The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Anambra community cries out for help

    Anambra community cries out for help

    Only a thin line of difference exists between the lamentations in the lead title of a Gospel artiste’s caption “A Cry for Help” and that of residents of an estate in Anambra State who are also crying out for help.

    While the cry for help in the artiste’s lead title is a plea for spiritual rectitude as a result of impious state, the lamentations by the residents of Esther Obiakor Estate in Awka, Anambra State capital resulted from physical discomfort due to lack of infrastructure. The situation had forced the residents to cry out to Governor Willie Obiano for help as facilities in the estate have become dilapidated

    The estate was among those carved out by the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife after the creation of the state in 1991.

    Majority of the residents are academics, medical doctors and government officials.

    The roads in the estate are in sorry state. The bridges that were being constructed by former Governor of the state, Chris Ngige were abandoned by the Peter Obi administration.

    The Government Reserved Area (GRA) has become a shadow of itself, even as new structures spring up in the area on daily basis.

    Some of the roads have been taken over by weeds. Since the roads are not motorable, some residents who have cars park them at their friends’ or relations’ houses and trek to their homes.

    Parents whose children or wards are attending to one of the schools in the estate have withdrawn their children from the schools.

    To get to the church in the estate for worship, the faithful either cross one of the abandoned bridges using wood or go through one of the roads which take them close to 30 minutes as against the usual three minutes.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that government allegedly abandoned the area because the residents vote for opposition party during elections.

    The roads in the estate are Nwakpadolu Avenue, Orajaka, Ahaneku, Egboka, Nnokwa and Nnobi, among others.

    It was gathered that snakes and other dangerous animals had invaded the area several times because the roads have been taken over by weeds.

    The residents, including the Secretary to the State Government, Oseloka Obaze, are complaining.

    Five Vice-Chancellors of different universities and their families live in the estate.  For instance, the Vice-Chancellor of Gusua University, with his family lives in the estate.

    It was also gathered that the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinwe Nwaebili Claire had to leave the estate when she realised that the situation was becoming unbearable.

    The Chairman of Agu-Awka GRA Residents and former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Nonso Nnabuife, told our correspondent that they cry out to the state government for help on daily basis to alleviate their plight.

    One of the residents, Chief Joseph Nwakpadolu who was said to have spent over one million carrying out some palliative work on some of the roads said they are experiencing indescribable hardship in the area.

    Commenting on the issue, Prof. Edwin Akusoba told our correspondent in Awka that residents of the estate feel happier during dry seasons, adding that the past government allegedly refused to fix the roads in the area because of the notion that they vote for an opposition party during elections.

    He said the plots of land were allocated to them during the regime of Ezeife, adding that Nnamdi Azikiwe University was a non-residential institution then.

    Prof. Nnabuife appealed to Governor Obiano to come to their aid before the situation gets out of hand.

    It was gathered that the vigilance group in the estate was engaged by the residents while the electricity transformers were also procured by them without any help from government.

    The residents alleged that they wrote several letters to the Peter Obi administration concerning the deplorable situation of the area, but nothing was done to help them.

    Prof. Gab Unachukwu told our correspondent that a petition signed by 30 professors and over 20 medical doctors was sent to government which it didn’t respond to.

    He also said most of the houses in the estate are being threatened by erosion, adding that the so-called government reserved area has been neglected.

    Chief Nwakpadolu said: “Ezeife gave the Master Plan of the estate. I have equally paid Reynolds Constitution Company (RCC) N1 million to work on few roads, but there is a limit to what one can do.

    “The people living here have been making contributions to ensure that the area is passable. But today, everybody’s spirit has been dampened because of government’s continued abandonment.

    “People park their vehicles outside and trek to their places. Most times, we are confronted by snakes that are in their large numbers. We are scared of living here.

    “The one kilometer road awarded by former Governor Ngige before he left office has not been completed till date.”

  • Cultural splendour at Imo carnival

    Cultural splendour at Imo carnival

    Mindful of the dwindling fortunes of the nation’s economy, every state is making frantic efforts to prevent its economy from total collapse. This they do by diversifying sub-sectors of their economy and revitalising ailing sectors in a bid to improve internally generated revenue that will help them meet the needs of the people.

    Having realised the danger in depending on monthly allocations from the Federation Account, each state is looking inwards on how to improve its economy. Gleefully, most states and the Federal Government have realised that the tourism sector is a potential revenue earner than oil if well developed.

    In the circumstances, therefore, many states are developing their tourism sector through encouragement of the hospitality industry. Cross River State is foremost in the area of tourism sector development. Other states have keyed into it, the latest being Imo State that had just held its maiden carnival tagged “you aren’t seen nothing yet” which the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere is the originator.

    As the theme indicates, the Imo State maiden carnival, left tourists and observers who converged on the state asking for more. It was an undiluted display of the rich cultural heritage and hospitality that the Eastern Heartland state is reputed for.

    The colourful costumes and artistic displays by various cultural dance groups and carnival floats added colour to the event.

    As early as 8:00 a.m., Owerri the capital city, had come alive in a blaze of colours as beautifully decorated men and women took to the streets dancing gracefully to the rhythm of cultural music provided by skilful dance troupes.

    Vehicular and human movements were grounded while the road show, which started from Dan Anyiam Stadium and ended at the Owerri City School, venue of the grand finale, lasted. The aged, unwell and disabled defied their challenges to participate in the much-anticipated event.

    Although the turnout was not as much as expected, the rich cultural display was a confirmation that Imo State is one of the states that boast rich tourism potential that are yet to be harnessed.

