The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi residents receive Tinubu’s food items

    Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi residents receive Tinubu’s food items

    The Southeast Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to distribute Christmas food items and palliatives to beneficiaries in Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states.

    The food items, including rice, garri, salt, and cash, were initially distributed to over 10,000 homes across the 27 LGAs in Imo State.

    The National Coordinator of SERHA, Ambassador Belusochukwu Enwere, disclosed this in Owerri, adding that similar exercises would be carried out in Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Abia states.

    Enwere expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his generosity in supporting the organisation to ensure that citizens from Southeast benefit from the food items, regardless of party affiliation.

    “We want to thank the President for his good works and his  generosity. We are grateful Mr. President. If you thank a person for the good thing he has done, he will do more next time.

    “We are indeed happy for what the President has done for Ndigbo and Southeast in particular at this Christmas festival regardless of party affiliation. God will continue to bless the president, we have also seen other initiatives he has brought to Nigeria,” he said.

    Enwere cited some of President Tinubu’s achievements, saying they include economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and termination of multiple foreign exchange systems that had impeded economic development. 

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    He also mentioned infrastructure development, highlighting ongoing projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Express Way, with over 440 road projects nationwide.

    The President’s initiatives have led to the creation of 240,000 jobs through 10 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as the launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) and National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP). In healthcare, over ₦250 billion has been allocated to revamp primary healthcare centres nationwide.

    On security, Enwere noted that over 13,500 terrorists have been eliminated through sustained military campaigns. The President’s administration has also increased oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day, with the “Project One Million Barrels” initiative driving recovery in the upstream sector. Additionally, the government has secured over $50 billion in new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments.

    Enwere called on religious organizations, NGOs, CSOs, student unions, youths, women, and men to come together to support President Tinubu’s reelection bid, 

     “We are confident that in his second term, he will do more,” he said, urging all stakeholders to rally behind the president.”

  • Igbo group appeals to Tinubu, Oborevwori, lawmakers to support Anioma state creation

    Igbo group appeals to Tinubu, Oborevwori, lawmakers to support Anioma state creation

    An Igbo socio-cultural group, the Ndi Na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organisation (NNABSCO), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and South-East lawmakers in the National Assembly to promote and facilitate the creation of Anioma State.

    The patron of NNABSCO, Chief Cosmas Chikeobi Agada, appealed during a recent interview in Asaba, the Delta State capital, where he highlighted growing momentum towards the proposed state aimed at strengthening the political and administrative representation of the Anioma people.

    Agada said the push for Anioma State gained renewed energy following a successful solidarity rally in Asaba, during which a coalition representing the nine local government areas in the Delta North Senatorial District demonstrated strong support for the initiative.

    He noted that participants at the rally, including youths and community leaders, expressed a clear desire for Anioma State to be zoned to the South-East geopolitical zone, describing the move as consistent with broader regional aspirations for improved governance and development.

    “The call for action was directed not only at South-East legislators but also to key political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, urging them to use their influence to promote and facilitate the passage of the necessary legislation,” Agada said.

    According to him, the rally attracted participants from Anioma and Ika-speaking communities in Edo State, underscoring cross-border support for the state creation project and a shared commitment to political autonomy and better resource allocation for the Anioma people.

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    Agada, who hails from the South-East, described Anioma State as a pathway to reclaiming lost Igbo territories. He said that despite some setbacks, the overall process remained on course.

    While appealing to South-East leaders to work towards the success of the bill, he commended Ohaneze Ndigbo for endorsing the Anioma State project.

    “We are pleading with South-East legislators to put aside personal interests and consider the collective interest of the Igbo people by supporting the creation of Anioma State as a first step towards reintegrating our people who are marooned in other zones,” he said.

    Agada explained that the bill was currently at the caucus stage in the National Assembly, where the positions and votes of lawmakers were critical in determining which proposed states would advance.

    He added that although governors would play influential roles at the concurrence stage, the immediate responsibility lay with South-East legislators to ensure the success of what he described as a landmark bill.

  • Group hails Tinubu for youth inclusion, Southeast development drive

    Group hails Tinubu for youth inclusion, Southeast development drive

    The Southeast Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as deliberate and commendable inclusion of young people in his cabinet.

    The National Coordinator of SERHA, Belusomchukwu Enwere, made the commendation in Enugu at the weekend during the group’s Christmas food items and palliatives distribution exercise.

    Enwere noted that it was heart-warming to see youths under the age of 40 actively participating in the administration of President Tinubu, stressing that the era where young people were merely tagged “leaders of tomorrow” had given way to a new reality where they now occupy positions of responsibility.

    According to him, the president’s decision to entrust governance to young Nigerians reflects confidence in their capacity and signals a positive shift in national leadership.

    The SERHA national coordinator also applauded the president for initiatives targeted at the Southeast, particularly the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, which he said demonstrated commitment to inclusive development.

    “We commend the president for engaging young people in his cabinet. Youths under 40 years are part of his administration, and it is a thing of joy that young people are now taking charge,” Enwere stated.

