The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Igwe-elect douses tension over chieftaincy tussle

    The traditional ruler-elect of Nteje community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Dr. Charles Aduaka, has called on indigenes of the community to calm down and let peace reign. He said the call became imperative in view of the growing tension in the community following a chieftaincy tussle.

    The community was recently engulfed in crisis which claimed some lives and properties, leading to the arrest of some Nteje indigenes. Dr. Aduaka, who spoke with newsmen in Enugu, urged Nteje elders to embrace peace and not take sides no matter their interests. He pointed out that the main reason for government’s intervention in the crisis “is to ensure that the ensuing dispute is resolved and forestall people taking the law into their hands while appropriate action is taken within the ambit of the law.”

    He further explained that the issue was not that of chieftaincy struggle as was wrongly speculated by some individuals saying it was an internal crisis among members of one the  quarters  in Nteje community.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, after the demise of the Igwe Aborgu I, Igwe S.A.C Nnaemeka, the Igwe-in-Council requested the quarter which it was their turn to produce the next Igwe by electing among themselves a candidate that will be presented to the community.

    “On 25th July 2009 during Nteje Peoples Assembly at Ama-Ana Square, the Ikenga Quarter could not produce a single candidate instead four candidates emerged namely Peter Chidi Uyanwa, Charles Aduaka, Ikechukwu Okechukwu and Rowland Odegbo.

    “Based on the provisions of Constitution of Nteje community, Article 4 subsection c – j, the mandate of selecting the Igwe was taken over by the Igwe-in-Council and a new timetable was drawn for intending aspirants by the Igwe-in-Council.

    “Only two of the candidates, Peter Uyanwa and Charles Aduaka participated in the process and December 28, 2009 was earmarked for the election. On the day of the election, Peter Chidi Uyanwa stepped down for me, (Charles Aduaka) and a referendum was conducted and I got over 3,500 votes. On January 2, 2010 the Igwe-elect was presented to Nteje community at Ama-Ana Square Nteje.

    “On January 10, Nteje community presented the Igwe-elect, Charles Aduaka, to Oyi local government waiting for the Secretary to the local government to present same to the governor in compliance with Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law.”

    Continuing, Aduaka said that a letter was subsequently written to the then governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, calling for recognition of Rowland Odegbo, who he said, did not participate in the selection process conducted by the Igwe-in-Council.

    Surprisingly, Odegbo went ahead to parade himself as the traditional ruler of Nteje on account of which Aduaka headed for the Anambra State High Court, Otuocha where he instituted a suit number OT/35/2010 and on 18th June 2012, the court presided by Hon Justice J I Nweze made an order restraining him from parading himself as the Igwe of Nteje, Aduaka said.

    According to him, Odegbo went on appeal and on November 10, 2016, the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division in Appeal No. CA/E/322/2012 dismissed his appeal in an unanimous decision for lack of merit.  He said that Odegbo further claimed to have appealed the decision of Appeal Court  to the Supreme Court and  it was on that strength upon which he has continued to parade himself as traditional ruler.

    This, Aduaka contended, was contrary to the position of the Attorney-General of the Federation issued on 7th March 2014 that a notice of appeal does not serve as a stay, an indication that Odegbo’s action was contrary the rule of law and order of the court.

    “What I am saying is that Odegbo has no legal right to parade himself as traditional ruler of Nteje and all those who are dealing with him in that regard as Traditional ruler of Nteje Community are acting  contrary to the rule of law and order of the court and he should allow peace to prevail in the community,” Aduaka said.

    Reacting to a comment by a renowned actor, Pete Edochie, a native of the community who referred to Odegbo as traditional ruler of Nteje, Aduaka said that he (Edochie) was not properly informed as he was not present during the selection and presentation processes.

    He described his comment as out of place more so when the matter was now before the Supreme Court after Odegbo had lost at the High court and the Court of appeal.

