The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • ‘We’ll make Aba hot for criminals’

    ‘We’ll make Aba hot for criminals’

    Soldiers from the 14 Brigade Command of Nigerian Army converged on Ngwa High School Forward Operation Base (FOB) to embark on a military exercise tagged Operation Show of Force on Monday, December 19.

    About 50 personnel from various army formations that made up the 114 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Aba participated in the exercise during which they moved round the state to ward off internal or external aggressions. It was also meant to assure residents of the readiness of the military to protect their lives and property at all times, especially during this year’s Yuletide.

    Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State usually witnesses high volume of economic and commercial activities and movement during festive periods such as Christmas and the New Year. This situation, over the years, has resulted in increase in crime rate. The situation exerts more pressure on security agents and other para-military organisations that ensure that they were not caught unawares by hoodlums who believe that the “ember” months are periods for their prosperity. This informed the Operation Show of Force in Aba.

    The exercise, which lasted for about three hours, the military convoy moved from Ngwa High School through the ever-busy Aba-Owerri Road to Factory Road, Asa Road, Ngwa Road, Ogbor Hill, Azikiwe Road, Okigwe Road, Brass Road and later terminated at Ngwa High School.

    While addressing reporters after the exercise, the Commanding Officer, 144 Battalion Ukwa West Local Government Area, Lt. Col. Kasim Umar Sidi assured visitors and the entire Aba business community of a crime-free Yuletide celebration as the command has ensured tight security in Aba and its environs.

    Sidi said the exercise was expected to last throughout the festive period and to further assure residents and visitors of safety of their lives and property.

    According to him, the exercise was an off-shoot of the Operation Python Dance (Egwu Eke) that was launched in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    He further assured that the command had the necessary logistics to respond swiftly to distress calls as soon as they were contacted. He urged residents of Aba and its environs to give the command maximum co-operation by reporting any case of criminal activities  in their areas for prompt action.

    “Aba is the commercial nerve of Abia State which also serves as a melting point for traders across the country and neighbouring West African countries. By this time of the year, a lot of people from neighbouring Southeast and South-south states and those from Cameroun and Ghana come here to buy what they need during the Christmas. We are therefore aware of the increase in commercial and economic activities.

    “What you have just witnessed was part of our proactive steps to ensure that Aba is safe this festive period and after. It is also a way of showing off the strength of the Battalion. We also use the event to warn those who want to use the opportunity of the festive period to steal from the residents or commit any form of crime that we (the army) is battle-ready for them.

    “We will make the city uncomfortable for them to operate. We also  assure them that they will not  succeed or escape. Our men are always on the ground and we will be doing a spontaneous stop-and-search on the road at some of the locations where we may deem fit to.

    “All we need from Aba residents is to inform us promptly of any criminal activities and suspicious movements around their areas as soon as possible. I assure you that residents of Aba will sleep with their two eyes closed.”

    He debunked the rumours getting the rounds that the Python Dance was targeted at some people, saying that it was to ensure that there was peace in the Southeast, especially during the festive period.

     

  • SON seals firms over ‘sub-standard’ products

    SON seals firms over ‘sub-standard’ products

    Determined to rid the country of fake and sub-standard goods which cause health hazards to Nigerians, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has raided some companies in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State suspected to be dealing in fake products. Three companies at Awada and Arondizogu streets in 3-3 GRA belonging to two different persons were sealed by the organisation.

    Eight persons were also arrested  during the raid.

    Among those arrested included a Chinese, Ming Tiandong and the owner of Bendusco Industries Limited, Mr. Benjamin Nwizu.

    At 3-3 GRA at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, four of the workers of the company, all girls, were arrested along with the security man and the company’s driver.

    The company was alleged to be involved in producing fake shaving sticks and razor blades known as Tip-Up and Tigger respectively. However, the owner of the firm ran away with his family.

    The companies’ products and machines were confiscated by SON, even as one of the vehicles of one of the companies was also confiscated.

    Addressing reporters after the operation at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, the Deputy Director Operations (SON), Suleman Isah, said the firms were sealed because they were producing sub-standard products, adding that that informed the combined operation.

    He said SON would prosecute the suspects after full investigations had been carried out, adding that the companies had been under the organisation’s surveillance for years.

