The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Fed Govt trains 9,500 youths in Ebonyi

    Fed Govt trains 9,500 youths in Ebonyi

    The Federal Government has started training no fewer than 9,500 unemployed youths in Ebonyi State in a bid to shore up jobs in the state. The trainees are being coached in various skills.

    The programme is part of the fifth phase of the government’s youth empowerment scheme across the country under the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

    Acting Director General of ITF, Mr. Dickson Onuoha disclosed this in Abakaliki during flag-off of the programme.

    “The fifth phase of the programme will cover 18 states including the FCT with 500 youths expected to be trained in each state,” she said.

    She said the areas where the state beneficiaries will be trained include tailoring and weaving, welding and fabrication, carpentry and joinery, shoe and bag-making, masonry and bricklaying.

    She said, “These trade areas were carefully selected based on their anticipated value addition to the citizens of the state and the potentials to provide sustainable means of livelihood”.

    The state governor David Umahi said  his administration  was poised to develop the capacity of the youths to become self-reliant.

    He called on the youths of Ebonyi who are jobless in other parts of the country to return home and find something meaningful to do under his government’s youth-oriented programmes.

    He said: “Every Ebonyi youth in other parts of the country especially Lagos should please come back home; we are ready to create jobs for them.

    “A day is coming when nobody will be willing to seek political office because of the current reality.  One day, there will be no kobo from the Federation Account so it high time we started thinking outside the box.”

    The governor said his administration would create over 100,000 jobs for the youth and women especially in the agriculture sector. He said the state now focused mainly on mechanised system of farming as according to him “agriculture without technology is death.”

    Governor Umahi promised to provide the trainees with financial assistance to enable them set up their businesses after acquiring necessary skills from the programme.

    The ITF Area Manager in charge of Enugu and Ebonyi states Mrs. Linda Egbonu said the programme was organised to develop the mindset of the youths in the areas of entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.

  • Boost for hospitality industry in Imo

    Boost for hospitality industry in Imo

    The hospitality industry in Imo State got a boost with the inauguration of a reputable eatery, the King’s Dine Restaurant and Lounge owned by veteran actor Kanayo O Kanayo. Located in the heart of Owerri, the state capital, the new restaurant, according to the operators, will give prospective customers value for money and a new experience as they dine and wine in a cosy environment at pocket friendly prices.

    Owerri, with one of the highest numbers of hotels in all the state capitals across the country, before now could not boast of quality restaurants where diners could eat, relax and have fun under a secured and conducive atmosphere.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, which was attended by the crème de la crème of the society, Kanayo, who is an indigene of the state, said that the investment, was his response to the repeated call by the state government on the illustrious sons of the state to invest in the state.

    The actor, was almost mobbed by desperate fans, said that the brand, will be a clear departure from what used to obtain in the state, assuring that customers will have a taste of world-class services at affordable cost.

    He stated further that apart from quality service delivery and value for money which are the hallmark of the restaurant, the investment will also create employment for the youths of the state, adding that about 30 graduates have already been employed as pioneer staff.

    Kanayo urged the government to continue to create enabling environment that will attract the sons of the state and others to invest in the state.

    In his speech shortly before commissioning the restaurant, the State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, commended the Actor for investing and adding value to the hospitality and tourism industry in State.

    He assured him of government support since he has decided to heed the clarion call by the state government to invest in the state and help boost the economy and create employment.

    The Deputy Governor tasked the management of the restaurant to patronise the local farmers in sourcing their recipe, while urging farmers to rise to the occasion and tap into the supply chain in the hospitality sector by growing the needed farm produce to support the industry.

    Madumere described the restaurant as one of “the most exquisite hospitality outfits that can readily compete with the best in the world,” adding that Imo State remains a preferred destination for tourism due to the infrastructural development and security.

    He called on other well-meaning Imo sons, daughters and other Nigerians to take the advantage of the incentives and facilities in the State to invest in manufacturing, tourism and any other sector of their interest.

  • Ikpeazu’s wife kicks off August Meeting

    Ikpeazu’s wife kicks off August Meeting

    The women look forward to the eight month of the year during which they gather and discuss their welfare and way forward for their people. It is called the August Meeting

    This year’s edition was not different in Abia State as the wife of the governor Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu kicked it off.

    She met with  grassroots women, giving them a feel of what the state government has been doing in the last one year.

    In recent memory, the state governor’s wife traditionally kickstart the meeting in the state, the kick-off performed in a chosen area in the state.

