The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Battle to save dying languages gains ground

    Battle to save dying languages gains ground

    The battle is on to save Igbo language, considered to be on the verge of extinction because it is not spoken enough by indigenous speakers. From time to time organisations and individuals sound the alarm or sponsor an event to turn attention back to the language. Not too long ago, a university in Ebonyi State set up a culture day event at which, among other things, Igbo was the language spoken.

    The Institute for Teaching and Learning of Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) located at Akpaa, Ovom community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State is broadening the battle to save all threatened tongues. The institute hosted educationists, language experts and other stakeholders in a bid promote and sustain Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

    The institute, apart from marking UNESCO’s mother tongue’s day and the annual acculturation day celebration, has embarked on various programmes and campaigns towards the teaching and learning of Nigeria’s dying indigenous languages.

    And this time, the institute assembled communication experts, teachers and promoters of various indigenous languages across the 36 states of the federation to brainstorm how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could be sustained through Nigerian languages.

    Some of the speakers at the event included Prof. Imelda Udoh of the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (lead Paper Presenter), Prof. Andrew Haruna, Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State (Keynote Speaker), Prof. Grace C. Offorma of the Department of Arts Education University of Nigeria Nsukka (Lead Paper Presenter), Dr. Goke Alamu  of Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (Lead Paper Presenter)… and for five days, they denied themselves the comfort of their homes and cozy offices to stay back at the institute robbing minds together on how to ensure that local languages in the country do not go into oblivion in 2050 as reportedly predicted by UNESCO.

    In his keynote speech, Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, Professor Andrew Haruna stated that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals with 169 targets which are spearheaded by the United Nations and involved 193 members and the global civil society. The SDGs Prof Haruna further stated was contained in paragraph 54 of the UN Resolution A/RES/70/1 of September 25, 2015. He mentioned some of the SDGs to include end to poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, clean water and sanitation, gender equality among others.

    He said as a nation, Nigerian languages could contribute to the SDGs if it is used as media for communication in such a way it will significantly enhance the achievement of sustainable development particularly in the area of eradication of hunger and poverty.

    He gave an instance in the health sector where Professor Herbert Igboanusi of the University of Ibadan tried to eliminate stigmatisation and discrimination of persons living with HIV and AIDS by creating new names for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.

    Prof Haruna said the effort was the outcome of a two year research titled; “A metalanguage for HIV/AIDS and Ebola discourses in Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba” which he said was sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

    Professor Grace Chibiko Offorma of the Department of Arts Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka in her paper said that since language is a system of signs, symbols and rules and their applications to convey thoughts, feeling and information, it could be deployed effectively in so many ways to achieve sustainable development which is a cardinal pillar of achieving the SDGs.

    Prof Offorma said basic education must be improved upon which she stated in itself will inculcate in the child the spirit of inquiry and creativity through the exploration of nature by using practical things which will provide education that would imbibe in the learners, at the foundation stage, the tenets of sustainability.

    She further said that to achieve the goal, emphasis must not only be placed on child education, but that Nigeria needs a literate and environmentally informed citizenry and human capital to guide the government in implementing their sustainable plans.

  • Dogara inaugurates projects in Abia

    To mark his second anniversary as member of the House of Representatives (APGA, Aba North & South) Ossy Prestige came to Aba with Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, who promptly inaugurated some projects Prestige initiated. In response, His Highness Eze Isaac Ikonne, the Enyi 1 of Aba, bestowed on Dogara the “Omeudo (Peacemaker) 1 of Aba.

    Speaking at his palace, Eze Ikonne said that he and his cabinet decided to conferred the title on him because of his leadership qualities such as uniting all the lawmakers in the lower chamber regardless of their political affiliations.

    Eze Ikonne appealed to the speaker to assist the state governors and lawmakers from the Southeast to draw the attention of the federal government to the deplorable roads in the region in addition to addressing the plight of traditional rulers across the country.

    Dogara thanked the people of Aba North and South for the warm reception accorded to him, and the traditional ruler for honouring him with the chieftaincy title.

