The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

18 suspected criminals held in Ebonyi

No fewer than 18 suspected criminals have been arrested by the police in Ebonyi State, an indication that the state’s new Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah has been quite busy since her posting to the state. On September 8, a few days after she took office, a medical doctor Johnson Obunna was kidnapped. The CP mobilised her personnel and rescued him unhurt.

The command followed this up with the arrest of a gang of suspected kidnappers which abducted the Afikpo Zonal Manager of the Nigerian Breweries Limited, Kehinde Baruwa.

The manager was abducted at the entrance to his street, off Ndibe Beach road Afikpo North local government area of the state.

When a group of pirates and suspected militants invaded Afikpo town recently, they were also repelled by gallant men of the command and in the exchange of fire one of the police officers was killed.

It was gathered that the CP personally led the operation that repelled the pirates who ran back to the beach and disappeared on their speed boats.

The recent onslaught against the men of the underworld has also led to the arrest of 18 persons on suspicion of committing various crimes ranging from armed robbery, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, cultism, vandalism, etc.

Nine of the suspects were paraded to reporters at the Command’s headquarters in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital.

Abdallah said three of the suspects Ndubuisi Iseh, Uchenna Nweke and Sunday Elom were arrested while planning to embark on a robbery attack.

She said the gang had attacked a police patrol team at Evangel Camp Junction Okpoto Ishielu along the Abakaliki-Enugu expressway in the wee hours of the morning and inflicted bullet and machete cut wounds on them and snatched three AK47 riffles and twenty rounds of ammunition in each of the riffles.

“While the police officers are hospitalised, the command through intelligence led policing, diligence and gallantry smashed an intended robbery attack by the same gang the three suspects.”

“The three AK47 riffles were recovered with thirteen live ammunitions. The suspects confessed that they had planned to block Lokoja/Abuja Highway to rob innocent citizens before the command aborted their planned operations”

She said efforts is still on to track the rest of the fleeing suspects.

CP Ibekwe also said three other suspects Samuel Agha, Francis Okoro and Chukwu Ogbonnaya were arrested for being in possession of four locally made pistols and four live cartridges and have since been charged to court.

Also the command arrested one Onyema Nwali, John Nwopokwu and Friday Nwakpa at Ihoto Ameka Ezza South on a tip off and recovered an AK47 from them.

The command also swooped on a meeting of a cult group known as the Vikings Confraternity who took to their heels and in the process dropped a pistol which was recovered.

“Again one Nnanna Igwe and Ugbu John were arrested on a tip off while planning an armed robbery operation. One locally made pistol, one live ammunition and one expended cartridge were recovered by the Police,” the CP added.

The CP said the police patrol team intercepted one Kelechi Alo at Abaomege-Afikpo Highway and recovered four newly made local pistols with thirteen 9mm live ammunitions from him.

She further stated that the command’s officers in conjunction with Commercial bicycle (Okada) operators arrested two robbers who robbed two passengers on Okada dispossessing both of them of a total sum of N81,400.

She commended the Okada operators who trailed the robbery suspects and alerted the police to effect the arrests.

The command, said the CP, also arrested one Ndubuisi Ogbonnia and Chinedu Gabriel all of Amasiri Community in Afikpo North as they vandalized EEDC Transformer and stole the armored cables. The two suspects were charged to court where they pleaded guilty and were convicted.

November 27, 2015
‘War against street trading to continue in Aba’

There is no going back on the relocation of illegal street traders in Aba, the commercial capital of Abia State.

Enyimba City bustles with business but not all of that enhances its aesthetics or vehicular movement, the government reckons, which explains why the Okezie Ikpeazu administration set about relocating illegal street traders.

Some of the affected traders have expressed their discomforts, while some others criticised the state government’s action, but the administration has said the operation will continue until the city is sanitised and decorum brought to bear on it.

The government also said after the relocation of the traders to the Goodmorning Market, in Ngwa Road, the train will move down to the Abattoir Market at Waterside and from there to other locations where street trading constitutes an environmental nuisance.

The government explained that the Abattoir Market traders will have to be relocated to another place because of the dredging and expansion of the Aba River which will recommence very soon.

The entire exercise is part of the large-scale programme of infrastructural renewal and environmental restoration of the city of Aba for which the government created the Aba Urban Renewal Office and which is aimed at sanitising the city and restoring its original map, said Mr Godwin Adindu, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary.