    He further praised the president for efforts that have led to a reduction in food prices, explaining that the palliative distribution was designed to complement the administration’s drive to ease the burden on Nigerians during the festive season.

    Enwere said SERHA decided to key into the president’s Renewed Hope initiative by distributing food items, wrappers and other essentials to bring relief and happiness to families at Christmas.

    “We are here to celebrate with our people because food is essential to every family. The president wants Nigerians to be happy, and what we are doing today is massive,” he added.

  • Anambra billionaire Kenneth Ifekudu honoured with Ebonyi chieftaincy title for humanitarian contributions

    Anambra billionaire Kenneth Ifekudu honoured with Ebonyi chieftaincy title for humanitarian contributions

    Anambra-born businessman, billionaire philanthropist, and CEO of Diamond Leeds Ltd, High Chief Kenneth Ifekudu (Agbalanze Onyekachukwu na Ozubulu) OFR, has added another chieftaincy title to his illustrious portfolio, this time in Ebonyi State, reflecting his influence beyond his home state.

    He was bestowed with the traditional title of Ife Abata (Light Has Come) by the Ezeudo II of Amike Autonomous Community, Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Eze Sir Michael Nwankwo JP.

    The honour was in recognition of Ifekudu’s contributions to the development of Amike community and society at large, particularly his efforts in providing roads and other critical infrastructure.

    During a colourful ceremony on Saturday marking the conferment, High Chief Ifekudu expressed gratitude to Eze Sir Michael Nwankwo and the Amike Kingdom, describing the honour as a challenge to do even more. He emphasized that the recognition strengthens ties between neighboring states and urged all Igbo sons and daughters to continue extending humanitarian efforts wherever they are.

    Ifekudu also highlighted that the ceremony celebrated Igbo culture, acknowledging and rewarding acts of kindness and community development.

    Renowned for his philanthropy in Ozubulu, Anambra State, and beyond, Ifekudu recently empowered over 100 individuals with mini trucks to support livelihoods amid growing economic challenges. This latest title adds to his earlier honour, Ife Ozubulu (The Light of Ozubulu), conferred by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Fidelis Oruche, Obi Ozubulu, earlier this year.

    In addition to leading Diamond Leeds Ltd, Ifekudu is Chairman of Gorrion Engineering Ltd and was recently named Businessman of the Year by the Sun Newspaper. He is widely praised for ensuring that his community members are the first beneficiaries of his charitable initiatives.

    The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Prof. Ben Akanegbu, Dean Faculty of Economics, Nile University; HRM Eze Sir Michael Nwankwo; Eze Udo II of Amike Bar Ik Ibe; Ugo Nwa Nne Nnewi; Enviable Transport; Hon. Peter Uzokwe, Federal Representative for Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo; Hon. Chinedu Oga, Federal Representative for Ikwo and Ezza South; Hon. Joseph Nwobasi, Federal Representative for Ezza North; High Chief Chioma Ifekudu; Ugogbe Ozubulu; Chief Chukwuneke Commander; Chief Nnamdi Ifekudu; Engr. J.K. Onyeka; Bar Ebere Ituma; Chukwuemeka Enviable, MD Enviable Group; and other notable figures.

  • Uzodimma empowers over 10,000 artisans, SMEs in Imo

    Uzodimma empowers over 10,000 artisans, SMEs in Imo

    Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has empowered over 10,000 artisans and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operators, urging them to excel in their various trades and take a leading role in Nigeria’s construction and services sector.

    Uzodimma made the call while addressing beneficiaries at the graduation and empowerment ceremony of the Renewed Hope Empowerment Initiative held in Owerri.

    Expressing satisfaction with the programme, the governor said he was delighted to witness the empowerment exercise, describing it as a fitting way to round off the year.

    “I am truly delighted to perform this important ceremony at such an auspicious time of the year. What a magnificent way to end the year,” he said.

    During the event, the governor presented beneficiaries with work tools and financial support, explaining that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and economic productivity.

     “You are the solution we have been waiting for. We have trained you not just to ‘try,’ but to take over,” he emphasized.

    Uzodimma lamented the dominance of foreign artisans in Nigeria’s construction sector, citing reports from COREN and the Nigerian Institute of Building. “It is a shameful irony that in a country of over 200 million people, builders systematically rely on migrant workers for quality finishing.”

    He urged the graduates to strive for excellence, saying, “The real certificate is the excellence of your work. The market out there is vast and ripe for harvest, but it will only yield its fruit to those who excel.”

    The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their support, stating that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Shared Prosperity programme.

    The empowerment covers artisans in key sectors, including bakers, electricians, food processors, and woodworkers, among others.

    Uzodimma wished the graduates a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, saying, “Go out there, add value to our economy, and record your own economic breakthrough.”

  • Former Edo Attorney-General kicks as Oshiomhole withdraws nomination

    Former Edo Attorney-General kicks as Oshiomhole withdraws nomination

    A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Henry Idahagbon, has kicked against the decision of Senator Adams Oshiomhole to withdraw support for his reappointment as a Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

    Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the Senate, raised objections to the nomination of Idahagbon during consideration of the report of the committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters on the confirmation of nominees for FCSC.

