The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Abia averts major fires

    The timely intervention of the Abia State Fire Service personnel has prevented major fires in Aba, the state’s commercial nerve.

    The fires started at two locations in the city on Sunday but were quickly put out by the firemen.

    The Nation gathered that the incidents occurred at a popular bar CS Park by Georges, and at No. 45 Jubilee Road.

    Properties at both facilities were estimated at above N900m.

    It was learnt that while the fire at the CS Park affected the Bush Bar, about eight to nine rooms were affected in the incident that happened at No. 45 Jubilee Road.

    Sources said that no life was lost in the two infernos following prompt arrival of men of the state fire service to the scenes.

    Sources around the CS Park told our reporter that the fire started when some wedding guests were arriving at the park. Drinkers and other patrons fled in different directions as a result.

    A man, who gave his name as Ikechukwu, who claimed to have witnessed the fire outbreak, said the fire was so intense that the two fire extinguishers at the park could not put it out.

    Ikechukwu recalled that a similar incident had occurred on December 24, 2015 at the same venue, adding that if not for the arrival of the men of the state fire service, the loss of property in the park would have been as disastrous as the previous incident.

    He thanked God that no life was lost and also applauded men of the fire service for their gallantry.

    The Abia State fire chief, Mr. Victor Gbaruko could not be reached for comments, but a source in the fire service confirmed the two fire incidents, stressing that they were investigating the cause of the infernos.

    The source told our reporter that they saved property worth several millions of naira in the two incidents, adding that if not for their prompt response to the two distress calls, the whole CS Park would have been engulfed and adjourning buildings and shops near No.45 Jubilee road would have been consumed.

    The source said that sources told them that the owner of the lubricants was the incident occurred offloaded the consignment on Saturday before the unfortunate incident happened.

    According to the source, “there was no electricity supply at No.45 Jubilee and even in adjourning buildings. So, we are yet to find out what exactly was the possible cause of the fire incident and that of CS Park.”

  • Imo women counter cultists, kidnappers

    Imo women counter cultists, kidnappers

    Imo State women have joined the battle against cultists and kidnappers who have besieged several communities in the state.

    The outlaws, along with armed robbers and other hoodlums, have caused unspeakable atrocities and made life miserable for residents of Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta council areas despite the spirited efforts of security agencies.

    Awara, Ohuba, Oguta, Ilile and several other communities were turned into killing fields by rival cult groups fighting for supremacy in the oil-rich communities. Some of the villages have consequently been deserted, others completely razed down.

    That was why Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI), a pet project of the Imo State governor’s wife, joined the security efforts, but only from the spiritual flank.

    The initiative is seeking divine intervention in the riverside communities.

    To many, the initiative by WODDI will certainly bring a turnaround in the communities and help to restore the confidence of the indigenes and residents who had to flee the crisis-torn communities in the wake of the violence.

    In his short sermon, during the prayer meeting with the theme, “Heal our Land O! God”, which attracted Christian women from within and outside the state, a Lagos-based preacher Timothy Ofoegbu decried the upsurge in cultism and fetish practices by politicians desperately seeking power.

    He warned that such power-hungry politicians, who incite idle youths to perpetrate heinous crimes against innocent people, will face the wrath of God.

    The cleric also condemned the indiscriminate conferment of chieftaincy titles on individuals with questionable means of wealth by traditional rulers, noting that this trend also contributes to the inordinate ambition to acquire wealth through criminal means.

    He advised the people above other things, to embrace Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour for speedy resolution of their problems and healing of their land.

    Also in his sermon, Bishop David Shekwolo of the Kingdom Church of God Inc. Minna, regretted that immorality has become the order of the day in the society and called for total repentance as the only antidote to the rising criminal activities.

    He said, “When the Israelites were in bondage, they cried to God and God sent Moses to deliver them. God is ready to set us free by His mercy but the prayer of a sinner is an abomination before God”.

    Bishop Shekwolo advised Christians to shun idol worship, stressing that neither demon nor man-made gods have the capacity to provide solutions for their problems.

    The initiator of the programme, Nneoma Rochas Okorocha, said that the prayer meeting was meant to strengthen the state government’s reliance on divine protection, guidance and direction at the grassroots.

  • Orji farming a push

    Orji farming a push

    Former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji has provided farming inputs for growers in his constituency.