    The Director of Operations, who led another group to Awada, Mr. Felix Nyado, said DSK Goldings City Investment Limited and Bendusco International Limited were producing fake tooth paste, brush and shaving sticks.

    He also accused the companies of producing sub-standard products in a filthy environment.

    But the owner of the two companies, who hid inside the ceiling before he was dragged down by the security operatives, claimed that SON had visited the place before the current operation.

    He expressed dissatisfaction over the action of the organisation, adding that he had earlier taken them to the Federal High Court in Awka where, according to him, the court ruled that they should go back to the status quo.

    Nwizu further claimed that he had reported SON to the National Assembly where, he said, SON was warned not to disturb his company again.

    But briefing reporters, Nyado denied Nwizu’s claims, saying that the companies had engaged in unwholesome acts.

  • Foundation empowers 24 with N50m

    Foundation empowers 24 with N50m

    Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano and the traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, have said youth empowerment is a necessary factor for the growth of any economy.

    They spoke at Dolly-Hills Hotels in Onitsha during an award ceremony of INTAFACT Hero’s Foundation where 24 youths received N50 million with which to begin their own businesses.

    Achebe, who is the chairman of the foundation, said the programme was aimed at creating and developing business entrepreneurship in the youth.

    He further said the programme would reduce the rate of unemployment among the youth in the Southeast, adding that the foundation hopes to extend the gesture beyond the zone in future.

    The monarch said the programme had become an annual event to prevent the youth from taking to crimes, adding that arrangement for the 2017 edition was underway, while the process would begin early next year.

    For Governor Obiano, the programme was consistent with what his administration was doing in youth empowerment, where, according to him, over 600 youths had been empowered after their training at the agricultural school at Mgbakwu.

    He said the major component of his 2017 budget proposal was youth empowerment, adding that it was the best way to tackle the current economic recession in the country.

    Obiano further stated that his government was committing N20 billion on roads as the dry season had begun. He commended the monarch for such life-changing initiative.

    He also thanked the monarch for the empowerment of youths he initiated in his domain, which the governor described as keeping the youth away from crimes such as kidnapping and robbery.

    During the empowerment programme, 24 youths received the sum of N50 million, with the overall best, Mr. Obinwugo Charles going home with N5.5 million, while Miss Ngozi Areh, who came second received N3 million.

    Others received N3 million, N2 million, while some received between N500,000 and N600,000 respectively depending on their area of study.

    Mr. Obinwugo, who spoke on behalf of others, assured the foundation that they would not disappoint them, while urging other youths to engage themselves in productive ventures that will keep them away from all forms of criminal activities.

  • Succour for the poor at Imo Thanksgiving Day

    Succour for the poor at Imo Thanksgiving Day

    Owerri, the Imo State capital, was suffused with dignitaries who came from far and near to join those who are indigenous to the state in this year’s Imo Day of Thanksgiving.

    The people began trooping to the Heroes’ Square where the annual event usually holds. They sang melodious hymns as they danced along.

    The capital city had been in celebration mood since the beginning of the Yuletide season as the government took time to beautify the city preparatory to Christmas celebrations.

    This has been the routine since the inception of the ‘Rescue Mission government’ of Governor Rochas Okorocha. A day is set aside at the end of the year to remember the needy and the vulnerable ones who could not fend for themselves.

    The day, which is now known as the Imo Day of Thanksgiving, is characterised by acts of kindness anchored on genuine philanthropy.

    Expensive gifts, including cars, clothes, household wares, food items and cash are freely donated by the State Governor and all government functionaries, as well as other public-spirited individuals and given out to the needy that usually come out in large numbers at the Heroes’ Square where the annual event normally holds.

    This year’s edition was no less successful as it attracted the usual crowd and very eminent personalities from within and outside the country. Those in attendance were former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ghana’s President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo, among others.

    Speaking at the event which was preceded by a visit to the Palace of the Chairman of the Imo State Traditional Rulers’ Council and Eze Imo, Eze Agunwa Ohiri, Governor Okorocha said the day was set aside to appreciate God for His goodness upon the state and her people in the preceding year, adding that the event is also a platform to show love and care for the needy.