  • Anambra community gets monarch, 21 years after

    Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State has celebrated its new traditional ruler 21 years after its monarchy was in the cold. The community went wild with jubilation at the installation of Igwe Benneth Emeka, after the demise of the late traditional of the community, Igwe Nelson Okoye over two decades ago.

    The market square was filled with enchanted residents as the drums and songs conveyed the community’s joy.

    Unlike political positions which constitutionally have fixed tenures, the monarch leads the town as long as he lives.

    At about 11am, residents of the area were already in the open market square billed to host the event. They defied the harsh sun to cast their votes. Eventually the new monarch ascended the throne unchallenged.

    While some of them jostled for every available leaf that could provide a shade over their heads, some observers stood in the scorching sun and intermittently wiped sweat with their handkerchiefs.

    The state government delegation was led by the Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ikechukwu Muoedu.

    First to speak at the venue was the Vice-Chairman of Igwe Selection Committee of Umueri, Elder Samuel Anakputali Umeadi, a lawyer. One after the other, he explained on every step taken by the committee for a successful installation.

    He said that one of the two candidates gunning for the exalted throne was disqualified on the grounds of not meeting up with the stipulated requirements.

    As if it was the people’s prayers and wish, the mentioning of Chief (Sir) Benneth Emeka as the qualified candidate sent a wave of jubilation into the crowd.

    When the monarch appeared, there was tumultuous applause, singing, dancing, and shouting of Igwe! Igwe! Igwe! And with the singing and dancing, they led him round to greet his subjects.

    The President-General of the town, Chief Pius Okonkwo, said that the 52-member Igweship Screening and Selection Committee set up by the town union disqualified Mr Jonny Metchie on the grounds of not meeting with the stipulated requirements.

    Speaking with The Nation, Hon. Muoedu expressed satisfaction with the process of selecting the new traditional ruler.

    “I am satisfied with the conduct, it is obvious that the new Igwe is the people’s choice,” said Muoedu.

    At Ama-ajaegwu Altar in Umuatugolu village, Umueri, the elders were already seated to welcome their son after making him the monarch.

    The Altar also serves as the customary court of the community. The eldest man in the village, Mr Benjamin Nwakwudo, who currently presides over the altar, blessed the new king.

    Again, the Igweship train moved to Ama Umueri for the crowning of Chief (Sir) Benneth Emeka as the traditional ruler of Umueri community. The 30th Onowu of the town, Chief Mike Ekweonu, exercised the task as it was customary in the area.

    Speaking with The Nation, the new monarch, Igwe (Sir) Benneth Emeka, said that restoring the lost glory of the people was top in his priorities.

    “I thank you for choosing me as your leader. I will use my position to foster unity among Umueri people and their neighbours”

    “You know this area is volatile. We’ve been known for our communal war between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam. But with my position, there will be no more war between my people and these communities”

    “My ascendency to the throne was for a purpose designed by God. It is to bring Umueri closer to Christ; to liberate Umueri from devilish acts and idolatry that they have been indulged in” Igwe Emeka said.

    One of the daughters of the community, Prof. (Mrs) Ogugua Ikpeze, from the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka who attended the crowning ceremony said that the emergence of the new king was divine.

     

  • Law student wins oratory contest

    Law student wins oratory contest

    Mr Ugo Ijeoma Ndianiefo, a law student of University of Abuja, who hails from Otolo Nnewi in Nnewi Local Government area of Anambra State, has won the star prize of N1 million in the National Youth Oratory Competition.

    The finalists were Akwue Chisom, Ugwu Simeon, Anidebe Collins, Nwenyi Ogechi, Nweke Chioma, Nwogo Hillary, Eze Nwakuba and Akpalankwu Alexander. Others were Okou-Akirika Ginika, Mgbeoji Chikwelite, Ezennaya Faith, Placid Martins, Ozoani Chukwuebuka, and Adierem Jennifer.

    The winner would also proceed to a week leadership training in South Africa

    Rev Fr. Bonachristus Uchenna Umeogu sponsored the competition. The competition, which is fast becoming Nigeria’s biggest platform for youth interactions and constructive argument, held at Chicotel Hotel and Suites, Awka, the Anambra State capital. Over 1000 Nigerian youths drawn from more than 40 tertiary institutions attended the event.