He added that the broad-based programme of restructuring Aba is a cardinal policy thrust of the Ikpeazu administration and one it is pursuing with passion, dedication and every sense of duty.

The restructuring programme involves a general review of the state of the open markets and a general overhauling of the leadership of the markets including the associations and the different caretaker committees appointed by government to oversee issues and matters of the markets.

It is for this reason that the government has had to dissolve many of the committees and leadership of the many market associations in Aba, and also had to appoint a Market Review and Development Committee headed by Mr. Solomon Nwaigwe with the brief to conduct a general review of the state of the markets and proffer solutions for charting a new course for the markets.

The government said street trading and street hawking cause a lot of menace both to traffic flow and environmental decency and poses a great risk to the life of the traders and that is why government has provided alternative market places for these illegal street traders.

“Nowhere in the world is the culture of street trading tolerated anymore and therefore Aba traders and residents must cooperate with government agents in the efforts to sanitise Aba and bring decorum to the city and its markets and desist from actions that could lead to confrontation with constituted authority,” Adindu said.

“Therefore, political jobbers and enemies of the state who are cashing in on this sanitation exercise to generate crisis and foment trouble are well advised to rethink their mischief. They must desist from acts and statements capable of inciting Aba residents against one another and causing the breach of the prevailing peace in the land.

“Government recognises that the mandate to rebuild Aba and other major Abia cities would certainly come with sacrifices and requires the cooperation of all Abians and this is in the overall interest of us all.”

November 27, 2015
FOREIGN INVESTORS ARRIVE ABIA TO SIGN MOU ON MARKETS RE-DEVELOPMENT

The first batch of foreign investors engaged by the Abia State Markets Development Committee (ASMDC) for the re-development of markets in the state have arrived the state capital for a formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the state government.

Speaking on the development, Chief Nwaigwe Solomon Nwaigwe, chairman of ASMDC said the three companies are GES GmbH, a German investment group which provides financial, commercial & project management support for clients and partners and utilizes its specialist expertise and skilled resources to support the entire project development process.

Another group expected are Donchez SL of Spain which has extensive operations in several countries with specialization in project management and financing.

The third group is Canadian investment group, PARADOX GROUP INC. which brings years of expertise in the property and investment sector, coupled with cutting-edge technology to Abia State markets.

These three are joined by indigenous firm, Briscoe Properties Limited (a subsidiary of RT Briscoe Plc), which offers management and engineering services related to the property industry.

On arrival, officials of the company moved to the commercial city of Aba for on-the-spot assessment of the markets to be re-developed and to familiarize themselves with the project site and also meet the people.

According to Chief Nwaigwe, the three foreign companies as well as their Nigerian counterpart went through a rigorous selection process and the committee is “satisfied with these companies and investment groups and we are convinced that they’re able to deliver timely and value-driven service to our people.”

The companies, on signing the MoU, are expected to mobilise immediately to site and commence work on the three markets already earmarked as pilot scheme for the redevelopment project.

The markets, namely the Ariaria International market, reputedly West Africa’s largest retail market; Ngwa Road Market[Ahia Ohuu] and the Eziukwu/Cemetery Road market are to be used as pilot scheme for the re-development of the market systems in the state not only for the revitalization of viable economic activities but for improvement of revenue generation to the government.

The signing of the MoU, according to Nwaigwe, marks a significant landmark in the vision of governor Okezie Ikpeazu to deliver cost-effective world class facilities to Abians and ensure a comfortable standard of living for all residents of the state.

It is expected that the markets post redevelopment will contribute about N5bn monthly to the state’s internally generated revenue [IGR] purse.

November 24, 2015
Soothing words for wounded traders in Abia

Traders wounded in a fracas with officials of Abia State Urban Renewal (AUR) in Aba, Abia State have heard some soothing words from the lawmaker representing the area at the House of Representatives, Hon. Ossy Prestige.

The traders at the New Market Annex in the commercial city clashed with AUR men who insisted that they relocate to Good Morning Market, an instruction that was not immediately obeyed.

Some accounts said the AUR officials set the traders’ articles on fire and wounded some businessmen who attempted to snatch their wares from the fire.

The Nation could not confirm if any traders were killed as was alleged.

The traders burnt a tricycle and a Toyota Camry car said to belong to the AUR team.

The wounded traders were recuperating in various hospitals in the city where Hon. Prestige visited and comforted them.

One of the traders, Ifeanyi Nwosu said, “Many were injured and were rushed to different hospitals where they are receiving medical attention. We lost cash and other valuables in the process. Some of us who tried going into the market were prevented from doing so by security officials while the Urban Renewal people were led of this place by the Bakassi Boys”.

