The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Okechukwu lauds Tinubu’s committment to SEDC

    Okechukwu lauds Tinubu’s committment to SEDC

    The Executive Director (Projects), South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Toby Okechukwu, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his vision and commitment in integrating the South Eastern part of Nigeria into his developmental policies, through the interventionist commission.

    Okechukwu gave the commendation on Tuesday during the Orji River Economic and Development Summit held in Orji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The primary objectives of the Economic and Development Summit were to: create awareness of the potential of Oji River in terms of location and natural resources, promote long term and sustainable development and prosperity and Encourage investment and collaboration between public and private sectors as well as external stakeholders.

    Delivering his goodwill message at the event,  Okechukwu, who once represented Aninri, Awgu, and Orji River Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said that the SEDC was set up with a clear mission to drive sustainable development and position the South-East as Africa’s preferred investment destination by 2030.

    The former lawmaker lamented the war decades ago damaged more than infrastructure, as it also broke the region’s momentum, stressing that the mission of the commission is to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and unity in the South East through strategic investments and empowerment initiatives.

    Okechukwu said: “The Commission was established under the SEDC Act 2024 and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as a critical vehicle to accelerate the recovery, reinvention, and prosperity of the South East region. 

    “The war decades ago damaged more than our roads and homes, disrupted our economic rhythm, slowed our institutions, and deepened a sense of marginalization. SEDC is our collective answer to that history. We must not wait for the centre to fix the East. We have to do it ourselves and do it smartly.

    “Our mission is to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and unity in the South East through strategic investments and empowerment initiatives.

    ” Our vision is to position the South East as the preferred investment destination in Africa by 2030. We are therefore taking action: To build a $1 billion asset base within 10 years by strategically leveraging both public and private capital. We are developing programs for urban renewal, energy hubs, innovation corridors, and agro-industrial zones.

    “The war decades ago damaged more than our roads and homes, disrupted our economic rhythm, slowed our institutions, and deepened a sense of marginalization. SEDC’s clear roadmap demonstrates that we are not just a bureaucracy; we are focused on long-term goals while executing in real time.

    ” It is a business-minded, regionally driven platform for catalytic change. We are launching security interventions, investing in startups, restoring broken infrastructure, and activating our human capital.”

    Focusing on the summit’s host community, Orji River, Okechukwu described the Local Government Area as uniquely positioned within the Awka–Enugu–Onitsha economic corridor, whose economy, when properly harnessed, should be above many in the country.

    He urged stakeholders in Oji River to take advantage of key SEDC opportunities, including the Priority Project Fund, diaspora-driven urban planning, youth enterprise grants, regional security investments, and the planned 50,000-hectare agricultural development initiative.

    “Oji River is not on the margin of development. It is on the edge of opportunity. The future of this region depends on smart alignment, and Oji River should not be looking only inward. 

    “We should be thinking across borders economically, logistically, and strategically. Oji River doesn’t need to wait to be absorbed into someone else’s plan. It has to position itself and shape the agenda.

    “SEDC has allocation available to each state for high-impact projects. This money is not allocated based on size; it is allocated based on readiness. Identify the land. Mobilise your cooperatives. Get into the conversation. If you are stable, connected, and well-policed, you become a node of confidence in the regional economy.”

    He also emphasised the need for strategy and coordination as the people of Oji River mobilize for the new wave of growth.

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    “The people of Oji River are not lacking in talent. We are not lacking in ideas. What we need now is organisation, structure, and speed. There needs to be a deliberate effort to identify Oji River’s comparative advantage. Put together your priority project list. Build your partnerships. Package your proposals. Make them bankable.”

    The former lawmaker also appreciated the National Assembly, particularly, the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu for legislative ingenuity in ensuring that SEDC Act was enacted, passed, and assented to.

    Chronicling President Tinubu’s administration’s efforts for the development of the South East region, He hailed the President for several projects that are beneficial to the region such as the construction of the Abia Airport, launch of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu State and so on.

    Rt. Hon Toby used the occasion to reaffirm his personal and professional commitment to the growth of Oji River and the Greater Awgu region.

    “I may hold a new portfolio, but my commitment to this place has never changed. Where Oji River is building, I will be there. Where your ideas are ready, I will open doors. Where your ambition matches your execution, I will match it with advocacy. Let’s not talk about the future anymore. Let’s build it,” he added.

  • Ilaje: Nwifuru gives financial support to 800 Ebonyi victims

    Ilaje: Nwifuru gives financial support to 800 Ebonyi victims

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has disbursed N200, 000 each as financial assistance to about 800 indigenes of Ebonyi State who were evacuated back to Ebonyi State from the Ilaje Otumara village demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government.

