof of the love and passion the Governor has for Essien Udim people and the State.

    He intimated Essien Udim people of the intention of the Umo Eno led administration to commence the flag-off of the Made-In-Akwa Ibom Trade Fair and the One Project Per Local Government Area Initiative, the aim he noted is to afford Akwa Ibom entrepreneurs a marketing opportunity to showcase their skills and products.

    Prince Akpabio urged Essien Udim entrepreneurs to organize themselves together so as to fully participate in the exercise and benefit maximally from the initiative as part of Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda for the state. The day also witnessed the presentation of Business Support Grant of #100,000 each to 20 constituents from Odoro Ikot Ward 1 at the country home of the Political Leader of Essien Udim, Obong Micheal Afangideh, bringing the total number of beneficiaries of his Business Support Grant Scheme to 75 in the last 100 days.

  • British High Commission to partner NDDC on renewable energy

    British High Commission to partner NDDC on renewable energy

    The British High Commission has promised to explore partnerships with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on renewable, clean energy and green infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

    The Second Secretary (Political), British High Commission, Abuja, Mr. Hamish Tye, unveiled the plan when he led a delegation that visited the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    Tye, in a statement signed at the weekend by NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said NDDC had shown commitment to realising sustainable development in the Niger Delta through partnerships and collaborations with national and international development agencies.

    He said: “The attraction to the NDDC now is to explore the possibilities of collaboration. Given the work the NDDC is doing in the Niger Delta, I believe a lot of partners will support its efforts more broadly. We will further explore partnerships with the NDDC, with a focus on renewable, clean energy and green infrastructure.”

    Ogbuku told the British delegation that the commission had made Public-Private Partnership (PPP) the core policy focus to drive the development of the Niger Delta.

    He said: “Since we assumed office, we have made partnerships our core policy focus. We have visited embassies and met with development partners and donor agencies.

    Read Also: We inherited over 2,600 road projects worth N14tn, says Umahi

    “Partnerships are one of the major ways to achieve sustainable development in the Niger Delta and it is important that NDDC, as the driver of development in the region, stays at the forefront of ensuring that the right partnerships are made.

    “We had the Policy Dialogue with Development Partners in Abuja recently to deepen governance through transparency and value-added partnerships. It focused on how best NDDC, development partners and the private sector could collaborate and promote greater synergy for enhanced results in the overall development of the region”.

    The NDDC boss said there had been positive fallouts from the conference in Abuja.

    “For delegates from the British High Commission in Nigeria to visit us, it shows they believe in us and are interested in what we are doing. This means we are making remarkable progress,” he said.

    Recently, the NDDC executive management visited the Indian High Commission in Abuja, as well as the French Development Agency (AFD) and the German Development Agency (GIZ) offices in Abuja to explore innovative funding mechanisms and secure technical expertise for impactful projects.

  • Oborevwori reaffirms determination to undertake infrastructural projects

    Oborevwori reaffirms determination to undertake infrastructural projects

    • Inaugurates road

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to undertake critical infrastructures and other projects across the state.

    Speaking at the inauguration of phase two of the 2.6 kilometres Okpolo/Enhwe/Uwheru Road in Isoko South Local Government, part of projects to mark his first 100 days in office, the governor said despite paucity of funds, the state decided to embark on the road project due to the urgent need to mitigate the challenges of perennial flooding in the area.

    He stressed his administration’s commitment to giving equal attention to rural and urban roads, hence the recent approval of three flyovers and other infrastructures to be constructed in Warri and Effurun to address daily gridlock in the twin cities.

    “Delta State under my watch will continue to remain steadfast on the path of irreversible growth, accelerated development and unassailable progress, using the instrumentality of tested and trusted performance indicators as encapsulated in the MORE Agenda.

    “Today, l am particularly happy for the successful completion and inauguration of the Okpolo/Enhwe/Uwheru Road (Phase 2), which is very dear to the Delta State Government, my people of Isoko South Local Government and their neighbours of Uwheru in Ughelli North Local Government, as it will improve on the economic life of the people in commerce and industry,” the governor said.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints Muri-Okunola his principal secretary

    Giving plaudits to the contractor, Emorock Concept Limited, an indigenous company, for delivering a “quality job,” he warned that there will be “no compromise to quality service delivery.”

    President-General of Okpolo-Enhwe community, Kennedy Idolor, praised Governor Oborevwori for listening to the cries of the people.

    He said the project, which was originally conceptualised in 1975, “was commenced but abandoned shortly afterwards. Since then, no subsequent government has contemplated bringing it back to light.”

