The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Mbah vows to realise founding fathers’ dreams

    Mbah vows to realise founding fathers’ dreams

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has said his administration is determined to realise the goals and dreams of the state’s founding fathers through innovation and good governance.

    He said this in a statement at the weekend to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the creation of the state.

    Extolling Enugu’s founding fathers, who fought for the creation of the state in 1991, the governor said their sacrifices had never been in vain, as successive administrations had sustained their legacies and work towards the realisation of the dreams.

    In the statement he issued through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Dan Nwomeh, the governor said the target of his government was to go beyond the sustenance of the dreams to actualise them through innovation and good governance philosophy.

    Read Also: Peter Mbah’s awkward start

    “I salute the determination and sacrifices of our founding fathers and all those that contributed in one way or the other in the tortuous journey of ensuring that the quest for a state of our own came to fruition. We will never take their sacrifices for granted.

    “Our agenda is to immortalise them by fashioning out a state they will be proud of and a state that will stand as a reference point in socio-economic transformation in the country.

    “Over the past 32 years, we have witnessed commendable transformation meant to sustain the dreams of our founding fathers.

    However, what our administration is doing is that we are no longer comfortable with the incremental model because the world is fast evolving through technologies and new ways of doing things.”

    “We started this by laying a new foundation that will promote sub-optimisation in governance. We have started doing things differently because we want a state where posterity will be kind to us. We want a state where our children will judge us fairly. We want a state where poverty will be a thing of the past.

    “We understand that these are not going to be easy, but with your support, and our commitment to our governance philosophy, I can say we will get there faster than ever imagined.

    “We are determined to take our economy from the current $4.4 billion to $30 billion, and we are laying the necessary foundation for this exponential economic revolution.

    “We have made consequential statements on security and backed them with action to guarantee investment inflow. We will not rest on our oars until the last atom of threat to our people’s peace and security is escorted out of the state,” the statement said.

    The governor wished the people happy 32nd anniversary.

  • Emenike to Abia APC members: don’t go to court yet

    Emenike to Abia APC members: don’t go to court yet

    The leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, has restrained local government chairmen and state working committee of the party from taking legal action to challenge the alleged impunity displayed by the national leadership of the party in filling vacancies in the National Working Committee (NWC).

    He gave the advice at the weekend following the anger generated by the imposition and nocturnal inauguration of the controversially-appointed new NWC members.

    Read Also: Emenike urges Muslims to make more sacrifices for national growth

    The NWC had in the midnight of last Friday inaugurated the newly-appointed members despite rejection and protest from Abia, Kogi and Cross River states.

    But amid the rising anger from stakeholders, Emenike told the Abia APC state and local government executives not to go to court yet, as there were moves to explore peaceful means to reverse the imposition of Donatus Nwankpa as the National Welfare Secretary.    

    The party executives at the state and local government levels had visited the 2023 Abia APC governorship candidate at his Umukabia Okpuala country home in Umuahia North Local Government to express their dismay about the impunity by the NWC.

    Led by the state Deputy Chairman, Grant Nwogu; state Secretary, Chidi Avaja and Chief Ejiofor Okeudo, the chairman of all chairmen of APC local governments in Abia State, the party stakeholders threatened to seek legal redress in the face of impunity and disregard to party constitution displayed by the NWC.

  • NDDC to partner French, German agencies for job creation

    NDDC to partner French, German agencies for job creation

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified discussions with the development agencies of France and Germany to propel job creation and boost farmers’ productivity in the Niger Delta.

    Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku led a high-powered delegation on a two-day visit to the French Development Agency (AFD) and German Development Agency (GIZ) office in Abuja.

    AFD is a public institution that implements France’s policy for international development and cooperation, operating across more than 100 countries globally, including Nigeria.

    AFD’s support spans sectors such as financing the low-carbon energy transition, urban development, economic diversification and agricultural enhancement.