    In the weeks that preceded the carnival that was earlier scheduled to hold in May, this year but was put on hold as a result of the abduction of the over 200 girls from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, the capital city and its adjourning communities were given immense facelift.

    Contractors battled day and night to upgrade existing infrastructure, while ongoing ones were given full attention to ensure that they were completed on time for the carnival.

    Apart from infrastructure upgrade, other preparations ranging from security, traffic management and accommodation had also been stepped up to ensure that those coming from outside the state to witness the carnival were given the best in terms of hospitality and entertainment.

    According to the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Mr. Paddy Obinna, the state is ready to host the world.

    “We are ready. The facilities are already in place to play host to the entire world and showcase the rich cultural heritage of our great state,” he said.

    Mr Obinna noted that the carnival was conceived to expose the rich human, material and tourism potential of the state to the world, which will, in turn, attract direct foreign investments.

    “We want the whole world to come to Imo State and take part in the week-long festivity where they will be treated to the uncommon hospitality and entertainment Imo State is known for,” he said.

    He revealed that all the states governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be fully participating in the event.

    According to him, some of the side attractions will include Igbo poetry/talk show, comedies ‘Ada and Opara Imo’ parade, new masquerade band, traditional and contemporary music performance and Governor’s band, among other activities lined up for the carnival.

    He said: “The first day parade will go on through the night. We have over 3, 000 schools that are taking part in the parade, even as we have over 100 people taking part in the parade. The parade will last from dusk to dawn and security network is on the upbeat.

    “The chaperons are also going to be on ground to guard the children against loitering so that they will be properly paraded.

    “We have musical splash which is going to involve a lot of known and unknown artistes. It will be a night of wonders for music lovers and people who love artistry.”

    Assuring visitors of their safety and comfort, the Chairman of the Committee said the state has a lot to showcase, especially with the infrastructure transformation of the state in the past two years under the ‘Rescue Mission’ administration.

    He said: “Everything is ready for the carnival. Security arrangements are in place, the state capital is aglow with unique paintings and other artistic works, the carnival village is a sight to behold. We are inviting the whole world to come and see the rescued Imo State.”

    Mr Obinna further disclosed that in order to prevent breach of security, all performing masquerades would be accredited and given code of conduct.

    Obinna urged Imo citizens to take advantage of the carnival to galvanise the economy and appreciate the growth in infrastructure, education and health.

    “Every year, we stream to Calabar for the carnival. Why can’t people also come here and participate in our own carnival? Let us make Imo a point of reference in this carnival,” he said.

    Speaking with our correspondent, one of the tourists who didn’t want his name mentioned, praised the efforts of the organisers, noting that the carnival, as in every other place, will continue to improve with every edition.

    He said: “I think the organisers have done well in knowing that this is the first edition of the carnival. Subsequent editions will certainly be better because the state indeed has rich cultural endowment and if properly harnessed, Imo will be the next tourism destination in the country.”

    At the venue of the grand finale, the spectators and participants didn’t want the incident to end as the participating floats fought to outdo one another. Young men were held spellbound by the beauty of the young ladies enhanced by their fantastic costumes.

    It was not just dancing and fun; there were also beautiful prizes to be won by the groups. According the organisers, the best group will go home with a brand new bus and N2 million, while the first and second runners up will get N1.5 million and N500,000 and a brand new bus respectively.

  • VVF centre: The feats, the prospects

    Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder, vesico and the vagina that allows the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault.

    Simply put, VVF, according to a Surgeon and Medical Director of National Obstetrics Fistula Centre Abakaliki (NOFIC), Prof. Sunday Adeoye, is an occurrence of abnormal hole between the bladder or rectum and the Vagina which is characterised by continuous and uncontrollable leakage of urine.

    In addition to the medical squeals from these fistulas, they often have a profound effect on the patient’s emotional well-being.

    It is often caused by childbirth (in which case it is known as an obstetric fistula), when a prolonged labour presses the unborn child tightly against the pelvis, cutting off blood flow to the vesico-vaginal wall. The affected tissue may necrotise (die), leaving a hole.

    Vaginal fistulas can also result from violent rape. This injury has become common in some war zones, where rape is used as a weapon against female civilians.

    It can also be associated with hysterectomy, cancer operations, radiation therapy and cone biopsy.

    According to figures released by the National Demographic Health Survey, no fewer than 12,000 women develop Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) every year in Nigeria.

    Studies also show that most of the women affected by the condition come from the remote villages which lack motorable roads, health care facilities and numerous barriers that hinder easy access to health care delivery.

    The condition is common where ignorance and poverty are prevalent, even as it affects young, teenage girls of poor social economic background and women who are delivering babies for the first time.

    The condition is also common among older and even elderly women as well as uneducated women living in the villages with the latter mostly affected.

    Studies show that 90 per cent of VVF cases are caused by prolonged, unattended and obstructed labour while other causes include harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, among others.

    Though VVF is prevalent both in the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, it is more conspicuous in the North and occurs wherever maternal mortality rates are high.

    Sadly, VVF accounts for 75 per cent of loss of baby and is responsible for 55–60 per cent of divorce rates in the country.

    In the yesteryear, the disease ravaged women of Ebonyi State in particular and the Southeast in general. There was no hospital that could adequate treat the ailment in the entire region.

    Women with the infection suffered serious stigmatisation from family members and community who, in some instances, ostracised them.