    At a reception hosted by marine and oil magnate and Chairman, De-Wayles Group of Companies, Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore, shortly after the inauguration, the governor promised to deepen partnership with the firm for road and other infrastructural development in the state.

    Hailing Egukawhore “for his deep involvement in numerous human development projects within Delta State and the broader Southsouth region,” they deliberated on ways to drive the administration’s MORE agenda.

    Egukawhore, appreciating the governor’s developmental strides in

    Enhwe kingdom and Isoko nation in general, described his 100 days in office as “miraculous”, as manifested by the number of projects he had executed in the state.

    He added: “His visit today is significant for us and it is an indication that he’s ready for the development of the state and we are going to partner the state government in terms of quality contributions on projects, as the state needs a lot of support from all of us.”

  • Diri gave INC, IYC new lease of life, says Lokpobiri

    Diri gave INC, IYC new lease of life, says Lokpobiri

    Newly-elected President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, has said the foremost Ijaw nation youth organisation is grateful to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for giving the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the IYC a new lease of life.

    Speaking during a visit to the governor at his Sampou community home yesterday, Lokpobiri recalled how both bodies battled with internal wrangling before the governor assumed office and intervened to bring peace and unity within them.

    He thanked the governor for his role in ensuring the election that produced the current executive was peaceful and credible.

    Noting that Diri’s neutrality allowed the will of the people to prevail, Lokpobiri also expressed gratitude to leaders of the Ijaw nation for their contributions to the success of the election.

    The IYC President asked for a land to build a national secretariat for the group as well as financial support.

    He said his executive would not let the Ijaw nation down.

    He lamented that the Ijaw, who are a minority in five other Niger Delta states apart from Bayelsa, are being marginalised and ill-treated and appealed to the governor to use his position to intervene.

    Read Also: Aruna retains African Championships title

    Governor Diri stressed the need for the Ijaw nation to be united and peaceful, saying it was the only way the ethnic group could develop.

    He urged the new IYC leadership to place service to Ijawland above any personal consideration, noting that the ethnic group was looking up to them.

    He also advised the IYC to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, patience and tolerance, in order for them to go far. Diri said they are dealing with a group of people who are volatile.

    Stressing the need for the group to remain politically-neutral, he enjoined them to speak up against violence in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

    He said by receiving them, he had given legitimacy to the Lokpobiri-led IYC and pledged to support the executive to enable it succeed.

    The governor said: “Let me on behalf of the government of Bayelsa State congratulate you. For those who lost and are here, I also congratulate you. I told you from the beginning that I am a father to all of you and as such I would not support anybody.

    “First of all, you have to put Ijaw nation before your personal interest. If you put your interest first, you will not succeed. Live up to your oath and do not be the master. Be the servant in humility, respect and honour. We must change our mindset as Ijaw people to learn how to depend on ourselves and be enterprising.

    “Election has been a problem in Ijawland. Some people are threatening to kill in the November 11 governorship election, but I know as youths, you will not allow it. We should all join hands to make the election violence-free. I will not spill blood to remain in office.

    “The struggle continues to get other homogeneous Ijaw states. So we must keep the fire burning and work hand in gloves with the INC in order to leave worthy legacies.

    “We have heard your requests and we will respond at the appropriate time. We will work with you and we hope and pray that the Ijaw nation grows.”

    The Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Mr. Patrick Erasmus, lauded Governor Diri for stabilising the INC and IYC and hoped that the IYC new executive would live up to expectation.

  • NLC to Soludo: partner journalists for effective information management

    NLC to Soludo: partner journalists for effective information management

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to collaborate with journalists for coordination and management of information in the state.

    Chairman of NLC in the state, Humphrey Nwafor, made the call at the NUJ 2023 Veterans and Patrons’ Day to celebrate and install patrons and veteran journalists.

    Among the installed patrons of the union were Cosmas Imoka, CEO of ADC Imoka Farms and Agro Allied Industries Ltd and Dr. Jane Nkolika Ezeonu, FWACP Consultant Public Health Physician and Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State branch.

    The NLC boss said NUJ and state government’s synergy would not only facilitate development of the state, but would also enable teeming population within and outside the state to be better informed about happenings in the state.

    He pledged NLC’s willingness to contribute its quota to the growth and advancement of journalism in the state.

    “NUJ is known for its doggedness to see that society hears things as they are; it is the responsibility of journalists to guide society into becoming what it wants,” he said.

