The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Good Yuletide for Imo women

    Good Yuletide for Imo women

    Women in Mbaitoli and Ikeduru Local Government Areas of Imo State shared about N3.6m and 1068 bags of rice during the holidays. The largesse came from the state Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere.

    The women, drawn from the two Council Areas, were hosted at the Lake Malinda, the Deputy Governor’s country home in Achi Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

    Addressing the women during the well attended occasion, Madumere, charged them to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at all levels, adding that the APC is is the only party that has all it takes to make the needed positive change that will take Nigeria out of the woods.

    Recounting the impact of the Rochas Okorocha administration, especially on women, the Deputy Governor noted that “the free education programme of the state government has created an equal opportunity for both the rich and poor in accessing qualitative education”.

    He urged women to come out en mass and vote for the APC, noting that “women have always been the real agent of historical changes”.

    Madumere maintained that APC candidates are the real agents of positive change that Nigeria needs at its present state of despair.

    He appealed to the women to vote for Major General Muhammadu Buhari, who he said has “a track record of decency, performance and the requisite experience to end insurgency, which has in no little measure contributed to the present downturn in Nigeria’s economy”.

    According to him, “corruption has remained the hydra-headed monster that has stagnated nation’s economy which Buhari will curb as he has antecedent for zero tolerance to corruption”.

    He urged the women to disregard the campaign to brand Buhari as an extremist, stressing that the former Head of State has a track record of working with Ndigbo, who he had relied on, especially in sensitive areas of trust.

    The Deputy Governor stated that Buhari as the then Head of State had many Igbo sons on his cabinet.

    Madumere also known as Mr. Humility, advised the mammoth crowd to jettison the “unfounded claims that the APC is an ethnic party”, insisting that “the party is a balanced Nigerian party”.

    He concluded that in fulfillment of his promise to host the women for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, he has donated a total cash gift of N3.6 million and 1,068  bags of rice.

    In distribution, 627 bags were donated to Mbaitoli women while 441 bags to Ikeduru local government women.

    Commending the Deputy Governor for the gesture on behalf of the women, Mrs. Eunice Nwanu, assured that the women will do put in their best to ensure that Governor Rochas Okorocha and Madumere are returned.

    She urged them not to allow those who “ran the State aground” to deceive them in whatever guise.

    Some of the women who took turns to eulogise the Deputy Governor for remembering the women, promised to stand by the Okorocha-led administration.

    In another instance, the Deputy Governor empowered three indigent women with N250, 000.00 each.

    Madumere who made the donation to support his kinsman, Chief Sunny Onumaegbu , who built three houses for indigent women in the Council Area.

     

  • Cleric urges closer relationship with God

    Beyond your wish, even resolutions in the New Year, what matters most is  your relationship with your maker. Is it good or is it pushed to the corner?

    Those were the issues which the Priest in-Charge, Christ Holy Church (CHC) International Umuahia District, Rev. Pastor Emmanuel Uloneme tackled as he addressed the parishioners.

    But it was not only the worshippers he was intereseted in; the priest equally wanted all residents of Abia State and indeed Nigerians to draw closer to God this year.

    Uloneme stated this at the church during a service to mark the successful cross over into the New Year.

    The minister who took his bible readings from Psalm 103: 1-6 and 1st Corinthians chapter 1 verse 18 and 19 said reminded his parishioners that God saved them from illnesses, evil manipulations and all kinds of sufferings in 2014 to give them the chance to turn a leaf and warned that they should not capitalise on God’s grace of 2014 to continue in their evil ways in 2015.

    According to the preacher, people especially Christians should live a life worthy of emulation in order not to attract God’s anger, but that they should live as good ambassadors of Christ to draw more souls to God.

    “Today, January 1 is a special day in your lives (his parishioners). Many died yesterday. Many died today, their bodies are lying in various mortuaries and these are people that also wanted to see this day like you all. You should not forget all the good things that God has done for you in 2014. He saved you from the plans of the enemies and their manipulations. That is why you must throw away your evil ways and be serious with God in 2015. 2015 is unpredictable; nobody knows what the year is going to look like and that calls for carefulness in 2015. God has forgiven you in 2014 and for you to be free from the wrath of God in 2015, you must heed to Bible principles”, he said.