    Dogara described the lawmaker as one that has been able to distinguish himself in the service to the country and the constituents through his contribution at the floor of the house and the manner he has carried out his assignments.

    Dogara said, “Though he is coming to the National Assembly as a first timer, Ossy has been able to show himself worthy of representing the people of Aba North and South. He is a leader of an association of parliamentarians. Ossy is pregnant with ideas of projects he would deliver to the people. He has delivered some, but he has lots of projects to give birth to and he can achieve this through your (Aba North and South) support and prayers.”

    He used the opportunity to assure traditional rulers in the country that efforts were being made to ensure that they were given a constitutional role. He also urged Nigerians to support the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Prestige pleaded for more federal attention to some of the projects in the state.

    He said, “Though we are happy that Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene-Aba Road has finally been awarded by the federal government, we are uncomfortable with the contractor’s insistence on starting the construction from the Odukpani end of the road. We plead that the Honourable Speaker will assist us by ensuring that work starts from the Aba end of the road that requires urgent intervention or at best, from both ends of the road simultaneously.

    “The dehumanising condition of Port Harcourt Road, Aba; the supposed gateway into Aba City from the Port Harcourt international Airport has remained an eyesore and a sad commentary on the humanity of our past governments in the state. Though my Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has graciously pledged to undertake the reconstruction of the road, we still ask for the assistance of the federal government in that regard, considering the fact that the job is big and beyond the financial convenience of our state to handle alone.

    “My Speaker, all the roads as listed and mentioned above are within the works jurisdiction of the NDDC, which we (Abia) are part of. We therefore plead and believe that you will make it happen for us.”

  • ‘We’ll help grow economy with Aba products’

    ‘We’ll help grow economy with Aba products’

    The new commander of 44 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State, Brig.-Gen Audu Ibrahim has reiterated the Army’s plan to buy Aba-made products in order to grow local enterprise and boost national economy. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

    What will please President Muhammadu Buhari more than seeing Nigerian troops fully clad in made-in-Nigeria uniforms, weapons in hand, and going about their duties? The President made it clear from the outset that his administration favoured locally made goods in order to grow the economy and wean the country off a culture of dependence on imported products. Soon the Army responded, visiting Aba, home of enterprising shoemakers, textile producers, fabricators and makers of almost anything the mind can conceive. On the visit, military chiefs praised the local products, even placing an order for a sizeable consignment of military gear made in the commercial city. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo also stopped by to boost the drive for Aba-made products. Now the new army Brigadier General in charge of 14 Brigade, Ohafia Abia State, Audu Ibrahim has toed the line, saying his command will buy Aba goods as championed by the Buhari-led federal government.

    Ibrahim made this known in an interaction with newsmen in Aba when he visited 144 Battalion Command Headquarters in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

    According to the army chief, patronising made in Aba produce would help to grow the economy of the state and the country at large, promote local content, put food on the table of many homes, create employment for youths and reduce the rate of crime in the society.

    There were other things on the army chief’s mind, one of them security. He promised residents of Aba and the state in general of the command’s willingness to curb kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes in the state.

    The Brigade Commander who took over from Brigadier General Lawrence Fejokwu also disclosed that the command recently smashed a kidnapping syndicate that had been terrorising some parts of the state, stating that efforts were on to arrest fleeing members of the gang.

    Ibrahim equally expressed hope that the war on insecurity in the state would be won or at least help to reduce violent crimes through collaborative efforts with other agencies in the state.

    He said the army was aware of Aba’s major contribution to the state economy and that of the country as a whole, adding all efforts must be made to ensure that Aba is peaceful and safe for business and economic activities. Ibrahim said it was the desire of the military that residents and visitors to Aba sleep with their eyes closed and do their businesses freely.

    While warning soldier against embarking on illegal duties and getting involved in civil matters, he urged them to ensure that they show high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    He also warned that the command would deal decisively with any officer caught embarking on duties that were not duly authorised by the command or their respective superiors.

    The 14 Brigade Commander called for prayers for soldiers fighting insurgency in the Northeast.

