The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Foundation gives succour to the sick

    Foundation gives succour to the sick

    Irked by the inability of 17 indigent patients who received medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi State, the Divine Care Global Community Initiative (DCGCI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has paid their hospital bills of over N483, 000.

    The patients, who had stayed in the hospitals for between two and six months after their cure and subsequent discharge due to lack of money to offset their medical bills, resigned to fate before the NGO came to their aid and brought succour to them.

    Many of the patients who came from various parts of the state as well as Cross River State were in the plastic surgery and orthopedic wards of the hospital.

    They were treated of various ailments and were given between N30, 000 and N100,000 bills. But due to lack of money, they were hanging around the hospital waiting for money to clear their bills before they could go home.

    The NGO, through the management of FETHA, cleared their hospital bills totaling over N.960 million as the hospital gave them 50 per cent rebate. The gesture enabled the NGO to go home.

    While handing over the cheque of over N483, 000 to the Chief Medical Director of FETHA Dr. Paul Ezeonu, the National Coordinator of the NGO, Deacon Dandi Odii praised the hospital management for slashing the hospital bills by 50 per cent.

    He said the programme started nine years ago when he went to pray for the sick at the hospital. Then he realised that some of the patients were discharged from the hospital but could not afford to pay for their hospital bills. Their situation touched him and he began to think of how to get them out of the hospital. That, he said, brought the idea of the NGO.

    Odii said he decided to do charity work to serve humanity through the NGO.

    “With the support of friends as well as the foundation’s major financer, Mr. Ken Ojiri of Ken Ojiri Foundation, the programme had been sustained since last year,” he said.

    The Coordinator also revealed that 25 indigent patients were discharged through the NGO last year, adding that they were released in Federal Teaching Hospitals Abakaliki and Federal Medical Centre Owerri. One of the patients was delivered of a triplet.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Sunday Nwangele praised the vision and humanitarian service rendered to the indigent patients by the NGO, even as he urged other individuals and organisations to emulate the gesture.

    Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chris Archi, Dr Nwangele said it was good to give than to receive, adding that God loves a cheerful giver.

    He stressed that the NGO, over the years, has been giving succour to poor patients, praying God to reward their services.

    He said: “Charity work is not only for the politicians but for everybody in the society. This is because the measure you give is the measure you will be given or receive. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to help others while we are alive because we don’t know who will enjoy our wealth after death.”

    While receiving the cheque for the payment of the hospital bills for the indigent patients, Dr. Ezeonu praised the NGO for its gesture, saying that it had set a pace for others to follow.

    “I hope other NGOs and politicians would emulate the gesture by setting up centres which could give succour to the poor in the society and which would be named after them. This is the only way they can give back to the society what they received or benefited from it. I know the plight of some patients in the hospital. Some of them can not pay their bills no matter how  little due to poverty,” he said.

    Ezeonu further urged Christian associations to emulate what the NGO did by paying off bills of poor people in the hospitals. He noted that when he saw the need to help the poor in the hospital, he slashes their bills by 50 per cent.

    The patients expressed their gratitude to the NGO for paying their hospitals bills. They prayed God to grant those behind the NGO their heart desires.

    Seventy-year-old woman, Mrs. Grace Aloh from Ohaozara Local Government Area who had been in the hospital for three months after her discharge, described the intervention of the NGO as a saving grace because no help was coming from anywhere. She was full of joy and happiness, even as she sang praises to God in appreciation of what God has done for her through the NGO.

    Another patient, a10-year-old Joel Nwuzor from Izzi Local Government Area was abandoned in the hospital by his parents for six months.

    According to the management of the hospital, the boy was brought to the hospital by his mother who later abandoned him for about six months.

    Others such as Josephine Odey, Theresa Ogar and Philomena Njap all from Cross River State thanked the NGO for coming to their rescue.

    They came to the hospital because of one aliment or the other but being treated, there was no money to settle their bills. They, therefore, remained in the hospital for between two and five months before the intervention of the NGO.

    Also Moses Ude from Izzi Local Government Area was billed N38, 000, Monday Nweke from Ikwo was billed N70, 000, Uchechukwu Ofoke from Izzi was billed N45, 000, Steven Ogodo from Ikwo was billed N91, 000, Bernard Nworie was billed N99, 000 and John Unoke was billed N41, 000. Their medical bills were paid by the NGO.

    They prayed God to guide and protect the members of the NGO and as well reward them

  • Seminar seeks end to herdsmen-farmers’ clashes

    Seminar seeks end to herdsmen-farmers’ clashes

    With a view to stemming the recurring violence between the Fulani herdsmen and the farming communities in the Southeast, a security/sustainable development seminar has been organised in Enugu. The seminar was put together by the African Centre for Human Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (AFRISDEV) in collaboration with the Catholic Institute for Development, Peace and Justice (CIDJAP).

