The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

Lawmaker trains Ebonyi youths in fish production

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Rep Linus Okorie has facilitated the training of over 50 youths of Ebonyi State in fish production.

Okorie said if the state could become a fish producing state coupled with its other food production potential, then it could overcome recession quicker than some thought.

The lawmaker who represents Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo federal constituency has recently trained numerous women and other farmers on new trends in cassava cultivation as well distributed hybrid cassava and maize seedlings to the farmers in the constituency.

He has equally held trainings for the farmers on the art of marketing agricultural products and the benefits of cooperative societies.

It was therefore another boast when the lawmaker again organized provision of empowerment training and support on fish production for no less than 50 youths from the constituency.

The youths were trained by the Federal college of Fisheries and Marine Technology Lagos through the sponsorship of Okorie.

The Youths also received training on how to rear consumable fish and also on how to produce different types of feeds.

Declaring the training open, Okorie told the participants that the training was meant to enable them apply the knowledge in creating wealth for themselves.

He said, “the country is changing and people need to eat. The country should produce what it eats and eat what it produces. Importation of fish is telling on the economy and now the government says we must feed ourselves.

“Even if we have all the food, we still need the safest protein which is fish. Since we produce considerable quantity of food in Ebonyi state, we are going to complement it with fish production so that we can attain self sufficiency.”

Okorie urged the trainees to share the knowledge from the training with others so that the state could boast of having enough fish farmers.

“Our plan is not just to train you but to imbibe in you so that you become masters in fish production, because we have plans for food chain that includes marketing of the products.

“We need to build local capacity on fish production, it will be followed with fish driers and we will create value chain which will bring about jobs for hundreds in fish business,” said Okorie.

He urged them to ensure they form themselves into cooperative groups, which he said will give them additional support such as loan facilities for greater fish production.

The Chief trainer, Dr. Chuks Onuoha from the Federal College of fisheries, urged the participants to adequately utilize the learning and support facilities that will be given to them after the training, noting that after the training they would have the potential of making good leaving from the business.

Some of the participants who spoke after the training said it was a great opportunity offered to them. Desmond Odii from Onicha local government area said “its a very nice development from Hon Linus. Thats what we’ve been waiting for and we thank him a lot. Before now I was into fishery but now with the knowledge I have gathered, I will go back fully fortified.

“The only problem I had was finance but with the support we have received, I am better off. We will form ourselves into cooperative societies and we will achieve greatness.

Another participant, Mrs. Nnennaya Eze, from Ohaozara local government said the training was very good and encouraging. “Its something that empowers someone. You can do it on your own once you put what it takes. Its for you so that you can get engaged in economic venture.

February 3, 2017
Questions as Army burns kidnappers’ den in Aba

Soldiers from 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have set ablaze a house near Aba, Abia State, allegedly used by kidnappers to detain their victims until ransom is paid. But how long was the den used by the criminals, and why did it escape the villagers’ notice? Sunny Nwankwo reports

IT was a small shelter, no bigger than a farm hut. Its corrugated roofing sheets had seen better days. The mud wall looked fairly strong, dignified with sheets of window louvres. But tucked in the bushes in the backyards of a village near Aba in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, the mudhouse was a curious structure.

What was it used for in Umuagbai village, a sleepy community not too far from the bustling Enyimba City?

The soldiers who visited it had one answer: a kidnappers’ den where victims were holed up while ransom negotiations went on.

It won’t serve that purpose anymore. For the soldiers promptly descended on it, smashing its wall down before setting it on fire. The operation was led by the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Umar Sidi Kasim.

The gang was said to be operating from neighbouring Rivers State. The kingpin and members of the group, it was gathered, relied on some local members, usually commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, who tracked and provided information on targets before the kingpin and others would move in for the kill.

The local foot soldiers reportedly set up the small den where the victims were kept pending the outcome of negotiations.

Speaking on how his men busted the kidnappers’ hideout just over 30 minutes’ drive from the heart of the commercial town, Lt. Col. Sidi brought it all down to a persistent, long and meticulous effort of the battalion’s intelligence team following a tip-off.

Sidi said the hoodlums had been terrorising Aba and its environs, kidnapping many, one of whom was a Dubai-based businesman.

It was gathered that the Dubai based victim whose name was yet to be ascertained was said to have been kidnapped by the gang at Okpu Umuobo being being taken taken to a location which was discovered to be Umuagbai village.

It was gathered that while the kidnappers were on their way to their hideout, soldiers got hint of their movement and laid ambush for them. On sighting the soldiers, the kidnappers reportedly engaged the army in a shootout which forced them to abandon their victim and a black coloured Land Rover Sports Utility Vehicle with registration number Lagos FST 754 DC.