    The participants spoke on Nigeria’s qualification as Africa’s entrepreneurial hub.

    Fr. Umeogu said, “We are seriously looking forward to seeing the future belonging to the youths; we also need youths who can wait and not be tired of waiting, youths with critical thinking who can solve problems and create value.

    “Some people, especially the youth move with the crowd, lose their vision, identity and point of view in life. We are seriously looking for a civilised future.

    “If one is a leader and doesn’t care about the person he is leading, it is doomed and that is why we must all strive to build a civilized society” he said.

    The oratory battle programme was the brainchild of Fr Umeogu and the triplets that founded VIP-Hub Media anchors, Ekene, Chiagozie and Elochukwu Ezeumeanya who developed the idea.

    The VIP’s hub reality television show was established in 2011 as a literary Insight Network (LIN). It was a university based club that frequently organized book and poetry reading sessions and review for her student members.

    The event was witness by staff and students of various tertiary institutions, parents and other stakeholders including the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof, Chinyere Stella Okunna, Commissioner for Education, Anambra State, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Primary education, Lady Pat Offia.

    Other dignitaries at the event included the NDLEA Commander in Anambra state, Mr. Sule Momodu, Deputy Registrar, GSS, UNIZIK, Ngozi Bekky Adirika, Prof Ike Odumegwu, Prof Ngozi Ezeadi, Federal Commissioner of National Population Commission, Prof. Chika Muo, Prof Ogo Ibeneme, state secretary, NBA, Nnamdi Anagor, Nollywood star, Dike Obi, among others.

  • Vehicle assembly opens in Enugu

    Vehicle assembly opens in Enugu

    A new vehicle assembly plant set up by Peace Mass Transit (PMT) Ltd, has gone into operation. This is the first of such plants by a transport company in Nigeria. The plant, located in the Emene Industrial Layout headquarters of the company, has rolled out about 100 units of the improved version of the Peace Hiace brand of commuter buses in its first production. The transport company, which last month celebrated its 20 years of existence, injects a minimum of 600 buses into its fleet every year.

    The new assembly plant is expected to augment the supply needs of the company, for a start.

    Toyota Hummer buses, Ugama Hiace, and the resilient Peace Hiace are some of the popular brands in the PMT fleet and are being assembled at the plant.

    The locally assembled Peace Hiace buses have been fitted with improved features for optimum performance, safety and comfort of passengers, including rear Air Conditioner, speed limiter device, T.V, Electronic Brake Device (EBD), and Automatic Brake System (ABS).

    PMT Director of Operations, Chidubem Ugwu who took reporters round the plant explained that, for now the transport company would buy up the entire units assembled in its local assembly plant and that the internal (PMT) demand would still outstrip the supply.

    According to him: “PMT injects at least 600 vehicles into its fleet every year, in a robust, unique fleet renewal programme which has seen it grow into the biggest shuttle bus company in Nigeria in the 20 years of its existence.

    “There are at least 2,000 PMT mini buses on Nigeria roads daily, from an active fleet of at least 4,000 buses.”

  • Lawmaker threatens to take contractor to EFCC

    A member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North/Aba South, Ossy Prestige has threatened to take the contractor handling a road construction project in his constituency to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if he fails to work according to specifications.

    Speaking to newsmen, the lawmaker said his constituents were complaining about the contractor’s shoddy job. Prestige, who inspired the reconstruction of Garden Avenue off Okigwe Road, said the contractor Emmanuel Eme of Eme Technical Construction Company, said the job must be done according to specifications.

    He said, “I know how much that road was awarded to the contractor and if he fails to work according specifications, I will not spare him; I will personally petition him to the EFCC, so, he should not try to do anything funny”.

    Prestige said his constituents suffered immensely over the years as a result of bad roads and stated that he would not take it kindly if any contractor fails to execute it to the satisfaction of the people.