    The Fulani, led by Ado Saidu Baso, Bala Ardo and Yusuf Sambo turned out in their numbers. They were excited by the prospect of peace that would soon reign between the two parties. There were also pastoralists led by Chief R. C. Oguejiofor as well as resource persons from the ministries of Agriculture, Health and Judiciary.

    The theme of the seminar was “Fulani Herdsmen Versus Farming Communities: Seeking Peaceful Co-existence for Sustainable Development in the Southeast.”

    In his presentation, the Director of CIDJAP, Prof. (Msgr) Obiora Ike who was represented by Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezekwu said the seminar was timely “since it is like a ticking time bomb. Many lives of humans and cattle have been lost. Properties have been destroyed and a lot of harm done.”

    He said: “CIDJAP stands to promote the pastoral and social teachings of the Church, giving succour to the downtrodden, inculcating the spirit of hard work and dignity of labour, urging for peace in communities, dialogue, tolerance and freedom of existence,” adding that the “era of nomadic practices of roaming villages with cattle and sheep was over and must be approached differently.”

    He, nonetheless, stressed that the “Fulani are not Boko Haram. They are humans, friends and brothers. They need us and we need them.”

    Prof. Ike, who is also a member of the just-concluded National Conference, revealed that while deliberating on the issue of nomadic life, the confab resolved that “all herdsmen and cattle shall stay in identified ranches and grazing centres. They will stay where they are welcome. Their cattle shall receive scientific feeding and shall be well cared for as an agricultural project by either the state or the Federal Government.

    “Nomads shall be integrated into civilisation, shall be educated and receive better standards of life.”

    In his opening address the executive director of AFRISDEV, Dr. Ben Simon Okolo said the seminar was borne out of research and analysis of the security challenges in Nigeria, especially in the Southeast.

    “While the theme seems to centre on the Fulani herdsmen, it must be stated upfront that, the Fulani is not the only tribe that engage in nomadic pastoralism in Nigeria. In the Southeast for instance, we also have the Shuwa Arab as nomadic herdsmen. However, the vast majority of the populace does not know the difference between the Fulani and the Shuwa Arab, hence the “generic name Fulani.”

    “We equally recognise the existence of other security challenges, which we shall be addressing in forthcoming seminars. While the government has the primary responsibility of ensuring peace and security within the Nigerian state, it is equally our responsibility to contribute to our individual and collective security,” he said.

    According to Okolo, the media had been awash with news of pre-meditated and massive violent attacks by supposed herdsmen on host communities, particularly in the North Central geo-political zone.

    “While this has not been a main feature of interaction between the herdsmen and the host communities in the Southeast, there are very genuine concerns, especially with reported cases of skirmishes between the herdsmen and their host communities in the farming areas,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “There is a school of thought that views the sudden rise of these attacks by the herdsmen on their host communities as a pre-meditated act targeted at the communities, with a more sinister intention than just, “quarrel over grazing land.

    “Some have, therefore, couched these attacks as part of an overall plan of terrorising the original inhabitants of the communities and dispossessing them of their lands. The recent decision by the National Economic Council (NEC) to establish “grazing reserves across Nigeria” seems to strengthen the above argument.

    “Some have even suggested that these attacks, especially given the nature of the sophisticated weaponry they employ, could be targeted at further destabilising the country politically.

    “Of major concern to the Southeast, and more particularly Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states, is that they share borders with Benue and Kogi states, where such targeted attacks have been recorded. The continued violent attacks that have been ongoing, especially in Plateau and Benue states, and the audacious attack targeted against Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, is a serious cause for concern. “Some have, therefore, advocated a complete expulsion of the herdsmen from the Southeast; a position that AFRSIDEV does not share, as this is not a constructive solution and cannot lead to sustainable development.

    “Sustainable development, however, cannot be achieved in a climate of fear and insecurity. No doubt, the Southeast needs the services of both the herdsmen and farmers to achieve sustainable growth in agriculture. This, therefore, calls for constructive acts towards building a peaceful co-existence between the herders and the farming/host communities in order to forestall such attacks that might envelope the Southeast.

    “This seminar will give rise to the development of well-thought out policy options for dealing with this salient security cum environmental challenge.”

    Contributing, the Director of Vetinary Services in the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture revealed that the world over, the movement of pastoralists are controlled, adding that despite everything, the movement of the Fulani herdsman within Enugu State shall be controlled.

    “Before now, these herdsmen carry only sticks. But today, they carry Ak47 rifles. We believe these come from crisis-ridden neighbouring countries,” he said.

    Although the Fulani did not make any contribution, they were all satisfied with the conduct of the seminar. Bala Ardo, who is a graduate and holds a post-graduate diploma interpreted and explained the presentations to his kinsmen.

  • Foundation donates lavatory block to school

    Foundation donates lavatory block to school

    Touched by the unsavoury sanitary conditions which pupils and teachers of Eziama Community Primary School in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State are experiencing, members of Inner Heart PZ Employees Foundation, a staff welfare association of PZ Cussons, have built and handed over a four-room toilet facility to the school management.