    He used the opportunity to urge Abia and Nigerian youths among others that of voting age to ensure that they perform their civic rights by voting for the candidates of their choice in the next year general election and avoid any form of thuggery and unconstitutional actions that could affect the smooth conduct of elections in their locality.

    Rev. Uloneme said, “No youth should be allowed to be used by any politician to cause trouble on the Election Day. If they (politicians) approach them, youths should be bold enough to resist them; ask them to go and bring their sons and daughters studying abroad to do the same job for them”.

    He was optimistic that 2015 was going to be better than 2014, adding that even as the country’s economy is faced with economic crunch, that God’s grace was going to bring progress and hope that the 2015 election from the national to the state level would go successfully.

    Some of the people in attendance who spoke to our report thanked God for seeing them through in 2014 and prayed that God’s mercies would see them through this year (2015).

    Highlights of the event were special thanksgiving session and words of admonitions from other members of the church who spoke on different topics.

  • I’ll clear Ninth Mile gridlock, says Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekwere-madu, has expressed concern over the perennial gridlock at the Ninth Mile Corner in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State especially during festivities, promising to find a lasting solution to the problem before the next Yuletide.

    Motorists and holiday makers have been encountering serious difficulties passing through the Ninth Mile Corner, which is a major gateway for travellers from Northern and Western parts of the country due to heavy traffic and absence of alternative routes.

    Holiday makers who travelled through the commercial town during the Christmas and New Year season had a very bitter experience as they were held up for several hours, forcing some to seek alternative routes through bush paths in neighbouring villages at great risk.

    The Chimaroke Nnamani government had few months before leaving office in 2007 attempted to tackle the traffic problem by creating the Ebeano Bypass intended to divert traffic from Nsukka highway through the Ama Brewery junction to Enugu – Onitsha Expressway in order to decongest Ninth Mile.

    Although only the earthwork was done before the administration left office, some motorists used the road as alternative route especially during the Christmas season.  Travelers from different parts of the country and the people of some neighbouring communities have continued to lament their plights on account of the perennial traffic crisis in the area during the yuletide.

    In spite of the contingent arrangements put in place by the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission to ensure free flow of traffic in the area this yuletide season, the problem persisted mainly due to the deplorable condition of the Enugu – Onitsha Expressway axis and the absence of alternative routes to decongest the only single carriageway used by motorists.

    Experiencing the incessant difficult traffic situation at Ninth Mile, Senator Ekweremadu, who represents Enugu West senatorial zone, promised that everything possible would be done this year to ensure that the traffic gridlock in the area was eliminated.

    Ekweremadu, who visited the Amandim-Olo community in Ezeagu local government area to inspect progress of work on the road project he attracted to the senatorial district, said that his presence at the senate was not just to make laws but to use the mandate to seek ways of assisting his people.

    He said: “So many of you have been waiting for us here but we came late because of the traffic problem at Ninth Mile. There was a serious traffic gridlock there which delayed our journey.  I know the problem the people of this area have been passing through at Ninth Mile particularly this time of the year.  I have experienced the problem today and I want to tell you that the Egyptians you are seeing today, you shall see them no more.

    “It will be a major issue that will be address this year.  So, by Christmas 2015 there will be an easy movement at Ninth Mile.”

    Thanking the people of Amandim for their tremendous support for his cause, Senator Ekweremadu assured that he would continue to regard the problem of the community as his, adding that he would endeavour to identify with them.

    He said: “God has been very kind to us, he has answered our prayers and that is why we are celebrating.  I thank the Reverend Fathers for their prayers. I am very close to this community.  I remember that I gave this community a transformer sometime ago.  I have just inspected the road project we are doing here and I am happy that it is moving well.  I will like to assure this community that before this time next year, we will be able to have asphalt overlay on that road.  We can only do this because the contractor is doing a good job and he is interested in completing the work.

    “So, we are going to fund the project in the 2015 budget so that there will be enough resources to complete the project for our commissioning before this time next year. I am also aware that you have a challenge of drinking water in this community; again, we are going to address that problem. “

    Responding to a request by Amandim community to come to the aid of their dethroned traditional ruler, Igwe Harford Agana, who they said “is being persecuted for being on the side of the truth” by the state government, the Deputy President of the Senate assured that the matter would be amicably resolved.