    Orji, who now represents Abia Central District at the Senate, gave out fertiliser-spraying tools to farmers as he concluded the first phase of his constituency outreach.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Umuahia, he said he was simply demonstrating why his people sent him to the Senate, adding that he hoped beneficiaries would make judicious use of the equipment.

    He said, “This item is fertiliser-spraying equipment which is used to spray the farm with liquid fertiliser instead of the normal hand application of fertiliser.”

    The senator told the farmers to try the implement out on their farms to see if they work well, in which case, they should request for more.

    Orji said, “Those who will get any of the several empowerment items should use them judiciously, while those who may not get should wait for another outreach.

    “This programme is a continuous exercise, as there will be more empowerment programmes from me,” Senator Orji said.

    He noted that he is at the senate for their own good and that whenever anything comes out from the National Assembly which is meant for them, he will be there to get their own for them without any delay.

    The senator explained the essence of the programme, for which he set up a committee.

    He said, “I charged [the committee members] to go to the rural areas to get those who are really in need of the items and will make use of them and not those who will get them and turn around the next day to  sell them.”

    Earlier in his speech the chairman of the ceremony, Chief Uzodinma Okpara said that they are not surprised that their senator is empowering the people of his constituency, as he had done the same while he was the governor of the state.

    Okpara, the son of the late Premier of the defunct Eastern Nigeria recalled that while Orji was the governor he brought security, peace and political stability to the state, “which were the several reasons we decided to send him to the Senate”.

    He charged those who will benefit from the empowerment programme to make good use of the items to enable them to be self dependent and also help them to ensure that their families are well fed.

    In their various speeches Chief Allen Nwachukwu who spoke for Isiala Ngwa North and South and Osisioma council areas said that within the few months Orji has been at the senate, “He is doing this, then when he stays four years and more there will be a tremendous change in our  areas”.

    Col Austin Akobundu (Retd) who spoke for Umuahia North and South and Ikwuano council areas described Orji as a senator very dear to their hearts and assured his people that more good things are still on the way with Orji as their senator.

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu described Orji as the pillar of democracy and equity in the state, stressing that his political ingenuity led to his emergence as the governor of the state.

    Ikpeazu who was represented by Chief Henry Ikoh, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, said Orji’s empowerment programme is not a surprise to him.

    “It is part of dividends of democracy and I urge the beneficiaries to make good use of the items,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Samuel Enyeribe thanked the senator for the gesture of which the physically challenged also benefitted.

    Some of the items given out to the people included two buses, 15  wheelchairs, 15 motorcycles, 21  sewing machines, 100 fertiliser spraying machines, eight tricycles, 21 grinding machines and 20 power generating sets.

  • Abia averts major fires

    The timely intervention of the Abia State Fire Service personnel has prevented major fires in Aba, the state’s commercial nerve.

    The fires started at two locations in the city on Sunday but were quickly put out by the firemen.

    The Nation gathered that the incidents occurred at a popular bar CS Park by Georges, and at No. 45 Jubilee Road.

    Properties at both facilities were estimated at above N900m.

    It was learnt that while the fire at the CS Park affected the Bush Bar, about eight to nine rooms were affected in the incident that happened at No. 45 Jubilee Road.

    Sources said that no life was lost in the two infernos following prompt arrival of men of the state fire service to the scenes.

    Sources around the CS Park told our reporter that the fire started when some wedding guests were arriving at the park. Drinkers and other patrons fled in different directions as a result.

    A man, who gave his name as Ikechukwu, who claimed to have witnessed the fire outbreak, said the fire was so intense that the two fire extinguishers at the park could not put it out.

    Ikechukwu recalled that a similar incident had occurred on December 24, 2015 at the same venue, adding that if not for the arrival of the men of the state fire service, the loss of property in the park would have been as disastrous as the previous incident.

    He thanked God that no life was lost and also applauded men of the fire service for their gallantry.

    The Abia State fire chief, Mr. Victor Gbaruko could not be reached for comments, but a source in the fire service confirmed the two fire incidents, stressing that they were investigating the cause of the infernos.

    The source told our reporter that they saved property worth several millions of naira in the two incidents, adding that if not for their prompt response to the two distress calls, the whole CS Park would have been engulfed and adjourning buildings and shops near No.45 Jubilee road would have been consumed.

