The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • ‘Why subvention to Oba of Benin, others was increased’

    ‘Why subvention to Oba of Benin, others was increased’

    Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, yesterday said the subvention to Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, and other monarchs in the state was increased because of the decision of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    He said the five per cent of Edo government’s monthly allocation from the federation account, being given to the state’s traditional rulers, was not just the basic, as being done by other state governments, but inclusive of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and excess crude component, as directed by Governor Obaseki.

    Nehikhare spoke at a news conference in Benin, in company with Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo, and Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie.

    He said the disbursement of the fund was being done by Edo’s 18 local governments, but being supervised by the state government.

    The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation said Oba of Benin remained the uncontestable head of the traditional rulers and chiefs in the state, in line with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, “especially as it relates to Section 45 of the edict.”

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    He said in the wake of disagreement among some traditional rulers in Edo State, the traditional rulers agreed with the state government to temporarily warehouse the fund in a central pool, until the administrative issues were addressed, expressed between April 2023 and July 2023.

    Nehikhare said against the false information that the fund was withheld from July 2022 to July 2023, he insisted that all statutory payments were paid until April 2023, when it was agreed for the fund to be warehoused till July 2023, for the resolution of outstanding issues.

    He said: “The administrative issues have now been resolved by Edo State Government, and the palace delegation, led by the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, and this pool of funds is now being disbursed to the traditional rulers across the state, and the Benin Traditional Council (BTC).

    “The total amount of money now being disbursed to the traditional rulers in Edo State is N1,316,746,764.13. Of this, N639,269,245.26, goes to the traditional rulers in Edo South Senatorial District.

    “The BTC gets N319,634,622.63. The balance of N255,707,698.00 is distributed to the traditional councils in the seven local governments in Edo South Senatorial District, while N63,926,924.52 left is reserved for any emergency in the councils.

    “Edo North traditional rulers get N377,642,592.6, while Edo Central monarchs receive N299,834,926.27.”

  • Oborevwori swears in 26 commissioners

    Oborevwori swears in 26 commissioners

    •Warns against ethnic politics

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed members of the state executive council to place the interest and welfare of the state above ethnic considerations.

    He gave the directive in Asaba yesterday while swearing in 26 commissioners.

    Oborevwori urged them to remain humble and shun ethnic politics.

    The commissioners have not been assigned portfolios yet.

    They are Chief Fidelis Tilije, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Odinigwe Odigle Daniel, Joan Onyemaechi, Jerry Ehiwario, Michael Ifeanyi Anoka and Princess Pat Ajudua.

    Others are Darlington Ijeh, Funyei Manager, Godknows Angele, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Emamusi Obiodeh, Perez Omoun, Orode Uduaghan, Isaac Tosan Wilkie, Agbateyimiro Weyinmi, Samuel Oligida, Prof. Tonukari Johnbull, Etagherure Ejiro Terry, Jamani Tommy Ejiro and Onoriode Agofure.

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    Mr. Izeze Reuben, Vincent Oyibode and Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen also made the list.

    The governor told the commissioners that they were privileged to be appointed based on the number of qualified persons in the state.

    He urged those who could not make the list not to be disappointed.

    He announced the payment of N10,000 palliatives monthly to no fewer than 50, 196 state workers to run for three years, to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and depreciating naira exchange rates in the country.

    He said an approval had been given to pay workers’ promotion arrears, which had been scheduled to start from August to November this year.

    He approved a committee including the labour union to work out modalities on how to provide palliatives for the widows, persons living with disabilities, poor and aged persons.

    Oborevwori said he has discussed with local council chairmen to ensure they also get palliative for their workers.

    He added that an approval had been given to recruit no fewer than 2,000 primary school teachers.

    According to him, the government is also working out modalities to acquire electric vehicles and to ensure a tricycle workshop in Asaba to convert tricycle to both petrol and gas engine to ease high costs of transportation.

    He, however, said the commissioners should continue the process of filling job vacancies in the ministries, departments and agencies, but noted that this must be done on merit.