    Read Also: Communal clash: Adeleke declares curfew in two LGAs

    Earlier in his keynote address titled: ‘Nigeria Union of Journalists: The Essence and Roles of Patrons and Patroness in the Uplift of the Union,’ Head, Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Cornelius Ukwueze, said NUJ was populated by unsung heroes and heroines, who impacted society in their careers as journalists.

    Describing the patrons as influential personalities in their areas of specialisation, Ukwueze challenged them to use their influence to protect journalists from suppression, oppression and discrimination in the state.

    “Veterans journalists deserve to be celebrated because they survived all the odds and hazards of practising journalism in the country.

    “They should use their wealth of knowledge to nurture upcoming journalists for the growth and expansion of the profession. They should also use their power and influence to better the working conditions of those still active in the service,” he said.

    The State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sir Joseph Uchendu, lauded NUJ’s initiative to celebrate its elders, urging journalists to see themselves as patrons of their union before anyone else.

    NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, represented by Zonal President, Emmanuel Ifesinachi, hailed NUJ Anambra leadership for celebrating the veterans.

    He advised members to give the union the support it needed to keep afloat at the state and national level.

    State NUJ Chairman Odogwu Emeka, who described journalists as salt of the nation and moral barometers of the society, said the event was to appreciate veterans and elders for what they contributed to the profession and society during their active days.

    He said the veterans and patrons were selected after nominations and screenings through rigorous processes.

  • Bakassi returnees cry for help

    Bakassi returnees cry for help

    Bakassi returnees and internally displaced persons of Bakassi in Cross River State said they have again been displaced and attacked by their host community from the government acquired farm settlement in Ikpa Nkanya Eyo Edem of erstwhile Akpabuyo Local Government of Cross River State.

    Leader of the returnees and camp leader, Chief Etim Ene, who said he is roaming the streets of Calabar in need of government attention, told The Nation that they were attacked and driven out from their farmland by the indigenes of Ikpa Nkanya Eyo Edem community, their host.

    He said they had received training to have knowledge of greenhouse farming with the support of the United Nations, facilitated by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Care for Social Welfare, and their crops had been doing well to the envy of the host community, who demanded inclusion and complained that the state government was yet to pay compensation for the land acquired as farm settlement.

    “This has been the bone of contention. In fact, some leaders of the host community, upon realising that the farming project has become a reality, sought to stop the project and demanded 30 per cent inclusion, even though five per cent inclusion was given for their women, who joined that training given to 200 Bakassi women by the UN Programme on Women Household Empowerment Project,” Ene said.

    “Our prayer is that the state government should intervene, to enable us go back to our farms, the source of our food and sustenance,” he added.

    The returnees’ leader said they had registered as a cooperative called Bakassi Returnees Less Privileged Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited, which helped them to get donor support from bodies.

    Read Also: Aruna retains African Championships title

    “The state government under the administration of former Governor Ben Ayade built and furnished 50 units of two bedroom flats as estate for the Bakassi returnees in Ifiang.

    It was handed over to us and we had some flats being occupied by up to 10 families in one building. Unfortunately for us, Ifiang people vandalised the estate in the guise of ‘End SARS protest’ in 2020 and we had to return to the settlement that was acquired by the state government in IkpaNkanya.

    “Our continuous plea and cries attracted Care for Social Welfare, an NGO, which brought in the United Nations that trained 200 of our women for the first of phase of Women Household empowerment project. They proceeded to procure tools, seedlings, fertilisers, chemicals and equipment, employ the service of Cross River Basin Authority tractor for ploughing 10 hectare for practical investment.

    “All of these have been destroyed. We have lost the following in the recent attack, 10.000 stands of water melon plants, 200,000 stands of peppers (in nursery), 10,000 stands of cucumbers, 5,000 stands of pepper farm harvested, 100 stands of paw-paw damaged, 1,000 stands of plantain harvested by them.

    “Damaged at our garri mill are fryer, presser, grinding machine, shifter, damages of shelter.

    “At our poultry store/fertiliser store, we lost 3,000 bags of farm yard manure from chicken, 100 birds, 200 cartons of insecticide, among others,” Eno said.

  • Ohanaeze decries negative profiling of Ebonyi indigenes

    Ohanaeze decries negative profiling of Ebonyi indigenes

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has admonished Nigerians to stop profiling Ebonyi State negatively due to the criminal activities of a few indigenes.

    The President of the Ebonyi chapter of the organisation, Peter Mbam, gave the admonition in a statement in Abakaliki at the weekend.

    Mbam was reacting to a video circulating on the social media, which showed criminal suspects in Anambra State, alleged to be Ebonyi State indigenes.

    Read Also: We inherited over 2,600 road projects worth N14tn, says Umahi

    He said the criminality of a few individuals should not be used to profile Ebonyi or other states, negatively.