    They also handed over the sum of N390, 000 cheque to Mr. Chika Kalu Sampson, a staff of the establishment for the treatment of his four-year-old daughter, Princess Chika Kalu who has a hole in the heart.

    The inauguration and handing over of the toilet facility which attracted the presence of some senior managers of the company such as the External Affairs Manager, Mohammed Tahir; Operations Manager, Emma Ofordu as well as representatives of the host community and the chairman of the Aba North Local Government Area, among others, made both pupils and teachers jubilate in appreciation of the gesture.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the toilet facility, the Manager, Corporate Affairs and Administration Director, PZ Cussons Nigeria, Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti, said the project was realised through contributions from salaries of members of staff.

    Ifaturoti further revealed that the Inner Heart Foundation was conceptualised by the Corporate Affairs Department of the company that felt that there was a need for workers to do things by themselves than waiting for the management or government to do things for them.

    She said: “It is important for us to know that the project we are inaugurating today was built from the pocket of PZ employees. It is not easy for workers to generate N650, 000 to carry out this project for our own community. We are impressed with what the Inner Heart PZ Employees Foundation, Aba has done.  “There are different departments in the company doing various projects for communities around the country. There is a need for us to continue to do good things for our communities and neighbours because we must always look towards doing things for the people.”

    Urging private organisations’ participation in the development of their host communities or state, she added: “Don’t forget that if we didn’t carry out this project, or if we had depended on the government, it may never have been done.”

    Also speaking, Head of Manufacturing, PZ Cussons, Aba, Mr. Ifeanyi Abadom, said the Inner Heart PZ Foundation would continue to offer support to its neighbours, especially to enable them to be useful citizens in the society. He added that the foundation would not hesitate to help mold the future of our school children to the best of its ability.

    Earlier in her address, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Evelyn Iroha, who expressed gratitude to the Inner Heart PZ Foundation for coming to the aid of the school, promised that the facility would be well maintained.

    Chairman, PZ Cussons Staff Union, Prince Nwaeze Dimkpa, thanked the management and workers of the company as well as the host community for the support.

    “We all contributed to make this project a success; the management, staff, school and host community. I specially thank the people of Eziama because there are many communities where this project cannot be carried out without them asking for a percentage of funds to be paid before work could begin.”

    Hon. Nnanna Oriba, who represented the Chairman of Transition Committee, Aba North Local Government at the event, expressed his happiness to the employees’ for their generosity. He enjoined the school to make good use of the facility.

    “I felt sad when I learnt that the project was not done with money from the company but from the purses of its staff. This is why I rendered the song; give and it shall be given unto you. This is highly commendable. You have shown love to these school children; you can see from their faces that they have already blessed you.

    “As far as they have said it, God has also blessed you all. I am going to let the chairman know that we have to work with you because you have good things to offer to humanity,” he said.

    Earlier, a cheque for N290, 000 was handed over to Mr. Chika Kalu Sampson by the Inner Heart Foundation whose daughter, Princess has a hole in the heart and needed about N2 million for surgery in an Indian hospital.

    Ifaturoti also made a personal donation of a N100, 000 in support of Princess Chika’s treatment.

    “We presented the cheque to him as a symbol of solidarity. We offer our prayers and goodwill for her well-being,” she said.

    Mr. Samson expressed gratitude to the foundation for its support. He said the donation will go a long way in complementing the amount of money he has for her daughter’s surgery in India which costs N1.6 million.

  • Lawyers appraise 100 years of nationhood

    Lawyers appraise 100 years of nationhood

    On Friday, August 29, the curtain was drawn on the 54th annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held at the International Convention Centre (IICC), Owerri, the Imo State capital. Its theme was “Nigeria: 100 Years After.” It was a weeklong event that tasked the ability of the Imo State Government to host a conference of that magnitude.

    Weeks preceding the conference, the state government worked hard to ensure that the conference would be hitch-free. Finishing touches were given to the world-class convention centre built by Rochas Okorocha’s administration. Unarguably, the IICC is one of the best convention centres in the country.

    Although the conference was adjudged one of the best by the conferees, it witnessed some challenges.

    First was the fear of managing over 10,000 lawyers and other visitors coming from all parts of the country and beyond, without risking an outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    The opposition parties in the state, especially the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had played up the Ebola sentiment to persuade the NBA to cancel the right of the state to hold the conference. But apparently prodded by the overwhelming assurance by the government, the lawyers defied the Ebola scare and converged on Owerri for the event that turned out as an historic one for the Heartland State.

    To allay the fears of the visitors and residents, the state government adopted adequate measures to ensure that all visitors were screened at all entry points, especially at the airport and the venue of the conference. This was to ensure that no visitor affected by the Ebola Virus gained access to the conference centre.