    The victims mostly women and children who were repatriated back about 4 weeks ago by the State Government now share tale of relief from the benevolence of the State Government.

    One of them, Charity Okeosisi described their experience as painful and agonizing.

    She noted that many of them lost all they had laboured for in life and said that they have been forced to start life all over again on arrival to Ebonyi State.

    Mrs. Okeosisi who expressed a sigh of relief following the disbursement of the funds by the State Governor noted that weeks after the Ebonyi State Government evacuated them back to Ebonyi State, they has been living from hand to mouth as there are nothing left for them to feed.

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Martina Ofoke, expresses satisfaction that the Ebonyi State Governor heard their cry and promptly intervened on their behalf pointing out that the financial assistance of the State Government will will go a long way in helping them put food on their table.

    Some other affected victims while commending the gesture of the state government assistance also expressed the optimism that the State will also empower them to start up something in the State as they have no other place to go.

    The State Commissioner for Special duties and Focal Person, Ebonyi State Diaspora office, Mr. Valentine Okike-Uzo handed over the cheques to the victims.

    He noted that this is one of the measures the state government deployed to cushion the hardship faced by the victims repatriated back to the State.

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    Okike-Uzo assured that the approximately 800 victims who were properly documented will all receive the N200,000 naira financial assistance of the state government and urged them to utilize it well in meaningful ventures.

    He assured the victims that the State Government would also come up with more intervention programs that will help in resettling them and urged them to remain good citizens of the State while they reside in their different localities.

    The Commissioner took turns to hand over the cheque to the victims.

  • PWDs protest alleged exclusion from EMOIMEE host community devt trust in Akwa Ibom

    PWDs protest alleged exclusion from EMOIMEE host community devt trust in Akwa Ibom

    People living with disabilities (PWDs) from Eket, Esit Eket, and Onna local government areas have staged a protest over their alleged exclusion from the EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).

    The protesters shut down the EMOIMEE HCDT office in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, accusing the Trust’s management of sidelining them in its empowerment and development initiatives.

    Mr. Benjamin Eyene, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed disappointment over their continued neglect despite multiple appeals and formal letters.

    “We have not been carried along in the Trust’s programmes. Qualified members among us should benefit from the scholarship scheme, and we deserve representation on the Trust’s management committee,” Eyene said.

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    The group also demanded the establishment of special skill acquisition centres—three per local government area—to support persons with disabilities.

    They vowed to continue the peaceful protest until their grievances are addressed by the Trust’s management.

  • Okpebholo to recruit more teachers

    Okpebholo to recruit more teachers

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to improve learning facilities, recruit more teachers, provide good infrastructure, a conducive learning atmosphere and secure school environments.

    He spoke yesterday when he inspected renovation of some schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, which were in very bad condition when he visited them in January.

    The governor, who since his assumption of office, took bold steps by embarking on people-focused programmes and policies, had earlier declared a state of emergency in the education sector.

    He said he was working to change the narrative in the education sector.

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    The infrastructural development of the Okpebholo-led administration has already transformed many public schools.

    The governor says his administration has put modalities in place to ensure public schools compete favourably with private schools in terms of learning, quality facilities, good infrastructure, secure and conducive environment, as well as affordable fees.

    He said his administration was working to ensure the education system was able to meet global standards.

  • Obedient Movement merges with Tinubu Support Group, backs re-election

    Obedient Movement merges with Tinubu Support Group, backs re-election

    The leadership of the Obedient Movement led by Alhaji Ahmad Abulfathi at the weekend decided to collapse its national, zonal, state, local government, and ward political structures into the Nationwide Tinubu  Connect  Associates (NTCA).

    This decision was reached following a strategic high-level and exhaustive meeting held in Lagos with the National Leader of NTCA, Henry Nwabueze. 

    Represented by the 36 States coordinators of the Obedient Movement, they all agreed to merge their structures at the various levels into NTCA to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

    A statement by Ahmad Abulfathi quoted the lead representative of the movement to have said: “We are proud to align with the Nationwide Tinubu  Connect Associates to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu while completing two terms in office.

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    “In the spirit of fairness and unity, we urge Mr Peter Obi and other intending contestants for the 2027 presidential election to jettison their ambitions for the re-election  of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We cannot afford to distort and discontinue these laudable structures of development courageously built by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu like removal of subsidy, local government autonomy, tax reforms, revival of refineries, student loans, establishment of ministry of livestock (to regulate the rearing of Cattle etc), establishment of regional development commissions, electricity reforms, increased GDP and foreign reserves, establishment of over 8,800 new primary healthcare centres across the country, upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to

    handle trauma, oncology, and infectious disease control. And lots more..