Asked if there were any notice by the government asking them to relocate from the market, Nwosu said, “That was during Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji’s administration and we later resolved the situation and suddenly, the [AUR] team resurfaced from nowhere and started burning our goods. We want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to call Ogunji to order because he is going to cause people to hate the governor.”

Goodluck Osas said he was shot in the crotch, Chidiebere Ugochukwu that he sustained injuries in his hands. Ifeanyi Okechukwu said he was shot in the thigh while Chinecherem William said he was wounded in his left hand.

Prestige condemned the use of live ammunition by security agents and also faulted traders for taking the laws into their own hands.

According to him, both government and the traders should always seek more civil and legal means of executing their actions and presenting their agitations/grievances and promised to see how he can assist the injured victims.

In a related development, the Aba North and South representative also visited Horstman Hospital LTD where he paid off the hospital bill of Mr. Uchenna Cletus who was shot during the fracas between traders at Ariaria Shoe Plaza and personnel of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia State Command earlier this year.

He said he was touched by the plight of the trader and to also fulfill his promise of offsetting hospital bills of any trader affected in the clash that was admitted in the hospital.

Mr. Cletus and wife thanked the lawmaker for his magnanimity and prayed God to bless him.

The Medical Director of Horstman hospital, Dr. Dennis Oji said Mr. Cletus’s fractured shin was able to be operated upon and healed to the stage it was at press time because arteries supplying blood to his legs were not affected by the gunshot, adding that the case was also handled professionally.

Oji however called on other legislators in the state to emulate the good steps of the lawmaker and thanked Prestige for being concerned with what affects his constituents.

November 20, 2015
Anambra women set for silver jubilee

Anambra State Women Association Lagos (ASWAL), the umbrella body of the state’s women town unions in Lagos State, will on November 21 celebrate its silver jubilee at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, Lagos.

The celebration will be memorable, said the president of the association, Dr Nkiruka Ifekwem, a lecturer, public analyst and gender activist.

She said, “It is going to be a day like never before as we have put in place activities that would keep the people asking for more. All Anambra women town unions in Lagos, numbering 177 with membership strength of over 7,000 women, are expected to bring their various cultural dances to perform at the event. There will be a cooking competition where Igbo traditional delicacies will be exhibited. Motivational talks will be delivered to empower women. Many corporate bodies are sponsoring this and they are coming with presents for the women.”

In its 25 years of existence, she said the association has “worked assiduously towards achieving a better life for Anambra women in Lagos. It has been empowering Anambra women in Lagos economically through seminars, workshops, and provision of seed capital to boost their businesses. Our economic empowerment programmes go a long way in alleviating poverty among our members.

“Besides, there has been mentoring programmes for the women and we have had trainings on parenting, health issues and even on political sensitisation. We have also trained Anambra women on how to create a balance between their work and home as most of them are either career or business women. Last December we collaborated with Anambra State women in the United States of America to have a cancer walk in Awka to sensitise the women on the ravaging disease. During the last election period we trained the women to be politically sensitized, vote any candidate of their choice wisely without being compromised.”

With the benefit of hindsight, she said: “The association came into existence at a time when the present-day Enugu State and part of today’s Ebonyi State were still in Anambra State. But even after Enugu was carved out of Anambra State, the association has continued to grow from strength to strength, recording great successes in women empowerment.

It is in the spirit of these noble achievements that the association plans to celebrate its silver jubilee in a grand style.”

She advised women to try to maximise their potentials, adding: “They should be focused and deviate from all those stereotypes attached to women. Women should note that no one can make you feel inferior without your permission. And to men, I say, ‘women are not seeking equality but equity, please allow women to maximise their potentials.”

The grand occasion is expected to be graced by the first lady of Anambra State, Ebelechukwu Obiano, who will be the chief host. Other key personalities expected at the event include the senators representing the three senatorial zones of Anambra State, two of whom, incidentally, are women, Senator Uche Ekwunife and Senator Stella Odua and Senator Andy Uba.

November 20, 2015
Foundation provides jobs tools

A non-profit organisation, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has provided entrepreneurial tools to 29 beneficiaries in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

It was part of the organisation’s annual charity programme.

The group provided items ranging from cash for petty traders to motorcycles, cassava grinding machines, tricycles, industrial sewing machines, ipads, all of which were estimated at N1.5 million.