    He said: “Imo Day of Thanksgiving is not only for members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state but for the whole of Imo people; not minding their political affiliations.”

    According to him, the Thanksgiving was organised to enable Imo people to thank God for what He has done for the state and her people.” He added that “the Thanksgiving will attract more blessings from God”.

    The governor further said all that his administration had achieved would not have been possible without God; hence the need to thank Him and commit the rest years of his administration to Him.

    Commenting further on the importance of the Thanksgiving Day, Okorocha said it gave the rich the opportunity to share what God has blessed them with the poor, thereby attracting more blessings.

    Also speaking about the Thanksgiving Day, the Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere said: “The wisdom behind the annual Imo Thanksgiving is to show allegiance to God Almighty since Imo State was founded by God Himself. We also use the forum to extend goodwill to the less-privileged in our midst and extend God’s manifold blessings upon us to others.”

    Continuing, he said: “It is very fundamental to our very existence as Christians. Owelle Rochas Okorocha has no other god other than the Supreme God. That is why we are not ashamed to worship in the glare of all.”

    Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who was the Chairman of the occasion described Governor Okorocha as a statesman who knows when to play politics and when to offer leadership to his people. He added that as the governor of the state, “he has never discriminated against people based on partisan politics but has continued to carry everybody along, including the poor and the vulnerable.”

    Obasanjo, who was the Guest Speaker at the event, said he was particularly delighted to join Imo people in thanking God for what He has used their governor to do in the state, stressing that he was amazed to see a new Owerri town which, he said, is quite different from what he used to know.

    He said: “Rochas Okorocha was my unpaid adviser who helped me in most of the good policies I initiated as a President. I want to congratulate him because he has changed the face of Owerri. I know this city very well. As I came in today, I was asking is this the Owerri that I used to know.”

    The Special Guest of Honour and Ghana’s President-elect, Akufo-Addo, said: “I cherish the progressive zeal I have seen in Governor Okorocha and I know that he is a great leader that has the passion to develop Nigeria and Africa.”

    Those that came received handsome gifts ranging from bags of rice, clothes, household appliances and cash.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with Southeast Report said the Imo Day of Thanksgiving has become a watershed for the needy. They described the annual event as divinely inspired to give the poor a sense of belonging and a feeling of the Yuletide.

    Madam Theresa Akuche,  a disabled widow who was among those who went home with cash gift and food items, thanked the state government for remembering the poor during the Christmas season.

    She said: “How would my children and I be able to celebrate the Christmas season taking into consideration the current prize of rice. But I got one bag of rice and enough money today. My prayer is that God will reward our Governor who has remembered the poor.”

    Another beneficiary, Mr. Lazarus Ikonne, said he came all the way from Arondizuogu in Ideato North Local Government Area to be part of the event. He added that, “apart from the gift items I received, I was moved to tears by the genuine and uncommon show of love displayed by our governor, his wife and the Deputy Governor. We will not cease in praying for them and the entire state.”

    Even those that were not members of the APC benefited from the gesture.

    Mr. Chibuike Onyenta, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who was also a beneficiary, said the initiative has blessed the needy and has fostered unity beyond political and religious divides.

    He advised the rich in the state to join hands with the government in bringing respite to the poor.

    The event was a platform for the governor and other important dignitaries that attended the occasion to exhibit humility. One would be surprised to see Governor Okorocha carrying a carton of indomie on his head as if he was returning from the village market.

    Also, former President Obasanjo is seen carrying a tuber of yam. That was expected because he is farmer. All the dignitaries, including visiting Ghana’s President-elect, Akufo-Addo were humble enough to carry one item of thanksgiving or the other. This, indeed, is leadership by example.

  • A bash for 250 widows in Enugu

    A bash for 250 widows in Enugu

    In order to give some widows a sense of belonging during the Yuletide, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Lady Nwanneka, invited over 250 widows to their Ezeagu headquarters to celebrate Christmas with them. CHRIS OJI writes that each of the widows drawn from his Enugu West Senatorial Zone received gifts ranging from a bag of rice, N10, 000 and wrappers from the couple. 

    For widows from the five local government areas that make up Enugu West Senatorial Zone, the Yuletide season would not be forgotten in a hurry. The day clearly marked a turning point in their lives.