    Thereafter, different communities start theirs.

    This year, Mrs Ikpeazu decided to take the kickoff of the programme  to all the three senatorial zones of the state to give  the women a feel of what the incumbent administration has been doing especially for them in the last one year.

    Speaking dring the flag-off of this year’s edition of the August meeting whose theme is ‘Education for Better Life’, Mrs Ikpeazu said that August meetings have always been a platform for women to discuss some communal matters and do fund raising program to carry out community projects.

    Mrs Ikpeazu said that last year the august meeting was rebranded and turned into more meaningful conferences where women can come and learn and be educated about topical issues.

    She said that this year’s august meeting for Abia women could be said to be a successful one as the women in the state have been taught things about agriculture, “This would enable them to increase their farm produce output and thereby make more money for themselves and their families”.

    The governor’s wife said that this year’s August meeting will provide the needed opportunities for the women of the state to learn and improve themselves, stressing that it would make their lives better.

    She recalled that last year that women groups in the state during the august meeting were encouraged to carry out community projects that will empower them, “I believed that we succeeded as many of our women have shifted their focus to skill acquisition and empowerment instead of building community halls.”

    Mrs Ikpeazu said, “Women are now more focused on emerging issues that have direct bearing on their wellbeing, after our last year’s August meeting, we noticed that a couple of women groups embarked on building collective businesses like bakeries, water treatment and bottling plans and I want to commend their efforts as it will put money in their pockets”.

    She commended their husband, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for providing the women of the state the required platform like the august meeting to express themselves and for making gender and children issues first-line charge in its policy formulation and implementation.

    Mrs Ikpeazu noted that Governor Ikpeazu has approved the disbursement of interest free loans to indigent women to support them in any trade or business of their choice, “This program will be launched in the next two weeks and women from all parts of the stat will benefit”.

    She said, “We have been supporting our women especially the indigent ones and those without skills to learn a trade and become self-reliant and empowered, currently we are training about one hundred women in various skills across the state”.

    In her reaction the wife of the transition chairman of Ugwunagbo local government area, Mrs Theresa Onuoha Uche commended the wife of the governor for bringing this year’s august meeting to the door steps of the rural people.

    Mrs Uche noted that the wife of the governor has been able to uplift the indigent people in the state especially women, stressing that whatever they are learning at this year’s august meeting will be taken to the rural areas for the women there to benefit as well.

    The highlight of this year’s august meeting was the lectures delivered by Prof Christopher Ogbonna Emerole who spoke on Motivating Women into Meaningful Farming, The Menace of Rape in Our Contemporary Society by Bar. Mrs Uzoamaka Ikonne and Overview of Sickle Cell Disease by Dr Mildred Oluchi Ukoha.

     

  • Fitness test at Army contest

    Fitness test at Army contest

    Various army brigades slugged it at a sporting fiesta in Ohafia, Abia State, but it was essentially to keep fit ahead of a bigger, forthcoming military contest, reports SUNNY NWANKWO

    The locals knew that something remarkable was happening in their town when they started seeing an influx of military vehicles. The visitors ended up at the 14 Brigade headquarters, Ohafia, Abia State. Their mission was not to fight but to see who was fit enough to win this year’s  Inter-Brigade Sporting Competition. The contesting soldiers were drawn from various army formations under the 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Enugu, Enugu State.

    Ohafia, a populous suburban community, came alive as the soldiers slugged it out at the games. Their goal was to qualify to represent the Division in the upcoming Nigerian Army Sports festival later in the year.

    The brigade’s relations officer, Major Sydney Mbaneme in a statement said that the competition would provide them with the opportunity to discover male and female athletes who will represent the Division when the army national competition starts.

    Some of the competing brigades included 14 Brigade Ohafia (host), 13 Brigade, Akim Barracks, Calabar, Cross River State, 82 Division Garrison, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt and 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze Imo State.

    Games competed for during the five-day event were marathon race, tug of war, obstacle crossing, scrabble and cross country, among others.

    At the end of the games, the host was the overall best with seven gold medals, seven silver and one bronze. Thirteen Brigade, Calabar came second, garnering four gold, three silver and one bronze. The third position went to 82 Division Garrison, Enugu with two gold and five bronze medals.

    In the individual performance, Private Ibrahim Buhari of 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt came first in the Half Marathon Race. Lance Corporal Eunice Gwaji of 82 Division Garrison, Enugu came tops in the female category.