    He said, “In the face of your duties, you must be very professional in the manner you perform your duties. Aba is a place where there is high level of commercial activities. It is not your duties to go and settle cases between civilians. That is a civil affair. Your Commanding Officer will never do that, I as a General will never do that. Therefore, we don’t expect you as soldiers to do that. Do not go out on illegal duty, if you are not sent on a lawful duty by your Commanding Officer, Company Commander, Platoon Commander as the case may be, don’t follow others to go and do duties that you have not been sent to do. That will be a criminal breach of trust and you know that the Nigerian Army frowns at criminal misconduct.

    “Always remember soldiers in the Northeast in your prayers, support them spiritually. Their families are here. If you have any way you can assist the families behind, please do that because they are our brothers and colleagues.”

  • Imo police raid suspected kidnappers, robbers

    Imo police raid suspected kidnappers, robbers

    The battle to bring criminals to heel in Imo State is yielding fruit. No fewer than 36 kidnap and armed robbery suspects have been arrested, the state police command said.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike, who paraded the suspects at the police headquarters, assured that the offensive against criminal elements in the state will be sustained until heinous criminal activities are curtailed.

    He said that apart from tracking down kidnap and armed robbery syndicates, the Command will also initiate massive onslaught against cult groups who have taken delight in harassing and maiming innocent residents of the state.

    Describing cultism as the “root” of other criminal activities, Ezike said that cultists will be traced to their classrooms, hostels and homes, where they will be apprehended to face the law, even after escaping from the scene of their crime.

    He said, “I am delighted this morning as we showcase our modest achievements in crime management in Imo State since my last parade of suspects in April. Permit me to mention however, that we have also in between the period made public some arrests and recoveries which we thought were very urgent importance.

    “As we approach the second half of 2017, the Command expects increased business activities and human relationships in Imo State. These activities come with its good, bad and ugly baggage. We must therefore continuously be on the red alert so that the less than 7% criminal elements in our midst do not cause us avoidable pains”.

    He continued, saying, “Consequently in the coming weeks and months, our Tactical Operational focus shall be to sustain the momentum in the current operation of identification, arrest, detention and prosecution of suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists and other notorious criminals.

    “To commence the urgent vetting and profiling of communities, organizations, hotels that have shown uncommon notoriety in the provision of safe haven and passages for armed robbers/kidnappers with a view to holding their leadership and owners accountable for their acts or omissions .

    “To sustain high visibility policing as a crime prevention measure and employ forensic technology as a fundamental aid to criminal investigation and detection and to expand the frontiers of police and community partnership through strategic communication and relationship that will continue to stimulate our whistleblowing policy”.

    The Commissioner of Police, attributed the success recorded within the time under review to “the workability of our whistle blowing policy which has encouraged the residents of Imo state to expose criminality and other vices that torment our society, renewed partnership with all segments of the Imo community and good inter-agency cooperation and collaboration, as well as the commitment and renewed zeal of the personnel of Imo state Police Command, using intelligence-led policing platforms and high visibility policing models to achieve efficiency and effectiveness”.

    Some of the criminal syndicate that were busted include a notorious four-man kidnap gang led by a 34-year-old father of seven, which has been terrorizing residents of the state, especially around Avu community in Owerri West Council Area of the State.

    Other members of the gang that was said to be behind the abduction of a female magistrate that was later rescued by the Police recently, were Chima Agujo (20), Tochukwu Chima 27 and Desmond Akano (25).

    Also paraded were members of child trafficking syndicate that specializes in abducting and drugging pregnant women who are kept till they deliver and their babies sold by the gang.

    Names of the members of the gang were given as Chinedu Onyeakosi, Chinaza Onyeakosi and Chidi Donatus, all male.

    The Police also paraded students of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) who were arrested for alleged armed robbery and cultism.

    Items recovered from the paraded suspects, include stolen vehicles, AK47 Riffles, locally made pistols, pump action guns, axe, machetes and other dangerous weapons.

  • VON chief hails Emir of Katsina as APC praises Northern governors

    Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu has commended the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir for his patriotic approach to the tension triggered by the quit order issued on the Igbo in the North by fringe groups and politicians whose objective seems imimical to Nigeria’s corporate existence.