    To further ensure the safety of the visitors, sanitisers were provided at all the entry and exit points within the centre and the expansive premises.

    Security arrangement was also at its best during the programme as there was no reported case of crime at the venue or in any of the hotels where the visiting lawyers lodged.

    Two days before the beginning of the conference, economic and social activities in Owerri had been on the upbeat. All the available hotels had been fully booked with the state government re-opening the famous Concorde Hotel, shut down for the past four months to enable maintenance work to  be carried out.

    The prices of food items and cost of transportation also rose by over 50 per cent because of the influx of people into the state.

    On the first day of the conference, all roads leading to the convention centre, venue of the conference, were cordoned off by stern-looking security operatives. This resulted in heavy gridlock in the entire capital city which forced most people to walk long distances to their places of work.

    Commuters who had no inkling about the conference were trapped for hours in the gridlock, while street hawkers made brisk businesses as they sold their wares with maximum profits. It was indeed a boost to the state’s economy.

    During the five days that the conference lasted, Nigerians jettisoned the fear of the Ebola threat and brainstormed on the challenges confronting the country and the right way to go to obviate possibly impending catastrophe.

    Distinguished speakers such as former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, among other eminent Nigerians, identified corruption, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, among others, as part of the country’s problems.

    In his opening speech, the host, Governor Okorocha enjoined the NBA to support the struggle for a free and virile country. He urged the legal practitioners to proffer solutions and ideas that will ensure good governance.

    Governor Okorocha maintained that bad governance has, over the years, impeded the country’s growth and development, even as he insisted that “bad governance is worse than the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease.”

    He argued that while the Ebola Virus has the capacity to kill 100 people at a time,  bad governance has the capacity to kill generations yet unborn.

    Governor Okorocha, who described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, urged members of the Bar to put the issue of electoral malpractice at the centre stage of their discussion in order to ensure free and fair election in 2015 general elections.

    He regretted that 100 years after, Nigeria is still battling with crisis and could not create employment opportunities for her teeming youths or boast of regular power supply. He challenged members of the NBA to address the critical issues bothering the country.

    He emphasised the need for the electorate to vote a credible candidate who has the vision, passion, intelligence and political will to deliver the benefits of democracy to the people in order to ensure good governance.

    Governor Okorocha, who regretted that democracy in Nigeria has failed, noted that Nigeria has come to a critical moment where power can no longer be taken for granted but must be given to those that have the capacity to deliver.

    In his speech, Tambuwal praised the Imo State Government for hosting the 2014 Bar Conference, stressing the need for Nigeria to shun self-deceit and institute good governance hinged on credible elections.

    The Speaker, who described the NBA as the vanguard of democracy, urged the members to use their position to rescue the country and preserve the Rule of Law and human rights.

    The outgoing President of the NBA, Wali Okey (SAN), said the conference offers the NBA the opportunity to discuss issues relating to legal profession and to proffer solutions.

    He praised the lawyers for their support for his administration, which he said, had restored dignity and discipline in the legal profession, adding that “during my tenure, 12 lawyers were sacked for several acts of misconduct and high level of discipline now prevail in the profession. We have tackled completely the issue of quackery and instilled high level of discipline in legal practice.”

    Further highlighting the achievements recorded by his administration, he noted that the completion and inauguration of the new seven-storey NBA House built by a prominent lawyer and businessman, Dr. Wale Babalakin through one of his companies in Lagos State, was one of the major achievements of the outgoing administration.

    The chairman on the occasion, Gen. Gowon praised the NBA for being faithful to its mission in administering justice, pointing out that it has a role to play in ensuring good governance.

    The conference ended with a call on the Federal Government to rescue the over 200 girls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School Chibok in Borno State on April 14 in order to restore the country’s dignity and save Nigerians further embarrassment from the international community.

    The new NBA President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and other senior lawyers such as Tajudeen Oladoja, a senior member of the Bar from Kaduna State, adjudged the Owerri conference as a huge success.

    “We have been having the NBA annual conferences in other parts of the country. But I must tell you with all sense of modesty that the Owerri Conference was a success,” he said.

    The 49-point communiqué, presented by Alegeh, highlighted the challenges of the last 100 years of Nigeria’s existence as a country, stating that it would need deliberate and articulate measures to surmount them.

    The communiqué also maintained that “with the benefit of the lessons of the last 100 years, all Nigerians have roles to play in nation-building, by ensuring that the existential values are re-established.

    “That all Nigerians must collaborate with the government and security agencies in order to address the seemingly intractable issue of security problems confronting the country, particularly the expanding escapades of the now dreaded terrorists called Boko Haram.”

    It further stressed the need for the Federal Government to “re-engineer and re-invigorate all anti-corruption agencies, as well as grant them more autonomy, with a view to ensuring their impartiality, to exercise their powers and perform their functions without fear, favour or prejudice and without interference from any person or organ of state.