    Lance Corporal John Adeyemi of 13 Brigade, Calabar came first in the Cross Country, male category, while Eunice Gwaji of 82 Division Garrison, Enugu also finished top of the female category.

    Private Garba Musa of 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt who finished in 5 minutes 2 seconds beat other competitors to emerge the winner of the obstacle race.

    14 Brigade Commander and host Brigadier-General Fejokwu Lawrence while declaring the event close commended the army sports personnel for comporting themselves throughout the 5-days the event lasted.

    Fejokwu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. Yakubu Hassan, commended the individual and team quality of the competitors and the display of comradeship and sportsmanship while the event lasted. He was upbeat that the representatives of the Division would excel at the forthcoming Nigerian Army Sports festival.

    Yakubu said, “The event has been able to showcase the best talents to form a strong team for the Division in the forthcoming Nigerian Army Sports festival.”

    He urged those who will represent the Division to report to camp early to enable them train harder to achieve success when the national competition starts.

    The event was attended by Col. Samsudeen Amusa, Deputy Director Physical Training, 82 Division. Lt. Col. Christian Okonkwo, Commander 14 Brigade Garrison, Lt. Col. Sani Ahmed and Hon. Dike, among other dignitaries.

    It featured a wonderful performance display from the popular Ohafia War Dancing troupe that entertained spectators at the event.

     

  • Ikpeazu’s wife kicks off August Meeting

    Ikpeazu’s wife kicks off August Meeting

    The women look forward to the eight month of the year during which they gather and discuss their welfare and way forward for their people. It is called the August Meeting

    This year’s edition was not different in Abia State as the wife of the governor Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu met with  grassroots women, giving them a feel of what the state government has been doing in the last one year.

    The wife of past governors of the state had always taken a day to kickstart the women’s August meeting in the state, which is normally done in a chosen area within the state before different communities in the state commence their own.

    This year, Mrs Ikpeazu decided to take the kickoof of the programme  to all the three senatorial zones of the state to make the women to have a feel of what the incumbent administration has been doing especially for the women of the state in the last one year.

    Speaking dring the flag-off of this year’s August meeting with the theme, ‘Education for Better Life’, Mrs Ikpeazu said that August meetings have always been a platform for women to discuss some communal matters and do fund raising program to carry out community projects.

    Mrs Ikpeazu said that last year the august meeting was rebranded and turned into more meaningful conferences where women can come and learn and be educated about topical issues.

    She said that this year’s august meeting for Abia women could be said to be a successful one as the women in the state have been taught things about agriculture, “This would enable them to increase their farm produce output and thereby make more money for themselves and their families”.

    The governor’s wife said that this year’s August meeting will provide the needed opportunities for the women of the state to learn and improve themselves, stressing that it would make their lives better.

    She recalled that last year that women groups in the state during the august meeting were encouraged to carry out community projects that will empower them, “I believed that we succeeded as many of our women have shifted their focus to skill acquisition and empowerment instead of building community halls.”

    Mrs Ikpeazu said, “Women are now more focused on emerging issues that have direct bearing on their wellbeing, after our last year’s August meeting, we noticed that a couple of women groups embarked on building collective businesses like bakeries, water treatment and bottling plans and I want to commend their efforts as it will put money in their pockets”.

    She commended their husband, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for providing the women of the state the required platform like the august meeting to express themselves and for making gender and children issues first-line charge in its policy formulation and implementation.

    Mrs Ikpeazu noted that Governor Ikpeazu has approved the disbursement of interest free loans to indigent women to support them in any trade or business of their choice, “This program will be launched in the next two weeks and women from all parts of the stat will benefit”.

    She said, “We have been supporting our women especially the indigent ones and those without skills to learn a trade and become self-reliant and empowered, currently we are training about one hundred women in various skills across the state”.

    In her reaction the wife of the transition chairman of Ugwunagbo local government area, Mrs Theresa Onuoha Uche commended the wife of the governor for bringing this year’s august meeting to the door steps of the rural people.

    Mrs Uche noted that the wife of the governor has been able to uplift the indigent people in the state especially women, stressing that whatever they are learning at this year’s august meeting will be taken to the rural areas for the women there to benefit as well.

    The highlight of this year’s august meeting was the lectures delivered by Prof Christopher Ogbonna Emerole who spoke on Motivating Women into Meaningful Farming, The Menace of Rape in Our Contemporary Society by Bar. Mrs Uzoamaka Ikonne and Overview of Sickle Cell Disease by Dr Mildred Oluchi Ukoha.