    Dr. Adeoye said: “Patients back then were referred from Ebonyi State to a VVF centre in Akwa-Ibom State owned by a missionary. In a bid to reduce the scourge, the management of the then Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH) became desirous of establishing a fistula unit within the teaching hospital and that was how I came into the picture in 2002.

    “The unit was established in 2002 and between 2002 and 2007; we were able to operate on over 120 VVF patients. But our major handicap was that of funding. Then, many patients who wanted to come for repairs had to go back because they couldn’t afford to pay. We had sponsors from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF). We were grateful for their contributions then.

    “Whenever the fund given to us by our partners got exhausted, we will not be able to operate because the patients will not be able to pay for the services.”

     

    Ebonyi Governor’s wife to the rescue

    Adeoye’s perseverance and hard work as well as the challenges of the unit, unknown to him was being noticed by the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi who, in 2007, established her pet project, the Mother and Child Care Intiative (MCCI).

    The initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality; eradicate maternal morbidities such as Vesico-vaginal Fistula (VVF) among women in the Southeast zone of the country, to facilitate the establishment of cancer screening centre in the zone, to promote mother and child survival and to promote rural girl-child education, among others.

    Prof. Adeoye further said: “The wife of the governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi came on board and decided to take over the VVF Unit having noticed the suffering of the women living with the ailment.   She brought national attention to their plight through her mother and child care initiative programme, with the target to eradicate the burden of obstetric fistula which involved the actual screening of women who were leaking urine.

    “Under that particular project, the centre was established as one of the major VVF Centres in the Southeast zone. By the time we started, people said we are not going to have patients because VVF had already become a very big problem in the country.

    “We knew better that the common denomination of fistula is prolonged obstructed labour. And prolonged obstructed labour is a condition you find everywhere not just in Nigeria alone but also in every developed country of the world. You begin to ask why a woman should wait until her labour became prolonged and obstructed.

    “Several reasons which border on poverty; she doesn’t have the money to go to the hospital to receive treatment, another problem is cultural belief. Most women believe that they must deliver through their vagina and they are afraid that when they go to hospital, they will have caesarian session.”

    Prof. Adeoye also blamed poor health care service delivery to the people, especially in the rural areas, as another reason for the increasing cases of the infection.

    “The activities of quack health attendants, lack of medical personnel in the rural areas, the attitudes of paramedical personnel in attending to the women are so bad so much so that it deters them from coming to the hospital to receive treatment,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “Poor road network is among some of the reasons that delay women from getting medical attention on time when they are in labour. This results in prolonged obstructed labour and, of course, the next thing is obstetric fistula, especially when the baby is too big. About 90 per cent of women with prolonged obstructed labour lose their babies and as well would develop obstetric fistula, which is double tragedy.”

     

    Prolapsed treatment

    In 2012, the centre began treating women who suffer from another deadly disease, uterine prolapsed.

    Prof. Adeoye gives clarification of what the uterine prolapsed is all about and why the centre, which was opened mainly for treatment of women suffering from VVF decided to go into treatment of uterine, prolapsed.

    He said: “Uterine prolapsed is a condition in which a woman’s uterus (womb) sags or slips out of its normal position. The uterus may slip enough that it drops partway into the vagina (birth canal), creating a lump or bulge.”

    He attributed the hospital’s success in treatment of the disease to Mrs. Elechi’s compassion, generosity and burning desire to uplift the women folk.

    “In 2008 when the governor’s wife was going round communities in the state to find out women suffering from (VVF), it was discovered that many of those who turned out rather had the uterine prostrate.”

    Mrs. Elechi, who felt very saddened at the plight of the women, decided to foot the bills for their treatment at the hospital. But the centre had, before then, concluded arrangements to treat those with the VVF, even though it could not look into their plight immediately.

    “Due to the support and encouragement of the governor’s wife, the centre was encouraged to begin treatment for the uterine prolapsed women early in 2012 and in the first batch, 65 women were treated,” Dr Adeoye said.

     

    Federal Government’s take over

    Impressed by the success of the centre, the Federal Government, in 2011, upgraded it to an Obstetrics Fistular Centre of Excellence in the country.

    The Federal Government’s take-over of the centre added more impetus to the it as it led to injection of more funds into the centre which has been judiciously managed by the Prof. Adeoye-led administration

    The centre, which before the take-over by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, started in a small apartment, with low staff strength, now has witnessed greater development through the establishment of cancer screening unit and laboratory services and others.

    Last year, the centre began breast and cervical cancer screening of women and prostate cancer for the men. Over 500 people have been screened of prostate cancer, while free breast and cervical cancer screening figures for women stand at 7,289 from across 20 states of the federation. The number keeps increasing by the day as more people take advantage of the facilities at the centre.

    The activities of the centre in the area of cancer screening led to it being recognised as the Southeast screening centre.

    These achievements are fallout of the vision of the man at the helm of affairs in the centre, Prof. Adeoye.

    It is due to his hard work, dedication to service and tenacity of purpose that the centre has gained international recognition. He had envisioned taking the centre to greater heights of development in accordance with the agenda of President Jonathan in improving the health sector.

    At the last count the centre has trained over 100 medical personnel on VVF and prolapsed treatment, thereby increasing the expertise of Nigerian doctors in the treatment and management of VVF and prolapsed cases.

    With the takeover, Adeoye expressed optimism that the centre has attracted great development not for the state alone but for the Southeast zone

    Prof. Adeoye praised the efforts of President Jonathan’s administration in providing modalities to eradicate various diseases affecting citizens of the country, especially those in the rural areas.