    Oborevwori said: “This council is an inspiring blend of youths and experienced hands; the youth represent a breath of fresh air, while the old hands represent experience and mentorship.

    “To the commissioners that have been sworn in today, I charge you to be humble, shun pride and arrogance.”

    He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

    Sir Tilije and Miss Uduaghan pledged the commissioners’ resolve to deliver on their mandate, which centred on effective service to the government and people of the state.

    The event was attended by dignitaries including former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chief Great Ogboru, a chieftain and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state.

  • Obi vows to win Imo governorship poll for LP

    Obi vows to win Imo governorship poll for LP

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has said his party will win the November 11 governorship election in Imo State.

    Speaking in Owerri yesterday at the launch of electioneering campaign for the party, Obi said LP was known for performance and excellence.

    He said the people of Abia State “now have hope and are experiencing good governance because a first-class brain who knows what he is doing is now the governor.”

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    Obi described Athan Achonu as the only governorship candidate of the party in Imo State and Julius Abure as the only duly recognised and authentic national chairman of the party.

    He urged Imo State people to come out en masse and vote Achonu as the next governor on November 11.

    Obi said the process that produced Achonu as the party’s governorship candidate was credible.

    Said he: “Abure is the national chairman of our party. We don’t have another chairman. LP will win in Imo State. Athan Achonu is the only candidate of the party and he is the best in Imo State. I am happy nobody has changed the process. I believe in process.”

    “LP wants to change Nigeria. We are asking Nigeria for the opportunity. Give us chance in Nigeria, there will be change. In Abia State today there is hope. This is what is called governance.

    “We want Nigeria to have leaders that will do want they preach. We know what it takes to change Nigeria. This is why we are here. We know what it takes to change Imo. In Abia today, there is hope. This is what is called good governance. This is because a first-class brain, who knows what he is doing, is the governor there.”

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti said he was the chairman of the panel that conducted the primary election, which produced Achonu as the governorship candidate of LP in the state.

    He urged ‘Imolites’ to vote for Achonu, “as he (Otti) is already providing good things for the people of Abia State in less than 100 days in office.”

    Abure said he was confident that LP would form the next government in Imo State.

  • Centre hails Tinubu over steps to legalise local refineries

    Centre hails Tinubu over steps to legalise local refineries

    The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking steps to implement his Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI).

    YEAC has been leading a global campaign for PACORDI, which proposes the modification, modernisation, legalisation and integration of artisanal refineries into the national economy.

    The National Facilitator of PACORDI and Executive Director, YEAC, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, had on July 27, 2020, while responding to the establishment of the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI), for illegal gold miners in parts of the North and Western Nigeria, developed and came up with the concept.

    Fyneface had argued that PACORDI should be established by the Federal Government as a corresponding initiative for artisanal refiners in the Niger Delta.

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    Against the backdrop of the campaign, a former Presidential Adviser, Ita Enang, with relevant federal ministries and agencies, organised two events in March 2021 and 2022 for the integration of artisanal refineries into the national economy.

    Fyneface yesterday confirmed that the Tinubu-led administration had shown green light to PACORDI by setting up a committee on August 16 headed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda, to review the project and propose the way forward.

    He commended the President for directing the ministry to review and chart the way forward towards legalising and integrating artisanal refineries into mainstream crude oil refineries’ operations.

    Fyneface congratulated the stakeholders such as Senator Enang, Amb. Aduda, and others, who worked for the initiative to see the light of the day, urging other stakeholders to key into the processes for a collective solution to the issues associated with artisanal refineries as an organised crime in the Niger Delta and even the Gulf of Guinea.

    He called on artisanal refiners in the Niger Delta to stop pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and associated environmental pollution, pending the legalisation and integration of artisanal refinery activities into mainstream crude oil refining operations.

  • NDDC engages stakeholders in 2024 budget

    NDDC engages stakeholders in 2024 budget

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has engaged stakeholders of the region to fashion out an implementable budget for the agency in 2024.