    The communiqué equally observed that “a major portion of our socio-political and economic problems are caused largely by lack of exemplary and visionary leadership.”

    Apart from speeches and paper presentations, traders made great gains selling their products to the conferees that swamped on the goods like curious tourists. Photographers also had a field day taking photographs of the conferees with their friends and family members, especially those attending the NBA Conference for the first time.

    Okechukwu Uzoigwe, a fabric dealer said: “To be honest, I wish the conference continued. It has been long I made this kind of quick turnover. I was going to Onitsha Main Market to buy wares everyday because of the patronage.”

    Mrs. Charity Uzoaru, a food vendor said: “I am very happy for the event, even though we had to walk long distance to the venue because of the closure of the roads, I made enough sales these few days and I want the state government to host more of this type of conference to help the people.”

    Perhaps, hoteliers are the most fortunate. In most of the hotels visited by our correspondent, the entire rooms had been booked with the management craftily changing the usual rates overnight to make extra gains off the unsuspecting visitors.

    A manager of one of the famous hotels, Mr. Stanley Nwokocha, praised the state government for hosting the NBA Conference, adding that, “the most viable industry in Imo State today is the hospitality industry. Owerri, the state capital for instance, has over 50 world-class hotels and this kind of conference will help the industry.”

    As the dust settles, the people will not forget in a hurry, the gains, pains and glamour of the NBA Conference just as the visiting lawyers will relish the unique hospitality of the Eastern Heartland for a very long time.

  • Groups back governorship aspirant

    Groups back governorship aspirant

    The people of Old Bende Progressive Union (OBPU) in Abia South zone and members of a pro-democracy group, Concerned Advocate for Good Governance (CAGG) have adopted Dr. Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah as their sole candidate for the 2015 governorship election.

    The people, during a grand reception/awards at Hills Hotel Ogbor Hill, Aba, on the outskirts of Aba, also presented an award to the governorship aspirant for his humanitarian and philanthropic gestures.

    The chairman of the group, Elder Jonah Mba, in an address on the occasion, said they were supporting Ogah’s candidature not only as their son, but because they have the conviction that he is the right candidate that will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

    According to Mba, the people of Old Bende were optimistic that with the wealth of experience Ogah has garnered, he was not going to let the people of the area down.

    In a motion moved by Hon. Darlington Onuoha Kalu and seconded by Deacon David Okai, the people adopted Ogah as their sole candidate for 2015 general elections.

    Responding, Ogah, President, Masters Energy Group, thanked the people for deeming it fit to honour him, promising that the award will spur him to do more.

    On his adoption as the sole governorship candidate for Old Bende, he said he was aspiring for the number one seat in the state after he got the consent of his family and close relatives, assuring that he was coming to spread development across the state and to serve all Abians.

    Ogah promised his supporters that, as part of his desires to ensure that quality jobs were done in the state especially, in Aba, Julius Berger Construction Company will be in the state with their equipment within 30 days after he was sworn in as the governor to commence work.

    Similarly, CAGG after a meeting in Aba, also adopted Ogah as their candidate.

    The National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Olusegun Bamgbose, at the end of the group’s meeting described the governorship aspirant as the one to beat as he has the capacity to move Abia to the next level.

    He said: “He possesses the charisma to move Abia forward. We urge Abians and non-Abians to give him the maximum support.”

    On the zoning of the governorship slot to Abia South by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, Bamgbose said: “Zoning or no zoning, what matters is, who has what it takes to deliver the dividends of democracy?”

    On the rumoured gubernatorial ambition of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, he also said: “I doubt if a highly distinguished figure like him would want to risk his image in the murky waters of Abia politics.”

  • Soldiers relish new Officers’ Mess

    Soldiers relish new Officers’ Mess

    Professionally, they are saddled with defending the country against external aggression. They are also called to assist should there be any internal insurrection that may lead to the breakdown of law and order. Though they are soldiers, they are also social beings.

    In peace time, they socialise with family members, friends and associates. After the day’s work, they relax and, most times, make merry at their recreation centre known as Officers’ Mess.

    However, the facility became decrepit and there was the need for a new and befitting one. Happily, a modern facility has been built for the comfort of the soldiers. It was inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Kenneth Minimah.

    Its inauguration at the headquarters of the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Imo State, was a proof that, for the Army, it is not just fighting and warfare as portrayed by their mien. The Officers’ Mess, built at the centre of the headquarters’ premises, has all the trappings of a first-class relaxation centre.

    Speaking during the inauguration, the President of the Mess Committee, Col. A.T Adedoja, said the construction of the Officers’ Mess began few years ago but was delayed as a result of the death of the contractor. The situation, he said, stalled the work.

    He noted that the Mess was built with the best quality finishing which will provide maximum comfort and serving as a perfect relaxation centre for officers.