    “The Federal Ministry of Health is equally doing a great work in that regard to reduce the high rate of obstetric fistula in Nigeria,” he said.

    Despite the efforts of the Federal Government in funding the centre, Dr Adeoye said more funding is needed for the centre to meet the ever-increasing influx of patients who flock the centre daily for treatment, especially in the area of uterine prolapsed.

    “Uterine prolapsed procedure is very costly. We have been able to operate on over 400 women. We equally used the opportunity to provide training for younger gynaecologists. But we still have over 400 women waiting to be operated on.

     

    Fistula campaigns/treatments to other states

    The National Obstetric Fistula Centre Abakaliki has also started the fistularcampaigns/treatments to other states tagged“Identification /free Surgical Repairs of Patients with Obstetric Fistula Campaigns.”

    While adducing reasons for the outreach, Prof. Adeoye pledged the readiness of the centre with the help of the Federal Ministry of Health to provide health care services to people in the villages who may not have the opportunity to come to Ebonyi.

    “One of the pathetic stories was a woman from Cross River State who lamented that she could not afford to raise N3, 000 to come to Ebonyi to receive free cervical treatment. Instead of waiting for her and others like her to come, we decided to meet some of the patients in their respective states,” he said.

    Adeoye led a team of fistula experts to Delta State to kick-start the outreach. The team was made up of two obstetric fistula surgeons, one anesthetic nurse, a pre-op nurse, a post–op nurse and the centre’s Public Relations Officer.

    The team was received on arrival in Asaba, the Delta State capital, by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health who represented the Commissioner for Health. Details on logistics were discussed.

    The team left Asaba for Warri Central Hospital where the fistula repairs were to be carried out. The team began work immediately with screening of patients and surgery.

    Screening and Surgery ran concurrently throughout the 10 days stay in Central Hospital Warri. At the end of the stay, 28 Clients were screened, 14 were repaired at the Warri Central Hospital, while eight were referred to the National Centre at Abakaliki, because of the complexity of their cases and the anticipated intra- and post-operative complication.

    The Managing Director also presented one-hour continuing medical education lecture on “Management of Obstetric Fistula” to Residents, Consultants and other practising doctors in and outside the Central Hospital Warri.

     

    IVF Unit

    Recently, the centre added another feather in its cap with the inauguration of its In- vitro Fertilisation Unit (IVF).

    While inaugurating the unit, Senate President, Senator David Mark said President Jonathan is committed to improving the health of the citizens.

    This is in realisation that quality health care system was critical for the country to attain national development.

    He noted that the critical import of the health sector to a nation’s overall growth and development informed the importance the National Assembly attaches to the sector, hence the need to appropriate more funds to the centre.

    “I want to emphasise the importance the National Assembly attached to our health care sector as a critical factor to its development, hence the quick response to stem Ebola Virus Disease in the country.

    “I thank the efforts of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre for the remarkable progress recorded since inception, especially its free medical treatment rendered to women.

    “This humanitarian attachment to your services is worthy of commendation. And I want to assure you that the National Assembly Appropriation Committee would always look favourably to the centre, “he said.

    The Senate President also praised the numerous inputs made by the Federal Ministry of Health to the development of the centre.

    “The Ministry of Health has really accorded the National Fistula Centre the attention it needed to operate efficiently, and I also thank Governor Martin Elechi and the amiable wife for their dogged efforts in making this project realisable” he said.

    Governor Martin Elechi thanked members of the National Assembly for their approval and appropriation that ensured the upgrade of the centre.

    “No doubt, the appropriation of the National Assembly contributed immensely to the establishment of this great centre which is gradually attaining international recognition.

    “The centre is, indeed, a national centre; thanks to the National Assembly for this feat,” Governor Elechi said.

    He, however, enjoined the National Assembly to take issues concerning the centre seriously as this would help in sustaining it.

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu appreciated the support of the National Assembly to the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Abakaliki.

    The minister paid special tribute to President Jonathan for approving the Federal Government’s takeover of the centre.

    “The National Obstetrics Fistula Centre Abakaliki is a comprehensive centre which provides free treatment programme for all Nigerians, treats Vesico-vaginal Fistula and provides Pelvic organ prolapsed surgical intervention.

    “The centre is designated as the National Cancer Screening Centre for the Southeast. I therefore thank Governor Elechi for the state government’s continued support to the centre and Senator Chris Nwankwo for including the centre as part of his constituency projects,” he said.

    The Chairman, National Fistula Obstetrics Fistula Centre and the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi said the centre had provided free treatments for 1,728 fistula clients with 57 urethral implantations.

    “412 women with pelvic organ prolapsed have equally benefited from the centre’s free surgical repairs.

    “The centre had provided training for over 80 medical and paramedical personnel in both vesico-vaginal fistula and pelvic organ prolapsed surgical intervention,” she said.

    She urged the National Assembly to appropriate more funds to the centre to enable it serve the country efficiently.

     

    Ongoing projects

    The centre has two ongoing building projects, namely Administrative/Theatre/Library Complex and Guest house/Call Rooms for medical and paramedical personnel/Physiotherapy/Biomedical Engineering Units.

    The construction of the Administrative/Theatre/Library Complex is ongoing at the centre and it has reached advanced stage of completion. When completed, the three-storey complex will house the main administrative offices, four ultra-modern theatre suites, library and a conference hall.

    The Theatre suites will allow for expansion of the services including endoscopic services such as hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, among others.

    The centre recently acquired a three-storey building complex through the Federal Ministry of Health. Currently, it is being renovated to provide accommodation for the centre’s trustees; call/duty rooms for medical and paramedical personnel on call; Physiotherapy and Biomedical Engineering units.