    The commission made this possible yesterday through a stakeholders’ engagement with the theme: ‘Partners for Sustainable Development Forum-NDDC 2024 Budget Conference’.

    The two-day conference holding at the Ibom Icon and Golf Resorts, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is attended by representatives of governments of the nine Niger Delta states, international oil companies (IOCs), traditional rulers, youth groups, civil society organisations, among others.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the stakeholders’ forum was aimed at providing a veritable platform for achieving effective budgeting system, in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ project of the Federal Government.

    He said: “This conference is very vital. For one, it helps to revive the platform of the partners for sustainable development forum, which was created as part of the regional master plan implementation guideline, to bring all service providers and project implementers to the same table to fashion a common pathway based on shared vision for the development of Niger Delta.

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    “For another, it affords all of us the incentive and opportunity to pool our resources together, initiate projects and programmes within the obligatory goal of building a better region and empowering our people.

    “By so doing, we will, arising from the conference, galvanise our energies for a common purpose, eliminate duplication and institutional suspicion in the development process, reduce incidence of working at cross purposes as well as reduce wastage of scarce resources allocated for regional developmental initiatives by stakeholders.”

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, urged NDDC to evolve budgets that would meet the development needs of the states and communities in the region.

    Represented by the Director of Planning and Statistics, Alfred Abbah, Belgore hailed the current management of the commission for the stakeholders’ forum initiative.

    “The way forward is to embrace robust and innovative pathways anchored on transparency and stakeholders’ participation towards right-budgeting, thus maximising the available resources to address the most critical needs of the people,” he said.

    The Acting National Chairman, Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities (TROMPCON), Oba Obatemi Ogbaro I, called for more involvement of traditional rulers in the activities of the NDDC.

    “NDDC should consult royal fathers in the region in the siting, supervision and protection of projects in the region.”

  • Enugu inaugurates panel to investigate IMT

    Enugu inaugurates panel to investigate IMT

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated an eight-man committee to look into the affairs of the state-owned polytechnic, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

    The probe panel named Committee of Inquiry into the Accounts, Management Practices and Staff Conduct, has Prof. Ed Nwobodo as the chairman and Chinenye Angela as the secretary, while Osita Onuma, Dr. Ada Nwonye, Lilian Ikwueze, Judy Nweke, Dr. Moses Otiji and Vincent Onyeabor were named as members.

    Inaugurating the committee yesterday at the Government House, Enugu, Dr. Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the committee was constituted to ensure a level of credibility in the institution, expressing confidence in the capacity of the leadership and members of the committee to deliver on their mandate.

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    The governor gave the committee two weeks to submit its reports and reminded its members that the state was counting on their experience to do a credible job.

    “The work you are going to do will set a new course for the institution and for the rest of the action the government will take in the higher education space in Enugu State,” he said.

    He said the committee’s terms of reference were to evaluate the legal and policy framework underpinning the constitution of the Business Committee; and analyse the categories of fees charged to students, investigating the methods of payment, designated accounts for transactions, and the overall management of fee-related processes.

    The committee was also mandated to assess the degree of adherence to pertinent laws, regulations and institutional policies in the selection and appointment of staff-members, particularly those occupying key positions such as heads of department, deputy rector, among others; identify and scrutinise all streams of revenue generation for the institution, delving into the mechanisms for revenue collection, proper accounting practices for remittances, “and the overall management of these financial resources; investigate any instances of undue financial demands imposed on students either by lecturers or the administrative body, regardless of the pretext used; explore any other relevant areas that may emerge in the course of addressing the aforementioned issues: and to conduct a comprehensive examination leading to well-founded conclusions and recommendations concerning the matters outlined.” 

  • LP campaigns in Edo for council poll

    LP campaigns in Edo for council poll

    Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) during the February 25 election, Peter Obi; National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure and many chieftains of LP yesterday stormed Benin, Edo State capital, for a mega rally, ahead of the September 2 local government poll.