Two members of the gang were reported dead during the shootout, while two others said to be kingpins of the group escaped during the crossfire; the victim was said to have escaped from them.

Questions arise: how long has the kidnappers’ hideout been in existence? How many victims were taken there? Why did the villagers not spot the den as soon as it was put up, and why did they not report to the authorities?

Sidi said that other gang members were being trailed even as he confirmed that the gang came to Aba from Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to strike whenever their target was spotted in town by their informants in Aba and would immediately leave for Port Harcourt after their operation, leaving their victim in the custody of their gang members in Aba. It was said that the local gang members were the ones who released the victim as soon as a deal was struck with the family.

He said that burning down the house was part of government’s step to discourage people from using their houses as hideouts for kidnappers and keeping victims of kidnapping.

Urging the residents of Aba to provide the army with prompt information about the activities of criminal elements within their vicinity, the army colonel assured that the army would ensure that residents of Aba sleep with their eyes closed.

In a similar development, the soldiers attached to Operation Mensa 14 Brigade, Ohafia Forward Operation Base (FOB), Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government of Abia State have confiscated an unmarked white truck carrying about 50,000 liters of unrefined crude oil.

Speaking to newsmen at Umuebulungwu village in Asa, Ukwa West LGA, the 14 Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Lawrence Fejokwu represented by Captain Ishaya Banki, the Officer in-charge of FOB, said they were able to trace and confiscate the truck through with the assistance of the Umuebulungwu community. He, however, attributed the success of the operation to the fallout of the operation “Crocodile Smile” recently launched by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Burutai.

Banki, lamenting that the country was losing so much money to the activities of vandals, described the act of the vandals as economic sabotage to the country’s economy and President Muhammdu Buhari administration’s efforts to reposition the economy in the face of the global economic downturn.

He warned vandals to look for something meaningful to do, saying that they would not fold their arms to watch criminals satisfy their selfish desires and cause more pains to Nigerians.

“The hoodlums laid a pipe from the source where they were siphoning the crude from to the bank of Ohando waterfront, using a pumping machine to pump the crude into the waiting truck. When we got the information, we analysed and swung into action. But by the time we got to this waterfront they had already moved the truck and smartly covered their tracks. But with the help of the villagers and our intelligence, we were able to trace the truck to this village (Umuebulungwu) and have been guarding it since Wednesday.

“We are however making arrangements to tow back the truck to safety and awaiting further directives. So far, from our investigations, we believe the crude in the truck is about fifty thousand liters and efforts are on to track the owner of the truck. But like I said, our next moves will be determined by the orders I get from my superior”.

Some of the nearby residents denied having knowledge of the vandals as they claimed that they saw the truck parked in their neighbourhood while they returned home from their farms.

Recall that the federal government had launched the operation “Crocodile Smile” to curb the activities of vandals and pirates on the country’s waterways, an exercise that has started yielding fruit in Abia State.

January 27, 2017
‘Presidency shouldn’t be reduced to tribal contest’

A human rights activist, social commentator and community leader in Anambra State, Comrade Bonny Okonkwo, in this interview with JOSEPH JIBUEZE, speaks on developments in the Southeast, agitations by the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), and Igbo presidency, but he cautions that the presidency should be determined by noble considerations rather than ethnic sentiments. Excerpts:

What is your assessment of the state of the Southeast in terms of development and the governors’ performance?

In terms of development, there is not much to sing about, unfortunately. If you go to Aba, for instance, the once wonderful city has now become a dumping ground, a “garbage site”. Generally speaking, if one compares the performance of the sitting governors to that of their predecessors, it may be easy to point a finger and accuse them of doing nothing. But we have to remember that their predecessors served under better economic conditions and even then did not do that much for their constituents. The present economic doldrums with the attendant recession do not make matters any better. Sadly too, there are some chronic non-performers and a lot still remains to be done in the areas of security and pension management.

How would you assess the Buhari administration so far?

As far as fighting corruption goes, there have been some positive developments. However, there are other equally serious problems assailing this country such as the status of the economy and the escalating insecurity that the government has done nothing about. It is estimated that about 180 million Nigerians are living in abject poverty and fear of being killed as there is no proper security system in place. Look at the mass killings in Kaduna and other parts of the country. The majority of Nigerians are hungry and angry. We have never had it this bad in the history of this country. The President is yet to fulfill his campaign promises. President Buhari seems to me to carry only sectional interests. Just look at all his government appointments so far and tell me if they truly encompass any Federal character.