    The building is undergoing renovation and will be ready for use soon.

     

  • Deputy Governor donates equipment to military hospital

    Deputy Governor donates equipment to military hospital

    The cordial relationship between the Imo State Government and security agencies in the state received a significant boost recently with the donation of multi-million Naira hospital equipment to the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze by the State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere.

    According to the donor, the equipment, a digital Dental Chair, will improve health care delivery not only within the Brigade but also within the entire state.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony which was attended by members of 34 Artillary Brigade and neighbouring communities, the Garrison Commander, T. A. Adedoja, on behalf of the Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Bello, thanked Eze Madumere for his generosity.

    He assured the Deputy Governor that the Military Hospital in the Brigade will make judicious use of the equipment for the benefit of patients.

    In his speech, the Commander, recalled the challenges they experienced in assessing dental treatments as they had to rely on other hospitals for the dental needs of their patients.

    Expressing the gratitude of the Brigade, he called on members of the state executive council and members of the public to visit the hospital for their medical needs, noting that the hospital is not only meant for the Army but also for patients from the host community and beyond.

    He further reminded the guests of the significance of the hospital, which he said has become a major medical centre for accident victims along the Owerri-Elele Expressway.

    The Deputy Governor, who expressed his happiness over the installation of the equipment, said the sorry state of the Dental Unit of the hospital motivated him to make the donation.

    He said: “The sorry state of the Dental Unit of the hospital during my visit to the Artillery Brigade at the last Armed Forces Remembrance Day underscored the strategic importance of the Military Hospital. I therefore made a promise to help to procure befitting equipment because of the fact that the Army and people of the state rely on the hospital.”

    He, however, gave the credit of the gesture to the Governor Rochas Okorocha, who he said, taught him to give and reach out to the downtrodden.

    Madumere described the Governor as one of the rarest and greatest givers ever known; who he said has over 12, 000 students across the country he has adopted as his own children.

    He assured of the state government’s collaboration in areas of strategic importance, especially the health sector and the sustenance of positive security status of the state.

    He, therefore, called on well-meaning people of the state and other Nigerians to help assist in whatever way they can to help give succour to the hopeless.

  • Family of slain graduate petitions Jonathan

    The family of the late Chukwuma Ihezie, who allegedly died in police custody, has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan seeking his order for an autopsy to be conducted on the deceased to enable them to take his corpse for burial.

    “Chukwuma died in mysterious circumstances in detention six days after he was arrested by the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Enugu State Police Command.

    “The police had branded the graduate of Engineering a robbery suspect, an allegation his family had refuted.

    “It was, however, gathered that few months after the police authorities completed their investigations, it was discovered that the deceased was indeed not a robber.

    “The spokesman of the family, Mr. Chinedu Ihezie disclosed that the police, after thorough investigation, discovered that their son was not a criminal.”

    “He added that consequently, the car, laptop and other personal effects of the deceased have been released to the family.”

    “Ihezie, however, said although the police have asked them to go ahead and bury the corpse of their son, it would be difficult to do so as the Enugu State Police Command had allegedly turned down a request for autopsy.”

    A letter addressed to President Jonathan, which was copied to the Senate President David Mark, Hon. Matthew Omegara, Representing Okigwe North Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, The Chairman, Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police Enugu State Command, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Abuja, reads in part: “With sorrowful and painful heart, we the entire family of the late Mr. Sabastine Ihezie, hereby cry unto you for your urgent intervention as our last hope on the callous and extra-judicial killing of our son/brother, Chukwuma Ihezie, by some self-acclaimed, untouchable gods of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force, Enugu State Command.”

    The letter signed by Chinedu Ihezie on behalf of the family of the deceased, is praying President Jonathan to prevail on the police authorities to, among other things, “arrest, dismiss and prosecute the officers involved in the matter.,

    “Conduct a genuine post-mortem examination on Chukwuma’s corpse and release his corpse to us for burial.”

    In the letter, the family of the deceased also said: “Chukwuma Ihezie is a native of Umuozu Ezumoha in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. Born in 1983 (just 30 years old), he was the last born of the family. A 2013 graduate of Mechanical Engineering of the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu, he, out of determination, engaged in cab driving to earn his living and pay his school fees.

    “He also continued the menial job even after graduation because of lack of job opportunities. The poor mother toiled without measure to feed and care for the family which was occasioned by the early death of the father. From birth till death, our son had no case of fighting, let alone criminal case anywhere in the world. This attestation stands to be investigated even where he lived, No.8, Concrete Avenue, Railway Quarters, Enugu, Enugu State.”

    “Chukwuma Ihezie was callously murdered in police custody six (6) days after being arrested. He was alleged to have “aided” an armed robber (still unknown and cannot be provided) to commit crime which is unfounded. Our heart is bleeding; our hope is in God Almighty through you. The future hope and light of the family has been so extinguished. We humbly cry unto you, sir.”

    “Note sir, on 12/1/2014, Chukwuma went for his normal cab work and was arrested by Independence Layout, Enugu police men for picking a passenger whom the police falsely labelled a robber. He was kept under detention in their station under a DPO by name Zakari Yau. He was later transferred to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Office, by Zakari Yau, alongside with his handwritten statement. The police officer in charge of SARS Enugu State Command was CSP Uche. His 2IC was Felix Bolu.

