The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • 14 magistrates’ courts coming in Anambra

    14 magistrates’ courts coming in Anambra

    The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi has said the state governor Chief Willie Obiano has approved the building of 14 magistrate court halls in the state. He said this at Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, while commissioning court halls in the community.

    Umeadi said the development will bring justice closer to the grassroots, adding that the areas approved for the construction of the magistrate court halls are Awka, Eziowelle, Nnobi, Ukpo, Anaku and Mmiata-Anam. Others were Ozomagala, Fegge, Amesi, Ihiala, Ugbenu, Ajalli, Umunze, adding that the construction of new court halls would give Anambra a new lease of life.

    He said the issue of low productivity would have been arrested with the new development.

    Already, he said the judiciary had commissioned three in communities like Achalla, Eziowelle and Nteje, adding that they wanted to make judiciary conducive for the populace.

    The Ukpo Magistrate court according to Umeadi, would serve communities in Dunukofia local government area such as Ukwulu, Abba, Umunnachi, Nawgu, Ukpo and Ifite Dunu.

    However, he reminded the administrative magistrate of the new court, Mrs. Loretta Okoye that she was representing the judiciary, adding that she would keep the flag flying without fear or favour.

    Virtually all the judges in the state and magistrates were present at the weekend with some of the traditional rulers.

    The state Chief Judge, commended the state Governor Chief Willie Obiano for his assistance to the judiciary and oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze for his support also.

    He said the judiciary with the support of Obiano, had supplied vehicles to the magistrates, while the court halls had been provided with befitting chairs, tables, air conditions among others things.

    The local government chairman of Dunukofia, Chukwudi Onuorah said the commissioning of the project meant that the judiciary had good plans for the Anambra communities.

    He, however, praised Governor Willie Obiano and Justice Peter Umeadi for their foresight in bringing justice to the grass root.

    The administrative judge Mrs. Loretta Okoye, said that she would discharge her functions in the office without fear or favour.

     

  • Old Boys plan infrastructure upgrade at alma mater

    Old Boys plan infrastructure upgrade at alma mater

    It was a colourful gathering during the 2015 homecoming of Ngwa High School, Aba Old Boys’ Association. SUNNY NWANKWO reports.

    Ngwa High School is one of the early male schools in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State. The school which was founded in 1952 with Rev. W.G. Pollard as its pioneer Principal has produced many successful businessmen, clerics, top ranking soldiers (both serving and retired) and other professionals such as Chief Mike Ahamba, Prof. Uche Ikonne and acting Vice-Chancellor, Abia State University Uturu Prof. Jasper Fortune Jumbo, among others.

    However, the 2015 gathering of the school which coincided with the Golden Jubilee of the class of 1965 of Ngwa High School Boys Association (NHSOBA) set provided these legal icon, clergies, business gurus and other professionals, the opportunity not only to relish the old school days as students in a secondary school that was the pride of the commercial city  then, it also provided them the opportunity to plan on how to restore the pride of the school; having been returned to the original owners (Anglican Church) by the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Ahamefula Orji. For them, the infrastructural decay in the school is awful.

    According to the Old Boys, their planned partnership with the present management of the school under Aba Ngwa North Anglican Diocese to give their alma mater a facelift, they were embarking on a N10 million project investments.

    Among the projects they intend to carry out in the school are sinking of borehole and reticulating water to every part of the school, including the students’ dormitory among other places.

    Chief Mike Ahamba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and President of the schools’ Old Boys’ Association of the school announced this in Aba as part of the celebration to mark the golden jubilee of the 1965 class.

    President of NHSOBA lamented the level of dilapidation of infrastructure in the school founded in 1954. He promised that the association would partner with the church to address the infrastructural challenges as well as re-establish high standard of learning which the school was known for.

    He said: “We are here for our homecoming and to take a look at the state of infrastructure in the school and see how we can help. The buildings are old and most of the students are day students. We will invest at least N10 million in the first instance of the infrastructural rehabilitation of the school.

    “We would like a situation where most of them would come into residence and that will help to inculcate in them the true character of Ngwa High School personality. We will ensure that immediately we leave here, students of the school will enjoy water from the borehole sunk by the Old Boys’ Association and it will be reticulated. After that, we won’t wait; we will go on to achieve other projects.

    “We enjoyed water system and showers in the 1960s. Why won’t our students enjoy them now? I commend the Vice-President of NHSOBA, Chief Jasper Jumbo for renovating the school’s chapel and library and Dr. Chianyigadi Denna who re-roofed and installed metal doors to the science blocks.”