    “It is simple. Go And verify, as Mr Peter Obi would fondly say. We Nigerians are called upon to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, despite these initial challenges being faced, no pain, no gain. Continuity is the intention and our sincere conviction. In a show of solidarity, the movement has pledged to mobilize all youth and women leaders across the nation into the NTCA framework, which it now recognizes as a stronger and more inclusive platform to achieve this Nigerian HOPE.

    “Sequel to this alignment agreement, the Obedient Movement will adopt the identity and operational direction of Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates, to demonstrate its commitment to unity, progress, and national development.”

  • Abia community gets new king of yams

    Abia community gets new king of yams

    How do you become the king of yams (Ezeji) in Igboland? It is by cultivating 20 barns of yams and more.

       An environmentalist, Dr Uchenna Onyeizu, who scaled this hurdle, has been crowned as the Ezeji Oha Ngwa (master yam farmer of Ngwa community) in Abayi Ohanze in Abia State.

       The ceremony was organised under the auspices of the Oha Ngwa Ezeji title holders’ union.

      A highlight of the event was the empowerment of budding young farmers by Onyeizu.

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       Onyeizu said: “The mentorship aims to nurture the next generation of Ezeji (master yam farmers), equip them with the necessary skills, resources, and guidance to scale up their farming enterprises. Selected beneficiaries will access expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical insights to enhance their productivity and sustainability in yam farming.”

       He promised 10 beneficiaries 20 barns of yam each for cultivation and N50,000 cash to support their farming.

      The beneficiaries should own at least a plot of farmland, provide a video clip as proof; reside in Abia State, and actively engage in yam farming.

     The beneficiaries should also provide their personal details, including name, photograph, phone number, and residential address, and be physically present for  the programme’s commencement.

  • Hakama Sidi-Ali, others win 2025 National Spokespersons awards

    Hakama Sidi-Ali, others win 2025 National Spokespersons awards

    A Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official, Hakama Sidi-Ali won the Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector) at the 2025 National Spokespersons Awards, the second in a row. Held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, the ceremony was part of the 2025 National Spokespersons’ Summit grand finale.

    Organised by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publisher of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest, the awards celebrate innovation and professionalism in public communication across public and private sectors.

    NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku and Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Jr., Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, commended the recipients for their exemplary standards in the field and encouraged them to maintain the qualities that garnered national recognition.

    Sidi-Ali was lauded for her proactive communication strategies in connecting the central bank and Nigerians since assuming office. Her significant role in countering misinformation regarding the introduction of N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes calmed public concern and maintained financial stability.

    Experts also acknowledged the CBN Director of Corporate Communications’ adept dissemination during Nigeria’s recent negotiations with the United States over the new tariffs, saying it underscores her proficiency in international economic diplomacy.

    The 2025 ceremony showcased a variety of individuals and institutions excelling in strategic communication and public affairs. It also underlined the critical role of credible voices in shaping public perception, fostering institutional trust, and enhancing democratic accountability.

    Mr. Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was named Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas); Dr. Fabian Benjamin from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was recognized as Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector).

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    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) shone as Mrs. Hadiza Umar won the Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy); NITDA DG, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi emerged as the Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector).

    In the security and enforcement category, Mr. Femi Babafemi of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and ACP Muyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were praised for their remarkable media presence and effective crisis communication.

    The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) was declared Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, while Air Peace won the Most Influential Corporate Voice. UNILORIN’s Lukman Temitope Omoniyi won the Best Corporate Voice on Social Media, highlighting the significance of digital platforms in branding.

    Gombe’s Ismaila Uba Misilli, Outstanding State Government Spokesperson; Sade Morgan of Nigerian Breweries, Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson; Viola Graham-Douglas of LAFARGE, Most Innovative Spokesperson (Multinational); LAFARGE’s CEO, Mr. Lolu Alde-Akinyemi, Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Private Sector).

    With over 20 categories covered, including health, marine, hospitality, power, insurance, and crisis management, the awards emphasized the growing importance of public relations and strategic communication as essential components of governance and corporate reputation.

    Segun McMedal, Chairman of the Planning Committee, praised winners and nominees for their vital roles in sustaining public trust and shaping national discourse. He urged all communicators to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism.

    Dignitaries at the event included former Ministers of Information—Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, Labaran Maku—and the incumbent Alhaji Mohammed Idris. The summit featured high-level discussions graced by ex-Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele and other eminent figures.

    In its fifth edition, the National Spokespersons Awards, previously known as the Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA), continue to serve as a premier platform for recognizing impactful and professional public communication in Nigeria.

  • ‘Okpebholo makes bold statement with first flyover in Edo’

    ‘Okpebholo makes bold statement with first flyover in Edo’

    Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, says Governor Monday Okpebholo is making a bold statement with the building of the first-ever flyover in the state, located at Ramat Park, Ikpoba Hill, Benin.