    Ordinarily, most of them who had lost their supporters and bread-winners may have given up on life, but mother luck smiled on them as they made the list of those who benefited from the Deputy Senate President who represents Enugu West Senatorial Zone in the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s generosity.

    He and his wife, Lady Nwanneka decided to make the widows, numbering about 250, happy by providing them with bags of rice, cash and wrappers to enable them to celebrate the Christmas with their children.

    It was as a result of that that the widows literally relocated to the Ezeagu headquarters of the Ekweremadus to be part of yet another history.

    It was natural for some of the beneficiaries to think that the yearly gesture by the Deputy Senate President would not take place this year when, by December 23, they have not received any rewarding piece of information with regard to gifts from their representative at the Senate.

    But contrary to their near-lost hope, Senator Ekweremadu, on Christmas Eve, showered his usual affection on the needy.

    Speaking at the event, he urged affluent Nigerians to show love to their neighbours at Christmas, as that remains the fundamental message of Christmas.

    That was his Christmas message in Enugu when his wife, Lady Nwanneka Ekweremadu, donated Christmas presents of N10, 000 cash, a bag of rice and wrapper to each of 250 widows drawn from the five local government areas of Enugu West Senatorial District.

    The Senator, who said Christmas would be meaningless without acts of love as shown by Christ, also observed that love was also engrained in African cultures.

    He stressed that “the spirit of sharing is an African tradition that generates happiness and ensures social stability in the absence of a formal social security mechanism that caters for the less-privileged in our society”.

    He said: “I grew up in a system that had an inbuilt social security mechanism, where we were our brother’s keeper and cared for one another. If you didn’t have a tuber of yam, you shared from your neighbour’s; and you could go to your neighbour’s house to get fire and light your house; and when somebody got admission to study at the university, people contributed money to ensure the person received education. One person’s problem was everybody’s problem in those days. That is exactly the tradition we are trying to keep alive.”

    He, however, regretted that the nation had lost much of her traditional social security values and urged that they be reflected on and revived at Christmas.

    “Some of those attributes of our community began to dwindle as society advanced. But we have to keep them alive, especially when government has not come up with a defined social security programme to ensure that everybody counts, and that everybody enjoys the good things of life. This way, we can generate happiness and help secure our system,” he said.

    In her remarks, Lady Ekweremadu said the act of celebrating Christmas with widows had become the family’s tradition since 1997 as a way of giving back to the society and help ameliorate the widows’ losses and hardship.

    She said: “While on earth, Christ ministered to, not only the spiritual needs of the people , but also to their physical needs. He fed the multitude.

    “So, every Christmas, we try to make them (widows) celebrate with us. We select about 250 of them from the five local government areas and each year we try to take different people so that whatever we are giving will go round.

    “We have been doing this since 1997 when the Ikeoha Foundation was founded. We began by giving scholarships to indigent students. At a point, we extended it to Igboeze North and Enugu North.

    Ikeoha Foundation is the pet project of the lawmaker founded in 1997 but registered in 2004 with a specific mission to provide for the basic educational and health needs of families living in poverty and below the radar of government-sponsored interventions.

    The foundation achieves its mission through enhancing their access to quality education and health care and by building their capacity to participate in mainstream social, political and economic activities of their communities.

    “After that, we thought about adult literacy whereby we give education to thousands who had no opportunity to have formal education through adult literacy centres which we set up in all the five local government areas.

    “By God’s grace, we hope to keep faith with the tradition, as part of our own way of giving back to the community that made us.”

     

     

     

  • Police launch ‘change begins with me’ crusade in Ebonyi

    In line with President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s change mantra, Ebonyi State Police Command has launched the “change begins with me” programme and its Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit.

    At the occasion, Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi Police Command, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah said the change mantra would reposition the Nigeria Police Force to be more accountable, responsive, responsible and reliable.

    She urged men and women of the force to carry out their functions based on international policing standards which are based on zero-tolerance to corruption and respect for fundamental human rights.

    She added that the “change begins with me” philosophy has already taken place in Ebonyi State Police Command.

    Ibekwe promised she would lead in the realisation of the change needed to crush  any form of crime, stressing that the Crush Crime Walk strategy she introduced is yielding results.