    Ahamba also said that the association will do all within its capacity to restore the glory of the school.

    “We will try and get it right. It will be a continuous thing. We are doing it for a lot of reasons; this is the only school that bears the name, Ngwa. I believe the Ngwa nation will see it as something they must support even though the Anglican Mission is running it now. But they built the school and gave it to the Anglican Church. That’s what happened in 1953. Now that the Anglican Church has it again, Ngwa people should not turn their back on this citadel that is flying the flag of Ngwa land.”

    Corroborating Chief Ahamba’s views, Prof. Jasper Fortune Jumbo said they were willing to partner with the Anglican Church of Aba Ngwa North Diocese; owners of the school to see ways the glory of the school could be restored which he said would attract parents to sending their children/wards to the school for studies in order to be better equipped academically.

    Earlier in his address, the Principal of the School, Dr. Felix Erondu, who is also an old boy of the school, had enumerated the challenges facing the institution to include lack of laboratory facilities; dilapidated buildings, broken fence and lack school bus.

    Brig. General G.A. Umelo; Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ali Amodu; Justice Kenneth Amadi; Mr. Emmanuel Denna, Gordy Uche (SAN); incoming ABSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uche Ikonne; Mr. Eric Archibong and Mr. Chianyidi Denna were among the old boys honoured by the group.

  • NACA campaigns against HIV in Imo

    NACA campaigns against HIV in Imo

    As part of measures to counter the spread of HIV/AIDS, the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) is embarking on an aggressive awareness campaign across the country.

    Speaking at a free multi-disease outreach programme in Oru West Community in Imo State, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, who was represented by Mr. Solomon Akanwa, described the Federal Government’s initiative as a rare opportunity. He sued for effective partnership to duplicate the exercise in other parts of the state.

    The programme was implemented by Devcom Integrated Services Limited.

    The commissioner lauded the Federal Government for the intervention.

    The Paramount Ruler of Mgbidi Town in Oru West, Eze Nwanonego, applauded the Federal Government for the gesture and assured that he would mobilise his people to take advantage of the initiative.

    The event, which lasted for five days, was attended by over four thousand participants  who welcomed the development and urged its sustenance.

    Dignitaries at the event included officials of NACA,  royal fathers, market and town welfare union members among others.

    Services rendered were: HIV test and counseling, temperature and blood pressure checks, malaria test, BMI assessment, blood glucose check, de-worming of children under 10, free clinical consultation, free drugs for all, free insecticide treated nets, gift items and general body checks.

     

  • A philanthropist’s campaign to save Igbo language

    A philanthropist’s campaign to save Igbo language

    There are attempts to keep the Igbo language from dying. In 2012 UNESCO predicted that language might become extinct in the next 50 years. The organisation noted the general apathy by the youths to speak the language, preferring instead to speak English or pidgin.

    A businessman and philanthropist Dr Maduka Onyishi wants to prevent that from happening. He wants the youth to be comfortable speaking their native tongue. He demonstrated his plan by staging a student debate in Igbo, with collaboration from the National Association of Southeast Nigerian Students (NASENS).

    The competition spanned over a  month, with the theme ‘Asusu Igbo, Ejiri Mara M’, (Igbo language, my identity).

    It took place across the five states of the Southeast where the language is spoken. Participants came from all the tertiary institutions in the zone with the grand finale taking place at the Enugu State College of Education and Technical (ESCET) Auditorium.

    Former Anambra State governor Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife chaired  the grand finale while the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Enwo Igariwey was the Father of the Day.

    In his welcome address NASENS President Comrade Nweli Ifeanyichukwu Hillary said the association staged the debate to save the language from extinction.

    He said: “Of late, Igbo language has suffered a lot of setbacks. It is hardly spoken by the people who own it. It is rejected by the young, not used in Igbo homes and families and even not spoken at Igbo cultural programmes.

    “Suffice it to say that language is a part of a people’s culture and culture is an important of human existence that depicts the way of life of a particular people. It expresses their norms and beliefs and it serves as their identity. Therefore, the Igbo language is an integral part of the Igbo man’s life.”

    The sponsor of the event and CEO of Peace Mass Transit Limited said the Igbo debate is coming at the right time when the Igbo culture is being hampered by foreign cultures which are speedily taking the place of our original culture especially among the younger general.

    He said, “They have embraced and imbibed these foreign cultures so much that they have infiltrated into the society as a cankerworm and it is negatively affecting the Igbo people as a nation. Language is a unifying force that binds any given people together. It stand as a bond to such people. Therefore, the Igbo will be made to understand through these debates, the relevancy in imbibing their mother tongue”.