    The source said that sources told them that the owner of the lubricants was the incident occurred offloaded the consignment on Saturday before the unfortunate incident happened.

    According to the source, “there was no electricity supply at No.45 Jubilee and even in adjourning buildings. So, we are yet to find out what exactly was the possible cause of the fire incident and that of CS Park.”

     

  • A befitting burial without state cash

    A befitting burial without state cash

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi’s mother is given a suitable internment but not at the expense of taxpayers. OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE reports

    When he broke the news of his mother’s death late last year to Ebonyi State residents, Governor David Umahi also said she would be given a befitting burial but not with the state money. The Umahis have interred their matriarch Deaconess Margaret Umahi, and in grand style too, but, as the state chief executive pledged, it was all at the expense of the family.

    “I have told Ebonyi people that the state government’s one naira will not be used in my mother’s burial but Mama will be given a well-deserved and befitting burial, the governor told members of the Correspondents’ Chapel members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who paid him a condolence visit at his Uburu hometown in Ohoazara Local Government Area of the state.

    The burial featured the crème de la crème of the society. The week-long ceremony started with a service of songs in Abakaliki, the state capital, which had in attendance the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and PDP Southeast Vice Chairman, Col Austine Akobundu (Rtd), among other top dignitaries.

    Governor Umahi described his late mother as a mediator between their family and God, adding that she died a fulfilled woman.

    Senator Ekweremadu described the late deaconess as a disciplinarian and hard worker.

    He lauded the developmental efforts of Governor Umahi and urged him to sustain the tempo in memory of his mother.

    At the wake-keep, Rivers State Governor Nyemsom Wike led a host of governors to pay tribute to the late matriarch of the Umahi family. Others in attendance included Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, among others.

    The burial ceremony had 18 APC and 11 PDP governors in attendance. Numerous ex governors also attended. Other prominent men like Chief Arthur Eze, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, wife of former President, Mrs Patience Jonathan, Chief Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, of Masters Energy, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, and many more.

    Chairman, Governors Forum, Governor Yari of Zamfara State and the Chairman, PDP Governors Forum, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, some ministers and the clergy, among others equally made it to Ebonyi for the burial.

    Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North) and Sen Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi Central) led other National Assembly members to the event.

    The burial served as a sort of unifying platform for many who turned up.

    Dame Patience Jonathan was seen embracing Chief Obasanjo warmly and the two cracking jokes to the applause and admiration of other dignitaries.

    Honourable Maria Ude Nwachi representing Afikpo Northeast in the state Assembly aptly described the event thus: “Governor Dave Umahi is a unifier! He managed to bring together political bigwigs from every side of the divide. They sat in the same room, talked to each, laughed with each other, ate and drank with each other. I am certain many foes became friends”.

    President Muhammadu Buhari in his address said the Federal Government has a lot to learn from the life of hard work lived by Deaconess Margaret Umahi to be able to tackle the current economic and security challenges facing the nation.

    The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation  Babachir Lawal said the late Deaconess Umahi as a peasant farmer tackled and conquered the menace of poverty in her family through hard work and perseverance.

    He added that the late Deaconess Umahi through hard work trained her children and was able to produce personalities such as a state governor, a Major General, a traditional ruler, an accountant, lawyer and many others.

    He said, “We were witnesses to these feats achieved by the late Deaconess at a time when the country is faced with economic and security challenges.”

    Buhari noted that with hard work and perseverance like the late Deaconess Umahi, Nigeria can tackle its economic and security challenges.

    He said Governor Umahi’s late mother bequeathed a good legacy  before her departure.

    Chief Obasanjo in his remarks described late Deaconess Umahi as a great uniter of the family, the people, community and indeed the entire state.

    He congratulated the children for the legacy she passed on to them before she died.

    The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari represented by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Gimbia Dogara who thanked the people of Ebonyi State for being behind their governor, noted that the governor’s mother left a legacy that would make her remain fresh in the minds of the people.

    Governor Umahi who chronicled what his mother represented in their entire family, said she meant so much to him that he would want her to be his mother in the next world assuming such exist.

    Also, the thanksgiving service had in attendance Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who  urged Governor Umahi’s family to build on the legacy left by their late matriarch.

    Osbanjo who described the late  Deaconess Margaret Umahi as a great woman of Christ, said since she encountered Christ in 1971, she remained very close to God till her death.