    The Emir, had, while addressing leaders of the Igbo community and other Nigerians in Katsina said, “Nigeria will continue to remain one and that am ready to sacrifice my last drop of blood to ensure peace and protection of all Nigerians residing in the state. I am ready to protect Igbos with my last blood.”

    Okechukwu said: “I salute the Emir of Katsina and all those patriots in both south and north, who preach peace and recognise the truism that the hardship and misery in the land today is temporary and cannot truncate our corporate existence. For history tells us that many decades after the American civil war frictions between north and south more serious than as we currently have dominated discussions. America is strong and united today, ours cannot be different.”

    “We cannot fall victim to minority and fringe groups in the south east who call for secession and their ilk in the north who gave the quit notice. Civil war is not a panacea to the misery and hardship in the land, which is temporary and transient, given the infrastructural renewal going on in our dear country.” Okechukwu quipped.

    On the rumour that some unscrupulous politicians are fanning the embers of Igbos Must Return, and indeed raising money for that, Okechukwu in a rage said, “I don’t respond to rumour, but if there is any truth in that, it becomes the business of the security agency to track them down.”

    Similarly, South- East chapter of the All progressive Congress (APC), has condemned in its entirety, the recent three months quit notice given to Igbos residing in parts of Northern Nigeria by the Coalition of Arewa Youths.

    It described it as “a joke taken too far”, just as it applauded governors of the Northern region for condemning the statement.

    A press statement by the zonal chairman of the party, Chief Emma Enukwu, said: “The attention of the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in South East has been drawn to recent outbursts by some youths in Northern Nigeria under the name “Coalition of Arewa Youths” urging the Igbos to vacate their habitats in the North on, or before 1st October 2017.

    “In our opinion, this call is a joke taken too far, it is an ill wind that blows no good to anyone. And we hereby, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise and condemn this and other outbursts by some people from other sections of this great country, Nigeria.”ý

    The statement which was released by the Zonal publicity secretary, Hon. Hycienth Ngwu stressed said:  “It is high time we all stood in one accord to put a stop to the growing hate speeches and bickering going on now in our dear country from all quarters.

    The party said, “Let us love all and hate none, as love is the panacea to peaceful co-existence, economic and social growth. We have faith in the ability of the APC led Federal Government to safeguard lives and property of all Nigerians living within Nigeria.

    “Consequently, we urge all Igbos living in any part of Nigeria to go about their normal businesses without fear, but in loving disposition toward their neighbor and environment.

    “We hereby thank the Governors of the Northern States of Nigeria for their quick condemnation of this act by the Coalition of Arewa Youths. We particularly, thank the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal for his love to the Igbos in this trying period.”

  • ICT varsity campus set to take off in Enugu

    Ahead of the take-off of the Federal Government’s proposed University of Information and Communication Technology, members of its implementation committee have visited the Digital Bridge Institute Enugu designated as one of the campuses of the university.

    The proposed ICT University will be a multi-campus institution of the present Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) located in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Asaba and Yola.

    The President Muhammadu Buhari administration had mandated the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu to set up a university of ICT in recognition of the rapid pace of Information Communications Technology (ICT) and the huge impact on the economy which country that harvests the technical talents and specialists it can engender,

    In fulfillment of Mr. President’s objective to set up University of ICT, so as to enhance learning environment and create millions of jobs through skilled ICT workforce, the Ministry of Communications set up an implementation committee, chaired by erudite Professor Julius Okojie, former Secretary of National University Commission (NUC) and Dr Amina Sambo Magaji as Secretary.

    Some members of the Implementation Committee for the Proposed ICT University conducted a physical assessment of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Enugu, one of the six ICT learning centers built by NCC in the country.

    Members of the Committee in the assessment team were Dr. Henry Nkemadu, Matthew A. Olaniyan and Mr Osita Okechuwu, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON).

    Speaking with journalists at the site, Okechukwu said the committee is expected to make a physical assessment of the facilities on site, including buildings, road infrastructure, and equipment.