    He canvassed that Igbo should be accepted and spoken compulsorily and frequently in churches, schools, media houses and religious places and employed as a general means of communication among the Igbo nation.

    “This is because there is no place in the world where one can find an Igbo nation except in Nigeria, therefore, there is need to be proud of where we are coming from”

    ‘The essence of this programme will be to strengthen our culture, language and create enabling environment for the younger generation to demonstrate virtue and value for their culture”.

    Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife praised the event sponsor, Dr Sam Maduka Onyishi for the initiative and urged him to sustain the event.

    Ohaneze Ndigbo President, Chief Garry Enwo Igariwey urged the executives of NASENS to do more in sustaining and improving on the programme and making it more impactful.

    “There is still hope for the survival of Igbo language if the youths especially our undergraduates can stage a programme like this since they are the future of the Igbo nation”.

    At the end of the debate part of the event, Miss Nzubgo oluchi from Ebonyi State University was the overall winner. She and other top nine participants of the event were awarded full university scholarship while other ten participants went home with various consolation prizes.

    There were also other competitions and activities during the event such as Igbo essay Competition, Igbo drama competition, Igbo news broadcast competition, dancing competition, Igbo proverbs and Idioms exposition among others.

    Imo State University won the best participating institution.

  • Abia APC chief backs anti-graft campaign

    A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abia State, Dr Ephraim Iroakazi, has said that the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari was just what Nigeria needed to move forward.

    Speaking in Umuahia, Iroakazi said the anti-corruption crusade is credible and transparent but not influenced by the president.

    The anti graft agencies which have woken up to their responsibilities are not being controlled by President Buhari despite the fact that he is the president of the country, contrary to what people are saying.”

    Iroakazi said that people are getting to know about the magnitude of corruption in the country because of the exposition being done by the anti-graft agencies under the administration of President Buhari.

    He denied the accusation of selective prosecution from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying, “They were in government for 16 years with nothing to show for it, only corruption in high places and felt and it would continue forever”.

    Iroakazi said, “Corruption is a monster; it has the capacity to fight back. What is important is the political will of those fighting corruption. The PDP crying out is expected: they have been in government for 16 years”.

    He said that President Buhari has embarked on programs that would revive the economy and make life better for Nigeria and has set up a team headed by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to rejuvenate and revive the economy.

    Iroakazi said, “What is happening is putting down required template that will put the economy on sure footing and emphasis is in the area of agriculture and natural resources for food security”.

     

  • Court verdict: PDP will laugh last, says Orji

    Court verdict: PDP will laugh last, says Orji

    The immediate past governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji has predicted that the verdict of the Court of Appeal which sacked Dr Okezie Ikpeazu as the duly elected governor of the state and replaced with Dr Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will be upturned at the Supreme Court.

    Chief Orji, who is the Senator representing Abia Central senatorial district at the Senate, said the verdict of the Court of Appeal was not a good one for the state and its people.

    “But there is the Supreme Court which is the last point of the judicial exercise in this matter,” he said.

    Speaking with reporters in Umuahia, the state capital, Orji said he has a lot of respect for the judiciary which is the last hope of any politicians’ political career, as it has always come to his rescue since he ventured into politics.

    Orji said: “Since I joined politics, the judiciary has always been there for me. From 2007 to 2011 as governor and even now as Senator, as it has always authenticated my mandate after any election my opponents proceed to the courts to challenge my victory.

    “I don’t see any difference in this case of Ikpeazu versus Otti governorship case, as some people want to be governor at all costs and desperately too simply because they have some money. But money is not everything in politics.”

    He said he is happy that the governorship matter does not end at the Court of Appeal but at the Supreme Court.

    “It is a place where there are men of integrity who take their time on such matter. I am sure that Ikpeazu will be returned as the duly elected governor of Abia State,” he said.

    The Senator said the judiciary is supposed to enhance democracy for the good of the country and its people.

    “However, this time around, the judiciary at the Court of Appeal has decided to turn democracy upside down,” he said.

    Orji said that the Court of Appeal judgment means that Ikpeazu cannot vote for himself and that his father, mother and siblings cannot vote for him.

    “It also means that he is not eligible to be voted for in the election based on the court’s verdict,” he stated.

    He posited that the continuous cancellation of election results and in some cases election results are declared inconclusive if not properly handled may end up blowing up the country.

    The former governor took a swipe at the founding fathers of the state, saying “it is a shame that those who claim to be founding fathers of the state are the ones destroying it. Instead of preaching peace, they are busy preaching discord.