    He said: “It took the dexterity and commitment of the Commander, Brigadier General Lanre Bello to complete and equip the Officers’ Mess. It was also made possible through the assistance of friends of the Command who had donated generously towards the building of the edifice.

    “We are appealing to the authority and other public-spirited Nigerians to assist the Command in offsetting the remaining cost incurred in furnishing the Mess with first-class furniture and electronic gadgets.”

    Declaring the Officers’ Mess open, Lt.-Gen. Minimah, who was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Enugu and other top military officers, praised the Command for achieving the feat, noting that it would go a long way in assisting the officers in relaxing after their daily routine.

    He further said soldiers should make out time to relax and socialise with one other in order to promote cohesion and unity.

    In a chat with reporters shortly after the inauguration of the facility, the Army boss, who was on a familiarisation tour of the 82 Division, said the Army is winning the war against terrorism.

    He also allayed the fears of Nigerians in the Southeast over possible infiltration by members of Boko Haram sect, adding that the few security threat recorded in the zone may not be connected with the insurgents.

    The Army boss noted that the two incidents in Imo and Abia states allegedly linked to the Islamic Sect may have been the handiwork of some elements within the zone which wanted to take advantage of the insurgency in the country to cause mischief.

    “What happened at the Winners Chapel Church in Imo and the arrest made in Abia State cannot be totally blamed on the insurgents because some mischievous elements can be making bombs to cause trouble and make it seem as if Boko Haram had carried out the action.

    “Some elements within the states may want to cause problem. Some mischief makers might want to take advantage of the insurgency in the country to foment trouble. But the Military is ready to check all forms of security threats,” Minimah said.

  • Abakaliki: Filthy city in need of fresh breath

    Abakaliki: Filthy city in need of fresh breath

    When Ebonyi State was created in 1996, Abaka-liki, the state capital, was likened to a glorified village. There were no motorable roads, no good infrastructure, hotels and the sanitary situation was terrible. Garbage littered every nook and cranny of the city.

    Successive governments had attempted to clear the refuse dumps that could be likened to mountains. But try they could not find a solution to the problem. It was like a city of refuse; the dumps continued to increase due to enhanced domestic refuse generation. It was further compounded by the influx of people from within and outside the state to the new capital city.

    At a point, workers included cleaning of the capital city as one of its demands during the May Day celebration in 2011.

    Apparently disappointed and dismayed by the inability of the Ministry of Health, which was then saddled with refuse disposal and management in the state, Governor Martin Elechi created a Ministry of the Environment in 2011.

    He deployed Dr. Paul Okorie as the commissioner.

    Surprisingly, Okorie, who was in charge of Abakaliki Capital Development Authority (ACDA), cleaned up the city in 13 days.

    When he was removed in August last year, the fortunes of the town, in terms of neatness relapsed. Overfilled waste bins and refuse-littered roads.

    The situation within Abakaliki metropolis has become so alarming that residents are afraid that if no urgent steps are taken by the Ministry of Environment to address the menace, there may be an outbreak of epidemic.

    Refuse heaps, which were not common in the days of Okorie, because of effective waste disposal management system he put in place, have become a common phenomenon on major roads, streets and at bus stops.

    Some places that are notorious for mountain-like refuse heaps are Ogbaga Road around New Kpirikpiri Market, St. Patrick Road Kpirikpiri, Goddy Ogbaga Avenue, Convent Road, opposite Enugu Electricity Distribution Company that is close to Awolowo Street, Uga Street behind Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA) and some adjoining roads within the state capital, among others.

    The inability of the state government to decisively tackle environmental problems has led to criticisms of the Elechi-led administration for sacking the pioneer Commissioner for Environment, who worked diligently to ensure a sustained and healthy environment.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that Okorie’s removal was orchestrated by some self-centered politicians who do not have the interest of the people at heart.

    The capital is no longer environmental-friendly because of unlawful dumping of refuse by residents.

    The leadership of the Ministry of Environment seems to lack the will, initiative and the know-how to deal with a glaring environmental degradation.

    Unarguably, between the periods the former Commissioner for Environment was removed and the current one appointed, grunge overwhelmed the state capital, causing environmental pollution that is inimical to residents and visitors.

    Stakeholders are wondering what use the waste disposal machines procured by the government through the state chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) are, considering the level of filthiness that has overtaken the state capital.

    What is rather more hazardous to the health of residents of Abakaliki is the regular burning of wastes within residential areas by those suspected to be members of the staff of the Ministry of Environment; a development many health practitioners have condemned.

    The hazy smoke emanating from the burning garbage dumps is posing a threat to the health of the residents.

    For instance, a resident, Mr. John Eluu, expressed dismay over the indiscriminate littering of garbage in the state capital.

    “The situation is disheartening. We find garbage almost everywhere within the state capital. The State Ministry of Environment does not appear to have any waste disposal management skill to tackle this problem. What is happening now is unprecedented. Government needs to act fast so that our environment will look healthy again.”