    “On 18/1/2014, Chukwuma was shot on the spinal cord and killed by SARS without a fair hearing in any court of law. His corpse was dumped in UNTH Ituku Ozala, Enugu mortuary on Saturday, 18/1/2014. Chukwuma was arrested on 12/1/2014 and hurriedly killed on 18/1/2014 to cover up a secret, which could have been unveiled if he was allowed to talk.”

     

  • Anambra, shareholders clash over demolished bank

    Anambra, shareholders clash over demolished bank

    The bickering between the Anambra State Government and shareholders of Awka Micro-finance Bank Limited is disquieting. It is over an alleged demolition of the micro-finance bank at the popular Eke-Awka Market by the state government.

    While the shareholders claimed they acquired the land from the government in 2003, the state government refuted the claim, stating that the land belongs to it.

    The said micro-finance bank building was demolished by the government on September 9, this year, without consulting the said owners.

    The incident occurred after the state government was said to have approved a new building for the shareholders on June 13, this year.

    Documents made available to our correspondent revealed that the Anambra State Government had leased the land to the Awka South Local Government Area for 99 years beginning from January 1, 1996.

    However, it was gathered that the local government agreed to sublet a portion of the premises which contained a six-room bungalow for a period of 25 years.

    Also, in the agreement, it was agreed that the shareholders would be paying N36,000 annually to the local government after every 10 years beginning from 2003.

    However, the agreement has allegedly been altered with the intrusion of the state government into the land penultimate week when the bank was demolished after the shareholders had paid for another 10 years to the local government area, to run till 2023.

    The state government argued that it wants to build a food court for traders in the market; a deviation from the original plan by the shareholders to erect a befitting edifice for the bank.

    A contracting firm engaged by the state government to build the food court had written a letter to the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Tourism, Ifeatu Onejeme, on September 1, this year, on the need to take over the land.

    Replying the letter on September 3, this year, the commissioner said the construction must be in strict compliance with the building plan.

    Part of the letter reads: “On completion of the project, pay to the Anambra State Government the approved Market Development fees of N30,000 per stall.”

    But the shareholders alleged that what is being built is not what government approved in the plan on June 3, this year before the demolition of the bank on September 9, 2014.

    Our correspondent gathered that due process was not followed in the award of the contract as the contractor applied to take over the land on September 1, this year and the contract was awarded on September 3, without any form of bidding.

    One of the Directors of the bank, Chief Dilim Okafor, told our correspondent that if the government is sincere in what they are doing, why charge N30,000 for each stall while a shop in the area goes for N1.5 million. Does it not show sign of fraud?

    Okafor alleged that all the property of the bank worth over N200 million, including documents, are missing since the demolition of the place.

    Also speaking, another Director of the bank, Ozo James Eze, told our correspondent that what Onejeme was targeting is to pitch the shareholders of the bank against Governor Willie Obiano.

    Eze said they were convinced that Obiano could not have ordered the demolition of the bank, since he had been an apostle of development.

    Okafor revealed that majority of the shareholders of the bank are members of the Awka Development Union (ADU), even as he added that the government had infringed on their fundamental human rights.

    Furthermore, he claimed that the micro-finance bank had over 300 shareholders, adding that they would challenge government’s forcible ejection in court.

    However, Mr. Onejeme told our correspondent in Awka that those claiming ownership of the land were just trying to cause unnecessary confusion.

    He said there was no bank on the land as being claimed by the shareholders in the first place; adding that what was seen on ground was a kiosk.

    “Besides, they claimed that members of the Awka Development Union (ADU) have major interest in the so-called bank. Do I have anything there? Am I not an Awka man? Their action is an act of irresponsibility.

    “Nobody gave them any land. All the documents they are fronting are all faked. How can few people gang up to claim government’s land just like that?

    “That land belongs to the government. We learnt they want to go to court, we are waiting for them. There is no going back in making sure that this administration eliminates rascality in the society.”

    Again, Onejeme said Governor Obiano had vowed to sanitise the state, adding that they, as members of his cabinet had a duty to help him realise his dream of normal society.

    “Anambra State must be a place where discipline reigns. That is one of the cardinal points of the Obiano administration and we must get it right. The structures we are constructing in the market are for the benefit of the downtrodden and not for selfish interest,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of the bank had approached the court in Awka to challenge the demolition of their structure by government without any form of consultation.

    It is between Awka Micro-finance Bank Limited as plaintiff against Ifeatu Onejeme (Commissioner), Mike Uzuagu (Director Markets, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce), Government of Anambra State and Tony Nwobu (Contractor) as respondents.

    Chief Ozoemena B. Onyali (SAN), counsel to the petitioners, is claiming N200 million as general damages on behalf of his clients against government for unlawful invasion and trespass.

    They are seeking a declaration that the incursion onto the applicants’ leasehold land and premises situate at Eke-Awka Market by the government is an effort to forcibly eject the applicant and therefore a contravention of the applicants’ fundamental rights to own immovable property or interest in immovable property guaranteed by section 43 and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “A perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from entering, remaining on, building on, doing anything on the applicants’ leasehold land and premises at Eke-Awka Market or alienating, letting or occupying same,” among other prayers.

    Already, the state government has started building on the land. But will the right owner of the land that has caused so much tension in the state emerge? Only time will tell.

  • Ebonyi’s international market to boost economy

    Ebonyi’s international market to boost economy

    When Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi assumed office, he evolved several policies and pogrammes that will help in shaping the young state to be a home where investors will come.

    One of such programmes is the Abakaliki International Market which was initiated because of the governor’s desire to have a standard market for the state that will promote trans-Saharan trade with other African countries.