    “These people do not have any electoral value during any election in the state. During the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries, Ikpeazu defeated his opponents clearly and the governorship seat deserves to go to the southern part of the state; having been to the north and central parts of the state for sixteen years,” he said.

     

  • Praise for orthopaedic hospital, Enugu

    Praise for orthopaedic hospital, Enugu

    The Enugu zonal commissioner for the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prince Mohammed Hassan, has hailed administrators and staff of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu (NOHE) for their accomplishments and transparency.

    Hassan spoke when he visited the hospital’s medical director, Enugu Dr. Cajetan Nwadinigwe, who pledged to cooperate with the organisation in the war against corruption.

    The zonal commissioner said the hospital was the first institution his team would visit since he took office.

    He said this was in view of the result of an internal review of the performance of the medical directors in the southeast zone by ICPC zonal office, which showed the outstanding role being played by the medical director Dr. Nwadinigwe in ensuring transparency and accountability in the system.

    He noted that by empowering the NOHE Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), the medical director was strengthening and repositioning the institution to align with the current federal government’s resolve to ensure transparency and accountability in the public service, adding that this gesture had marked him out for this special recognition.

    He stated that corruption had virtually affected all facets of the country’s image both at home and abroad. However, the new commissioner believed that acting rightly and passionately together with grass root support of staff and members of the public, Nigeria would win the war against corruption and other related vices.

    The medical director Dr. Nwadinigwe thanked the new ICPC commissioner for the honour and privilege of recognising his effort and that of his management team in ensuring an efficient and quality service delivery in the hospital, pointing out that the reconstitution of the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit of the hospital was among the first steps he took on assumption of office.

    This, he remarked, was as a result of his passion for an efficient and transparent public service and zero tolerance for corruption.

    He restated his resolve and willingness to welcome the participants during the upcoming summit, as indicated by the new zonal commissioner and pledged to further galvanize the entire institution to give ICPC and the federal government the needed cooperation to ensure that we have an enviable public service system with National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, as a practical example.

    The acting chairman of the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit, Mr. Vitus Uzuegbu acknowledged the support of the medical director in ensuring the delivery of its mandate via provision of a functional office space, regular and timely support for capacity building through training and retraining of the Unit members.

    Mr. Uzuegbu said that the award-winning MD had created an enabling environment by not only supporting ACTU in the hospital massively as rightly observed by the ICPC boss but providing good leadership to the institution.

    “These and more factors motivated  the members of the unit to pursue the fight against corruption vigorously, in fact, the activities of NOHE ACTU have been going on smoothly with not just a total support from the medical director but without undue interference in the performance of our duty,” he noted.

    He noted while responding to comments made by the ACTU zonal leader, Mr. Sunny Orok, that the unit had concluded arrangements to begin a system study of the hospital which would not only culminate in churning out policies that would further strengthen the fight against corruption but, would also practically put the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, in the forefront as a leading example in transparency and operational efficiency.

  • Editor honoured at home

    Editor honoured at home

    Eight traditional canon shots signifying the eight communities of Ngor Ancient Kingdom boomed as the king placed the red cap on the head of Dr Jossy Nkwocha, naming him Ebube Dike 1 of Ngor. This title means the Peoples’ General.

    It was the highpoint of the 10th coronation anniversary of Eze Fredrick Nwachukwu, the Eze-Ogboro 1 of Ngor autonomous community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

    Nkwocha, former General Editor of Newswatch magazine, was among seven sons of the town honoured for their contributions to the community.

    In a citation read at the king’s palace, Nkwocha was credited with seven projects for the community. He built and donated a vicarage at Emmanuel Anglican Church Ngor.

    Nkwocha also renovated the Ngor junction of Aba-Owerri Road to prevent accidents. He was chairman of Peace and Reconciliation Committee after a bitter Ezeship tussle 10 years ago.

    In 2014, Nkwocha also wrote a book titled NGOR to project the community. He was also praised for creating jobs for youths in the community.

    Nwachukwu made Ebube Dike of Ngor Okpala in appreciation of his contributions to his town’s growth. Nkwocha said he was humbled by the honour bestowed on him by his people and promised to do more.

    Others honoured include Okenze Innocent Edi, Chief Emma Black Eke (Odiukonamba), Chief Emma Nworgu (Udokanma), chief Ugo Ken Opraugo (Akarakaugo), chief Chukwuemeka Nkwocha (Nnanyereugo) and Engr Peter Okere.