    “We don’t want trouble in the communities. We want peace so that there will be progress in this community. No matter the level of provocation, we must need peace in this community.  There is no problem that cannot be resolved on the roundtable.  I know about the issue you have raised and I want to assure you that it will be resolved.  There is nothing to worry about, so we will resolve it,” he said.

    Earlier, the Amandim Community had in an address presented by the Secretary of the Town Union, Dr. Maxwell Odumeh expressed gratitude to Senator Ekweremadu for his tremendous assistance to the community and appealed to him to come to the aid of their embattled traditional ruler, who they said had ensured the progress of the community.

    “Under the leadership of Igwe Harford Agana we witnessed rapid infrastructural development like the express linking us with Uzo Uwani and Iwollo, electrification of the community, provision of pipe borne water, quick dispensation of justice and more importantly security of lives and properties.  All these are in the past now, crime has increased and nobody is safe as the community is left without effective leadership.

    “It is worthy of note that Igwe Harford Agana has been the Igwe of the community for over 13 years and rose to become the chairman Enugu West Council of Traditional Rulers due to his excellent leadership qualities despite his youthful age.

    “He has helped in mediating peace in Amandi, Olo and the entire Enugu West, his advice is sought far and wide and that he gladly and freely gives.  However, the peace and tranquility we enjoy was shattered when on 12th August, 2014 an impostor was imposed on us without consultation, the community protested but was not heard instead we were brutalized.  We are therefore crying out for justice and redress of this injustice by restoring to the throne the rightful owner and we are confident that justice will be done,” the community told Senator Ekweremadu.

    Also speaking, the embattled royal father, Igwe Agana, who had challenged his dethronement in court, noted that Ekweremadu has shown great interest in the affairs of the community and had assisted them with the provision of infrastructure.

    He urged the people of Amandim to pray for Ekweremadu’s success in all his endeavours so that he would continue to assist the community, which is part of his constituency.

     

  • Club inducts members in Awka

    The Ambassadors Club of Awka, capital of Anambra State, has welcomed new members into its fold, presenting them with membership certificates.

    The club, since its founding in 1991, has, against all expectations, become the vehicle of development in the capital city. It has, for instance,  immortalised three outstanding indigenous people of the city through scholarships established in their names.

    The three people are the late Prof. Kenneth Dike, first Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI) who majored in history; former Minister in the then Eastern Region, Dr. Nwoye Otuo, who was the first Awka person to study medicine in Nigeria, and Chief Amanke Okafor, first law graduate in the community and first Secretary General of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Nigeria.

    Every year, three students win the scholarships and go on to study the course in which those departed icons distinguished themselves.

    The late Okafor served when legal luminary, Chief Rotimi Williams was the NBA’s President.

    The club is under the leadership of Collins Iloanya, who holds a Master’s degree from Unilag.

    Some of the new members included the member representing Awka South I Constituency in the State Assembly, Hon. Kenechukwu Chukwuemeka, who is also a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Others were Chuka Anueghuagu, Kene Ejiofor, Charles Nwakalor, Obinna Achusi, Omerah Odum and Jekwu Ikem whose names were reeled out by the night’s compeer Chuks Nweke amid sustained  cheers from the audience.

    It was also, a display of cars and of food and wines and of the latest dance steps by the members and their wives including their young guests.

    One-time governorship aspirant in the state, Chief Emma Nweke, a shipping magnate,  was equally in attendance. T he only Awka name that was obviously absent was that of Chief Ben Ndi Obi, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Inter-Party Matters. His associates, however, were present.

    Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, former state chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was in attendance, with the former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Kelue Molokwu.

    Speaking with The Nation, State Coordinator, Transform Nigeria Movement (TNM), Comrade Obi Ochije, a member of the Ambassadors Club, said it had been a rallying point for the community.

    He commended the leadership of the club for peace in the land and urged them to continue in such manner, adding that with such a situation, very soon, the capital city would be a heaven on earth.

    Also, Molokwu told The Nation that the club was attached to the three Awka indigenes who made the community proud in discharge of their duties in their endeavours.