    He said having served God and impacted positively on humanity, the late Deaconess Umahi’s soul was already resting in the bosom of the Lord.

    He called on Christians to strive at all times to live a life worthy of emulation and also  pray that their soul will rest in peace when they die.

    The Vice President who lauded Governor Umahi’s performance, prayed God to bless the state.

    In his remarks, Governor Umahi described President Muhammadu Buhari and the vice, Prof Osinbajo as detribalised Nigerians who do not discriminate.

    He said the two eminent leaders posses characters similar to those his late mother who related with all manner of persons that came her way.

    Any wonder people from all walks of life and various tribes  turned up at her burial?

     

  • Erosion nightmare in Anambra

    Erosion nightmare in Anambra

    The threat of erosion in the Southeast, unattended to for decades, gets worse in Anambra State, reports NWANOSIKE ONU

    Life, property and virtually everything the people cherish are in danger in a community in Anambra State. Roads are threatened as much as bridges, farmlands and homes. The people of Ezira in Orumba South Local Government Area hardly sleep as a result of erosion.

    Many communities in the Southeast and Southsouth have been sacked by this monster, while governments at different levels have done pretty little to salvage the situation.

    Anambra was some years ago declared the worst erosion-hit state by the World Bank with over 1,000 gullies.

    Some of the affected communities are Agulu, Nnewi, Nanka, Ekwulobia, Onitsha North, Awka North and South, Oko, Ozubulu, Isuofia and Igboukwu, among others.

    Now, Ezira, an agrarian community made up of three villages namely, Ubaha, Obotu and Umuohia-Oki has joined the fray.

    The community produces yam, cassava, beans, plantains, okra and vegetables in large quantities but lacks access roads to evacuate them to major cities because of the erosion challenge.

    One of the community roads, a 7km stretch spanning Eke-Ezira Market, Uga and Ekwulobia through Onne, Agbudu, Umuchu and Achina communities, has been cut off.

    The two major bridges of Aghomili and Omumu that link those areas have equally collapsed.

    The residents of this sleepy community are in agony, saying they have been abandoned by  government.

    Some help has come. A philanthropist in the state, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo gave out N500,000 to the Ezira people, a gesture he described as his own widow’s mite.

    The chairman of Ubaha Ezira, Mr. Jude Umunna told The Nation that the community had sent save our soul (SOS) calls to the state government without any response so far.

    He commended Ezeemo for the cash donation to the community, adding that the community had already started some palliative work on one of their roads with their meager resources to make it passable.

    Umunna said, “It’s now the rainy season and tropical rains will continue to dump on the road till September or October, digging more ditches and causing more harm to the community.”

    “Our greatest regret is that our governor flagged off the road in March last year during the House of Assembly election.

    “He brought in caterpillars and bulldozers which motivated our people to vote massively for his party, APGA, but surprisingly, he removed those machines two days after the election till today.

    “Now, look at the problem we are facing to evacuate our farm produce and Ezira is one of the food baskets of the state.

    “We are therefore calling on the government at all levels to assist us as Ezeemo, an individual, cannot do it alone; let government come to our aid.”

    Another community leader, Ichie Christopher Mbah regretted that the bad condition of the area has stopped people in the cities and other communities from coming to Ezira to buy farm produce.

    “Hunger is really dealing with us,” he said. “We cannot sell our produce to buy others that we do not produce; if not for the intervention of Ezeemo, I do not know what our fate would have been.”

    Also, Mrs. Nwano Rosaline and Susan Okeke, while commending Ezeemo, said access road and palliative measures in controlling the gully erosion are the basic needs of the community.

    On the importance of the road, Mr. Linus Okeke, reminded Governor Willie Obiano of his agricultural programme for the state, which he said topped his four pillars of development.

    He wondered how it would be realized with the condition of such roads in most of the rural communities said to be the food baskets of the state.

    According to him, “There is no incident of crime and criminality in Ezira and its environs because we are all farmers and our youths are serious with agriculture but lack of access roads to evacuate these products may make them lazy and so may resort to crime and that is why we are calling on the governor to come and help us”

    Speaking with the reporter, Ezeemo said he was motivated to make the donation because that road led to his primary school when he was growing up, and also to the local market where his late mother went to buy food items.

    He said, “So when I asked after the market, I was told that erosion had eaten off the road. I want to bring back the old memories of the area and again, I equally have a farmland that is about 2,900 plots in Ezira and Umuomaku communities.”