    The decision was laudable when one takes into cognizance the fact that Abakpa Main Market, which serves as the only standard market in the state, has become over-crowded following the influx of people from other states.

    According to the Commissioner for Land, Survey and Housing, Mr. Friday Nwaoha, the international market is a sight to admire. It measures about 49 hectares of land and is strategically located on the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway which is part of the trans-Saharan African highway.

    “The highway runs through Ebonyi into Cross River State and onwards into Cameroun and from there to other African countries. The market is very strategic to boost commerce in the region.”

    According to him, the market, which will cost the state government N20.6 billion, including channelisation and road network is almost 95 per cent completed.

    Mr. Nwaoha said the international market is made up of 7,070 shops and other facilities and structures which include 15 warehouses, maintenance work building for fire service, police post; two observatory towers for security purposes and so on.

    “The market was divided into three lots because of its size and is being handled by three major contractors; namely GMK Nigeria Limited, Costain West Africa Limited and Edon Nigeria Limited.

    “However, because of the topography of the place, it has been increased from three lots to four lots which include the channelisation and drainage of the market. This is because years back; we discovered that flood used to be a problem in this area. Therefore, one is going to do the road network and channelisation of the market,” he said.

    The commissioner said the market, when completed, will boost the economy of the state, even as he enumerated other gains the people are expecting from the market.

    “The environment is going to be comfortable for trading within the country and so it’s going to boost the economy of the state and bring Ebonyi to the world in terms of trading.

    “Secondly, the market is one of the needs where people can buy and sell. It will also develop our tourism sector because the market will be the biggest market east of the Niger.

    “Thirdly, the choice of the market is good because of the road the Trans-Sahara Road that connects most countries in West Africa. If you are coming from Enugu, if you’re going to Ogoja, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and everywhere, you must pass through that road if you are passing through Ebonyi State.”

    On the completion of the project, he noted that the international market will be ready by next month.

    “Most of the shops have been painted, roofed and so it is very few structures that are still remaining and we urging the contractor to speed up the work in order to deliver on time.

    “Though we have some challenges that delayed the pace of work at the market, the government terminated the contract awarded to Costain West Africa Limited when we discovered that after series of warning, the company couldn’t improve, even when the state is paying them. So, we had to terminate the contract.

    “And to be sure that what happened with Costain didn’t repeat, we re-awarded it to many contractors. That was why for the little delay.”

  • Group donates to community school in Anambra

    Anambra Women in Washington DC in the United States of America (USA) have given a boost to Governor Willie Obiano’s Education Sector Development Initiative with a donation of library furniture and other equipment worth over N5 million.

    The items were presented to Nimo to Girls’ Secondary School by the representatives of the group led by Mr. Ikechukwu Agbim.

    The donation of the library accessories also included book shelves, printer and scanners, reading and administrative disks and seats, among others.

    He said the project was part of the association’s contributions towards achieving a functional system of education that drives excellence, self-sustainability and innovation in the community.

    Furthermore, he urged the school’s management to ensure that the equipment were put to proper use in keeping the students abreast of 21st Century educational advancements.

    The donation, which Agbim said was the first phase of what the group intended to do for the community school, would usher in the second phase of the project which, according to him, would be the procurement of over 5,000 books and multi-media materials for ICT research for the students.

    The Principal of the school, Mrs. Philomena Okoye and the Chairman, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr. Jude Ajagu praised the donors, even as she expressed her hope that the project would be completed.

    They said what the group had done was to complement the efforts of Governor Obiano who, according to them, was doing everything possible to ensure that schools in the state attain world standard.

    However, the representative of the traditional ruler of the community, Prince Chike Okafor Aguilo and the President-General, Nimo Town Union (NTU), Chief Chris Obiefuna commended the women for their gesture and vision.

    Also, the Senior Prefect of the school, Miss Juliet Okpala who spoke on behalf of colleagues of her, said the project, when completed would help them in research. She thanked the group for its initiative.

     

     

     

  • Okorocha, with his 5,000 children, marks 52nd anniversary

    Okorocha, with his 5,000 children, marks 52nd anniversary

    The 52nd birthday celebration of Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha was far from the pomp and ceremony that usually characterised the birthday of the high and mighty; neither was it low keyed as the Governor had instructed his aides, even though it was memorable and remarkable.

    The governor had initially planned to have an in-house celebration with his immediate family and close associates, but he was stunned by the large turnout of people, who besieged the Imo International Convention Centre (IICC), venue of the event to wish him well.

    At the well attended event, the philanthropic activities of the governor, especially his free education programme, were the focus of discussion among politicians and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who came from all parts of the country to celebrate with him.

    Also celebrating with the governor were the beneficiaries of the Rochas Foundation Scholarship scheme, whom he had adopted and given free education from primary to university levels.

    Though it is unimaginable for a man to have over 5,000 children which he adequately takes care of, no matter how wealthy he maybe, but not with Governor Okorocha who has ‘multitude’ of children.

    Owerri, the Imo State capital, witnessed a huge crowd when the Governor’s ‘children’ converged on the capital city to celebrate their father’s birthday. It was indeed an emotional gathering when the graduates and undergraduates of different universities in the country, spoke of how their educational careers were rescued through the scholarship offered by the Rochas Foundation.

    Most touching was the ecstasy of the ‘new children’ who had not come in close contact or seen their ‘father’, since they were ‘born’ into the Rochas family. It was a memorable re-union for those who had graduated and parted ways and had not seen their parents or siblings for a long time.