    High Chief Emeka Egu and his wife Dr Ijeoma Egu from Umuohiagu community who live in the US were also honoued with chieftaincy titles.

    Okenze Sylvester Obinna, the Okenze Ngor Okpala was chairman of the 10th year coronation of Eze Nwachukwu. Anglican bishop of Egbu diocese Rt Rev E. Okorafor was special guest.

    Eze Nwachukwu was grateful to God for keeping him in the past ten years on the throne. He is also chairman of council of traditional rulers in Ngor Okpala. Almost all the 30 ezes in the council graced the occasion.

    For this ‘prophet’, there is honour at home.

     

  • Care, jobs, facilities in Abia

    Care, jobs, facilities in Abia

    The weak have been strengthened, some deficiencies addressed in Arochukwu-Ohafia area of Abia State, reports UGOCHUKWU UGOJI-EKE 

    For people in need, the gesture was unforgetable. Basic necessities are few. The only primary school in one of the communities is almost a write-off. The youths need jobs while their parents pine away at unprofittable farms or menial jobs. Worse, many of the residents do not enjoy good health. That was why Hon Uko Nkole’s gesture will remain with residents of Arochukwu/Ohafia in Abia State for a long time.

    Nkole, who represents the area at the House of Representatives, provided health care for over 1000 patients from the locality. He paid for their treatment and gave them money for drugs. Nkole also took up the responsibility to re-roof Ndi Aku Ohafia Primary School, the one and only such institution in that community. In the language of the state, the lawmaker has ‘adopted’ the school.

    Most of the beneficiaries were residents of Ohafia, though some others came in from neighbouring communities. The great thing, though, is that the gesture will go round the district, Nkole said.

    The free medical treatment which was conducted at the premises of the Ebem Ohafia Primary School in Ohafia Local Government Area was in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation, Challenge Aids & Malaria in Africa (CHAMA).

    Speaking during a visit to some of the patients who are recovering after surgery at Uzondu hospital and Polyclinic Amaekpu Ohafia Nkole  said that he would offset their medical bills as well as provide money to buy more drugs to meet the growing need of patients that kept coming for treatment.

    Nkole said that he will also pay the bill for the roofing of the Ndi Aku Ohafia primary school, the first and only primary school in the area since its existence which is in a dilapidated condition.

    He said, “In line with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s policy of adopting a school, I am adopting the Ndi Aku Ohafia primary school to reroof the classroom block which has been in a very bad shape for years.”

    The federal lawmaker said he will help single mothers at Amangwu Ohafia get a job by providing 25 of them with sewing machines and  promised to pay for their shops.

    Nkole also promised that in next phase of the free medical scheme those with hearing impairment would be included even as he assured that he would draw the attention of the state government to the scheme for sustainability.

    Speaking at the event the Executive Director, CHAMA Mission, Dr Olugu Ukpai, said that for about 10 years the NGO has borne the burden of funding the free medical scheme alone and lauded Nkole’s response to their distress call.

    Dr Ukpai explained that the material and financial commitment of the Rep member has helped the organization to reach more people in need and urged individuals, governments and organization to emulate him.

    He lamented the level of poverty and ignorance in the area which he said were responsible for most of the health challenges, stressing that he was drawn into the vision by the death of his 16month twin daughter, Goodness, who died as a result of malaria.

    Reacting Rev Alfred Ogbonna Olugu a beneficiary, who was treated of malaria and eye problem, thanked God for raising people with the vision to assist the less privileged in society.

     

  • Cleric seeks action on campaign promises

    Cleric seeks action on campaign promises

    How that you have won, you will do well to fulfil commitments made to your constituents.

    That was the message of the Bishop of Aba Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Christian C. Ugwuzor to politicians who won election into various positions in the country.

    Ugwuzor stated this at St. Michael’s Anglican Cathedral Church, Aba, Abia State where the member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Rtn. Ossy Prestige was in attendance.

    The Bishop noted that some politicians make certain promises to the electorate while seeking their votes, but abandon them soon after winning the election.

    The cleric added that some of the politicians go as far as diverting money meant for the public into their private accounts.

    He described Hon. Prestige, though, as one that has showed exemplary leadership and quality representation and one who is willing to affect the lives of his constituents positively, promising that the church would never relent in its prayers for Prestige and leaders in constituted authority.

    Prestige said that he was in the church to present himself before God on a day that coincided with his birthday and also thank the church for their prayers and support during the 2015 general election.

    Prestige used the opportunity to reiterate his campaign promises of touching the lives of his constituents positively and ensuring that they enjoyed quality representation during his time as the lawmaker representing the zone.