    He said the mission of the club was  to be good ambassadors of the community that will show love and brotherliness and contribute to the socio-economic development of the community.

    According to him, “as pioneer members of the club, that dream started by Austine Agagboncha has not died and I believe if the upcoming people stay together like this, the community is in for more goodies in future”

    For the Chairman of the club, Collins Iloanya, their vision is to transform Awka and indeed, Anambra State and to impact on their members a new idea and bring generational change in the area.

    “We want to create an environment that even the 10th generation will not rival, we want to revive Awka Culture and tradition and that is why the club is called Ambassadors”

    “The club has already acquired a new land in the heart of the city worth over 10million naira and by 2015, it will have new secretariat where it will hold its meetings and not in any hotel again”

    ”We have chosen 30th of every December to hold our AGM, a date that cannot clash with any other thing as far as the club is concerned and that is why we have gathered here to inaugurate the new members,” Iloanya said.

     

  • Traders grieve over burnt goods

    Traders grieve over burnt goods

    Fires during the festivities have razed stalls in parts of Aba, throwing the traders into grief. Articles estimated at over N205 million went up in smoke at Ehi Road by Old Court as well as Dan Fodio by Dan Dikko Road in Abia State’s commercial city. Investigations were still on as some described the inferno as mysterious.

    The Nation gathered that the two fire incidents occurred at midnight when the traders were either at home or had travelled to their villages for the Yuletide.

    Abia State Fire Chief, Mr. Victor Gbaruko confirmed the two incidents, saying his men were still investigating even as added that fluctuating electrical current and fireworks may be to blame.

    Gbaruko said his men who went to put out the fire were able to save property valued at over N800million at Ehi Road while the salvaged at Dan Fodio were estimated to be up to N250m.

    He said, “We have attended to about 10 fire incidents between the first of January till today (yesterday) and we are still counting.”

    The fire chief who confirmed another fire outbreak at Jubilee road during last week within the commercial metropolis said no life was lost in three fire incidents and however reiterated the warning for people to avoid keeping combustible or any material capable of igniting fire in their homes, offices or shops.

    He also advised that owners of warehouses should make their warehouses airy to allow circulation of oxygen to avoid possible of fire outbreak as a result of change in weather temperature or instantaneous ignition of temperature.

    Our reporter who visited the scenes of the infernos reports that traders whose shops were affected were lamenting over their losses as some of them who spoke amidst tears said that they lost everything they had in their chops to the fire even before the arrival of the firefighters.

    One of the affected shop owners at Ehi road, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwaokike a chemical dealer said though he had almost exhausted his goods, he lost over N300, 000 in the process.

    “I am expecting my goods to come in anytime soon, the few I lost were about N300, 000. Nobody saved anything. All our goods were gone in the fire. I was at home when I got a call that our shop is on fire and by the time I got here, just like other neighbours, all our goods have been consumed, no pin was saved”, Nwaokike narrated.

    Another shop owner who spoke in tears said he lost all he has laboured for in the past 15 years and wonder how he is going to cope in the face of austerity and hardship, even as he stated that he has been the breadwinner of the family.

    The source disclosed that a neighbour who just offloaded a trailer load of chemicals could also not save anything even as he stated that there was no electricity supply in the entire building and wondered how and where the fire could have emanated from.

    However, it was gathered that another fire incident also broke out near Bakassi Shoe Plaza at Ariaria International Market at the weekend, though information about the incident remained sketchy as at the time this report a source at the Aba Fire Service Station confirmed it and said that they were yet to ascertain the cause of the fire and estimate of property damaged.

  • 3,000 kids celebrate in Anambra community

    3,000 kids celebrate in Anambra community

    Some lasting impressions may have been made on the mind of eight-year-old Jane Ikwoaku from Ochuche in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. It was at a party hosted annually for children since the past 15 years.

    At the event, the children looked quite happy with their hosts, sharing food and drinks with Dr Pamela Dubem Obaze, wife of former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the administration of former governor, Peter Obi.

    At the party, held in their riverside Umuodu-Ochuche country home, no fewer than 3,000 children came and dined with the Obazes.

    Also, women who accompanied their children, and widows, went home with lots of gifts, including wrappers, bags of rice, among others.