    Wishing the Governor long life, the students who were accompanied by their biological parents, thanked him for devoting his life to alleviating the plight of the needy. They described his adoption of the over 5, 000 children as an unprecedented philanthropic gesture.

    Recounting his experience, Mohammed Lawal, a 200-level student of Kano State University, described the Governor as the hope of the poor, adding that the Rochas Foundation has assisted young Nigerians irrespective of their tribe and religion to realise their educational dreams.

    He said: “My father is the most generous and detribalised Nigerian that I know. If other leaders can have his kind of disposition towards the poor, the world will be a better place. I am studying Business Administration at Kano State University today because of the Rochas Foundation. I had lost all hopes of attaining higher education because my poor parents could not afford it until I came in contact with the Rochas Foundation, where I was offered a scholarship.”

    For Miss Mary Salami, a student of Medicine at Ahmadu Belo University Zaria, the Imo State Governor was a God-send that rescued her from her poor background.

    She said: “I have been down without hope but I refused to give up. It was in the search for a means to pursue my destiny that I ran into Rochas Foundation and I am living out my dream. So, my advice to other people in my situation out there is not to allow their socio-economic background to tie them to the ground.”

    The testimony was the same with other beneficiaries, especially those that have graduated from the University and are gainfully employed.

    Describing the governor’s philanthropic gesture as shocking, the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the level of affinity between the Imo State Governor, the students and ex-students of the Rochas Foundation is simply amazing. He urged other leaders and politicians to follow his good example by investing heavily in human capital development.

    He added that, “some say that the Imo State Governor is doing all these because of politics. But if this is what politics is all about, then it is good. Governor Okorocha has proved to be a leader with a large heart and this is what Nigeria needs at this moment.”

    In his speech, Governor Okorocha said: “I am celebrating light over darkness, and victory over ignorance.  The Rochas Foundation spread in all the six geo-political zones of the country is an initiative to give back to the society what God has blessed me with, by offering hope to the hopeless and the less-privileged.

    “My joy lay on the fact that God has blessed me to bless others.  Seventy-five per cent of my wealth goes to charity. I have every reason to be a detribalised leader if elected the President of this country, having been born by Igbo parents, educated by the North and empowered by the West.

    “My success story would not be complete without acknowledging the North for giving me the needed education and the West for giving me the contact which gave me financial success.

    “So, there is every reason for me to be a detribalised Nigerian when elected President.  With the help of God, I have fixed Imo State and I will also fix Nigeria to the glory of God.”

    He further assured that when elected President, “I will also make education free at all levels in the country as I have done in Imo State.  I have been a strong advocate of a peaceful and united Nigeria.  It is time Nigerians discarded ethnic sentiments for the country to achieve her goal of greatness.  We must say no to the deceit of ethnic and religious sentiments that have torn the country apart and embrace one another.”

    Describing the governor as a blessing to humanity, the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere said: “The philanthropic activities of my boss started far before he joined politics. He is a man that does not want the poor or needy to cry. He has demonstrated this through the Rochas Foundation and his free education programme in Imo State.

    “His 52 years on earth has been a blessing to everyone that has come in contact with him, no matter your tribe or religion and we are wishing him a happy birthday and many more years of service to humanity and our nation. He is a man of vision who has the required capacity to enthrone change in the country.”

    Dignitaries present at the event were the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; South-West National Deputy Chairman of the party, Chief Segun Oni and other chieftains of the APC; not excluding thousands of young men and women who had benefitted from the Rochas Foundation Scholarship scheme.

  • Abia plans business summit

    As part of its contributions towards rekindling the interest of investors in Nigeria and the world at large to invest in Aba and help the city regain its pride of place in the economic map of the world, Abia State has concluded plans for the the first Aba Business Summit.  The summit is coming four years after investors fled the once economic pride of Abia State because of insecurity challenges.

    Organisers of the Summit comprising a group of intellectuals from different professional backgrounds known as Abia Think Tank Association said all was set for the second edition of the programme.

    At a press conference in Aba, the President of the group, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa (OFR), said that the two-day interactive programme with the theme, “Aba as the Centerpiece of Abia Economic Renaissance”, was to consolidate and deepen the gains of the maiden summit.

    According to Ohuabunwa, the summit scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 23 and Friday October 24 is aimed at helping private and public sector business managers that have interest in the restoration and transformation process of  Aba, Enyimba City into a modern industrial and commercial city with global influence “which entails building a strong partnership in terms of robust  synergies of financial and sundry support to strategic developmental goals for the transformation of the economy of Abia State, Nigeria and the West African sub-region.”

    Mazi Ohuabunwa, who is also National President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, revealed that the event was going to provide opportunities for business owners in Aba to have a one-on-one chat with investors, entrepreneurs and financial experts who will take them round on how best they (traders) can develop their businesses, source loans to fund their businesses, how to get about getting loans that they can repay at a stipulated time with a subsidised interest rate.

    He expressed his hope that the outcome of the two-day summit was going to engender meaning development in business and economic activities in the state and the country in general, adding that they have already started working collaboratively with higher institutions on how traders and businessmen and women with no or less educational background could be incorporated into their institution’s programmes in order to expose them to the best and acceptable practices of doing businesses.

    Prominent dignitaries that are expected to present speeches at the event are Governor Theodore A. Orji, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Emeka Wogu (Labour Minister, Ms. Arunne Ote, Director-General, Security and Exchange Commission, Dr. Alex Otti, GMD/CEO Diamond Bank and Prof. Barth Nnaji, among others.