    According to the VON DG, the committee will also determine the additional requirements for the University to meet with international best practices.

    The university is expected to take off from the next academic year.

  • N13b housing estate coming in Enugu

    A housing estate designed by Chinese engineers is under construction in Enugu to provide befitting accommodation for residents. The estate is estimated to cost N13.5billion under Private Public Partnership (PPP) with FIT Consult Limited executing in partnership with the Enugu State Government.

    The state governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has inspected the estate along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    The inspection tour by the governor, who went with the company’s officials led by its Chief Executive Officer of FIT Consult, Chief Loretta Aniagolu, was to ascertain the extent of work on the estate with regard to the amenities and facilities being put in place.

    After the inspection Ugwuanyi expressed satisfaction with the level of “seriousness and commitment” exhibited by the state government’s partners towards the timely delivery of the project, saying that he has no doubt that the venture will go a long way in his administration’s genuine efforts to addressing the housing needs of the people.

    He added that the project “further underscores the usefulness of synergy and cooperation between government and the private sector in the quest for the rapid development of the state as well as the improvement of the lives of our people”.

    While thanking Chief Aniagolu and her team for all their efforts, the governor used the opportunity to call on “other individuals and organizations in the private sector, both at home and abroad, to emulate this worthy example and also join hands with government to advance the frontiers of development in Enugu State”.

    According to him, “Enugu State is indeed ready and open for business and we will eagerly welcome partners in every sphere of development so that our aspiration to build a more prosperous, peaceful and secure Enugu State will be fully and promptly actualised”.

    The Estate according to the CEO of FIT Consult, Chief Aniagolu has 200 units of three-bedroom Bungalows, 490 units of four-bedroom Duplexes and site and services of 487 plots totaling 1,177 homes with the following services – 24-Hour Water Supply;  24-Hour Electricity; paved concrete roads; sidewalks and street lights; parks and greenery; waste management; recreation and security.

    She said the bungalows would cost N8.7million each while the duplexes would be sold at N27million per unit.

    Aniagolu explained that the Estate has provision for an event centre; fitness centre; hotel; hospital, office park; school; shopping mall; neighbourhood shops; recreation club and worship centre.

    She also highlighted that the Estate has the features and advantages of being on a highway to five states; direct international flights; Air Peace International Hub (coming soon); supporting State Legislation; 14 Tertiary Institutions; large scale industries among others.

  • Enugu council, firm equip youths for business

    The Enugu State Youth Council (ESYC) and a firm Softran Systems Enterprise Nig. Ltd have provided 20 youths in the state with grants and soft loans so they can start off their businesses.

    The gesture was an aftermath of the promise made by the CEO of Softran Systems Enterprise Nig. Limited, Chief Chris Onyekachi, at a youth empowerment summit organised by the Enugu State Youth Council in February. Onyekachi at the summit asked the youths to submit any business proposal of their choice, from which the best 20 proposals would be given a start-up capital.

    After screening the entries, 20 proposals were approved. Five of them were given grants of N200,000 each, while the other 15 youths received cheques for interest-free loans of N500,000 to start up or expand their businesses.

    Onyekachi admonished the beneficiaries to stick to their business proposals. He pledged his continued support to the development of youths and admonished those who could not benefit from the grants to be hopeful.

    He said, “I will continue giving my support for the youths, to make them better persons and Enugu a better state. And if you do not get anything today, have it in mind that something big is coming your way. I still have a plan underway with the Special Adviser to the state government on youth matters.”

    He said that the soft loan when repaid will be kept in the purse of the Enugu State Youth Council and used to empower other youths.

    He added, “I advise the recipient is to be serious, focused and determined and above all pray to Almighty God, who blesses every human being.” He encouraged the youths to be inspired by great achievers and to work hard toward achieving their own greatness.