What do you make of attacks and killing of IPOB members by security agencies?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with IPOB members celebrating Trump’s inauguration. Russians celebrated the inauguration and we did not hear of anyone getting killed. There were even massive anti-Trump protests in Washington DC; the protesters caused a lot of damage to property yet no one was reportedly killed. But in Nigeria where IPOB members had a peaceful rally they were killed in numbers. So why kill your own people? This is one of the reasons why IPOB continues to draw sympathy even from those who do not support their activities. I do not think that killing IPOB members is helping either the image of the president or that of the country as a democracy.

There have been calls for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. What is your take?

My only wish is for peace to reign in every region of this country. Proper constitutional means should be put in place where all regional problems will be properly addressed instead of allowing the issues to ignite national disaffection which is a threat to the unity of this country.

Are you in support of the agitation for Biafra?

Once a foundation is faulty, any structure built on it will collapse. Britain was given a choice to stay or leave the European Union. We can also do the same in Nigeria. Freedom, referendum, resources control and self-determination are not a crime anywhere in the world.

What is your assessment of your governor Obiano’s administration so far?

From my personal assessment, the milestones achieved by our present governor are a continuation of the success recorded by his predecessor and therefore should not be abated by some disgruntled elements. Hence, his second tenure is guaranteed because his records so far speak for themselves.

Why did you write an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari?

Yes, I wrote an open letter to His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, to draw his attention to the atrocities committed by some political job seekers who are of no consequence and only seek to score cheap popularity with the attendant self-aggrandizement.

You have always fought against injustice, which has led to your being detained severally. What drives you?

I’m a born human rights activist who stands for justice. I was born to do this and will use my last drop of blood to fight against injustice irrespective of the attendant consequences. I won cases at the lower court but one is on appeal. I am however hopeful that the burden of proof which I have reasonably discharged will not be truncated at the appellate court. The other cases are yet to be decided or concluded. I’m hopefully that I will win.

Do you see an Igbo man ever being president of Nigeria?

Nothing is cast in stone. Situations and circumstances change every day. We have more than enough capable brains in Igboland and who knows, an Igbo man may become president of this country one of these days. But we really shouldn’t reduce the country’s most important seat to a tribal contest. Now, more than ever, Nigeria needs a visionary and a mover. Whether he’s Igbo or otherwise is of secondary importance.

An oil magnate, Emeka Okwuosa, is building a mega farm which is expected to employ between 15,000 and 100,000 direct and indirect workers. As an associate of his, what does this portend for the state’s development?

Emeka Okwuosa is an Oraifite man and among very few that has not compromised their integrity in any way. Known as “Agha”, Okwuosa is the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the following companies: Oilserve Limited, which has wide ranging activities in the Niger Delta, across Nigeria and other African countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Benin Republic and Togo); Frazimex Engineering Limited; Frazoil Exploration And Production (E & P) Limited; Frazpower Limited; Crown Energy Resources Ltd and Ekcel Farms Limited, which is an industrial farming establishment that is structured to farm and develop Cassava and Tomato products for both local and export purposes. The total land area to be utilised is above 2,800 hectares and the $120m project is expected to employ thousands of workers.

How has he contributed to the development of your town?

Emeka is also the founder of Sir Chukwuemeka Okwuosa Foundation. Through this foundation, Emeka has built roads in Oraifite worth above N600million, provided scholarships to the less privileged, sponsored Ocean-Anaedo Medical Missions, ODU programs and feed-the-poor programs. He built the Oraifite Town Hall in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, valued above N120million at the current exchange rate. This is just to mention a few, because Dr. Okwuosa is a man of many achievements. In the history of Oraifite, his record remains unchallenged. However, his most endearing quality is his simplicity. He is very unassuming, does not make noise about his wealth or connections and has never used his wealth to oppress anyone in our community. I’m happy to be associated with such a man. The man in simple language is a First Class gentleman.

Do you think more people should make such investments?

Yes, of course! People should emulate him and make similar domestic investments because the government cannot do everything. I am using this medium to appeal to our wealthy men and women including those that looted the treasury of this nation to invest at home so that our unemployed youth can have employment.

It is very unlike you to speak glowingly about anyone. What happened?

If you have been following my write-ups, you ought to know that I’m not a sycophant. I don’t know how to sugarcoat issues; I call a spade a spade. Emeka Okwuosa is playing a positive role in society through his efforts to alleviate poverty and also to wipe out oppression, intimidation, illegality and harassment by one lawless illiterate and his charlatans. Dr. Emeka’s actions speak for themselves and he has so far been a good role model for our young people. Nigeria needs more people like him. I appreciate him because I am yet to hear that he has used his position or wealth to intimidate or oppress anyone, or that he has defrauded any organisation or institution be it in Nigeria or beyond.

January 27, 2017
Enugu police celebrate officer’s nuptial

The entire Enugu State Police Command was agog as one of their female officers tied the nuptial knots with her Malaysian-based heartthrob. One peculiar aspect of the marriage was that the lovebirds met for the first time through the social media. To crown it all it is a kind of handshake across the Niger marriage, the bride coming from Ekiti State, and the groom from Ebonyi.