  • Anambra: Home of stars prepares for anniversary

    Ahead of Anambra State’s 25th anniversary, WALE AJETUNMOBI profiles some of the state’s superstars

    Anambra State is 25 but its story transcends its birth and age. It is a story of a land that gave birth to a plethora of gold fish and is still producing, a land saturated with resourceful and enterprising people. As Anambrarians mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of their state, they are also celebrating their iconic sons and daughters who were indeed torchbearers in virtually all human endeavours- men and women who showed the light for other Nigerians to follow.

    Modern-day Anambra, which was carved out of the old Anambra, still parades such men and women while some have gone to rest with their creator. In the Southeast, the present-day Enugu and parts of Ebonyi were fathered by Anambra. And this is how: The old Anambra was created out of the defunct East Central state in 1976 with Enugu as capital. A further balkanisation in 1991 during the military administration of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida culminated in the division of Anambra into states two- new Anambra and Enugu states. Parts of Enugu and Abia states would later in 1996 form a new state, Ebonyi courtesy the late military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha.

    When Anambra was created in 1991, Awka was named as its capital. From a mere local government setting 25 years ago, Awka has grown into a bubbling state capital, complete with modern infrastructures. The other two tripod legs on which the state rests are Onistha, Anambra’s commercial nerve centre with its many markets where multi-billion naira articles are traded, and Nnewi, an industrial hub. Nnewi has given Nigeria the gift of almost hundred percent made-in-Nigeria vehicles through Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing company owned by a son of the state and an Nnewi indigene, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma.

    Apart from Chukwuma, some of Anambra’s business and industrial icons-business moguls and industrialists whose contributions to the economic growth of the state in particular and Nigeria in general give fillip to Anambra’s “Light of the Nation” slogan- include the late Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, father of the former military governor of the defunct Eastern Region and later Head of state of the defunct Republic of Biafra, General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Louis was one of  Nigeria’s richest men in the 1950s and 1960s. His business empire endures till date. Anambra is blessed with others such as Eric Umeofia of Erisco tomato fame, Cosmas Maduka of Coscharis Group, Ifeanyi Uba of Capital Oil and Gas, Obinna Uzor of Guccuz Group, Athur Eze of Triax Airline among others.

    In the entertainment and literary sphere, Anambra boasts of such giants as professor Chinua Achebe of the blessed memory whose famous Things Fall Apart has been translated into more than 50 world languages, Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, the author of the timeless Bottled Leopard, Chimamanda Adichie of  Half a Yellow Sun fame, the late Cyprian Ekwensi of Drummer Boy, the late Christopher Okigbo whose poetic prowess still resonates almost 50 years after his death, among others.

    There are the highly successful musical Twins, P Square, late Highlife music maestros, Steven Osita Osadebe and Sunday Akanite aka Oliver De Coque.

    Anambra has also produced many political and military heavyweights and many firsts in Nigeria’s political and military arena. Leading the pack is the late first president of Nigeria and one of Nigeria’s founding father, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, first Executive Vice president of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme, first President of Nigeria’s Senate, late Dr. Nwafor Orizu, first Quarter Master-General of Nigerian Army and first university graduate to join the service, the late General Ojukwu, the first Igbo man to attain the rank of Lieutenant-General in Nigeria Army, Lt. General Chukwukadia Obiakor, the first Senate President upon the return of democracy in 1999, the late Chuba Okadigbo, Nigeria’s first Speaker of the House of Representatives under the current presidential system of government, late Edwin Ume-Ezeoke.

    The state equally parades exceptional great men and women who exceedingly excelled in their chosen careers and appointments, and received avalanche of accolades and effusive praises for exhibiting high sense of honesty, integrity and patriotism in the course of their work. Some of these include former governor Peter Obi, former Central Bank Governor, Charles Soludo, late Prof Dora Akunyili who made NAFDAC thick, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, Former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, NEC, professor Humphrey Nwosu, the man who developed the fastest Computer in the world, Philip Emeagwali and erudite economist, Pious Okigbo.

    In Agulu, one of Anambra’s many urban centres, sits a lake noted for its rich crocodile and sea Turtle content. The Agulu lake is an alluring tourists’ destination but if you are a lover of crocodiles and hope to hunt them in the lake or go a fishing there, then Agulu lake is not your ideal destination. This is because the estimated 400 crocodiles and sea Turtles in the Agulu lake are sacred to the people of the area. The creatures therefore cannot be killed and eaten. Fishing is also not allowed in the lake.