    Read Also: NDDC to partner French, German agencies for job creation, farmers’ productivity

    GIZ is a public-benefit federal enterprise committed to sustainable development and international cooperation. 

    The agency’s work in the country cuts across sectors such as economic development and employment, security, reconstruction and peace, as well as governance and democracy.

    Accompanying Ogbuku on the visit were the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, (rtd.); the Executive Director of Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola; an expert in partnerships, Dr. Uche Igwe, and many directors from the NDDC.

    A statement signed at the weekend by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said during the visit, Ogbuku highlighted NDDC’s eagerness to explore innovative funding mechanisms and secure technical expertise for impactful projects. 

    He said the commission’s intention was to leverage international best practices and ingenious solution to effectively address developmental challenges prevailing in the Niger Delta.

    Ogbuku underlined the commission’s commitment to its mandate of enhancing the quality of life for Niger Delta people.

    He said: “Niger Delta Development Commission is unwavering in its pursuit of sustainable development within the region.

    “Our collaborative endeavours with esteemed partners such as GIZ and French Development Agency amplify our collective ability to bring about positive and enduring change.”

    The statement quoted AFD Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Xavier Muron, as telling the NDDC delegation that the agency as a development partner gives priority to supporting projects and programmes that pertain to climate change mitigation.

    GIZ Country Director Dr. Markus Wagner said there were huge areas of opportunity for NDDC to partner German Development Agency, including vocational training, helping farmers to improve productivity and technical support to enable farmers tap the growing market for African fresh food.

    The discussions, which engaged representatives from both agencies, were described by Dr. Ogbuku as fruitful. 

    He said:  “The discussions focused on avenues for collaboration that will synergise the expertise and assets of all entities involved. The collaborative endeavours centre on effectively addressing the diverse challenges confronting the Niger Delta, while expediting sustainable development across pivotal sectors.”

    Executive Director of Projects, Mr. Ogunmola, elaborated on the specific areas of collaboration under consideration.

    He said: “Our discussions spanned diverse sectors, including vocational training for youths, sustainable agriculture and energy initiatives, entrepreneurship development and environmental conservation. This partnership brings forth the potential to transform these sectors and unlock novel prospects for sustainable progress.”

  • Cross River confirms receipt of 3,000 bags of rice

    Cross River confirms receipt of 3,000 bags of rice

    Cross River State Government has said it has taken delivery of five trucks containing 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government, as part of efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by the citizens.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpenyong Akiba Esq., spoke yesterday on the phone while responding to inquiries from The Nation.

    Read Also:Cross River governor warns criminals

    He said the distribution of the rice and some other items received from federal agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was handled by the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

    Akiba said the distribution had since begun and done on senatorial basis.

    “We have to take it closer to the people and try to ensure that the end beneficiaries are those who are really in need,” he added.

  • 2,000 benefit from free medicare

    2,000 benefit from free medicare

    Over 2,000 residents of Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government of Anambra State have benefited from free medical services of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF). 

    The beneficiaries, including the young and the elderly, were offered free tests, drugs, scan, eye glasses, counselling, among other services, in collaboration with Rotary Club and Oraifite Improvement Union (OIU).

    Launching the outreach tagged, “Free Mega Medical Outreach Mission”, at the weekend, House of Assembly Speaker Somto Udeze praised the foundation for the gesture, describing it as the greatest gift to humanity.

    “There’s no greater gift one can offer to his people than one that has to do with life and health, more so to the elderly and the indigent. 

    Read Also: Construction of joint security base for Army, Police, others begins in Anambra

    “Many of these people we are seeing here may find it difficult to see a doctor in the next three years, for lack of money. So, this is a rare opportunity Sir Emeka Offor is offering his people,” he said.

    Praying for God’s blessings on the benefactor, Udeze challenged other wealthy people to emulate him in assisting the government to provide community development related services for the people.

    “The government has plans to replicate primary health care centres in all communities in the state as well as establish general hospitals in local governments where they are not existing,” he added.