Bukola Mercy Olagunju, a police corporal serving in Enugu met Ejike Nweke in the Badoo social internet media. The couple did not contemplate marriage. But one thing led to another and the result is that the two found out they were compatible as husband and wife, hence the intensity of the love between them.

The marriage which was solemnised at the Celestial Church of Christ, Eastern Diocesan Headquarters, New Jerusalem Parish, Garriki Awkunanaw, Enugu was so important and special that the Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church world wide, Rt. Rev. (Pro) Gabriel Beni Omoge had to come down personally from Lagos to conduct the marriage.

Omoge was assisted by the head of diocese, Enugu/Ebonyi states, Most Sup. Evang. Gabriel Daramoka and the arch diocese head of Enugu/Ebonyi states, Most Sup. Evang. Paul Ayedu.

The moderate church building was filled to capacity by the relations and friends of the couple who mostly came from Ekiti and Ebonyi states as well as far away Malayasia. It was gyration all through the service as the church band rendered some Igbo and Yoruba tunes.

Bukola’s colleagues were in their best adorning the traditional red upon black ceremonial police outfit, to usher in and usher out the couple into and from the church.

The reception which was held one of Enugu’s top events centre was turned to a competition between the two families of the couple of who will outdo each other. The Police band entertained while the spokesman of the Enugu state police command, Ebere Amaraizu was on hand to represent the state police commissioner.

“I am the happiest woman on earth today,” Bukola told Southeast Report. “In fact what started like a joke has ended up in something very serious today. Glory be to God that I’m married to the man I love,” she added.

And Ejike said: “Today is not only the happiest day in my life but the most remarkable. Today I have married the woman of my dream and with God on our side. We are going to make it together till death parts us.”

January 27, 2017
Ikpeazu’s wife cheers up the needy

The wife of Abia State governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu has lifted the spirits of the physically challenged in the state.

She sponsored a badminton championship which featured athletes living with varying physical challenges. The sport is called para-badminton.

The championship now in its third edition featured athletes from all over the country. It is called the Nkechi Ikpeazu National Open Parabadminton Championships.

The event which held in Umuahia, the state capital, gave the athletes a platform to practise a sport they loved despite their physical challenges.

The governor’s wife said the current economic situation should not dampen their support for the development of sports in the country.

Speaking at the Umuahia Township stadium venue of the three-day sports event, the sponsor Mrs. Ikpeazu said that Para-badminton is a new sport in the Olympics, which she has decided to promotie so that the country can win international recognition through it as well as improve on its medal hauls at the Olympics.

Mrs Ikpeazu said that the current economic situation is affecting every strata of the country including the sporting world, stressing that the bad economy should not deter people who have the spirit to promote sport from doing what could help in rebuilding the economy and the country.

She said, ”The current national economic state is seriously affecting sports development in Nigeria. We pray it will end soon so that our sporting community will once again thrive. Nevertheless I urge conglomerates and sports philanthropists to see this period as a challenge and do their best to keep our games alive.

“Apart from this event I often sponsor our disabled athletes to several sports events all over the country. I am also a major sponsor of Abia Angels Female Premier League Club. Sports is in my blood and I love it”.

In his reaction the state Comm-issioner for sports, Chief Chinwe Nwanganga said the event in Umuahia goes to buttress the fact that Abia is a major hub for sports development, pointing out that the state parades several champions in track, field and indoor sports while also boasting of being the only state with three premier League clubsides, Enyimba FC, Abia Warriors and Abia Angels FC.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Parabadminton Association of Nigeria, Mr Samuel Ekeoma said the competition has afforded the athletes the opportunity of staying fit while evaluating their performance against other athletes.

Ekeoma emphasised the need for more support to be given to Parabadminton and other disabled sports, pointing out that Mrs. Ikpeazu has so far given the development of the game a desired push. He used the opportunity to challenge corporate bodies, individuals and state governments to emulate Mrs. Ikpeazu and support the growth of the games.

He further revealed that para sports have remained the leading source of international laurels and recognition for Nigeria given the consistency of athletes in the various track, field and indoor events and called on the federal government and the Nigeria Olympic Committee to give more attention to the games.

The Nkechi Ikpeazu National Open Para-badminton championship held at the indoor sports hall of Umuahia Township stadium, attracted athletes from 11 states of the country converged in Umuahia for the three-day sports competition. Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Kano, Kaduna, Imo, Delta, Edo, Kwara and host Abia.