    The party, introduced one and a half decades back by Obaze’s mother Mrs. Rose Mary Omuluzua who died some years back, started as a family thanksgiving for all the Lord did for them.

    Children ever since have been looking forward to it, for it offers them an opprotunity to meet their peers, share things in common and generally have a good time. The Obazes routinely oblige, sending them back home with joy in their hearts.

    The couple had been together after their marriage for years without an issue, but when God answered their prayers, they had a set of quadruplets on their hands two years ago.

    The children were all in a happy mood throughout the party which lasted for five hours singing, dancing and clapping.

    The Obazes’ bundle of joy who stayed with their fellow children were Ekenechukwu, Chinazaekpere, Chukwudalu and Chukwudumebi, three girls, one boy.

    One of the children who spoke with the Nation, feeling shy, also eight year old Chukwunonso Odika thanked God for the party, adding that they were given lots of gifts by the hosts.

    According to him, “I am happy to be here with my fellow children and I hope to come back here again; we thank our Mummy and Daddy and we are begging them to continue the party for us”

    The Nation further gathered that the party which initially was meant for the people of Ogbaru has extended to other local government areas like Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Ayamelum.

    The husband of the host, Chief Dubem Obaze popularly known and addressed by his people as (Ifeakachi) nothing pass God, told The Nation that it is an annual event and will continue like that so far there is life.

    With the caliber of persons especially, women that attended the event, and kinds of gifts that were shared, the Nation thought it was done under the auspices of a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

    Some of the items for the children included scrabbles, Y-pad cases, magnetic learning kit, pencils, pens, assorted bundles of exercise books and many more toys.

    However, the Chief host of the party, Dr. Mrs Pamela Obaze, told the Nation that some people see it differently, while some others see it as politically motivated.

    “If it is politically motivated, it will not be for the children who are between one and 13 years, who have no electoral value, it would have been for the adults”.

    “What I am doing is just a way of saying thank you to God for keeping us alive and lifting my family from sorrow to happiness, it was just not easy for my family”

    “So, this is giving back to the society, appreciating the work of God and I believe that God will continue to give us the strength and the means to continue such party for the children”

    “Yes, it is an annual event, but I believe that the memory of this will go a long way in their hearts and minds because they are the leaders of tomorrow” Mrs. Obaze said

    One of the women who helped in organizing the party for the children, Mrs Stella Otuku, told the Nation that so far there is life, there is hope, adding that it is good to show the children the right part to follow as tomorrow’s leaders.

    “The woman took over the event from the husband’s mother after her death and she has continued to make the children happy every festive period and what used to be Ogbaru party has gone beyond the area” Mrs Otuku said.

  • Community rallies youths at feast

    Community rallies youths at feast

    It was much more than merrymaking at the end of the year. The most revered masquerades were about. The teeming crowd kicked up clouds of late December dust. Muscular, bare-chested cultural dancers thrilled with as much good music as breathtaking foot work. Local delicacies were also abundant. Yet, the Item Cultural Day was not just about eating and drinking. Nor of meeting dignitaries who, though, were not in short supply.

    At the Jane Oteh Mini-Stadium, Amaokwe Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, where the event held on December 30, Item community evaluated its progress over 12 months, addressed challenges and tired to peer into the future. Perhaps, the best part was the focus on youth development, on which the feast theme was based.

    Not only indigenous people turned up. Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio was honoured on the day, as was host state Deputy Governor Chief Emeka Ananaba.

    The day provided the opportunity not only to showcase a rich cultural heritage, but also for the people to take stock of their progress in the outgoing year, come to terms with their challenges, and, perhaps, proffer solutions.

    The people saw huge gaps in growing their youths, and moved to fill them. For instance, it was noted that the community was not leveraging on the potentials of youths due to their lack of skills. How to correct this? Apart from their academic qualifications, Item people made a case for helping youths to acquire skills and become entrepreneurs. This will enable them to feed themselves and their families, employ indigenous people and develop their land.

    Item natives who distinguished themselves were honoured. Apart from Dr. Alex Otti, former Managing Director, Diamond Bank, and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Abia, Rear Adimral Emeraku Ijioma (rtd), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, former Deputy General Manage,r Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa were equally decorated for outstanding service.