    Another resident, Mrs. Gloria Aniamaka, urged a stop to the indiscriminate burning of wastes within the capital as it is one of the easiest ways for people to contact diseases without even knowing it.

    However, the Commissioner for Environment, David Egbu, said modalities had been put in place to ensure that the state capital is clean.

    He debunked insinuations that the ministry was redundant.

    According to him, the Ministry of Environment will not fold its arm and allow indiscriminate dumping of refuse within Abakaliki.

    “We are not relenting over the situation. The ministry has mobilised its machinery to ensure that the state capital remained clean and habitable for all,” he added.

  • Home for 131 widows in Imo

    Home for 131 widows in Imo

    The lives of 131 indigent widows in Imo State will never be the same again. Gone are their pains, frustration and reproach. The joy of the women, who hitherto were homeless, knew no bounds when they suddenly woke up to become proud owners of well-furnished two-bedroom apartments, under the pet project of the wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs. Nneoma Nkechinyere Okorocha.

    According to Mrs. Okorocha, the project christened She Needs a Roof Project (SNARP), which is in line with the Rescue Mission Agenda of the state government, was designed to ensure that at least one indigent widow in each of the 27 local government areas gets a one or two-bedroom apartment, depending on the size of her family.

    According to the governor’s wife, the project seeks to provide shelter for the poor families who live in shanties across the state. This aims at giving them a sense of belonging.

    At the end of the first phase of the project, some indigent widows were provided with decent houses.  One of the lucky beneficiaries is a 56-year-old widow, Mrs. Rose Nwachukwu from Ogwuokwu community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area.

    Left to cater for her family of six, Mrs. Nwachukwu lived in a decrepit structure that was barely habitable until the SNARP team discovered her during their tour of the local government area. Now, she is a proud owner of a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow.

    Speaking during the hand-over of the building, the frail-looking widow who broke down in tears, said: “I still can’t believe that this is happening to me. I never thought I could one day live in a decent house, let alone owning a modern bungalow.

    “I cannot recount all that I went through living in that mud house since my husband died. The pains and reproach were unimaginable. Some people labeled me a witch, while many others avoided me and my children because of our level of poverty. But today, everything has changed and I am grateful to God and wife of our governor for rescuing me.”

    Another beneficiary, a 49-year-old widow, Mrs. Agnes Keke, from Umudurueke in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area, who almost took her life after her mud house caved in, now lives in a three-bedroom bungalow with all modern appliances that make life comfortable.

    For a 65-year-old widow, Mrs. Regina Opara, from Umuchioke in Ikeduru Local Government Area who lost her husband and three children at the same time, owning a building of her own still seemed illusory.

    “I lack words to describe how I feel owning a house. I became contented with the challenges of living in this decrepit mud house for years, having resigned to fate. But, today, I am free and I don’t have to be afraid each time it is about to rain.

    “I am happy to witness this day. I will die a fulfilled person. I just can’t thank our governor’s wife enough. I pray God to bless and reward her and her family,” she said.

    Another of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Stella Nworisha, a 31-year-old widow from Umugba community in Isu Local Government Area, has a pathetic story to tell. She said, she and her seven children, was squatting with a neighbour after the mud house she inherited from her husband was washed away by erosion. She now lives in her own two bedroom bungalow built by Mrs. Okorocha.

    Inaugurating some of the buildings at Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, Governor Rochas Okorocha described the initiative as a right step towards eradication of poverty, which, he said, the government is committed to.

    He said the initiative was another way of appreciating the people, especially the less-privileged for their support for his administration in the last governorship election.

    Briefing reporters at the end of the first phase of the project, Mrs. Okorocha restated her determination to assist indigent widows through the project.

    She noted that a total of 131 poverty-ridden widows had so far received well furnished two-bedroom bungalows. She said her office had spent N391 million on the buildings.

    The governor’s wife further explained that as part of strategies to ensure that the project was not hijacked by politicians, an independent investigating team had been put in place to tour the 27 local government areas to find out those in need of shelter.

    She said: “There is no discrimination or favouritism in the implementation of SNARP because no government fun-ctionary is involved in it. It is clearly on merit.”

    She said funds for the execution of the project were personal funds, with volunt-ary donations from interested individuals as complements, adding that the project would be sustained after her tenure.

    She said: “My office does not receive allocation from the state government. I channel the little I have to solving the problems of the poor and the downtrodden. My husband has been involved in philanthropic activities as a result of his covenant with God. When he won the Imo State gubernatorial election in 2011, I got a better platform to continue with the humanitarian services my family has been known for.”

  • ‘Come home and see new Imo’

    ‘Come home and see new Imo’

    Imo State citizens in the Diaspora have been urged to come home for the festive periods, not only to visit their loved ones, but also to see the changes that have taken place and the fast rate of infrastructural development in the state courtesy of the ‘Rescue Mission’ of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    Imo State Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere, who gave this advice during a facility tour of ongoing projects and inspection of the reconstruction of Oramiriukwa Bridge in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction that the projects, when completed, will enhance the living condition of the people.