     

  • Surveyors celebrate department’s anniversary at UNN

    Surveyors celebrate department’s anniversary at UNN

    The Geoinformatics and Survey Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has celebrated its 55th anniversary amid great fanfare. The occasion brought together those who graduated from the department decades ago.

    Why were they in such joyous mood? Almost all the participants were returning to their alma mater several years after they graduated, some now addressed as professors, doctors and chiefs, many holding key positions in government. Some were also meeting for the first time since they graduated more than 50 years ago.

    Although, the award gala took place at the Institute of Surveyors’ Secretariat, Surveyors House, Enugu, the opening ceremony was held inside the main hall of the University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus.

    Declaring the event open, the new Deputy Vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Prof. Smart Uchegbu challenged surveyors and estate managers to help government find a solution to the frequent cases of building collapse in the country.

    He said that this collaboration and advice from experts had become necessary to save further loss of lives arising from collapsed buildings.

    Uchegbu, who took over from former DVC, Prof. Ifeoma Enemo, called on the alumni and corporate bodies in the country to support the institution, as government allocation was no longer sufficient to meet its needs and maintain its leading role in the nation’s education industry.

    He expressed with joy and sense of fulfilment that the surveying department that started in 1961 with only 12 students, now enjoys students’ enrolment of over 200.

    Uchegbu, who represented the VC UNN, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba on the occasion, noted that since inception, the department had made great strides in teaching, learning and research, which he said were the bedrock of the existence of the University, even as he re-assured that the university must continue to ensure that the young receive the best training in this highly competitive world.

    He said, “This is a reflection of the importance of this profession in national development, your products are today occupying prominent positions in many areas of human endeavour, both scientific and environmental spheres, in fact, I am informed that one of your products, Emeritus Professor Francis Fajemirokun, former deputy vice chancellor, University of Lagos, would deliver the keynote lecture on this occasion.

    “While rejoicing with you on this great gathering, and celebration of 55th anniversary of your alma mater, I invite you to savour the cool scenery of this campus, which I am sure, will bring back old memories of the time you were here as students”.

    The head of department of Geoinformatics and surveying, University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus, Dr. Elochukwu Moka, restated the determination of the institution to continue to maintain its pride of place in the comity of modern surveying training in the country, adding that being the first among the first generation universities to offer surveying, they had strived to main that position.

    Moka explained that in order to keep abreast with the global changing trend in the profession; the name of the department had been changed from department of surveying to department of surveying, Geodesy and Photogrammetry and now to the department of Geoinformatics and Surveying.

    “For us to remain relevant as a force, “he said, “we have tried to embrace every emerging technology in the field of study within the available resources; the university authority has been supportive, notwithstanding the dwindling allocations from the federal government”.

    The HOD disclosed that the Education Trust Fund (ETF)had come to their assistance at a point when the federal government attempted to designate the University of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in the study of surveying in the country.

    Moka, who graduated from UNN in 1982, also praised the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), the Nigerian Institution of Surveying, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra state branches and some alumni for supporting the department at different times.

    He said that due to the capital intensive nature of the programme, all the supports had not been able to meet the financial demands of running the department, pointing out that the National University Commission, NUC and SURCON accreditation exercises last year, had complained of some of the areas of deficiencies, even as the programme was not threatened by being de-accredited in any way whatsoever.

    At the award gala nite, some eminent surveyors, who have contributed to the growth of the profession were honoured, prominent among them were – Professor Emeritus Francis Fajemirokun, Prof. Francis Okeke, the dean, faculty of environmental studies UNEC, Mr. John Okoye, Quarshie-Doku from Ghana, Prof. Okpala Okaka, Dr. Elochukwu Moka, the HOD Geoinformatics and Surveying UNEC, Dr. Ndukwe Emmanuel Chiemelu, Mrs. Mary Bassey Okofu and Dr. Vitus Uzodinma of the University of Nigeria. he Geoinformatics and Survey Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has celebrated its 55th anniversary amid great fanfare. The occasion brought together those who graduated from the department decades ago.

    Why were they in such joyous mood? Almost all the participants were returning to their alma mater several years after they graduated, some now addressed as professors, doctors and chiefs, many holding key positions in government. Some were also meeting for the first time since they graduated more than 50 years ago.