    In his welcome address, the Vice President of the Enugu State Youth Council, Barr. Samuel Udenta, on behalf of the President of the council, Comrade Nnaemeka Agada, said that one of the key objectives of the group is initiating youth development projects and activities with the aim of encouraging the active participation of the youth in the processes of their own empowerment. He thanked the state governor for his efforts toward empowering the youths of the state. He then applauded Chief Chris Onyekachi for his giant strides towards empowering the youths of Enugu and described him as “One of the strong sponsors and supporters of this association.” He however called for more supports, “we appeal on the governor, other stakeholders, private individuals and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with ESYC towards the empowerment of Enugu youths.”

    One of the N200,000 grant beneficiaries, Chika Nwamu, a 200L Geography student of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, thanked the philanthropist as she expressed her joy. She looks forward to becoming the best fresh fruit juice producer in Enugu. She said, “I really appreciate Chief Chris for this grant, I am surprised and overwhelmed. What I have in mind is to be the best fresh juice producer in Enugu state and to employ other youths.” She has been in the business on a smaller scale and will expand it with this grant.

    Another grant beneficiary, who proposed a phone accessories marketing business, thanked the benefactor for the wonderful gesture. “I wish to thank the benefactor for putting smiles on our faces and making our lives colorful. With this kind of gestures, the youth will no longer be wasting away.  With this grant, I will start up my phone accessories business. And I wish to make it to make it different from what other people do.”

    Tony Eneje, one of the beneficiaries of the five hundred thousand naira worth of soft loans, also expressed his gratitude. His proposal is on expanding his fish processing business. He said, “Honestly it’s so amazing. We are so happy. And I commend the benefactor. I am into fish processing business. My expectation with this grant is a boom in the business, more production. It will enable us process more fishes to satisfy the demands of our customers and of course more profits.”

    Another high point of the event was when the philanthropist also awarded an additional Two hundred thousand naira grant to a visually impaired man who attended the event with his products. The grant was to help him expand his laundry soap production business.

    Chief Chris Onyekachi was later presented with the Philanthropist of the Year award by the Enugu state youth council. The programme was attended by dignitaries, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on youth affairs and some other state government officials.

  • Relief for widows in Anambra

    Relief for widows in Anambra

    Relief came the way of widows in Anambra State. They got relief items at Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. Some of the items were rice, beans, cash and tomatoes, among others.

    The event was organised by the coordinator and founder of Widows Association in the state, Mrs. Hope Nwandu. Former National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Sir Victor Umeh, and the chairman of GUO group of companies, Chief Sir Goody Okeke sponsored it. The state government was represented by Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Assistant on Political Matters, Dr Vero Okechukwu.

    It was gathered that the association helps over 10,000 widows in the state every year.

    Those who attended this year’s edition were widows from Dunukofia, Anaocha, Idemili South and Awka South Local Government Areas.

    Umeh, who was represented by his campaign Director General Chief Emeka Udoeme, and Dr Vero Okechukwu urged the widows to have faith in God.

    The duo told them that God had always been a husband to the widows and would never allow bad to triumph against them.

    The founder of the association, Mrs. Hope Nwandu, told The Nation that she would not stop supporting them, since they were in the same boat.

    She however, warned them to be weary of politicians that only use them during elections and dump them after, adding that the God of widows would continue to watch over them.

    One of the youngest widows in Anambra, who simply identified herself as Mrs. Onyinye I, told The Nation that it was not easy to become a widow at just 21 years.

    Onyinye, who hawks snacks at Nimo market in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, recently removed her white mourning dress, said God had been taken care of her since the husband died six months ago. She hails from Ukpor Nnewi south council area.

    She commended the widow’s coordinator for her initiative, while praying God to protect her for the widows.

    Another widows, Mrs. Theresa Okoye from Aguluzigbo, Mrs. Augustina Nwakelu from Dunukofia and Mrs. Franca Mbudinma from Oraukwu communities, told The Nation that it had not been easy for them coping with the children.

    They declared that they would continue being grateful to Nwandu for helping the helpless in the society despite her own condition in life, and prayed God to replenish the pockets of those who gave them the food items.