    She said apart from sensitising the public to the consequences of any form of involvement in criminality, the strategy also availed me the opportunity to personally lead in many operations. She noted that evidences of remarkable success of these operations are already open to the public.

    She said: “My interpretation of “change begins with me” is leadership by example, doing the right thing that would ensure effective and efficient utilisation of our meager resources to police in Ebonyi State.

    “My achievements in this regard are enormous and that is why I stand firm to announce that the ‘change begins with me’ is already working in Ebonyi State Police Command.

    “I urge my management team, head of departments, divisional police officers and all other officers in the command and Ebonyi people to replicate my efforts.”

    On Public Complaints Respond Unit, Ibekwe said it was the initiative of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris which was aimed at receiving from the public complaints about police unprofessional conducts, stressing that complaints from the public will be treated with urgency.

  • ‘We’ll make Aba hot for criminals’

    ‘We’ll make Aba hot for criminals’

    Soldiers from the 14 Brigade Command of Nigerian Army converged on Ngwa High School Forward Operation Base (FOB) to embark on a military exercise tagged Operation Show of Force on Monday, December 19.

    About 50 personnel from various army formations that made up the 114 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Aba participated in the exercise during which they moved round the state to ward off internal or external aggressions. It was also meant to assure residents of the readiness of the military to protect their lives and property at all times, especially during this year’s Yuletide.

    Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State usually witnesses high volume of economic and commercial activities and movement during festive periods such as Christmas and the New Year. This situation, over the years, has resulted in increase in crime rate. The situation exerts more pressure on security agents and other para-military organisations that ensure that they were not caught unawares by hoodlums who believe that the “ember” months are periods for their prosperity. This informed the Operation Show of Force in Aba.

    The exercise, which lasted for about three hours, the military convoy moved from Ngwa High School through the ever-busy Aba-Owerri Road to Factory Road, Asa Road, Ngwa Road, Ogbor Hill, Azikiwe Road, Okigwe Road, Brass Road and later terminated at Ngwa High School.

    While addressing reporters after the exercise, the Commanding Officer, 144 Battalion Ukwa West Local Government Area, Lt. Col. Kasim Umar Sidi assured visitors and the entire Aba business community of a crime-free Yuletide celebration as the command has ensured tight security in Aba and its environs.

    Sidi said the exercise was expected to last throughout the festive period and to further assure residents and visitors of safety of their lives and property.

    According to him, the exercise was an off-shoot of the Operation Python Dance (Egwu Eke) that was launched in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    He further assured that the command had the necessary logistics to respond swiftly to distress calls as soon as they were contacted. He urged residents of Aba and its environs to give the command maximum co-operation by reporting any case of criminal activities  in their areas for prompt action.

    “Aba is the commercial nerve of Abia State which also serves as a melting point for traders across the country and neighbouring West African countries. By this time of the year, a lot of people from neighbouring Southeast and South-south states and those from Cameroun and Ghana come here to buy what they need during the Christmas. We are therefore aware of the increase in commercial and economic activities.

    “What you have just witnessed was part of our proactive steps to ensure that Aba is safe this festive period and after. It is also a way of showing off the strength of the Battalion. We also use the event to warn those who want to use the opportunity of the festive period to steal from the residents or commit any form of crime that we (the army) is battle-ready for them.

    “We will make the city uncomfortable for them to operate. We also  assure them that they will not  succeed or escape. Our men are always on the ground and we will be doing a spontaneous stop-and-search on the road at some of the locations where we may deem fit to.

    “All we need from Aba residents is to inform us promptly of any criminal activities and suspicious movements around their areas as soon as possible. I assure you that residents of Aba will sleep with their two eyes closed.”

    He debunked the rumours getting the rounds that the Python Dance was targeted at some people, saying that it was to ensure that there was peace in the Southeast, especially during the festive period.

     

  • Honour for governor’s wife in Ebonyi

    Honour for governor’s wife in Ebonyi

    For championing the cause of women, Ebonyi State governor’s wife, Mrs Rachel Umahi has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ikedina Nne by the council of Traditional rulers. OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE reports

    For hours on December 19, guests from far and wide, joined the Chairman of Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Charles Mkpuma, who led his colleagues to confer the chieftaincy title of Ikedina Nne on the governor’s wife, Mrs. Rachel Umahi.