    A resident of the area, Chief Godswill Uche Nwanoruo said they were not satisfied with what the contractor was doing which was why they raised the alarm and spoke to Hon Prestige.

    “This Garden Avenue is a busy road; to me, in present-day technology; you cannot be laying asphalt directly on red mud. I complained to the contractor and also complained to the engineer who said he is a supervising engineer from Anambra/Imo River Basin and they said there will be no problem and that they are using the best technology.

    “I said no, because I know the type of construction job that is being done in Abia State today especially in Aba. Look at what Setraco is doing, if you go to Onwuka Nails Road and see what the contractor from NDDC is doing, you will know this one is not getting it right, that he is doing a shoddy job”, Nwanoruo lamented.

    He insisted that the contractor must do the right thing and that if he fails, they will support their representative in the House of Reps to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure the right thing was done.

  • 3000 ghost workers discovered in Enugu

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi,Ugwuanyi has said no fewer than 3000 ghost workers have been uncovered in the state’s local government. The governor, who disclosed this in his Democracy Day speech, said the discovery was made following the setting up of Local Government Audit and other Reforms Committee.

    He said, “To make the Local Government System more effective, we set up the Local Government Audit and other Reforms Committee following the meeting of Enugu State Stakeholders held on November 28, 2015 to look into the problems of local government administration and management in Enugu State, including issues of outstanding salaries. This effort to reposition the Local Government System accounted for the delay in conducting Council elections. The Committee headed by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly has since submitted its report with useful findings and recommendations. For instance, the panel uncovered the existence of over 3,000 ghost workers across the 17 Local Government Areas. This was a major drain to the resources of local councils in the State.”

    The governor promised to continue with his vision to provide good governance and other basic needs of the people of the state in order to “build the Enugu State of our dreams”, notwithstanding the economic difficulties in the country.

    Ugwuanyi while thanking the people of Enugu State for their unparalleled support, solidarity and prayers also promised that his administration will continue to run an open and accountable government and work assiduously towards the realization of the dreams of the state’s founding fathers.

    Past and present leaders of the state such as the  Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and other members of the National Assembly; the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi; state’s Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo;, the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi and other members of the House; former Governor of the State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Service Chiefs, and former Deputy Governors of the state were present at the occasion.

    Others include: the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Callistus Onaga; the Archbishop of Enugu Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma; the Archbishop of Enugu Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Barr. C.N Ede; other clerics; the organized Labour; revered Traditional Rulers, etc.

    Highlighting his achievements in office, Ugwuanyi who noted that the primary responsibility of government is the welfare of the people and the security of lives and property, said that his administration will continue to pay workers’ salaries and pensions on the 25th of every month in recognition of the fact that the civil service is the fulcrum and engine room of governance.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace and security of the state to maintain the state’s status as one of the safest in the country, adding that the government has revitalized the Neighbourhood Association and recently launched the Enugu State Security Trust Fund to galvanize resources and provide the enablers that will ensure the effective equipping of the Neighbourhood Watch to complement the efforts of the Nigerian security agencies.

    Ugwuanyi added that his administration has recorded tremendous feats in infrastructural development as a major goal to enhance the wellbeing of the people of the state as well as initiating innovative programmes aimed at economic stimulation and diversification.

    He mentioned that the government a few days ago simultaneously commissioned 26 development projects it executed across the 17 local government areas, which were among the 35 grassroots projects flagged off in October 2016 to open up the rural areas and catalyze socio-economic growth.

    The governor further stated that his administration also carried out major construction projects as well as intervened in the rehabilitation of failed sections of some federal roads in the state, which hitherto caused untold hardships to the people, slowed economic activities and in many instances, led to the loss of lives.

    He said that the government had initiated a N10 million per community based programme tagged “one autonomous community one project” to further take development to the rural areas, promising that the forthcoming Local Government council elections in the state will be the most transparent in recent history.