    The well-attended rally took place at the Baptist Convention Centre, TV Road.

    Edo Chairman of LP, Kelly Igbaloi; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie; ex-President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata and Pastor Azemhe Azena of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), also attended the rally.

    Obi said the development of any country was domiciled in the local governments, with the councils being the nearest to the people.

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    He said: “For the system to work and for a country to develop well, it is the local government that has everything that has to do with development. This is why it is critical to our development and sustainability.

    “We are here to support our candidates in the forthcoming local government council election in Edo State. We will support them with everything. Vote massively for candidates of LP in the coming local government election.”

    Akpata urged LP members and supporters not to entertain fear, but should massively vote for the candidates of the party.

  • Sexual harassment: Suspected Law professor faces disciplinary action

    Sexual harassment: Suspected Law professor faces disciplinary action

    The management of University of Calabar (UNICAL) has announced more steps taken in the aftermath of the sexual harassment allegations and sundry charges levelled by students of Law Faculty, who protested last week against Prof. Cycil Ndifon, the suspended dean of the Faculty of Law.

    Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi, who yesterday addressed reporters at the council chambers, said her office had been inundated with requests from organisations to know what the university was doing on the allegations made by the protesting students.

    The VC said the sexual harassment allegation against Prof. Ndifon was one among several complaints levelled against him, adding that the management had taken a holistic consideration of the issues.

    She said: “Management, after observing that the dean of the faculty was at the centre of the complaints and aberrations, issued the dean with a 10-point query, to be responded to within 24 hours. This was to give him a good opportunity to refute the allegations or state why management should not take the allegations of the students seriously.

    “When he responded, his submissions in the eyes of management were thoroughly weak and not convincing. Management was left with no other option but to set up a panel to conduct investigation. It is obvious that the dean cannot be in office while the investigation is on, hence going by the Public Service Rules, he has been placed on suspension to allow a free investigation.

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    “Besides the few workers of the university that will form the panel, management has acceded to the request of UNICAL Alumni, Federation of Female Lawyers and Federal Public Complaints Commission to be part of it.”

    Their involvement speaks volumes of our understanding and willingness to partner them to get it right.”

    The VC said in the meantime, the following steps have been taken; “The dean and the sub-dean were directed to submit the result scripts, questions papers, marking guides and examination attendance lists for the past two sessions to the director of quality assurance. The dean to refund illegal money extorted from the students under various sub-heads.

    “Setting up of a committee to take charge of students’ mobilisation to the Law School. A review and possible recall of the students’ list sent to the Law School. Removal from office of the two examination officers and the setting up of a Result Vetting Committee.”

    Also done are; “Setting up Students’ Project Committee to assign project supervisors to the undergraduates. Setting up of Admission Committee to review direct entry admissions.  Setting up of a committee to update the existing Standard Operations Procedure (SOP) of the university to take care of the peculiarities of the Faculty of Law, for Senate approval. And the appointment of a new sub-dean in the Faculty of Law.

    “Appointment of a new interim Chairman of the Faculty’s Post Graduate School Board. Setting up a committee to review and assign courses for the semester in compliance with the university procedure on quality assurance.”

    The vice chancellor reiterated that “management has no vested interest in this case other than to unravel the facts and set things right.”

    She added: “We will not fold our arms and accept the ugly scenario that we have found ourselves as an institution. For now, the students have alleged, they must go to the panel to prove. The suspended dean too has an opportunity to prove his innocence.”

  • CIBN to induct new chartered bankers

    CIBN to induct new chartered bankers

    The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has concluded arrangement for the induction of its graduates.

    At the graduates’ induction and prize awards, CIBN will this Saturday be awarding certificates to students who have successfully completed the banking professional examinations of the institute in 2022.

    During the programme, 407 newly qualified Associates or Chartered Bankers, and 895 Microfinance Certified Bankers would be admitted into the Associateship (ACIB) and Microfinance Certified Bankers (MCIB) categories of the institute.