    Although, the award gala took place at the Institute of Surveyors’ Secretariat, Surveyors House, Enugu, the opening ceremony was held inside the main hall of the University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus.

    Declaring the event open, the new Deputy Vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Prof. Smart Uchegbu challenged surveyors and estate managers to help government find a solution to the frequent cases of building collapse in the country.

    He said that this collaboration and advice from experts had become necessary to save further loss of lives arising from collapsed buildings.

    Uchegbu, who took over from former DVC, Prof. Ifeoma Enemo, called on the alumni and corporate bodies in the country to support the institution, as government allocation was no longer sufficient to meet its needs and maintain its leading role in the nation’s education industry.

    He expressed with joy and sense of fulfilment that the surveying department that started in 1961 with only 12 students, now enjoys students’ enrolment of over 200.

    Uchegbu, who represented the VC UNN, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba on the occasion, noted that since inception, the department had made great strides in teaching, learning and research, which he said were the bedrock of the existence of the University, even as he re-assured that the university must continue to ensure that the young receive the best training in this highly competitive world.

    He said, “This is a reflection of the importance of this profession in national development, your products are today occupying prominent positions in many areas of human endeavour, both scientific and environmental spheres, in fact, I am informed that one of your products, Emeritus Professor Francis Fajemirokun, former deputy vice chancellor, University of Lagos, would deliver the keynote lecture on this occasion.

    “While rejoicing with you on this great gathering, and celebration of 55th anniversary of your alma mater, I invite you to savour the cool scenery of this campus, which I am sure, will bring back old memories of the time you were here as students”.

    The head of department of Geoinformatics and surveying, University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus, Dr. Elochukwu Moka, restated the determination of the institution to continue to maintain its pride of place in the comity of modern surveying training in the country, adding that being the first among the first generation universities to offer surveying, they had strived to main that position.

    Moka explained that in order to keep abreast with the global changing trend in the profession; the name of the department had been changed from department of surveying to department of surveying, Geodesy and Photogrammetry and now to the department of Geoinformatics and Surveying.

    “For us to remain relevant as a force, “he said, “we have tried to embrace every emerging technology in the field of study within the available resources; the university authority has been supportive, notwithstanding the dwindling allocations from the federal government”.

    The HOD disclosed that the Education Trust Fund (ETF)had come to their assistance at a point when the federal government attempted to designate the University of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in the study of surveying in the country.

    Moka, who graduated from UNN in 1982, also praised the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), the Nigerian Institution of Surveying, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra state branches and some alumni for supporting the department at different times.

    He said that due to the capital intensive nature of the programme, all the supports had not been able to meet the financial demands of running the department, pointing out that the National University Commission, NUC and SURCON accreditation exercises last year, had complained of some of the areas of deficiencies, even as the programme was not threatened by being de-accredited in any way whatsoever.

    At the award gala nite, some eminent surveyors, who have contributed to the growth of the profession were honoured, prominent among them were – Professor Emeritus Francis Fajemirokun, Prof. Francis Okeke, the dean, faculty of environmental studies UNEC, Mr. John Okoye, Quarshie-Doku from Ghana, Prof. Okpala Okaka, Dr. Elochukwu Moka, the HOD Geoinformatics and Surveying UNEC, Dr. Ndukwe Emmanuel Chiemelu, Mrs. Mary Bassey Okofu and Dr. Vitus Uzodinma of the University of Nigeria.

  • Community exposes more suspects in Abia

    Community exposes more suspects in Abia

    After destroying petrol vandals’ camp and reservoirs in an Aba, Abia State forest, the police have arrested suspected beverage fakers, Indian hemp merchants and illegal gun makers, with the aid of locals. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

    Things are looking up in the Abia State Police Command. Not long ago, its officers tracked down petrol vandals to a forest near Aba, setting their makeshift camp and reservoirs on fire. Now more suspects in diverse crime fields have been hauled in. The locals played a huge role in the operations leading to the destruction of the vandals’ base as well as the arrest of the latest suspects, some of whom held for faking beverages, trafficking in prohibited Indian hemp and making guns believed to be sold to robbers and kidnappers.

    When Mr Joshak Habila took office as Commissioner of Police in the state, he spoke of his intention to tackle crime through partnership with residents in various villages and local government areas of the state. He also toured the communities, meeting with traditional rulers and their subjects and harping on the need for synergy with the police and other security agencies.