Speaking to the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group, Imam Abdullahi Shuaibu said that it was founded over 40 years ago and has been pre-occupied with giving a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless.

Shuaibu said that in fulfilment of its cardinal program, the foundation through its empowerment program is determined to touch the lives of humanity, irrespective of the religion the beneficiaries may come from, stressing that the issue of alms giving does not know any boundary.

The CEO of the foundation said that the empowerment programme in Umuahia, will have 89% of the beneficiaries receive seed money for their various trades and petty business, 8.65% took care of the educational needs of those whose parents are indigent, while less than 2% of the fund went to the general welfare and sustenance of the poor.

He went on to enjoin the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money and the equipment to make life more meaningful to themselves and their families, adding that they should also try to empower others, “As God will judge all those who will betray the trust placed on them.”

In his remarks the state chairman of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sheik Ibrahim Chima appreciated the Zakat and Sadaqat foundation for always remembering the state every year in its annual empowerment programme for the needy in the state.

Sheik Chima urged the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to ensure that they make good use of the equipment being given to them, while pleading with those who did not benefit to bear with the foundation as there will always be another program in the coming year.

In his welcome address the Vice President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the state and the Transition Chairman of Umuahia North local government area, Alhaji Sulaiman Ukandu said that the program of the foundation is consonance with the program-mes of the present government of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.

Alhaji Ukandu said that the foundation is replicating the vision of the governor by providing succour to the youths of the state by empowering them and thanked the coordinator of the foundation, Imam Shuaibu, “As Islam emphasises arms giving and assistance to the poor and urged the beneficiaries to learn to empower others as God will reward mankind through alms giving.”

November 20, 2015
200 surgeries at Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu

More than 200 hip and joint surgeries have been carried out at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu (NOHE) since 2008, Chief Medical Director Dr. Cajethan Nwadinigwe has said.

Nwadinigwe, who was briefing journalists on the activities of the hospital, expressed delight that with the effort of the medical team, such surgeries have become a routine.

He explained that arthritis is the failure of a joint, adding that any joint in the body could be affected, but more commonly the weight bearing joints like the knees and hips.

He said there are different types of arthritis, namely: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout arthritis and septic arthritis, among others.

He said, “Osteoarthritis is the more common type of arthritis which can be primary or secondary. Treatment options include drug therapy, physical therapy and load reduction. Surgery is indicated where conservative measures fail, or late presenters with badly damaged joints. Surgical options include realignment osteotomy, arthroplasty and arthrodesis”.

He stated that Arthroplasty, otherwise known as total joint replacement is an operation in which a diseased joint is replaced with prosthesis to relieve pain and improve function and has been ongoing at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu (NOHE) since 2008.

“The hospital has an arthroplasty team which carries out total hip replacement and total knee replacement surgeries on patients who have end stage arthritis unresponsive to conservative management; the native surfaces of hips and knees which are diseased are removed and replaced with prosthesis,” explained the surgeon.

The benefits of hip joint and replacement include; pain relief, improvement in function, ýdecreased intake of drugs and so less complications from non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, and improved quality of life, he remarked.

He continued: “The peculiarity of the cases that present in our hospital is the complexity of the hips and knees; patients in our environment wait until they are almost bedridden before seeking help from the hospital. As such the cartilages and ligaments are badly degenerated with presence of bone defects and joint deformities. These make for a complex primary knee or hip. This becomes a challenge to the Surgeon and, the physiotherapist who rehabilitates the patients.

“Total joint replacement is commonly performed on the elderly group of patients which is the group that presents more with Osteoarthritis. Increasingly though, the younger age groups are presenting for arthroplasty surgery particularly following mismanaged injury to these joints. Of note to the public is the importance of presenting early to the hospital following joint pains or joint trauma for early and proper management of the condition. Patients are however, advised to take the advantage of the availability of arthroplasty services in our environment and reduce the recent trends of medical tourism in our country.

November 20, 2015
Dogara to Enugu: Ugwuanyi will perform

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara has assured the people of Enugu State that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will deliver on his campaign promises.

Dogara was speaking at a reception organised for the governor by the Enugu North Senatorial District at the Government Field, GRA, Nsukka.

He said, “I have no doubt of the kind of leadership he will bring to the table of Enugu State; he is so progressive-minded. When I was defecting to APC from PDP, I regretted that I did not go with Ugwuanyi. He is passionate about progress and is progressive-minded.”