    The performance from various traditional dance groups, the entrance of Item masquerades into the venue of the event, shooting of fireworks at the event, made it even more interesting.

    One of the unique things about the event was that it provided visitors the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of the community and as well serve as a boost to the economic life of the people of the area as volume of trade increased by over 50% per cent. For instance, the reporter visited one of the local delicacy outlets with a view to sampling one. Sorry, the attendants said, everything has been eaten up. The reporter left disappointed.

    The suya spot and bars were agog as connoisseurs inundated attendants with demands.

    Many indigenous Item people  especially those from the Diaspora who spoke with the reporter, said that the event offered them the opportunity to meet their loved ones and also appreciate their culture which they hoped to pass on to the next generation.

    Commending the organisers for organising the programme and  choosing the theme: Youth as Enduring Asset in Community Development, they expressed the hope that the programme would be sustained and youth activities incorporated to make it more colourful and attractive.

    In his address, the President General of Item Development Association (IDA), Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha said the programme, which holds every December 30 since its inception in 2007, serves as a unique platform for the community to celebrate God’s goodness in the affairs of Item people in the outgoing year. Equally important was the imperatives of taking stock and ascertain the progress the community made in the outgoing year as well as plan for the New Year.

    Onuoha thanking Governor Theodore Orji for getting contractors back to site to complete the Akanu and Okai Item roads. He also  lauded the efforts and contributions of their sons and daughters who used their positions to attract development to the community.

    The cleric described the community as one of the most peaceful in Abia State and promised that they will continue to work with the police and other security agencies to maintain peace in the community appealing to well spirited individuals to assist the officers and men of the police force in the area to work optimally by providing them with logistics.

    He also used the opportunity to appeal to Governor Orji to reconstruct the Alayi-Item-Nkporo roads as a parting gift to the community,  recalling that many parts of the road especially the Amukabi, Amaokwe Item and Iyechi-Ugwu School Amaeke sections have failed.

    The Methodist Bishop also called on the federal government to provide the community with potable water, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure the speedy completion of the Amaokwe-Akanu-Okai and Okoko road projects.

    On the award to be given to some individuals the IDA president said “I must draw the attention of the awardees of today, that IDA as a cultural and non-political organisation; her awards are designed to recognize tangible and verifiable contributions of the recipients to social and economic progress of our community and Nigeria at large, the ultimate aim being to encourage them to do even more. Most of those honoured under this platform in the past seven years, have always vindicated us their further superlative performance in service to humanity. So we urge all our awardees of today to know that we are throwing them up for greater service to humanity and additional recognition and elevation in future”.

    A guest lecturer, Dr. Emole Oteh in a paper which discussed the youth as an enduring asset to community development, described them as the most vibrant segment of every population with vast potentials that need to be harnessed. He said that by getting them involved in developmental efforts in the community, they will contribute meaningfully towards attaining the goals and aspirations of the community.

    Oteh identified some of the challenges facing the participation of youths in community development efforts in Nigeria to include insufficient training, lack of encouragement by chiefs and elders of the community, intermittent change of government and selfishness among youth leaders opined “As a way forward, it is hereby suggested that adequate awareness programmes should be put in place to encourage youths participate more in community development projects.

    “Outside the formal educational system, the youths should be encouraged and assisted to acquire skills that will enable them to be self-reliant. This could take the form of sponsoring them to undergo training in various vocations, with the view to equipping them to become entrepreneurs. Their energy should be channeled into productive ventures. They should not be abused. Parents should under no circumstance allow their children to be used as thugs by politicians seeking elective posts”.

    In his remarks, former MD of Diamond Bank thanked the Item community for deeming it to recognize them, stressing that the recognition would spur him and others to do more in their different capacities.

    Otti however used the opportunity to urge youths in the state and the country at large to reject being used to cause breach of peace or political thugs, reminding them that as leaders of tomorrow and ambassadors of their various homes, they should be conscious of their actions and avoid anything that would tarnish the image of their families, communities and country at large.

    He also prayed that 2015 elections in the state and country would be fruitful.

  • A heart for the needy

    The prayer of a dumb 16-year-old was probably the most emotional moment. The visiting Senator Joy Emordi could not hold backtears, always dabbing at her eyes a white handkerchief.