Reigning champion of men’s sitting category Dada Dixon from Delta State won the star match and took home a gold medal and cash prize courtesy from the sponsor, while a total of 26 winners in various categories of Gold, silver and bronze got medals with cash prizes while every athlete that participated in the competition received cash gifts all courtesy of Mrs. Ikpeazu.

With the sponsorship of this competition, her backing of female premier league side Abia Angels Football club, and sponsorship of the state female public servants sports competition Nkechi Ikpeazu is gradually etching her name as a sports philanthropist.

January 27, 2017
Imo celebrates maiden airline

It was fanfare at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport as the first flight of the maiden Imo Airline, Imo Air, touched down at exactly 11.42am to the admiration of thousands of Imo indigenes who thronged the airport to witness the historic event.

The governor and his wife, Nneoma, who were among the first passengers aboard the flight from Lagos, was greeted with thunderous cheers from the ecstatic crowd who broke the security line into the tarmac to catch a close glimpse of the flight.

“The state is not affected by the economic recession that has crippled most states in the Federation,” the governor declared, happily, adding, “|Imo has continued to make huge investments and execute capital intensive projects to the amazement of other states”.

Speaking at the colourful event, Okorocha asserted that “Imo is not affected by the much-talked about recession in the Country because some people might wonder why the State should dabble into Airline business in time of recession”.

He explained that the State has cleared arrears of pension and paid salaries up to December 2016, and is about to commence the payment of January Salary.

The maiden flight landed at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport Owerri with the first set of passengers including the State Governor and members of the State Executive Council and was welcomed by thousands of Imo people who thronged the airport to celebrate the feat.

Meanwhile, the Airline will be operated and managed on behalf of the State by DANA Airline because according to the Governor, the State has not gotten the license to operate a full blown Airline.

The governor said it has been his dream to “position Imo State on the fast lane of development, prosperity and growth”, adding that he won’t rest on his oars until that dream is realized.

He added that “Imo is not affected by the much-talked about recession in the Country because some people might wonder why the State should dabble into Airline business in time of recession”.

He said, “This is a happy moment in the state. The aim of going into the air business is because I want to drive traffic to Imo State as Owerri is genuinely becoming the fastest developing city outside Abuja and Lagos. For this, there is need for more airlines to cushion the effects of high traffic coming to the state”.

Continuing, he said, “Imo government does not have an operating air license. So we needed to partner with a good and qualified airline operator, hence the choice of DANA Air because of its proven track record and sincerity of purpose. The Imo Air will be operated by DANA and we have a contract of ten years with them. We have five of this aircraft and the first one has just landed and four other ones will start operation in few weeks’ time”.

The Governor explained further that, “the International Cargo Airport will soon kick-start to supplement the efforts of Imo Air. In our pursuit of making Imo better, Imo International Cargo Airport will soon commence operations. Work is going on smoothly and by April God’s willing the fastest International Cargo Plane will arrive in Imo State. This, we believe will help drive up commercial activities in the State. Imo is a hub for business and there is no better place to invest now in Nigeria than Imo State as in spite of the recession the State is still flourishing and progressing because of its visionary leadership”.

He said that Imo Air will have 10% discount for all indigenes flying the plane and the operation will equally employ over 30% of Imo sons and daughters to help in the management of the Imo Air”.

The DANA Air Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mbanuzuo Obi in his speech, stated that, “the partnership between DANA and the good people of Imo State will create employment and better working relationship for the State. Imo Air is in safe hands and the choice of DANA Air for the partnership is an excellent choice as DANA Air is registered with International Air Transport Association operations and security treasuring”.

Obi added that DANA Air has the best Customer Service Awards for 3 years running and has also been known to operate one of the top most operational brands in Nigeria.

He commended Okorocha for his vision and passion for excellence.

January 27, 2017
Jobs tools for youths in Ebonyi

The Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has presented over 50 motorcycles and tricycles to the youths and women in Izzi Local Government Area of the state as part of his poverty alleviation intervention for his constituents.

The Speaker made the presentation at his country home, Oferekpe Agbaja in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi state.

Over 500 pieces of cloth and customised bags were also distributed to the women by the Speaker’s wife Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru.

The distribution of the motocycles and tricycles with other gift items were to, among other things, address the challenge of unemployment and re-direct the attention of young individuals from crime and criminality to employers of labour.

For the people, it was a rare opportunity to witness such an event which according to them was the first of its kind since the creation of the state.

During the event the speaker remarked that there could be no level of empowerment from him that would be commensurate with the mandate given to him by the people.

He stated that 63 per cent of all he gets from the Assembly will be channeled to changing the face of his constituents.

The Speaker emphasised that he has drilled over 30 boreholes for the people, built culverts and bridges, provided streetlights in addition to the ongoing housing projects for two widows in the area initiated by his wife.