Governor Ugwuanyi who was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Gburugburu Nsukka Zone by Igwe Raphael S.N. Eze thanked the people of the zone for organising the reception and for the title conferred on him.

He also thanked the people of the state for their support, promising to take the state to the next level.

The chief host and Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Chuka Utaziý went down memory lane as he traced the root of the people of the zone to Adada, saying that “all citizens of Nsukka Senatorial Zone of all persuasions, coming together in single-minded purpose to honour our illustrious son, is only a reflection of that characteristic of Ndi Adada.”

He commended the governor’s initiative to flag off the construction of eight major roads across the three senatorial districts of the state in spite of the negative development in the nation’s economy, adding that it was an indication that he was a worthy leader.

Utazi told the governor that “we are here gathered to say in one breath and in one voice, hearty congratulations to you on your well-deserved victory in the 2015 gubernatorial elections in Enugu State.

“Your victory is a reflection of the appreciation of the people for your years of distinguished public service. Destiny has beckoned on you at this time to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of leadership in Enugu State.

“We are confident that your pedigree and inscrutable focus shall move our people many years ahead. You are carrying the aggregate of the hopes of a people. We know you will be a leading light of this generation in terms of the quality of leadership you would demonstrate.”

Senator Utazi noted with delight that within five months Ugwuanyi assumed office, he has calibrated the directional compass for sustainable development and enduring peace in the state.

“Your strategic policy initiative, driven by the visionary urban renewal programme, is already yielding concrete dividends. You have brought all hands on deck in your transformative leadership with orientation for team work.

“Your style has brought leaders and followers together, irrespective of divergent persuasions, into the ship of stewardship headed towards a safe harbour. Also worthy of commendation is your avowed commitment to maintain a character of balance and even handedness in running the affairs of Enugu State.

“Your trademark of openness, all-inclusiveness, transparency and accountability as well as consistency in upholding democratic principles are, in like manner, commended and encouraged,” he said.

Other dignitaries who attended the grand reception which was preceded by a thanksgiving mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral, Nsukka included the Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State; Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu; Senator Gil Nnaji; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Pius Anyim Pius; former Enugu State Governor, Mr Sullivan Chimeý; Speaker of Enugu House of Assembly, Hon Edward Ubosi.

Others are billionaire businessman, Prince Arthur Eze; former Information Minister, Chief John Nwodo Jnr, Hon Toby Okechukwu and Hon Pat Asadu, among others.

November 20, 2015
Ex-minister, Kalu backs Buhari to succeed

Former Minister of Finance Dr Kalu Idika Kalu is hopeful the Muhammadu Buhari administration will make good on its promise to inspire a better country.

Kalu, a one-time presidential candidate, was speaking at a meeting in his native Ohafia, Ebem Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

He urged the people and Nigerians to embrace the Buhari administration and its change agenda, saying that the President will succeed.

He said, “In this administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria is going to witness significant change in all the sectors of the economy through its economic policies, which is going to assist Nigeria become the third largest economy behind India by 2050. Integrity is important to this administration. The APC-led administration will open up all sectors of the economy. It will reduce corruption to its barest minimum. People will get what they want without bribing but by merit and because the President is committed to run a transparent administration; people outside the corridors of power knowing what the government in power is doing, ask questions and peoples political views respected, there will be no more swindling of resources of the people, but service to the people; where payment of salaries will be as at when due.”

Kalu also spoke on the war against insecurity and insurgency, saying the country would soon overcome the Boko Haram challenge and that unemployment will equally be addressed by the APC-led government.

Earlier in his speech, Ohafia Local Government Area chairman, Mr. Emeka Nnaoke Uduma assured the economist that the people of Ohafia who worked for the President during the campaign were not relenting in their support for the party.

Uduma disclosed that the party since the emergence of Buhari as the president of the country has continued to grow in strength and numbers, disclosing that many members of the PDP stalwarts in Ohafia have disclosed their intention to defect to the party from their former party who he said would be presented to the party as soon as their registration process into the party were completed.

November 20, 2015
Coalition against decadence in Anambra

The Army, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a non-governmental organisation, among others, lead a campaign to scale back the slide in values, reports NWANOSIKE ONU

Everyone appears to hate moral decadence but in Anambra State, aversion to declining values is not enough. The Army, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a non-governmental organisation, Chaplain Corps Policing Explorers (CHAPOL) are fighting the monster which is threatening everything from the home to schools, offices and governance.

The onslaught looked formidable at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, the state capital, where CHAPOL and the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC) organised a forum to tackle loss of values.