    That pact has started yielding fruit and the people love it. Operatives of the anti-robbery unit of the Aba Area Command and their counterparts from the Inspector-General of Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested people who allegedly specialised in brewing adulterated drinks including wines. They have also held a man with Indian hemp weighing about 50kg, as well as three other suspects in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

    Speaking at Obehie Police Divisional Headquarters where three suspected gun makers were paraded, Mr. Habila said the suspects identified as Ejiofor Kanu, Udo Nwanmuo Jacob and Allwell Anyanwu were indigenes of Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

    Habila commended the SARS men for their prompt response and their ability to make good use of information available at their disposals.

    He said the SARS operatives moved in after a resident tipped them off about the gun manufacturing suspects.

    The CP said the operatives recovered such items as saws, a gas cylinder, an oxygen gas, pipes and hammers, among others, including already assembled guns ready to be shipped to their clients.

    It was also learnt that the suspects had been in the business for over 10 years, an occupation from which they funded their children’s education.

    The Abia police chief recalled how the area was noted for such crimes as kidnapping and armed robbery, among others, especially during the days of Osisikankwu, the abduction kingpin.

    Habila said residents would have been in grave danger had the suspects continued their business unhindered.

    He said the suspects would be prosecuted as soon as investigations were concluded, warning such criminals to look for legitimate work to make a living or face the consequence of their actions. He added that efforts were being made to trace some of the people who patronised the gun manufacturers.

    He reiterated the commitment of the police to ensuring that Abians and investors carry out their activities freely without fear of intimidation or harassment by any person or group of persons.

    The suspects in an interview accepted that they do not have the licence to manufacture guns. They, however, said that they only manufactured and sold dane guns to hunters in and outside the village and denied that their clients used the guns for robbery.

    Operatives of the anti-robbery squad, Aba Area Command, have also arrested a 27-year-old man identified as Mr. Tochukwu Nna with a substance suspected to be Indian hemp weighing 50kg.

    Nna, a native of Isiala Mbano, The Nation gathered, was arrested at Umuobikwa Village in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state, about 15 minutes drive off the commercial city of Aba.

    According to reports, the suspect was to deliver the banned substance to a yet to be identified facility where it would be sold to its consumers.

    A police source said the command had information that the substance came in from Benin, Edo State.

    The quick response of the anti-robbery squad paid off as the tricycle conveying the hemp broke down at Umuobiakwa village, causing the suspect to drop it in a nearby bush.

    The Nation learnt that while the suspect and the tricycle operator  were trying to repair their vehicle,  men of the anti-robbery stormed the area. The tricycle operator ran away while the suspected merchant was apprehended.

    The suspect also named his supplier.

    The state command’s public relations officer Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu confirmed Nna’s arrest,  adding that he has been handed over to the state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

    The anti-robbery unit also nabbed two persons suspected to be producers of adulterated drinks in Aba. The   police are equally in the hunt for   other members of the gang who fled the scene on sighting security operatives.

    Some of the drinks allegedly brewed by the suspects include Seaman’s Schnapps, St. Remy, Toma Red Grape, 501 and over 12 other brands of spirits and red wines which are in high demand at the market.

    It was gathered that the suspects were arrested after a tip-off.

    A source told our correspondent that the Area Commander, Peter Wagbara upon receiving intelligence about the act, directed his anti-robbery unit to act fast, leading to the success recorded during the operation.

     

     

  • New house for community’s oldest man

    New house for community’s oldest man

    In the place of an old, conical-shaped thatch house, he now has a modern three-bedroom bungalow all his own.

    Pa Nmbaka Nwanchati, the oldest man in Edukwu Ohatekwe community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has the Comrade Chinedu Ogah Foundation to thank for it.

    The non-governmental organisation based in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, said the gesture was part of its effort in assisting the less privileged and elderly in the state.

    Pa Nmbaka’s old building sheltered him and his two sons until the foundation put up the new structure.

    The organisation does not care for the elderly alone; it also built a bridge across Obegwu Ohatekwu stream in which some schoolchildren have reportedly died while crossing over. There was no bridge there until the foundation built one. The bridge has been inaugurated.

    Commissioning the bridge, the All Progressive Congress (APC) chairman in the state, Hon Ben Nwobashi described the house and ridge projects as landmarks, adding that the Change Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari is being taken to the grassroots by Comrade Chinedu Ogah Foundation.