    “I am here today to reaffirm my promises to you and reassure you that this administration will continue to work for the common good of our people. Recall that on this day in 2015, I sincerely acknowledged the fast depleting revenue profile of the State owing to the slump in oil price and low internally generated revenue. Back then, I had assured you that I believed in the miracle of five loaves and two fish; and that I and my team would harness and apply every available resource with utmost transparency, honesty, prudence, and equity to the benefit of the ordinary man.

    “Our empowerment programmes designed to alleviate poverty and other socio-economic challenges among our people, have been successful. These include the facilitation of 100 units of one bedroom flats for civil servants of Grade Levels 1-10 at Elim Estate and the Enugu State Traders Empowerment Programme, which was specifically designed to empower market traders in the State through a monthly open lottery where 100 lucky winners receive the sums of N50,000 each. This is in addition to other schemes targeted at youth development,” Governor Ugwunayi highlighted.

  • Aba residents assess Ikpeazu

    On May 29, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu presented his scorecard as his administration marked two years in office. He listed several achievements including completing about 40 roads, recovery and revamping government lands and oil palm estates, raising 2 million oil palm seedlings, and raising another 2.5 million seedlings this year, developing a 2,500 capacity layer farm at Umuahia with a production capacity of between 20,000 and 24,000 crates of eggs per cycle of 18 months, and training and retraining teachers. The governor also spoke of partnering with the Precious Kids Education Empowerment Organisation of Australia to lift the standards of primary schools in the state, feeding pupils, and driving made-in-Aba campaign as well as attracting N1.5 billion investment in the state, among other achievements. Not bad for a two-year-old administration, the government might say.

    Notwithstanding, residents of Aba, the state’s commercial capital, are divided on whether the governor has soared or simply been walking. While some felt the government has done well compared to the previous administration, others said it was yet to positively affect the lives of the people.

    Hon. Uchechi Ogbuka, former State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, said in a telephone interview: “We thank God for giving us a governor like Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. We are very happy for his achievement so far in spite of the fact that he has been in the court in the last two years. That didn’t deter him from dishing out democratic dividends to Abians.

    “He has revived the locally made goods. Recall that Aba sometime in the past was deserted. Most of the artisans ran away at that time. But today, Aba is growing up and goods made in Aba are now making waves at the international market courtesy of Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu. You can recall that so many roads in Aba and other parts of the state were in a deplorable state before Ikpeazu came to power. But today, he is building roads that will stand the test of time. The system of handling finance in Abia is second to none. The finances are managed so well that civil servants in the state don’t go on strike unlike what is obtainable in other states. He is a very transparent manager who puts everything on the table for everybody to see..

    “I disagree with people who are saying that Ikpeazu is yet to meet the expectations of people that voted him into power. He has done his best and the best that we are expecting will come now that he has settled down. Since he was able to achieve the little that he has achieved even while in court, now that the matters are over, I am confident that Abians will have cause to smile because he is going to put his efforts into developing and serving Abia.”

    Dr. Alex Otti, who lost the election to Ikpeazu, also assessed the governor, saying, “If you live in Abia State you don’t need me to say anything, I don’t need to say anything, salaries are being owed for several months, we came in through Umuahia today and the city is as dirty as anything, heaps of rubbish all over the place in a state capital.

    “There is nothing that has changed, Aba is the same, we see all those reports on national newspapers and online, it’s very unfortunate. I am not surprised though because it is the same party that has been in government in the last 17 or 18 years, so I am not surprised and that was why Abia people wanted that change and they still want the change.

    ”That is my assessment, the important thing is that it is my opinion and I will want Abia people to know that they are entitled to their opinion. You know we have been used to a system where everybody lines up behind one man; the man determines what everyone else says, I will like us to move away from that and am sure we are happy that we are moving out.

    “I believe Abia people are in a better position to assess the performance of the present government. They can go and see what is happening in their neighbouring states, go to Ebonyi State, they are now several miles ahead of Abia State and they don’t have oil, Anambra does not have oil, so they don’t have 13% derivation. That is how sad it is. We are not there yet and it behooves on all of us to ensure that we continue pushing until we get to where we should be celebrating.”