The lawmaker outlined the multi-faceted achievements of Governor Dave Umahi in the constituency to include construction of 25Km access road and 18km road connecting Amaechara, Ogbagharu and Ededeigwe all in Izzi West constituency and declared that 2019 general elections is already secured by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The wife of the speaker, while distributing the cloth to the women praised Governor’s Umahi’s wife, Mrs Rachael Umahi for building two houses for indigent widows from the area and encouraged the women to vote for Peoples Democratic Party in the upcoming elections.

Mrs Nwifuru expressed joy for the judicious use of the mandate given to them by the people and submitted that something good must come from Oferekpe.

The caretaker chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, Hon. Richard Idike said the gesture was made possible by the young and brilliant categories of persons under Governor Umahi’s administration and assured of his constant partnership with the Speaker.

The traditional ruler of Agbaja Autonomous community, HRH Eze Emmanuel Nwojiji said that since the inception of government such gesture has never taken place.

Eze Nwojiji used the medium to call on other public office holders in the area to toe the same part with the speaker to uplift their people from the sharkles of poverty.

One of the beneficiaries of the gesture Mr. Paul Offia whose shop was said to have been burnt by opposition party elements recently thanked the speaker for the gift of the motocyles and prayed for more political positions for him.

January 27, 2017
Fresh challenge for Aba residents after bleak Yuletide

As it was during the Yuletide when residents contended with exorbitant prices of goods, so it is in the New Year as parents struggle to return their children to school. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

Prices of goods are on the high side,” declared Mrs Ihuoma Chike, sadly. “The traders are taking advantage of the rush, especially on educational materials, to sell at exorbitant prices. Prices of such things as toiletries have been increased by 50 per cent from what they were last year.”

The Yuletide was largely forgettable, but the New Year has offered little cheer so far in Aba, Abia State’s commercial nerve, as Mrs Chike observed.

Between December 25 and 26, most markets and shopping centres lacked the customary crowds. Why? Prices of goods were prohibitive, and the pangs of the economic recession were still fresh. So, many would-be shoppers stayed away. The famous Ariaria Market and Ahia Ohuru or New Market, usually patronised by traders from far and near at this time of year, were unrecognisably scanty.

At Good Morning Market, a bag of pepper which usually sold for about N4,000 before December 25 was sold for between N1,800 to N2,200.

While some loading bays at the Aba Central Motor Park charged the usual fares, others seized the opportunity of the Christmas rush to jack up their fares.

Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ututu-Aro-Ihechiowa loading bay, Mr. Marcus Iroamachi also lamented low patronage, saying that they had no need to increase fares because of the recession and the fact that there was no increase in the pump price of petrol. Yet, fewer people travelled.

Beauticians also explained why they charged N1,500 for pedicure instead of N1,000, and N400 for manicure instead of N300, saying that the little increase was because of the cost of materials. Like others, they equally bemoaned poor patronage.

Even the churches, according to our correspondent, recorded low patronage, as many worshippers retreated to prayer camps, hoping for a better year from on high.

Perhaps only the security community buzzed, as various agencies mobilised to secure residents and keep robbers, kidnappers and fraudsters at bay.

Health workers of the Abia State Teaching Hospital, Aba had a bleak season too, as they protested the non-payment of their over eight months’ salary and pension arrears of about 18 months.

Some said they hoped 2017 would be better.

Well, January of the new year is in its second half and there is pretty little to lift the spirits. Business and commercial activities have gradually started picking up in the state’s commercial hub after the celebrations but residents are still grappling with exorbitant prices. Our reporter who visited various markets in the city reports that most shoppers who came to textbooks, exercise books and other educational materials ahead of the resumption of schools in the state found the prices prohibitive.

Mrs. Chike, who complained about soaring prices, said, “We don’t have any other choice but to buy [the school materials] because our kids and wards will definitely go back to school and these are some of the basic and essential things that our children will need when they go back to school especially the ones living in the dormitories.”

Reacting to the allegation by parents, some of the traders said that the sharp increase in the price of goods weas not their making.

“Many companies are yet to supply new stock to us and people who stored the products in their respective warehouses are selling their own at exorbitant prices,” said one of them. “So, there is no way we are going to sell below what we bought them. Some of us have placed orders for goods, but we were asked to wait. The companies where I buy are still taking stock and are yet to conclude whether to review their price or not. So, until they are through with what they are doing and start supplying us, the market price of goods will be determined by what we buy from the people that have the old stock in their warehouses,” Ifechi said.

Respondents at some banks visited told our reporter said they were to complete payment for their children or ward’s school fees among other payments as demanded by their schools. Others stated that they were at the bank to carry out several transactions, though they lamented the queue that was building up at the banking hall and the slow pace of service delivery by the bank officials.