    The Chief Medical Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Associate Prof. Joseph Uboaja, said indigenes of the area were privileged to have the benefactor as one of their own, promising another free medical outreach at the permanent site of the hospital.

    He announced special package where residents who are 80 years and above will have access to free medical services at the facility.

    SEOF Coordinator Sir Tony Obi said the foundation had embarked on free medical treatments.

    He said Sir Offor had sponsored major health treatments, including liver transplants and eye surgeries in overseas, with the beneficiaries surviving and living their normal lives to date.

    Among the dignitaries who attended the event was the monarch of the community, Igwe Dan Udoji; House of Assembly Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme and President General of the community, Sir Vic Dike.

  • INC cautions against disruption of security architecture

    INC cautions against disruption of security architecture

    The pan-Ijaw socio-cultural-cum- economic body, Ijaw National Congress (INC), has viewed the security situation in Nigeria with apprehension and deep concern.

    The President, INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said yesterday that the congress was concerned that the emerging trend might show the direction of government policies and performance on the security situation in the country. 

    He drew the attention of the Federal Government to the ugly incidents and possible consequences of its security policies and choices vis-a-vis the Nigeria Police.

    Read Also: Ijaw protest land ceding in new Ondo LCDAs

    Okaba, also a Professor of Sociology at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, said: “So far, Nigerians are still underscoring the security decision of the new administration, which seems not to have significantly addressed the troubling security situation across the country.

    “The Northwest is embroiled in banditry and killing. Just recently, we buried 22 of our finest soldiers and officers in Niger State. The Southeast still remains a killing field and the same is true of the Northeast. The Niger Delta is not spared, as the issues of environmental degradation, economic exploitation, social injustice, etc, remain sources of mass anger and unrest.” 

    “Worse still is the prevailing threat of war with Niger Republic by ECOWAS, which is certain to throw Nigeria’s security capabilities into deeper complications, exposure and difficulties. 

    “Nigeria, at this time, needs the best hands in her internal security. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the appointment of IGP Kayode Egbetokun and commend his disposition and wisdom in handling the leadership of the police, some of who were seniors to him.

    “However, we are concerned and state without equivocation as an ethnic nationality and stakeholders that we do not support war or any form of conflict with Niger Republic, no matter the excuses or reasons.”

    Okaba said the ljaw nation viewed the current security situation of Nigeria, especially in the Army, as the consequence of the new government’s choices wherein many experienced officers of the Army were unduly thrown into retirement and prayed that the same development should not be extended to the NPF, as it might upset the police institution.

    He noted: “It is our strong advice that what happened in the Army should not be allowed to happen in other security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, which is a foremost internal security organisation in the country.

    “The Ijaw National Congress will not be persuaded to accept any destructive mischief concerning its own people in particular or compromising of the security and health of Nigeria at large, especially at a time like this, as doing so may portend ugly or unpleasant consequences for the country. 

    “We thank President Tinubu for appreciating our electoral contributions to his victory in the 2023 general election. Once again, congratulations Your Excellency.”

  • ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    The Emir of Yauri in Kebbi State, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi, has assured President Bola Tinubu that the newly appointed Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, would not disappoint Nigerians.

    He stated this on Saturday at a reception organised in honour of the minister, SSG as well as six other indigenes held at Yauri Town Hall in Yauri Local Government Area of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the reception was organised by the Yauri Emirate Council, in collaboration with Yauri Emirate Development Association, to foster unity and enhance cordial relationships among the people of the area.

    The first class traditional ruler lauded the president for appointing his subject as a minister, adding that people of the emirate lack words to express their happiness.

    Read Also: Tinubu deserves kudos for shunning BRICS, says VON boss

    He also appreciated Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State for appointing Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) alongside six other illustrious sons of the emirate.

    Abdullahi described the appointments as an achievement that would bring rapid growth and development not only to the Yauri emirate but also the state and the nation.

    “The recent appointments have given the emirate and its people a sense of belonging, honour and dignity.