    Another tourist centre in Anambra is the ancient Ogbunike cave located in Oyi local government area of the state. Visitors to the cave are enthralled by wonders of nature’s architectural masterpiece which it represents.

    There is also the Igboukwu Museum noted for its breathtaking metal crafts and bronze artefacts. Thurstan Shaw, an English archeologist first excavated the bronzes, which were discovered in 1938.

    The current Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano is the sixth civilian, democratically elected governor of the state since its creation 25 years ago and the fifth since the return of democracy in 1999. Obiano and his immediate predecessor, Peter Obi have in the last 10 years pulled Anambra away from the doldrums by embarking on massive infrastructural and economic re-invention of the state.

    For example, Obiano’s agricultural revolution has ensured that Anambra is now producing rice in commercial quantity. Tagged “Anambra Rice”, bags of the commodity are now sold in markets across Nigeria.

     

  • Group cautions Abia lawmakers on NDDC nomination

    A GROUP, South East Progressive Assembly (SEPA), has defended the nomination of Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC) chair Mr. Donatus Nwankpa to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission; (NDDC).

    Nwankpa’s nomination was criticised by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators, who maintained that he was unsuitable for the position because his community produces no oil.

    But SEPA urged the critics to support Nwankpa’s candidacy, saying he will usher in much-needed development to the state, especially the oil-producing parts.

    The three PDP senators, Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Theodore Orji (Abia Central) and  Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North), it was gathered, had opposed Nwankpa’s nomination on the basis that he hails from Osisioma Ngwa council area which is non-oil producing.

    In a statement signed by its president, Ebere Uzoukwa, SEPA said Nwankpa, a former Minority Leader in the State House of Assembly, and ex-Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development,   has the goodwill to attract people-oriented projects to enhance  development in the oil-producing areas of the state.

    “The South East Progressive Assembly (SEPA) welcomes with joy the nomination of Hon. Donatus Nwankpa as Abia State representative on the NDDC Board by President Muhammadu Buhari. This nomination remains a perfect choice and laudable considering Nwankpa’s background as someone with superlative record in public service.

    “As a former Minority Leader in Abia State House of Assembly and former commissioner for Housing and Urban Development in the state before emerging the state chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Nwankpa,has unarguably distinguished himself.

    “That he doesn’t come from Ukwa West, the oil-producing local government should not override or supplant competence, merit and loyalty roundly considered by President Buhari in nominating Nwankpa for the job. Nwankpa’s local government, Osisioma Ngwa, is and remains part of Abia oil producing area as it houses biggest oil facilities in the state. The people of Osisioma Ngwa have indeed suffered severe degradation and negative effects of pipeline explosion and vandalism.

    “We also consider it appropriate to remind those opposing Nwankpa’s nomination that the pioneer chairman of NDDC, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, didn’t have to come from Ukwa West before his appointment by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.”

  • Ikpeazu’s wife builds for the needy

    Ikpeazu’s wife builds for the needy

    The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, has built and commissioned two more houses for widows, bringing the number of such homes she provided for the poor to 11 in the last one year.

    The three bedroom bungalow with full amenities and furnishing were handed over to Mrs. Rosemary Ogbonna Ikwuakolam of Amuzukwu Ibeku and Mrs. Abigail Ugonma Onuzuirike of Umudiawa communities, both in Umuahia North council area of Abia State.

    Speaking while handing over the houses to the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ikpeazu said her mission of building houses for the homeless was a way of alleviating their suffering and of fulfilling a covenant she made with God to use her position to touch the lives of the people.

    Mrs. Ikpeazu assured that she will continue to provide assistance, welfare and empowerment to indigent men, women and children, revealing that the building of houses will go round to all parts of the state.

    She said that Governor  Ikpeazu has made welfare and empowerment a strong component of his administration’s policies and called on public-spirited individuals, non-governmental organisations and multi-nationals to join the government in reaching out to the needy.

    The wife of the Abia State Governor said that the task of empowering the people should not be left in the hands of government alone, stressing that government has a lot in its hands, “Which is the reason we are asking public spirited individuals and corporate organisations to join us in the task of helping the needy in the society.”

    In her speech the commissioner for women affairs in Abia State, Lady Chinedu Brown praised the performance of the wife of the Abia governor, for her efforts in ensuring that the indigent people in the state have a feel of the present administrations democratic dividends.