    The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter, Comrade Ben Godson noted that the Ikpeazu’s administration may have started on a good note judging from the level of decay and abandonment, the immediate past governor of the state and now Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Theodore Orji left the state.

    Godson was angry, though, that despite the contribution of his oil-producing community to the economy of the state, two years into his administration, Ikpeazu was yet to improve the lives of the people of the community.

    “Ukwa West is an oil-producing area,” he said. “It is the goose that lays the eggs the state is enjoying. They are the people that made Abia to be listed among oil producing states in the country. But as I speak with you, the government of Abia State is yet to embark on a meaningful project in the area. Are we talking about roads? The deplorable nature of roads is nothing to write home about. No good school. No good water scheme. The people are still impoverished despite the role their community is playing to the economic generation and growth of the state and until that is done.”

    A civil servant who would not want her name in print lauded the incumbent administration for improving infrastructure but lamented the inability of the state to pay its workforce promptly.

    According to the local government worker, the continued delay in paying workers’ salaries has forced many of them to relocate to the village.

    The worker said many of them have been forced to also withdraw their children from private schools where quality of education is higher.

    “Even the school feeding introduced by the state government for pupils in public schools in the state, for me is to score cheap political point. They only use the media to get attention.”

    A respondent who gave his name as Chima Okoh described the whistleblowing policy that was recently introduced by the state government as a welcome development which if properly harnessed would go a long way in curbing crime.

     

  • Fed Govt. to kick off N800m road in Anambra

    The Federal Governm-ent’s Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Abaji Road to Abuja will take off soon, The Nation has learnt.

    Members of the House of Representatives’ committee on works led by the chairman, Hon. Okechukwu Tobi have visited Anambra State from where the road takes off. The committee said N800 million voted for the road was included in the 2017 budget which has been passed by the National Assembly.

    Addressing members of the Anambra East and West Federal Constituency in the state at Nsugbe , the member representing the area, Hon. Dr. Tony Nwoye, said soon work would start on the project by the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said since 2009, no allocation had been made on the road by the previous administrations, adding that the budget had over N250 million for other smaller projects in the area.

    Nwoye, who is also vying for the governorship ticket of the APC in the state, said about 28 persons from the constituency, had been offered employment in the current dispensation of APC.

    He said that grants had been given to over 3,500 persons in Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, adding that about 2,500 others would soon be empowered.

    According to the lawmaker, a committee had been set up to oversee the distribution of sewing machines, tricycles, motorcycles, hair dryers, grinding machines among others to his constituents.

    Nwoye, lamented that his constituents were the most neglected in Anambra state, while thanking the committee on works for visiting the state and the bad road.

  • N305m largesse in Imo

    On Democracy Day, the Imo State government handed out N305 million to youths to help them start their businesses. OKODILI NDIDI reports

    It was perhaps the perfect gift for 305 youths from each of the state’s wards. They got N1 million each, totaling N305 million. It was part of activities marking this year’s edition of the Democracy Day celebrations in Imo State.

    The empowerment programme was in line with the state government’s promise to empower youths in the state.

    As they filed out to receive the bold dummy check, the gait of the benefiting youths, betrayed the kind of confidence that can only be induced by a sense of financial security.

    For majority of them, the thought of owning a tax-free N1 million which has automatically lifted them to the status of ‘millionaires’, was unimaginable and this explains the thunderous jubilation that greeted the cheque presentation at the Heroes Square in Owerri.

    The massive venue was filled to capacity for the Democracy Day celebration. The parade by various security agencies was dutifully observed while the charged crowd was treated to a variety of music and cultural performances.

    At the announcement of the largesse, the huge crowd rose up in ecstasy, breaking out in different directions. The question on every lip in the heat of the excitement was the identity of the beneficiaries and how they were selected.

    The ‘young millionaires’ were selected through balloting at their various wards. This was in line with the state government’s promise to create millionaires among the youths.