    He said the flyover was a testimonial that would speak for Governor Okpebholo.

    Ohonbamu, yesterday in Benin, declared that people who were peddling rumour that the flyover project had been stopped, were dishonest and trying to play politics with their campaign of falsehood.

    He said the executive council session also approved the construction of the second flyover at Adesuwa-Sapele Road intersection, also in Benin.

    The commissioner said: “Governor Okpebholo has adopted a more practical approach to governance, putting priority on the growth and development of the people of the state, and ensuring all projects executed are of high quality. This is why he personally monitors them.

    “Edo governor is a man of few words, with the agenda to set the state on the path of sustainable development, building roads, schools and supporting communities across the state. Edo people should be patient because the governor is determined to rebuild the state and bring joy to the  people.

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    ‘’Governor Okpebholo has started doing in the last few months in office what he promised during his campaigns, and he believes with good roads, the residents will be able to move freely, especially the creation of new roads linking communities in his developmental programmes.”

    Ohonbamu said the governor had been justifying the confidence reposed in him by the people with his development strides across all sectors of the state, adding that the giant stride to build the first flyover in Benin was a deliberate step towards achieving the urban development of the state capital.

    He said: “Edo governor is very enthusiastic about the quality of execution of all the road projects, which are sufficiently solid and executed by reputable contractors, because these projects will speak for the government. Those peddling rumours are dishonest, because people see the progress and quality of works going on by the contractors.

    “Governor Okpebholo wants communities to be linked with roads, so that their economy can be integrated into the national and state economies. Though, the state government cannot fix all the roads in the state, at the same time, the bold steps taken so far should be appreciated and not to be politicised.

    “It should not be that whenever we are not at the helm or in government, we peddle all manners of dangerous rumours to distract from the bigger picture and emasculate the good work that is going on. The contractor handling the flyover bridge, Mr. Andy Duan of CCECC, has assured us that the company will work according to specifications and do its best to meet up with the construction period.

    “The governor is monitoring projects across the state to ensure the jobs are done according to agreed specifications and has directed that contracts whose handlers are not working according to specifications should be revoked.”

    The commissioner urged Edo residents to continue to support the visionary, performing and focused Okpebholo’s administration, to take the state to greater heights.

  • APC controls Edo Assembly with 15 members

    APC controls Edo Assembly with 15 members

    Following yesterday’s defection of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker in Edo State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party now controls the assembly with 15 members. 

    In the 24-member 8th Edo State House of Assembly, APC now has 15 lawmakers, while the main opposition PDP is left with nine legislators.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday predicted the collapse of PDP in the state, with more of its members dumping it for the APC.

    Okpebholo spoke at the Government House, Benin, while receiving the representative of Ikpoba-Okha Constituency, Nicholas Asonsere, who dumped the PDP for the APC.

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    During the 2023 general election, PDP had 15 seats; APC won eight seats, while Labour Party (LP) had one seat. But with the November 12, 2024 inauguration of Okpebholo as governor, most of the opposition politicians have opted to defect to APC.

    House of Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku (Owan West Constituency) and Deputy Speaker Maria Edeko (Esan Northeast II), both of PDP, are still maintaining their offices, and yet to indicate plan to defect to APC.

    Governor Okpebholo thanked all new members who joined APC from other parties. He assured them that the party (APC) was a place of opportunities, as they would not be discriminated against, but would be given opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.

  • Booth 2 Booth commends Ganduje over peaceful primary, rallies support for Ukachukwu

    Booth 2 Booth commends Ganduje over peaceful primary, rallies support for Ukachukwu

    Booth 2 Booth with Bola Tinubu, a support group under the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), has commended the National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdulahi Ganduje for conducting  a free and fair governorship primary  in Anambra State. 

    The commendation came on Wednesday during distribution of palliatives to party members in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. 

    The group thanked the National Chairman of APC for creating an enabling environment for the conduct of a free, fair and credible primary election that produced Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as the party’s flag bearer for the Nov 8 contest. 

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    The Anambra Coordinator, Pascal Candle, urged party faithful to brace up for the task ahead “which is to ensure the defeat of APGA in Anambra and reconnect the State to the center of Nigerian politics.”

    The APC group, which is on a tour of the 774 Local Governments Areas in Nigeria, promised to go on a fresh tour of the 21 Local Governments Areas of Anambra State to drum up support for the party’s candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachulwu. 

    The pro-Tinubu group urged all APC members in Anambra to close ranks and rally round the party’s governorship candidate “to ensure that the party emerges victorious in the forthcoming election in the Anambra state.”