    The boy kept pointing to the heavens, his moving, but no one could hear what he was saying.

    Emordi was visiting the Red Cross Motherless Babies’ Home in Onitsha, Anambra State’s commecial town. Children of the Home swarmed around her crying for help.

    It turned out that Joseph, the dumb boy, was praying for peace and unity in the land.

    For over ten minutes, everybody at the orphanage stood motionless trying to come to terms with what was happening.

    The Chief Nursing Officer of the Home, Bridget Ajero, told The Nation that Joseph Was the prayer warrior of the home, teaching the other inmates how to do it.

    The Senator who, before now, represented Anambra North Senatorial zone at the Upper legislative house had gone to the Home to celebrate the yuletide with the children.

    She went with a lot of gifts including Christmas cakes, many bags of rice, rolls of toilet tissue, bags of salt, cartons of food drink, cartons of soaps and many cartons of noodles, among others.

    At the Home, it was discovered that other children from the Umunna Motherless Babies Home numbering over 16 were transferred to the orphanage by the government, following the closure of that home.

    It was alleged that the home was  used to traffic children by some public officers, while the matron of the home, who was a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Women Affairs, was arrested by security operatives in 2013.

    The Onitsha orphanage home has 13 staff working in the place and 45 motherless children, while the place looks as clean as most of the homes of other people.

    According to the chief nursing officer, Anambra State government has been taking care of the place while the home receives more babies more than any other in the state because of the way the place is handled by those in charge.

    The Nation gathered that the home does not partake in adoption of children which had been rampant in most of the motherless babies homes in the state leading to the closure of some of them.

    Emordi did not only celebrate the festive period with the motherless babies, she also did same with the widows in Onitsha at the Central school Odoakpu same day.

    The widows numbering over 500 danced, prayed for long life and more prosperity and sang praises of Emordi in the vicinity.

    For 72-year-old Onyejeagbo Okeke from Anambra East Local Government Area, God would not allow Emordi to suffer any ailment in her life time.

    She said, “your pocket will never dry for remembering the widows who have nobody to do for them not only in festive periods but all the time in this zone despite not being in politics again”

    “Your own children and children of those you have helped in life will always remember you in your own old age and anybody who sees you as an enemy will fall into a bottomless pit.

    “You will never encounter any form of sickness and no form of danger will come your way, these are our prayers for you and they shall come to pass” the woman cried out.

    Also, Mrs Margaret Nwapudezili from Oyi Local Government area who is 50 years old, told The Nation that Emodi has been an inspiration for all of the widows in the seven local government areas that make up Anambra North zone.

    According to her, “what baffles us is that she continues doing it despite not being in any elective position while those who are representing us in any capacity will not talk to you.”

    Speaking with The Nation, Senator Emordi said that she had not been doing it to attract praises from anybody but that her concern is for the less privileged and the needy in the society to be happy.

    “I see participation in politics as a means of helping the less privileged, I have never been in politics to amass wealth for myself, family and community alone.”

    “This started when I was nobody in the society and when I rose, the passion increased, I cry when I see these people while some of us will be moving on convoy, blowing siren and allow such people to suffer, it is wrong”

    “It is my own little way of helping the needy and I will continue doing it by the grace of God with or without any position in the country.”

    “What I am doing is to encourage our people especially the rich to always remember this caliber of people, it gives me joy and happiness seeing these people happy,” Emodi said.

    When she met with the widows at the legion of widows, gave them a bag of rice each, cartons of tomatoes which were accompanied with cash for their meat and other items for their households.

    “There is no other way to make the widows happy and encourage them other than this way.”

    “Some of them lost their husbands years ago, while some do not have anybody to help them in their different homes and there is no way we can fold our hands and allow them to suffer unnecessarily” She said.

     

  • ‘How to avoid fire this season’

    The Abia State Fire Service has warned residents to be careful while handling inflammable materials and steer clear of firecrackers in order to prevent fire outbreaks in the dry season.

    Speaking with our reporter on the telephone, Mr Victor Gbaruko, the fire service chief, said it is more economical to prevent a fire outbreak than fight it.