    Presenting the cheques to the youths Governor Okorocha said his intention was to totally wipe out poverty in the state, assuring that he would personally mentor the beneficiaries to ensure that they become “comfortable millionaires at the end of the day”.

    He advised them against using the money for pleasure.

    The Governor enjoined them “to take off with the grant and become great in business,” stating that “most millionaires today didn’t start business with up to one million naira”.

    He expressed joy at the growing level of economic activities in the state.

    The Governor had previously   empowered three thousand and fifty women with ten each from the 305 wards with N100,000.

    He said he would produce as many millionaires as possible before the expiration of his second tenure in 2019.

    He said, “The various empowerment initiatives of the Rescue Mission is to ensure that wealth is returned to the people and to buoy the economy of the state. We are also using the empowerment of the youths to fight militancy, kidnapping and all manner of youth restiveness and it is already yielding results because today, Imo State is one of the safest states in the Federation.

    “We will also continue to create an enabling environment to do business in the state through the provision of infrastructure and security.

    On the Democracy Day Celebration, the Governor stated that “I am here because you have made it possible. I’m here standing as the Governor of Imo State because you all have voted me as governor. We are here gathered to celebrate democracy which is government of the people, by the people and for the people. This is the day of liberation. This is the day when the masses had a voice over the governed. This is your day because those ballot papers you have in your hand is the power with which you decided who must govern you at every level of government”.

    According to him “may I, at this point congratulate the founding fathers of this great nation who have brought democracy to be. Though we have not gotten it absolutely right in democracy practices, but there is light at the dark end of the tunnel. I believe that one day Nigeria’s democracy will surpass that of the perfect American democracy”.

    He added further that, “Let me again at this point congratulate and appreciate the founding fathers of Imo State of which if they had not been governors at particular times, maybe I wouldn’t have been a governor. I remember vividly the Sam Mbakwes, the Udenwas, the Ohakims, the Enwerems and all the military administrators that have governed this State before I emerged as a governor. I’m a governor elected under the platform of APC and APGA in the first instance and may I say to all of you that I’m very happy to be part of this democracy day which you have made possible.

    “You may all recall that I became the Governor of Imo State under unusual circumstances in 2011 when no one believed that a man could rise from nowhere and become a governor without the support of the political juggernauts and the big wigs in politics. I became a governor by the help of the masses and ordinary people. Therefore, I tag my government the government of the ordinary people by ordinary people and for ordinary people.

    “At this point, it is important that we look at what has been done down the line. I recall that light came in 2011 and since then darkness has not been able to comprehend it. I came on a single mission to rescue my people from ignorance, poverty and deceit. That is the anchor of my government and I call it Imo Rescue Mission. May I sound boisterous that from 2011, Imo is indeed better. We may not have been where we want to be, but there is a dramatic transformatory and geometrical change in Imo State.

    “Six years ago, security in the State was a serious problem, kidnapping and armed robbery became the order of the day including child trafficking. Darkness was the order of the day. With the coming of the Rescue Mission administration, there is a better security arrangement than it has ever been since the creation of this State.

     

  • Secured, treated by the Navy

    Secured, treated by the Navy

    A community, Okpuala, in Imo State relishes security and free medicals offered by the Navy, reports UGOCHUKWU UGOJI-EKE

    The community once could not defend itself against criminals, and suffered greatly at their hands. That scenario changed when the Navy moved into the area with their school. Since then residents of Okpuala, a short distance away from Owerrinta where the navy’s finance and logistics college is sited, have been enjoying both their days and their nights. Security, however, is just one of the delicacies served by the navy; there are also medical checks and medicines given free to Okpuala residents.

    The latest medical outreach, carried out when the Navy celebrated its 61st anniversary, was held at Okpuala in Ngo-Okpuala Local Government Area of Imo State. The medical rhapsody, as the navy called it, is a routine health scheme aimed at sensitising host communities about their operations and also part of their corporate social responsibility.