Some of the bank staff who spoke to our reporter said that they were well prepared to handle the crowd in the banking halls because it has been the situation over the years.

A visit to Aba North and South Local Government Area Councils showed that the workers reported to work and in high spirits to perform their duties diligently after enjoying what they described as “a long holiday that doesn’t come quiet often.”

Some of the children that accompanied their parents to the market said that they were in high spirits to go back to school after a long holiday, adding that they couldn’t wait to see their teachers and friends who they said that they have missed so much.

The only concern is that their parents are not quite as excited. Blame the slump in the economy and the prohibitive cost of goods.

January 20, 2017
Smugglers groan

The seizure of N4.7b worth of contraband by Customs personnel last year left smugglers in agony in the Southeast and the Southsouth, though the feat has not stopped the criminals. OKODILI NDIDI reports

They lost billions of naira as thousands of their illicit containers were seized last year by Customs personnel. It was a telling blow, but they are like resilient viruses, difficult to wipe out. That was the fate of smugglers in the Southeast and Southsouth who lost thousands of containers of smuggled goods as officials of the Nigeria Customs Service swooped on them last year. The clampdown was led by the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Uba.

Last year alone, 307 containers of contraband worth N4,756, 277,885 were seized in the zone.

The figure is unprecedented, although the feat has not totally eradicated smuggling in the area. Smuggling still goes on, but the clampdown hurt the perpetrators badly.

According to the Public Relations Officer in charge of the zone, Onuigbo Ifeoma, the figure is a combination of both the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3,985,931,643 and an underpayment of N770,346,242, which was recovered as revenue.

The Controller who made this known while giving an annual report for the year 2016, said that the Unit which he said has since driven many smugglers out of their illicit business as a result of its sustained onslaught against smuggling, also arrested a total of 234 suspects with 24 cases still pending in court.

Mohammed gave a breakdown of the seized contraband as: 169 motor vehicles with a DPV of N1,013,005,101.21; 2,725 cartons of narcotics (Indian hemp/hard drugs) with a DPV of N366,835,000.00 and 1,759 pairs, 85 cartons and 68 sacks/bales of foot wears with a DPV of N28,234,060.00.

Others were, 7,795 soap/detergents/toiletries with a DPV of N58,889,181; 107,006 cartons of imported frozen poultry products with a DPV of N1,402,086,836.00; 1,018 pieces and 561 bales of bags/suitcases which had a DPV of N134,964,320.00 in addition to 5,794 rethread and used pneumatic tyres bearing with a DPV of N97,597,620.00.

Also seized were 50 cartons and 147 pieces of beverages/confectionary/juices with a DPV of N3,248,570.00; 14,006 bags of rice which has a DPV of N447,850,240.00; 2,333 cartons and 1,598 pieces of furniture and parts thereof with a DPV of N173,048,334.00 and 273 cartons of 2 litres of vegetable oil with a DPV of N9,801,000.00.

The Unit also seized 1,089 pieces of machinery/mechanical appliances/parts which had a DPV of N7, 837,498.00 as well as 2,484 electrical/electronic parts with a DPV of N3, 886,600 and 951 bales, 470 cartons and 18 sacks of other goods with DPV of N239, 441,283.00 as among other seizures made within the year.

He disclosed that “the figure was in contrast to the total seizure made in the preceding year (2015) which stood at a total sum of N2, 839,404,837 with a DPV of N2, 709,807,437.00 and an underpayment recovered to the tune of N129, 597,400.00”.

Comptroller Mohammed continued that “the FOU zone ‘C’ would continue to strategize and re-strategize to bring smugglers, their agents and collaborators to their knees”.

He regretted that the Federal Government “had continued to lose huge revenue as a result of the unpatriotic activities of smugglers who are poised to acquire wealth through the short cut”, warning such individuals “to desist forthwith in their own interest”.

The Controller therefore advised Nigerians not to use the global economic down turn as an excuse to ruin themselves and their families, stressing that the Nigeria Custom Service “would not entertain any sacred cow in its determination to make smuggling a thing of the past in the country”.

Mohammed advised youths to always preoccupy themselves with ideas and visions that could assist them realise their potentials “as leaders of tomorrow instead of indulging in acts and conducts capable of impeding their success in life”.

He advised, “Nigerians who are into genuine and legitimate business of buying and selling not to entertain any fear as the NCS would continue to be guided by the cardinal principle of justice, equity and fairness devoid of victimisation or oppression in the discharge of her duties”.

January 20, 2017
Okorocha’s wife’s shelter for widows project earns praise

No fewer than 134 two-bedroom bungalows have been built for widows in Imo State. Though a lot more needs to be done, wife of the state governor Mrs Nneoma Okorocha has been praised for putting up these shelters for indigent women who lost their husbands and breadwinners.