    Pa Nmbaka, he said, does not use glasses at the age of 135, is not bedridden and can still comfortably walk around without the support of anyone.

    “It is a great thing,” Nwobashi said; “only Pope John Paul II have I seen that got the same grace from God.”

    He urged other politicians, businessmen and publi-spirited individuals alike to emulate the good work of Comrade Ogah, adding that such effort would restore the confidence of the people in politicians.

    In his speech, the founder and chief executive of the foundation, Comrade Chinedu Ogah said that the NGO has built and handed over more than 150 houses to less privileged persons and constructed more than 250 culverts and bridges in different communities across the state.

    Comrade Ogah stated that apart from the buildings, culverts and bridges, the NGO has given scholarship to more than 500 students across several institutions in the country and paid hospital bills of hundreds of less privileged persons in Ebonyi.

    Comrade Ogah said furthersclosed that in the last one year, the NGO has also trained and handed over skill empowerment equipments worth millions of niara to unemployed Ebonyi indigenes.

    Comrade Ogah who is also the National Coordinator of Buhari/Osibanjo Initiative for Demonstrating Change commended President Mohammadu Buhari for his clear cut policies and programmes aimed at empowering the youths and alleviating the suffering of the masses.

    “I decided to construct this bridge because some time in 2015 during a burial ceremony, I could not cross the bridge to attend the burial so I made the people a firm promise that I would do the bridge and am happy that today am back here to witness the commissioning of the bridge”.

    In a remark, the former Vice Chancellor who is also from the community, Prof Fidelix Ogah thanked Comrade Ogah noting that with the construction of the bridge, school children will no longer drown in the stream while going to school. He noted that before now, they used to cross the bridge use wood placed across the bridge and called for more amenities in the community.

  • Lawmaker rehabilitates roads

    It was the turn of residents of Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State to benefit from the outreach of the lawmaker representing them, Hon. Ossy Prestige.

    The House of Representatives member has helped so many in the state, providing for people behind bars, paying the medical bills of indigent patients and even giving scholarship to students, among others.

    This time he and his team moved into some parts of the constituency with a brand new earth-moving machine to grade some of the streets and roads linking the area to the heart of Aba, the state’s commercial town.

    Some of the roads in Aba North and South Federal Constituency, including Imo Avenue off Faulks Road, Chief Ubani Street off 7up Ogbor Hill are among others, have been graded while many more, according to information gathered, would soon be graded.

    Some residents of the areas that have been completed who spoke to reporters, described the gesture of the lawmaker as first of its kind since 1999 where a federal lawmaker of Aba North and South constituency would show genuine concern about the people that voted them to power.

    “This is the first time that a federal lawaker that we elected into power will come back despite his busy schedule to fulfil his campaign promises to us, unlike what was the case in the past,” said a resident who simply identified himself as Uchenna.

    “He may not have brought a lasting solution to our problems in terms of passable roads, but with what he has done, Prestige has to a great extent alleviated our sufferings through this road that he has graded for us. I am sure like every other residents of Imo Avenue that we will have a little sigh of relief before the rain sets in. But let me quickly say that these roads are some of the roads local government chairmen are supposed to be grading frequently and let me use this medium to appeal to the our state Governor, Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu to organise local government election so that chairmen and councilors of various local governments and wards can source for funds to rehabilitate and in worst cases grade some of the internal roads in our councils.”

    Another resident of Chief Ubani, Mrs. Caroline who corroborated Uchenna’s position thanked Prestige for fulfilling the campaign  promises he made to the electorate, calling on other federal lawmakers in the state to emulate his gesture.

    Prestige said that he was touched by the plight of his constituents who find it difficult to drive or move freely from their homes to other parts of the commercial city because of the bad state of roads in their areas which are in bad condition.

    Prestige stated that the project he tagged “Road Emergency Rehabilitation Scheme” was a pet project that was conceive during his campaign tour of the local government areas of Aba North and South federal constituency and in fulfillment of his campaign promises that he was going to assist the people to reduce the stress they pass through in accessing the city center from their homes.

    The lawmaker thanked the people of Aba North and South Federal Constituency for voting him into power, promising that he would continue to attract democracy dividends to them.

    He also promised that more roads will be graded, urging residents of such places to be patient.