    Speaking during the event, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command, Apapa, Lagos, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed said the navy is grateful to host communities for their cooperation. Mohammed said the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas is also happy with the support given to the navy by the communities in Abia and Imo states, adding that it is one of the reasons behind the free medical care being extended to them.

    He said, “This shows that apart from protecting life and property, we also preserve the lives of those around us through medical care delivery. It is only when the people of the state and country are in good health that the navy which has the prerogative of protecting the waterways in conjunction with other arms of the military will have people to protect.”

    Mohammed urged the recipients to take advantage of the free medical scheme being given to them by the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta to sort out their medical problems.

    “If there are any other problems you are facing please feel free to let us know,” he said.

    He charged the people of Okpuala community to be law abiding as the navy is ready to carry everyone along.

    “So long as you are doing the right thing, the law will always be on your side and the navy will always stand by the law abiding community,” he said.

    In his speech, the commandant of the college, Navy Capt Abdullahi Aminu said that the navy is celebrating its 61st year of its existence and that they always celebrate with their host communities.

    He said that the navy college has been offering free medical care to their host community since they came into Owerrinta, adding that people around them have been accessing the facility within the college to treat their medical needs.

    Earlier in an interaction with The Nation, the navy doctor Lt Cmdr Noel Olamide said that they were in the community to offer free medical services to the people which will help to improve the relationship between them and the host communities.

    Lt Cmdr said they have handled about 600 cases ranging from High Blood Pressure, fever, malaria, ulcer, arthritis, including high sugar level, “These include old men, women, children and students as well, while those with severe cases are referred to the hospital at our base”.

    He said, “I noticed that most of them are not even aware that they have health challenges, we have been able to tell them the type of ailments they have and given advice and drugs as well”.

    Earlier the chief nurse of the naval hospital, Lt Ijeoma Nwachukwu had given the patients lecture on how to take care of themselves and the need for their person hygiene, stressing that what they were doing is part of social responsibility to the community around them.

    Nwachukwu used the forum to tell the people that they have no reason to fear the naval officers who are in their community to give them free medical care and that they should listen to advises on how to take care of themselves on health related issues.

    She told them that they were going to run tests on them to determine their state of health, “We will also give those who have health challenges drugs free of charge, while the children from five years old down will be de-wormed”.

    Nwachukwu told them about HIV/AIDS saying that it is not a deadly disease as such, “But you need to take care of yourselves to avoid contracting the disease, as it is not written on the faces of those who are carriers”.

    Nwachukwu said, “The worst aspect of the HIV/AIDS is the issue of stigmatization of the patients which kills faster than the ailment and you cannot contract it through touching but through blood contacts, but if you have HIV/AIDS and take your recommended drugs regularly, you will live long”.

    “There are other forms of diseases that kill faster than HIV/AIDS which includes hypertension, Hypertitis B and other dangerous ailments, but these ailments could be controlled with the routine drugs meant for them”.

    She urged the men to allow their pregnant wives to come for ante natal check-ups and treatment at the base hospital, adding that they equally run free HIV/AIDS tests on such women, “Which is to avoid transmitting the disease from mother to child”.

    One of the recipients of the free medical scheme, Uzoma Okereke while reacting said, “I am a recipient of the navy free medical scheme which held in my community and I am very happy with the navy from Owerrinta in Abia state”.

    “The free medical care given to us will help our people especially the indigent ones who cannot under normal circumstance afford medical bills for their health problems to take care of themselves medically”.

    “The navy is also protecting us from criminals as they have helped our community to chase away criminals from our area including kidnappers, we are now sleeping with our two eyes closed unlike before”.

    In his vote of thanks, the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Kele Okereke said that it is not easy for civilians to see top military officers and thanked them for coming to give them free medical care free of charge.

    Eze Okereke said that the medical activities of the navy in his community show that the navy is not only interested in protecting the people during war period but is also concerned about the medical wellbeing of the people around them.

    The FOC, Admiral Mohammed also commissioned some projects built by the Navy Capt Aminuadministration which includes renovated auditorium, security features including perimeter fencing with security lights and car park.