    In his own reaction the Chairman of Umuahia North council, Chief Okezie Ezeigbo, said that the governor’s wife has shown that the current administration is a public spirited one and pledged their unalloyed support to the administration.

    Responding Mrs. Rosemary Ogbonna Ikwuakolam of Amuzukwu Ibeku and Mrs Abigail Ugonma Onuzuirike of Umudiawa both who are above sixty years old said the wife of the governor has brought joy and happiness to them in their old age.

    The beneficiaries used the forum to pray for the wife of the governor that God will preserve her life and that of the governor her husband and grant them success in governance and give them wisdom to make Abia better.

    Mrs Ikpeazu later distributed clothing materials and other items to hundreds of other indigent women from the area after commissioning the buildings and urged them not to lose hope as God is in control of their lives at all times.

  • Electricity workers, others protest poor power services

    Electricity workers, others protest poor power services

    Members of civil society, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and workers under the umbrella organisation, National Union of Electricity Employees have protested the shortfall in administration and services of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State.

    Consumers of electricity in Aba and its environs have been crying out over the arbitrary increase of electricity bills, irregular power supply and estimated bills. Some EEDC staff said they are understaffed, necessitating the engagement of casual workers.

    The protesters displayed placards, some of which read, “EEDC should provide electricity supply for its customers; EEDC should provide customers with pre-paid meters; Stop arbitrary sack of workers; NUEE say No to casualisation; NUEE say No to EEDC High-handedness; Stop giving customers estimated bills”.

    Some of the protesters including Mr. Ossy Abangwu, chairman, National Union of Electricity Employee (NUEE) in the state, and a national officer of the union, Mr. Tony Ndubuisi told our reporter on the EEDC premises that they were protesting what they described as “anti-labour policies and inhuman workers treatment policy of the EEDC.”

    Ndubuisi said, “In addition to the anti-labour policies of EEDC and inhuman treatment working conditions in which the workers have been subjected to, which includes arbitrary sack of workers as if we are not working or as if we are in slave labour and we say no.

    “This is not how people should work in their own country, there should be dignity in labour. People should be punished or sacked when they commit an offence that warrants sack, the country has labour laws and the labour laws of Nigeria should be followed by the EEDC; that is our point. The National Union of Electricity Employees is saying that they should follow and obey the labour laws of the country.”

    Continuing, Ndubuisi who accused the management of the EEDC of failing to use professionals, said “We say no to load rejections…EEDC refuses to pick loads and when you refuse to do so you suffer the masses, we say no to it. When there is load, the electrical facility will be busy which will also need manpower and this will create employment to the unemployed. We are telling the EEDC to pick loads so that their workers will  have work to do.”

    Abangwu corroborating Ndubuisi added “There are cases of sack even as I am speaking. Lists are being compiled on a daily basis and people are losing their job everyday. Someone can be sacked without any reason even by mere gossip which is very wrong to sack workers based on mere gossip or allegation. It is also not every misconduct that should attract sack. These are what we are saying no to, because we don’t have to work and be treated like slaves in our own country. We are protesting so that the management will change this attitude because it looks as if we are working under threat and fear.

    “We are also protesting the absence of pre-paid meters by EEDC; the federal government has said that the distribution companies should give customers pre-paid meters so that you only collect money for services you render. But it has been recorded that when you are going about, EEDC is also going out to collect money from people for services they do not render, using a system that everybody has discredited called estimated billing and crazy billing, and this is why workers are sacked often.

  • Lawmaker cares for ailing constituents

    Lawmaker cares for ailing constituents

    Chief Whip of Ebonyi State House of Assembly Hon.  Kingsley Ikorohas made good his electoral promise, offering free medical treatment to 200 indigent patients of his constituency.

    The lawmaker who represents Afikpo Northwest state constituency said 100 out of the 200 persons are already enjoying the free treatment while the other 100 will follow.

    He said this at Ozziza Central School in Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state where he feted widows. He also distributed wrappers and other items including cash to aged widows of the constituency.

    He expressed regret over the sudden death of certain persons in the society which he said could have been avoided if they had gone to hospital for medical treatment.

    “This is why we offered the free medical treatments to the constituents,” he said. “We will be paying the premium of this free medical treatment to the NHIS every year and we will continue to cloth the widows and empower the indigents.”

    In his remarks, the President, Afikpo Mutual Health Association Chief Agha Ewah said the free medical treatment will go a long way in solving the health problems of the people.

    Some of the widows who spoke thanked the lawmaker for remembering them.