    “Christmas celebration in state last year witnessed what no Imolite had ever seen before. The difference was clear. The traffic jams in Owerri were things of the past. Today, we have created roundabouts and opened up the roads in a bid to decongest traffic.

    “Imo State is now the place to be. The hospitality here is second to none and we have put in place centres of tourists’ attraction.

    “Since 1979, every abandoned project has been completed. Examples are Concorde Avenue beside the Commissioners’ Quarters. The House of Assembly Complex used to be a den for robbers and hideout for kidnappers.

    “Today, those areas are new communities. The Rescue Mission came in and took up the projects that were abandoned since Sam Mbakwe’s time in 1979 because we believe they will be of interest to the well-being of the people.

    At present, we have the Heroes Square, Hero Villa and Avutu Poultry that had been abandoned for more than 30 years. Standard Shoes produce shoes that students in the state are using now.

    “The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) buildings have been re-roofed and put to use. Civil Defence Corps occupies one and the other is being used by the officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    “Work on the fly over bridge initiated by former governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim is still in progress. We need to complete it and put it to use. The governor has said it over and over that we will complete every project we began.” Madumere said.

    Continuing, he said: “Funds for these projects are made available through planning and sacrifice.

    “We are sacrificing a lot and the leadership is focused. The leadership is visionary and knows where it is driving at.”

    The Deputy Governor spoke about other facilities.

    “Today, we have a new Treasury House, White House, Bongo Square, Freedom Square and the International Convention Centre. We have become the flagship of the East. All other eastern states clamour to hold events in the state. Conferences hold in the state and the mother of all carnivals is coming before the end of the year,” he said.

    Meanwhile, women under the aegis of Achi Progressive Union, Women Wing gathered in their numbers, adorning red blouses and red headgears on green George wrapper to visit the Deputy Governor. It was during the closing ceremony of this year’s August meeting. They presented him with a plaque in recognition of his contributions to the development of the state.

    The women, through their President-General, Mrs. Chioma Akalazu thanked him for living up to expectation in the quest to develop the state.

     

  • Commission rewards winners

    Commission rewards winners

    The Abia State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPA-DEC) has made good its promise to reward those who corectly predicted the scores of matches at the just-concluded FIFA World Cup, in Brazil.

    Fifty-eight people predicted the scores and were rewarded with various items, ranging from standing fans, plasma television, table top refrigerators and several stabilisers as consolation prizes.

    The event was initiated by the board, management and staff of ASOPADEC to enable youths and others participate actively during the mundial and have a sound knowledge of football.

    Speaking at the Pick-and-Win, former Director of Sports Mr. Ejikeme Ikwunze, who chaired the occasion, said Abia sports have never had it so good since the creation of the state. The sports’ commission board, he said, has made people to be aware of football at the world level.

    Ikwunze said the board had done what other organisations had not thought about, stressing that the items given to the winners will make other people know that  there is a lot to gain in watching football and other games.

    The sports analyst and writer noted that the state has produced many sports men and women, such as Chidi Imo, the late Dele Udoh, Gloria Alozie, Kanu Nwankwo and Karibe Ojigwe. He urged the board to encourage the youth to embark on sporting activities to keep them out of danger.

    He reminded the commission of  a football competition it initiated for male under-13 footballers  which was concluded, urging it to ensure the competition is conclude.

    Ikwunze further advised the commission to sponsore winners to watch the next World Cup in Russia or give them prizes such as Toyota Coaster bus or any other  car.

    In his address, the Chairman of ASOPADEC, Chief Emeka Stanley, said the commission was partnering with the state government to make life meaningful for the youth and other citizens  through the predict-and-win programme.

    He noted that the programme had afforded the youth  the opportunity to increase their knowledge of modern football and also to let  people know “that ASOPADEC is not only about rebuilding dilapidated infrastructure and road construction in all the nook and cranny of the state.

    He assured that the abandoned under-13 youth football competition which was at its semi-final stage would be concluded within the next two months, even as he called on the state Director of Sports, Mr. Isaac Ogbonnaya Isaac to liaise with his office on how to conclude the football competition.

    Also speaking, the Director of Sports, Mr. Isaac thanked Governor Theodore A. Orji for sponsoring two football clubs in the premier league, namely Enyimba and Abia Warriors football clubs..

    He assured the commission will partner with them to bring the  Under-13 football competition to a conclusion.

    Isaac urged ASOPADEC to partner with the sports commission by sponsoring them to the next national sports festival, stressing that the state government should not be allowed to shoulder the responsibility of catering for the athletes alone.

    One of the winners , Mr. Godwin Anaba, a visually-impaired, who received a DVD home theatre, thanked the commission for making his day.