The turn-up was huge, with five pupils representing each of the 256 secondary schools in the state. Teachers listened attentively as the various speakers made their presentations.

It was the third annual conference on moral values for students from government secondary schools in the state organised by CHAPOL and PPSSC. The aim is to tackle moral decadence and help rebuild what seems to be a broken society where merit and integrity have taken the back seat and cult groups threaten to shut down schools.

The exercise was first organised on July 27, 2012 with 12 pilot schools spread across the six education zones in the state, namely; Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Aguata, Ogidi and Otuocha.

The state commandant of CHAPOL, Joseph Ekwunife told The Nation that the reason for such initiative was to reduce moral decadence that had eaten deep in schools in the state.

The state commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Governor Willie Obiano on secondary school education, Dr. Paul Ifeanyi attended the conference.

Others who attended included members of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the military and state commandants of CHAPOL from Imo, Rivers, Cross River, Awka-Ibom, Delta states.

Wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano was represented by Lady Ify Atuogu, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Southeast, Prof David Ebelechukwu.

In his lecture entitled ‘How Do I Overcome Moral Decadence’, Capt. Saheed Shittu, officer in-charge of 302 Military Cantonment, Onitsha, said the only way moral decadence could be checked is desisting from promoting bad life in the society.

He said it is unfortunate that secondary schools where the children are supposed to learn good behaviours, have become a breeding ground for all sorts of vices including cultism.

Shittu noted that there are 46 secret cult groups in the country’s schools, adding that another way of curbing moral decadence in schools is for government to equip schools adequately.

However, he equally advocated that a dress code should be introduced in higher institutions in the country to curtail some of the excesses of students.

He added that negative movies, indiscriminate copying of European cultures by the students have not helped matters either.

Governor Obiano’s Senior Special Adviser on Secondary Schools, Dr. Paul Ifeanyi said a state of emergency should be declared on moral decadence in the country.

“The society is bedeviled with social, political and religious crimes because of moral decadence, corruption has become the order of the day, children are now walking naked along the streets in the name of fashion.”

Ifeanyi also had some strong words for some parents especially some mothers who, according to him, have failed to lead by example.

He added that that some of these parents use such loose words as ‘sexy’ to describe the skimpy dresses their daughters wear.

He said that the major thing to curb the menace in schools is for re-orientation to take place.

The chairman of the occasion, Bishop Emma Obiorah of Life of Faith Gospel Assembly, called for the parents to take full responsibility of their children’s moral development by talking to them about the evil consequences of immorality.

“Our teachers, please let’s go beyond academic exercise and salary, let our teachers be fully concerned about the behaviour and character of the students because the work of a teacher is to develop his or her students academically and in character.”

“For our government and agencies, let us devise a more practical means and system that will have direct influence on the moral vanity and values of our children in schools.”

“Let the governments know that the future of our society is in danger if our young people are bedeviled by moral bankruptcy and this is also where the religious leaders and churches come in to save the society.

“The issue of moral depravity in schools calls for the concern of parents, teachers, governments and whoever can be referred to as stakeholder in the education sector.”

“It is not only the standard of education that has fallen but also, the moral values in schools.”

“We have heard cases of cultism in schools, this is no longer restricted to the universities and other tertiary institutions, it has spread to secondary and primary schools in the country.”

Speaking with The Nation, the state commandant of (CHAPOL), Joseph Ekwunife, commended Obiano and the state commissioner for education, Prof Kate Omenugha for the various innovations they had brought in the education system in the state.

He said CHAPOL went a step further by paying the school fees of some indigent students in these zones, but lamented lack of funds for the hindrance in carrying out some of its programmes.

Also, Ekwunife told The Nation that the group will pay school fees of eight best students from these zones for one full year, who excelled during the just concluded Junior Secondary Schools WAEC examinations.

He said, “Our aim is to encourage reading habit among the students, as no one passes his or her exams without proper study, this will also discourage those students who scramble for private centres during such examinations,” the commander said.

The state Education Commissioner, Prof Kate Omenugha, said that it was because of the moral decadence that the Obiano administration had introduced many policies in the education sector.

She said until all these things were got right that the state government would not rest on its oars, adding that before the end of Obiano’s tenure, that the state would be the first in all academic activities in the country.

Omenugha, therefore, commended CHAPOL and PPSSC for coming up with such wonderful idea, adding that the Obiano administration would always support good innovations.

November 20, 2015