    “Now we have a minister, SSG, permanent secretary, members of the House of Assembly, Special Advisers and Commissioners.

    “So, we have every reason to thank God Almighty. All we pray for is unity among all members of the emirate irrespective of ethnicity, tribe or political leaning.

    “I urge you people to continue to respect your elders most especially the traditional institutions who are the custodians of our culture and tradition, and they are always at your service,” he said.

    The royal father also thanked Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima as well as the Chief of Staff to the president, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, for considering his son to be part of the cabinet.

    In his remarks, Sununu thanked the emir and the entire people of Yauri emirate for organising the reception in his honour.

    The minister promised never to disappoint the nation and his people, assuring that he will discharge his duties diligently towards bringing positive growth and development to the education sector and the nation at large.

    Also, the SSG appreciated the emir for his efforts towards ensuring unity, peace and development of the emirate.

    Bala-Tafida also commended the efforts of the governor for supporting the people of Yauri emirate in anything that would propel development of the area.

    NAN reports that awards were presented to the eight new appointees, including the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Buhari Wara.

  • Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe roll out palliatives

    Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe roll out palliatives

    Borno, Adamawa and Yobe governments have embarked on measures to ameliorate the hardship on citizens caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that citizens of the three states worst affected by insurgency in the Northeast have been experiencing hardship, which many said, is further worsened by the subsidy removal.

    In Borno and Yobe states, the distribution of palliatives to households has commenced, while in Adamawa, the committee constituted for the exercise is still working on modalities.

     Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum said during the launch of the palliatives distribution at Maisandari Ward of Maiduguri that his administration would sustain the support to the less-privileged and communities affected by insurgency throughout his tenure.

    Zulum said while the Federal Government palliatives would cater for 100,000 vulnerable households in the state, his administration would provide for additional 300,000 households to make a total of 400,000 households.

    Read Also: Fuel subsidy removal: Activist seeks inclusion of students in palliatives

     He explained that ”Borno’s case is peculiar as some areas have been devastated by the insurgency and returnees are yet to have full access to their farmlands, hence the need to continue supporting them.”

     The Chairman of Northeast Civil Society Forum, Amb. Ahmed Shehu, lauded the early distribution of palliatives by the Borno Government, particularly the involvement of CSOs in the committee, and urged other states to emulate Borno.

     He said:  “I am urging other states to also involve Civil Society Organisations in the palliative committees for transparency and accountability.”

     In Yobe, the Deputy Governor, who is the Chairman of the Palliatives Committee, Alhaji Idi Gubana, said distribution of palliatives had commenced, targeting 80,000 households in 17 local government areas.

     Gubana, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Mr Hussaini Mai-Suleh, said the distribution had been launched in the three senatorial zones, with that of Zone A in Damaturu, Zone B in Fune, and Zone C in Jakusko.

     In Adamawa, the distribution of palliatives is yet to commence, but the state government had constituted a distribution committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Auwal Tukur.

    The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaleptapwa Farauta, and members were tasked to ensure that the palliatives reached the intended persons.

     “Work out necessary modalities for the transportation of palliatives, both food and non-food items, from the source to the distribution points.

     “Monitor and liaise with relevant stakeholders or community agents and ensure equitable distribution of the palliatives to the intended beneficiaries,” Farauta tasked members of the committee.

     Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Damare camp in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa, urged the state government not to forget displaced persons in the exercise.

     The Women Leader in the camp, Ladi Paul, said about 227 households were in serious need of food support in the camp.

     “I am appealing to the government to come to our aid; we were affected by flood in 2022 and the removal of fuel subsidy has further compounded our situation in the camp,” she said.

     Some residents of Yola also lamented the delay in the distribution of the palliatives, adding that the recent looting of food items in government stores in the states by some youths should serve as a wake-up call.

  • Construction of joint security base for Army, Police, others begins in Anambra

    Construction of joint security base for Army, Police, others begins in Anambra

    A joint security base that would accommodate the Army, Police, Civil Defence and similar agencies is underway to cater for Omambala region of Anambra State.