    According to him, most of the fire outbreaks recorded in the state in 2014 were attributable to the depletion of the ozone layer and faults in electrical circuits.

    “We recorded over 90 fire incidents in the state this year and most of them occurred during the rainy season and now that we are entering the dry or harmattan season, it would not be out of place if we record more fire outbreak.

    “And this calls for caution on the way we handle inflammable and combustible materials in our homes, offices and among others. The ban on the use of fireworks and knockouts are still in place. People should not endanger the lives and property of others simply because they want to play fireworks and have fun.

    “The truth is that it is more beneficial and cost effective for us to avoid fire outbreak than attending to it. People that have warehouses should make sure that they make them to be airy as the changes in the weather condition due to the depletion of the ozone layer can instantaneous heat that could lead to overheating and where there is no enough space, it could trigger off fire outbreak.

    “People should avoid panic-buying, storage of PMS and other inflammable materials in their homes as storing such materials could be a catalyst to fire during an outbreak.

    “Because of the epileptic power, supply Aba and Abia residents should cultivate the culture of switching off and unplugging their electrical appliances during bedtime, going out for work or business and when those appliances are not in use. Electrical appliances at home and in offices should be the one that has been certified and approved for use by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)”.

    On shortage of manpower and logistics facing the agency, Gbaruko declined comments but however stated that the fire agency would try to work effectively with the number of the personnel at its disposal, even as he admitted that there was the need to boost the agency’s workforce to match their work rate in the state.

  • Low patronage of public places in Imo

    Low patronage of public places in Imo

    The Yuletide was a bit odd this time in Imo State. Most residents seemed to prefer staying back at home to visiting public places. But it was not strictly for cash reasons; security had more to do with it.

    Gaily-dressed women and children who usually patronised the parks in large numbers were nowhere to be seen, except for a handful of kids and their guardians who defied the apparent security fears to have a bit of fun.

    A few weeks to the Christmas, the Imo State Police command, uncovered explosives planted in a popular eatery in the state capital.

    Apart from this, the discovery of a large quantity of explosives at the headquarters of the Winners’ Chapel, equally instilled fear into the residents, despite spirited efforts by the police to assure fun-seekers of a crime-free yuletide.

    Hoteliers appeared to be the worst hit as they daily counted  their losses.

    Decrying the development, a resident, Chief Ngbemena Ikoro, said that the security threat in the state was responsible for the low turnout of people in public places.

    According to him, “the aborted terror attacks in the state, created apprehension in the people. Although the Police has done well to avert the attacks but the fear it created in the minds of the people cannot be easily erased. Today if you go around the state, especially Owerri, you will discover that the places are empty because people are afraid to take their children out”.

    Mr. Basil Obong, a bar owner, said, “We have never experienced this poor turnout of customers during Christmas before. I have not been able to recoup my investments but if it were before, you couldn’t have a place to sit. We are praying that the situation will improve soon”.

    For Gloria Ukeje, the security apprehension in the state coupled with harsh economic situation in the country, is responsible for the low-key celebration, “the situation is not peculiar with Imo State. All over the country, the situation is the same, people are complaining of bad economy”.

    Another civil servant, who pleaded anonymity, said the reason for the dull Christmas was the non-payment of salaries of civil servants, “Imo State is essentially a civil servant state, so when the workers are not paid, it affects all other sectors of the economy. For instance, I cannot take my family out because I was not paid my December salary”.

    He added further that, “the state government did well to beautify every part of the state but the people are not buoyant to patronize the places. I don’t totally agree that the people are afraid as a result of the discovered bombs, I think it is because they don’t have money to spend”.

    Uzoma Ifeka, blamed the low turnout on cash crunch in the state, “when people are not paid what do you expect. There is poverty in the land. Most of the civil servants did not get their salaries for the month of December and this affected their mood because they don’t have what to celebrate with.

    “Before the Governor embarked on the Presidential race, civil servants were paid before the state gets Federal Allocation but since he came back everything has not been the same and this affected this year’s Christmas”.

    But a reliable source within the Government House, who did want his name in print, said the problem was not peculiar with the government, “Imo is one of the few states that managed to pay December salary even though some people have not received their salaries but efforts are on to ensure that everybody is paid before the end of the year”.