    The carnival-like event was held at Osborn La Palm Hotels Limited forecourt in Abakaliki, the state capital. The ceremony was the climax of a one-day sensitisation and gender mainstreaming during which women honoured Mrs Umahi.

    As early as 8:00 a.m., women from all parts of the state and beyond had gathered at the arena which was filled to the brim. They came to pay homage to the woman they described as the greatest champion of women development.

    The women, dressed in colourful traditional attires and uniforms thronged the arena with various cultural troupes from their areas.

    They danced to melodious songs eulogising the efforts of the governor’s wife towards emancipation of women through her pet project, Family Succour and Upliftment Programme.

    It was not only women that converged on the beautiful Osborn La Palm Hotels Limited forecourt, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Kelechi Igwe was also present as well as members of the state executive council.

    The women praised the governor’s wife for using her good offices to champion the cause of women.

    Wife of first civilian governor of Ebonyi State, Mrs Eunice Ukamaka Egwu, who was the Chairman of the occasion, commended Governor Umahi for championing the cause of women, adding that by so doing, the development of the whole family will be assured.

    She said: “When you remember women, you have saved the whole family, when you empower women like Mrs Umahi is doing, you elevate the whole family.”

    She also commended Governor David Umahi for his support to the wife that has enabled her put smiles on the face of the women.

    Ebonyi State traditional rulers at the event conferred the Chieftaincy title of Ikedina Nne on Mrs. Umahi.

    The conferment was part of a sensitisation programme on Gender Mainstreaming, organised by Ebonyi women and facilitated by the Focal Person of SDG, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Women leader, Mrs. Amaka Igboke.

    Deaconess Umahi appreciated the women for their support for the government and their love for her family, promising to do more for the women.

    She urged them to support the government led by her husband, David Umahi stating that “this government have shown that it gives priority attention to women and will continue to do, it has a lot in stock for women.

    Also speaking, Governor Umahi, represented by His Deputy, Dr. Igwe, assured the women of continued partnership. Dr. Igwe recalled the support the women gave them during campaigns and urged them not to relent.

    In their separate speeches, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu and Mrs. Amaka Igboke said the event was aimed at appreciating the role Deaconess Umahi has been playing to mainstream women in the decision-making process.

    “It is also to recognise women for their doggedness in socio-economic and political engineering”.

    High points of the event were conferment of chieftaincy title on Mrs Umahi, presentation of wheel chairs to some physically-challenged persons and gift items by women from the three senatorial zones where Mrs Umahi hails from.

    Various dancing troupes namely the Nkwa Umu Agbogho of Afikpo dance troupe entertained the women and other guests at the event.

    High points of the event were conferment of chieftaincy title on Mrs Umahi, presentation of wheel chairs to some physically-challenged persons and gift items by the women from the three senatorial zones.

  • ‘Be patient with Buhari, he’s Godsend’

    ‘Be patient with Buhari, he’s Godsend’

    Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership style has been that of all motions and no actions, a respected member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Nze Emmanuel Patrick Onukwugha Ejimonyeabala has said that the President’s style of administration, so far, has shown that there is hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    Nze Ejimonyeabala stated this while addressing reporters in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    He said it is too early to evaluate or appraise the performance of President Buhari, saying Nigerians should be patient with him as he unfolds fully his policies and programmes.

    Known in Imo political circle as a political strategist, Nze Ejimonyeabala, the Epum of Amaimo Ancient Kingdom, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State described President Buhari as a great, indomitable man with great charisma to lead the country out of her current economic recession, adding that he is Godsend.

    “President Buhari is a sagacious leader with big heart. President Barrack Obama of the United State of America, David Cameron and Mrs. Theresa May all of the United Kingdom have very high regard for him. The German Chancellor and Italian Prime Minister both greatly admire his fight against corruption in Nigeria. I see in Buhari qualities of the late great French President Charles De Gaul,” he said.

    On the current unfavourable economic situation the country is experiencing, Nze Ejimonyeabala revealed that God as an Omniscient knew that Nigeria will go through economic recession at this time; which was why He positioned a man who has strong will to tackle it with great wisdom and determination so that the country will witness greatness again. And that man is President Buhari.