  • Hope for piped water in Abakiliki

    Hope for piped water in Abakiliki

    Time was when they suffered water-borne diseases; then came boreholes, but now residents of Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital, can look forward to pipe-borne water, thanks to a gigantic water treatment plant. OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE reports 

    Ebonyi State’s water supply profile was once horrible. About two decades ago water-borne diseases were rife because potable water was hard to come by. Then some relief came as the state and non-governmental organisations sank boreholes in communities. Still, there was no sight of pipe-borne water. Now, that is a possibility.

    How? A water treatment plant, said to be one of the largest in the country, has been built in Oferekpe in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state. If properly managed, the plant could supply clean water to every part of Abakiliki and much of the state.

    The plant draws its raw water from a river, which separates Ikwo Local Government of Ebonyi State from Obubra Local Government Area in Cross River State. The giant water scheme has a production capacity of 100,000m³ per day, which translates to 100,000,000litres per day. It is the largest water scheme east of the Niger.

    The project was awarded to Gilmor Engineering Limited by the Martin Elechi administration at N7.2billion, with N9.2billion voted for procurement of pipes. The Elechi administration also made arrangements to reticulate the water to all the communities in the state at the cost of N36billion but later made a U-turn because of its cost implications.

    It later established its own pipe manufacturing factory for production of pipes for the water reticulation. The pipe factory located close to the permanent site of Ebonyi State University was quickly established while the mega water scheme project was moving at a slow pace.

    The project reached an appreciable stage before the end of that administration. The present administration under Dave Umahi continued with it. Last week, the contractor handling the project handed it over to state government amid great celebration by the host community.

    In his remarks, Governor Dave Umahi called on the people to protect the amenity. He said government will not replace any government amenity destroyed by host community.

    “You have to provide security for this infrastructure.  We shall not be called upon at any time to come and replace a vandalised infrastructure in this place. It is something you must hold very well, it is a project that can transform the activities and lives of this area. Therefore, you must preserve it and guard it jealously.

    Government in this economic recession does not have the capacity to continue to replace vandalized infrastructure, to continue to replace infrastructure for the host communities that have become careless in securing it.

    “This mega water scheme is going to turn around the fortunes of this area. It will increase economic and social conditions of this community. It will also connect this area to the national grid and I want to commend those that initiated this giant project for their thoughtfulness”, Umahi who was represented by his Deputy Dr. Kelechi Igwe stated.

    He noted that the completion of the project would help tackle the issue of water scarcity in the State, adding that provision of adequate water for the people of the state would further assist in dealing with infected water-related diseases and ensure the total wellbeing of the people.

    He commended the contractor for a job well done and charged the host community to ensure adequate protection of the infrastructure for the benefit of the state.

    Earlier, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali assured that the water project would close the gap between the demand and delivery for water within the state capital.

    “It is indisputable that water is one of the most precious gifts of nature and a basic necessity of life. However, in spite of the abundance of water, accesses to safe drinking water in Ebonyi state remain limited. It is on this note that we graciously salute our Governor’s absolute courage and determination to improve the standard of living of our dear people of Ebonyi state in the area of portable water supply, hence making today’s event a reality.

    “This event will afford the Ministry of Water Resources the opportunity to close the yawning gap between water demand and delivery in the Abakaliki Capital City. Permit me to bring to the knowledge of Your Excellency the major challenge facing the Oferekpe Water Treatment Plant. At  the moment, the water works is yet to be hooked to the public power supply network and therefore entirely run on power generating plant with its attendant cost implications,”  the  she said.

    She expressed the determination of the present administration towards providing basic amenities to the people of the state.

    The people of Oferekpe have expressed happiness at the completion of the water scheme.   They said it will assist in alleviating the suffering of the people of the state in the area of portable water supply.

    Ifeoma Nweke, one of the residents, recalled how they faced perennial water problems in the area, adding that the water scheme will change their fortunes.

    “We only drink or use good water during the rainy season but in dry season like this, life is usually terrible for us. We always suffer before we get water to drink or do things in our homes like bathing, washing of clothes, plates and other domestic activities. But with the completion of the Oferekpe water scheme, we will soon begin to enjoy potable water,” she said.