    “The state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership is consulting other states of the Southeast to stop profiling Ebonyi negatively in this guise.

    “Ebonyi indigenes operate legitimately in these states and should therefore not be seen as criminals,” the statement said.

  • Kinsmen hail Akpabio on Eyibo’s  appointment

    Kinsmen hail Akpabio on Eyibo’s  appointment

    The people of Ekid in Akwa Ibom State have hailed Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the appointment of one of their indigenes, Eseme Eyibo, as his special adviser on Media and Public Affairs.

    In a congratulatory message sent to Eyibo, signed by the President General of Ekid People’s Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak and Bassey Dan Abia, national secretary, on behalf of Ekid Nation, the people expressed gratitude to Akpabio for his gesture.

    The statement said: “Ekid people express their gratitude to His Excellency, Godswill Akpabio, president of the 10th Senate, for recognising great asserts of yours and appointing you to serve in this capacity.

    “Your appointment as special adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the president of the 10th Senate is well deserved. Over the years, you have demonstrated great capacity as one who is willing to go above and beyond to achieve great success in your chosen endeavours.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints Muri-Okunola his principal secretary

    “We are confident that you will deploy those great assets of yours – drive, hard work, tenacity and innovation – in your new assignment. Ekid people are proud of you and we wish you very successful and fruitful service years to your fatherland in this new assignment, which incidentally to you, is a familiar terrain.

    “Once again, we congratulate you and pray the good Lord grant you wisdom and astuteness to excel in you new assignment.”

    Eyibo, a two-term member of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2015, was spokesman and chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs in his first tenure and became chairman, House Committee on Civil Society Organisations and Donor Agencies in 2015.

    He was also former chairman, Governing Board of the Cross River Basins Development and ex-executive chairman, Akwa Ibom State Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission, among other appointments.

  • Foundation canvasses stiffer penalties against child traffickers

    Foundation canvasses stiffer penalties against child traffickers

    Youth Alive Foundation has canvassed enforcement of stiffer laws and penalties against child traffickers in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State in particular.

    It also wants an integrated approach, including the adoption of community policing, towards curbing the crime in borderline communities across the state.

    These were part of the resolutions reached at the end of a stakeholders and media dialogue on Child Trafficking and Abuse in Nigeria, held in Uyo at the weekend.

    In a communique signed by the Executive Director of the Foundation Africa, Dr. Uduak Okon, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Task Force on Human Trafficking, Mrs. Emem Ette and others, the group expressed worry about the prevalence of the crime in the state.

    The dialogue was attended by stakeholders from government agencies, security agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO), civil society organisations, social media influencers, journalists, lawyers, students, concerned citizens and advocates.

    They advocated a synchronised and centralised system of data management and information sharing in the state.

    Read Also: We inherited over 2,600 road projects worth N14tn, says Umahi

    The resolutions included: “The need for a sophisticated communication network between stakeholders, to match the highly organised network system of perpetrators.

    “There should be medical evidence to secure prosecution of perpetrators, as such victims should be given quick and immediate medical attention in any hospital they approach.

    “Traditional and religious leaders should be engaged and involved in the sensitisation and protection of children and citizens within their congregation, to create trust between communities, NGOs, civil societies, and reporting agencies, to enable whistle-blowers and more victims to come forward.

    “There should be the recognition of vulnerable children like those begging on the streets, by traffic lights, and the importance of addressing their situation, plus the need to operate with a sense of urgency and readiness both in preventing child trafficking and abuse and in prosecuting offenders.

    “Education and enlightenment of the public and most especially parents on ways to prevent child trafficking and abuse by media houses.

    “Consequently, incorporation of social media influencers and platforms to increase sensitisation and awareness on trafficking and abuse, and security agencies should give prompt responses to reports of child trafficking and abuse.”

  • Flood sacks Delta communities

    Flood sacks Delta communities

    The River Niger has burst its bank, submerging Abala Oshimili and many riverine communities in Ndokwa East LGA in Delta state.

    The Nation gathered that Aika-Ezeolu Quarter in the community has been completely submerged.

    Sources said most of the residents have moved out of the community to higher grounds while others have remained.

    Read Also:1,000 Yobe flood victims get N100,000 each

    Secretary of the Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Mr. Felix Edemanya said: “We have already told and alerted the people to take precautionary measures so that they will not be cut off by the flood.

    “They should safeguard their valuables and move out. Now that it has happened, they should move to a safer haven because the council will not want to lose anybody as a result of negligence.”