    The project, which is being funded solely by the Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Ambassador John Metchie, who is also the President General of Umueri community, is part of efforts to frontally tackle and combat insecurity in about four local government areas of the state.

    Located at the border between Anambra-East and West, the base when completed, would make it easier for the benefitting security agencies to engage in rapid response against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in area. 

    Performing the foundation stone laying ceremony, a former lawmaker, Senator Emma Anosike, said the project is a welcome development and a timely response to insecurity in the region.

    Anosike stated that security is a collective responsibility of all and maintained that the establishment of a joint unit for the Nigerian Army and other agencies would go a long way to guarantee a secured atmosphere not only in Umueri community but the entire Omambala region comprising Anambra-East, Anambra-west, Ayamelum and few other local governments in the North senatorial district. 

    The former lawmaker thanked Metchie for his lofty ideas and service to humanity adding that his philanthropy has yielded monumental results to the benefits of the communities and humanity in general.

    Metchie who is also the Deputy Commander General of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service in charge of Technical Service, said he chose to construct the joint base for the security agencies to foster unity of purpose among them in order that they would synergise to rid the region of criminalities.

    Metchie said the project was another way he is responding to the call of the state Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for all hands to be on deck in issues of security in particular and overall development of Anambra state in general.

    The Umueri President-General further disclosed that with the recommendation of the Police, Army, the DSS and the local government chairman, a security post was voted to be cited at the border between Anambra-East and West for crime control in the area. 

    He however admonished other well to do members of the society and communities to borrow a leaf from Umueri community as government, according to him, cannot do everything alone, adding that citizens should be able to assist government in addressing basic needs and challenges affecting their respective domains.

    Read Also: Jilted pastor jumps from two-storey building, dies in Anambra

    Metchie equally lauded the efforts of the government of Soludo in combating insecurity in Anambra state, stressing that it was Governor Soludo who upon inception of office, initiated home land security for Ndi-Anambra. 

    Chief Emma Edochie a prominent citizen of Umueri community, who commended the President-General for the project he undertook singlehandedly, said the nearest Army base is Onitsha, adding that to have a base in Umueri community will enhance security and reduce crime rate  in the area. 

    Present at the official foundation stone laying ceremony were military officials, officers of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service among other dignitaries.

  • I ‘ll win 80% of votes in Nov poll, Diri boasts 

    I ‘ll win 80% of votes in Nov poll, Diri boasts 

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, has boasted that he would win 80 per cent of the total votes in the November 11 governorship election.

    Diri, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spoke yesterday at the Abuja national secretariat of the PDP.

    The governor said he would win despite the proverbial federal might, adding, however, that the PDP would not take the federal might for granted. 

    Governor Diri spoke against the backdrop of his main opponent, Chief Timipre Sylva, who is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Read Also: Two dead, 37 rescued in Abuja building collapse

    Diri said: “One thing I would like to point out is that the election we are going into is an election that everyone has said that we believe we have won. 

    “On ground like everyone has attested to, it is like 80-20 per cent election. But we will not take it for granted because somebody is boasting that whether the people like it or not he is going to win.

    “That means he (Sylva) is standing on a stone and we must remove that stone from under him, that is all that the PDP needs to do. 

    “But there is a popular saying in my place that when a blind man tells you that he is going to stone you, it means that he is standing on top of a stone. 

    “I am not sure that there will be any federal might for a candidate that has been roundly rejected by the people. The federal government is also not a government that will be anti- democracy.

    “The federal government will stand to defend democracy. We are in a democratic system and I believe that if we work well and we do not take it for granted, we have already won. But it is not over until it is over.

    “So let us not take our opponents, especially of the APC for granted. In Bayelsa, I will like to let you know that this election is across party line. So we are not going there to deride the APC”.

    The event was the inaugural meeting of members of the PDP Campaign Council for Bayelsa State.