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Imo State Council showered praise on Mrs Okorocha, saying her feat was unprecedented in the state.

Mrs Okorocha through her pet project, She Needs A Roof Project (SNARP) constructed over 134 two-bedroom bungalows for the indigent widows across the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.

For this act of kindness and care for the abandoned and less privileged of the society, the Imo governor’s wife was conferred with the award of the ‘Most Outstanding Governor’s Wife’ by the Chapel.

Speaking during the presentation of the Award at the New Concorde Hotel Owerri, the Chairman of the Chapel, Mr. Athan Agbakwuru said that the award was in recognition of the efforts of the governor’s wife in alleviating the plight of the indigent widows and other vulnerable people in the state.

He explained that the award was in appreciation of the uncommon feat recorded by the wife of the Governor and to spur her to do more for the indigent people in the state.

According to Agbakwuru, the recipient, through the SNARP project, has been able to save the lives of hundreds of widows who were hitherto living in “despicable squalors” without any hope of succour.

He noted further that the Award is not among the politically motivated ones but a genuine symbol of appreciation by a section of the society that is known to criticise almost all the projects and programmes of government.

He said, “The success story of the Rochas Okorocha administration cannot be complete without mention of the gross input of the SNARP initiative. This great and noble woman has built over 174 two-bedroom bungalows for indigent widows and orphans across the 27 Council Areas of the state. Besides that, she has also established three Skill Acquisition Centres in the three Senatorial Zones of the State.

“As [the] ever vigilant watchdog of the society, the Chapel after meticulous consideration, tipped her for this rare honour and recognition. She has surpassed her predecessors and contemporaries alike in all ramifications. Above all, the SNARP and the Skill Acquisition Programmes have been found to have no partisan coloration as beneficiaries are drawn from among those who are genuinely in need of succour, irrespective of political and religious affiliations”.

Also speaking at the event, the National Vice President of NUJ (Southeast), Deacon Chris Isiguzo, who presented the Award, said that the Award met the set standard of the Union, especially after considering the impact of the SNARP project.

He pointed out that it is the responsibility of the NUJ to ensure that public office holders are accountable to the people, adding that what the recipient is doing should be emulated by other wives of governors across the country.

Isiguzo who was accompanied by the NUJ Secretary Zone C (Southeast), Comrade Kenneth Oforma and the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Rex Chinweuba, commended the governor’s wife for her vision and commitment in making life meaningful for the indigent widows and other downtrodden.

According to him, “when we received the letter that the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Imo State wants to give Award to the governor’s wife due to her achievements, we conducted our own investigations before confirming the letter. Without mincing words, the national leadership of the NUJ and the Imo State Council of NUJ endorsed this Award and are behind the Correspondents’ Chapel in this well-deserved honour on the First Lady of Imo State”.

In a similar vein, the President of Igbo Media Professionals, Apostle Victor Sorokwu, said that the achievements of the Imo Governor’s wife, is a further testimony of the Igbo spirit.

He noted that unlike the pet projects of other Governors’ wives, which he said are often conduit pipes for siphoning state resources, the SNARP has made housing available for a section of the society that has been abandoned, adding that the project should be adopted by the Federal and State Governments.

Also in his comments, the member representing Onuimo Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly, Hon Chinedu Offor, commended the recipient for her genuine love and compassion for the needy.

Offor, a correspondent of the Voice of America (VOA) before he joined politics in 2011, added that, “throughout the 15 years I worked for VOA, I covered the activities of presidents, governors and top public office holders, [but] none has given succour to the needy like Okorocha’s wife”.

He said the governor’s wife’s achievements have helped to “eliminate the obnoxious widowhood practices,” and that they are “worth rewarding with a Noble Peace Prize”.

The Chairman of the event, Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri, said that the uncommon achievements record by the recipient through her projects, which has alleviated the sufferings of the vulnerable people in the state, rightly justified the Award.

Responding, the wife of the Governor, said that the Award coming from a non-partisan but a critical group of people like journalists will certainly motivate her to continue to contribute to making life better for the less privileged.

She commended the Chapel for their commitment to the activities for the SNARP, adding that the cooperation of the journalists has brought the need awareness that has watered the success of the project.

She said, “This is one of the awards that have touched my heart specially. This is so because it is coming from a section of people that has been with me all through the journey of SNARP. So there assessment cannot be said to be political or induced. Every time I have piles of letter requesting to confer me with one award or the other but I have always declined because most of those awards are actually for sale.

“I did not know much about the award until the delegation from the Correspondents’ visited my office to give me details about the motive behind the award. They insisted that the award is apolitical, just like the process of selecting the SNARP beneficiaries and I sincerely cherish this award”.

January 20, 2017