    He expressed his optimism that the economic downturn Nigeria is experiencing currently would be over as it is evident that President Buhari is fully out to address the issue in collaboration with experts in the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “First the anti-corruption crusade of President Buhari is part of the ways to rescue Nigeria from economic recession. The price of oil is looking upwards. Therefore, importation of the product should be curtailed.

    On how to tackle the unpleasant economic situation in the country, Nze Ejimonyeabala said the recent economic recession could be addressed by resuscitating the power sector. This, he said, is necessary because without adequate electricity supply, there will be no meaningful industrial development.

    He advised the Federal Government to revive the iron and steel industry at Ajaokuta as it is one of the critical sectors of the economy that will boost the country’s economic recovery.

    He equally advised the Federal Government to encourage Nigerians to take to farming as profitable venture.

    He recalled that “in the yesteryear when Nigeria was operating regional form of government, each of the regions had agricultural products that contributed immensely to its economic growth.

    “For instance, the North was known for its groundnut pyramid, the West was known for its production of cocoa that was used to build the Cocoa House in Ibadan and the East was known for rubber and palm oil production.”

    He gave kudos to the CBN for leveraging out soft loan to farmers and those small-scale businesses.

    Nigeria will overcome her current economic distress very soon, he said. He also advised the Federal Government to rehabilitate roads and rail lines to boost commerce, trade and industry.

    On recovery of looted funds, the London-trained economist said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should have special law court for quick dispensation of justice in the process of recovering looted funds.

    On religion, Nze Ejimonyeabala noted that Nigeria is a circular state where freedom of worship   is allowed.  He cautioned government at all levels not to sponsor those going on pilgrimage, as such is a waste of resources. He asserted that Nigeria as a nation still exists because of prayers by Nigerians.

    Nze Ejimonyeabala regretted that history is being distorted with regard to the first place where Nigeria struck oil. He said it was not true that oil was first found in Oloibiri in the present day Bayelsa State. He said the Federal Government should make Ikeduru Local Government Area tourists’ zone because the first oil deposit was found in Iho Ikeduru in 1946 before the Shell BP left Iho for Oloibiri in the present day Bayelsa State because large oil deposit was found there.

     

  • Stakeholders want History back in schools

    Stakeholders want History back in schools

    It was an exciting moment at the Aquinas Catholic Church in Awka, Anambra State, when seven-year-old Chinecherem Umeogu was introduced as the traditional ruler of Aquinas Model Primary School.

    Not only that, the youngest monarch in Nigeria introduced his cabinet which included his Traditional Prime Minister, another seven-year-old Chinemeze Uzoezie and their Lolo (wives).

    Personalities at the event that included members of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the industrialist, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo were thrilled when the monarch and his cabinet were performing their rituals.

    It was during the visit of Ezeemo and the members of the PTA during the visit of stakeholders to the students.

    The lads seemed well rooted in the customs and traditions of the land as the young monarch, with his staff of office in his hand, blessed Ezeemo, the Catholic Priests and the school teachers.

    Rev. Dr. Anthony Akabogu and the leader of Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Ezeemo called on parents to give their children solid foundation for the society to be free of crimes.

    In the process, the PPA leader donated a school bus, 85 text books and 320 exercise books to the school.

    While advising the pupils, Ezeemo said: “Be obedient to their parents and elders and be always committed to their academic careers, describing them as the leaders of tomorrow.”

    He said they were the future hopes of Ndigbo, adding that the current leaders have failed the people.

    However, he was not happy that history is no longer part of the curriculum in Nigeria’s school system, adding that without it, the children would not be abreast of the happenings in the society and would not know what happened in the yesteryear in order to correct what might go wrong in the future.

    He, therefore, pleaded with the federal and state governments to reinstate history in the country’s education curriculum to help the present generation who, according to him, were the future leaders.

    For Rev. Father Akabogu, if the children were not given the basic foundation, it would likely spell doom in the society.

    He said without quality education, crime would rise in the society, which he said had been the bane of the country.

    The young monarch, who spoke with Southeast Report, said he learnt the ways of life and customs and tradition of his people from his parents.

    He further said he always liked to listen to traditional rulers in any function, adding that without the elders, the children would not learn anything in terms of tradition.