    The high point of the event will be the presentation of prize awards to candidates who have distinguished themselves in the various categories of the institute’s examinations.

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    Also, as part of efforts toward ensuring enhanced career development in a fast paced, ever-changing world in the financial space, bankers and other financial experts  will look into rapid dynamism of work and  the cutting edge strategies that will help financial service professionals to reposition themselves for global relevance.

    The theme of the programme is: “The dynamics of work and current realities: The way forward for financial service professionals.”

    This is expected to provide insights for professionals in the financial services industry on the dynamics of work in the new reality.

    In a statement, Head, Corporate Communications and Brand Management, CIBN, Mrs Folake Akintayo, said the Special Guests of Honour at the event will be Mr. Lamido Yuguda, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc. President, CIBN, Dr Ken Opara will be hosting the event.

  • IWMW marks 3rd anniversary, raises funds for skills acquisition training project

    IWMW marks 3rd anniversary, raises funds for skills acquisition training project

    Igbo women across the world under the umbrella of Igbo Women Movement Worldwide (IWMW) on Saturday gathered illustrious sons and daughters of Igboland from various cities of the world in Paris, the French capital, to raise funds for the building of a skills acquisition centre to be located in Anambra State, Nigeria.

    The skills acquisition centre, according to IWMW, will be used for the training of less privileged young men and women in Igboland in order to equip them with skills and thus provide them with a source of livelihood.

    The patrons exclusive gala fundraiser was the culmination of a two-day event marking the 3rd anniversary of IWMW with the theme “A Prosperous Alaigbo Today and Tomorrow”.

    The two-day event featured a five-star dinner cruise for members of IWMW and their families and partners in progress as well as a church thanksgiving service.

    The fundraiser, chaired by Chief Godwin Chukwuemeka Ogbonnaya (Ohamadike Uzuakoli/Anaedo), had in attendance Her Excellency, Lady Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain.

    A gathering of champions, lovers of Alaigbo and stakeholders in Alaigbo, the event had in attendance dignitaries like Mazi Obi Okoli Ojeluigboozi, Dr Kate Anolue, Nwaguatahihia, Rev. Dr. Mrs. Felicia Stephen-Okoye, Nze Chief Chinedu Nwosu (Udoakpuenyi), High Chief Chris Odor Onyekwe, Nze Chief Aloy Oluigbo (Akuatuegwu), among others.

    The event was also an opportunity for IWMW to give awards to prominent sons and daughters of Igboland who have been partners in progress, including Anyidons Onye Ichaka, who received an Award of Igbo Excellence for promoting Igbo culture and peace through music.

    Giving the report card of IWMW since inception, the Executive Director, Dr. Nkeiruka N. Onyia, stated that Igbo Women Movement Worldwide has empowered more than 100 widows to start up small-scale businesses, given free medical treatment to more than 30 children in various general hospitals in Alaigbo, and partnered with the likes of Lord Zeus 101 to help with the medical expenses of women abandoned in hospitals in Imo State.

    Dr. Onyia also included that the organization constructed and gifted water borehole to Ndiorie Ariam Osigwe Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State in 2021. In December 2022, IWMW also rallied around the good people of Ogbaru Local Government Area displaced by flood and supported them with food and other household items to help alleviate their suffering.

    In her welcome speech earlier, the leader of IWMW, Dame Chinwe Okoroigwe (Adaigbo Gburugburu), reiterated the organisation’s aims to change the current narrative of the Igbo nation, leveraging on the capacity of Igbo women globally. She also thanked the good-spirited guests and members for travelling all the way to grace the occasion and give support to IWMW’s charity project and enjoined them to always see charity as a tool for community development.

    Igbo Women Movement Worldwide was formed in 2020 but was officially inaugurated in Paris, France on 28 August 2021. The organisation has its headquarters in Paris, France, with chapters worldwide including the UK and Europe, the Americas, and Africa. The movement envisions a free and prosperous Igboland where every indigene can attain their full potential and fulfil their destiny. Membership is open to all Igbo women aged 18 years and above.