    The former Edo governor informed the Senate that another nominee from the same Edo South senatorial district as Idahagbon has already been proposed.

    According to Oshiomhole, “I have drawn the attention of the chairman of this committee to the fact that the first name on that list representing Edo, Ondo, and Ekiti is from Edo state.

    “I had the privilege and honour of nominating him five years ago. But, with his conduct as a federal commissioner when it comes to recruitment and promotion, a lot of issues of corruption and other malpractices were raised.

    “And I draw the chairman’s attention to this. I plead with the senate that the nomination of Idahagbon Omoregie be deferred because we have proposed a replacement which will come from the same senatorial zone, so there is no question of upsetting any balance.”

    Idahagbon, in a petition to the Senate and made available to journalists in Benin City, said allegations of corruption by Oshiomhole were baseless and untrue.

    He said Oshiomhole’s hostility was due to political disagreements over the 2024 Edo State governorship election, where he openly opposed Oshiomhole’s support for Dennis Idahosa.

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    The former Attorney-General alleged that Oshiomhole’s grievances were because he refused to compromise civil service recruitment processes.

    He said Oshiomhole instructed that I ensure a lady close to him passed and got promoted, but that the candidate “failed the examination woefully.

     “I refused to interfere with or manipulate the process, in strict adherence to the rules governing civil service examinations and promotions.

    “Any intervention on my part would have amounted to outright fraud and abuse of office.

    “I state categorically, unequivocally, and without reservation that this allegation is false, malicious, reckless, and completely unsupported by any evidence.”

    He promised to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission if anybody could prove that he engaged in employment racketeering.

    The media adviser to Oshiomhole, Victor Oshioke, declined to comment on the issue.

  • Okpebholo, Obaseki mourn late ex-Edo Information Commissioner

    Okpebholo, Obaseki mourn late ex-Edo Information Commissioner

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condoled with the family of the late Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Charles Idahosa aka Charly Tempo.

    Okpebholo, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, expressed shock at the sudden passing of Hon Idahosa.

    He described him as a strong party leader and eminent Edo Indigene, who sacrificed a lot for the growth and development of the state.

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    The Governor said Idahosa believed in the establishment of institutions and gave his all towards entrenching those beliefs

    Similarly, former Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed sadness over the news of Idahosa’s passing.

    “The late Idahosa was an illustrious son of Edo State and a respected leader from the Edo South Senatorial District, who served our State and nation in various capacities.

    “Charlie Tempo was someone with whom I shared a personal bond. We attended the same secondary school, worshipped in the same Anglican Church, and our families share longstanding ties, which makes this loss even more painful for me.”

  • Why unresolved audit queries dropped from N2.5bn to N750m in Anambra’

    Why unresolved audit queries dropped from N2.5bn to N750m in Anambra’

    Anambra state government on Thursday disclosed that amount of unresolved audit queries which hit about N2.5billion in 2023 financial year was drastically reduced to about N750million in 2024.

    State Auditor-General, Akosa Okocha made the revelation at the Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue on 2024 State Financial Statements in line with States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) and International Best Practice requirements.

    He attributed the feat to proactive measures put in place by his office, including identification and rectification of expectation gaps, lapses and other breaches as they occured.

    According to him, the state performed creditably well in the 2024 with a revenue surplus over the year’s budget projection while the budget shortfall was 28.70%.

    “State government over achieved the expected revenue for the year by N92,813,471,665.63 or 33.21% while the sum of N117,721,974,562.61 or 28.70% was the amount by which our actual expenditure of N292,410,250,696.39 is short of the budget projection of N410,132,225,259.00.

    “Therefore, the State achieved a remarkable budget performance of over 70% in the year 2024. The revenues earned were applied to critical areas for
    development. The State performed creditably well in the year 2024,” he added.

    While welcoming participants to the engagement, Akosa said the dialogue would provide Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with modern and trending approaches and techniques on public sector financial management.

    “Transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility have always being our watchword in Anambra State leading to the State wining many accolades in public sector financial managements and transactions from reputable rating organizations.

    “This year Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue is a continuation of my office’s duty of bringing to the public whose fund the State government holds on trust and manage the report of our stewardship for the year ended 2024.

    “It is an interactive session where the citizens and other relevant stakeholders interface with Public Fund administrators in order to gain insight on government and governance, fund administration and management, revenue generation, challenges faced within the period under review and other observed issue.”

    Appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his consistency in release of funds for Auditor General activities, Akosa urged him to assist his office towards the soon completion of the new office building.

    “I believe our Solution governor who has great love for infrastructure development will look towards our direction in the incoming year and we will be our new office building.

    “The area of capacity building for my staff is also being pursued by my office to enable them gain current expertise, knowledge and skills for job performance,” he added.

  • Onitsha drug market hands over fake, expired products to NAFDAC

    Onitsha drug market hands over fake, expired products to NAFDAC

    Drug market popularly known as Ogbo-ogwu, bridge head Onitsha, Anambra state on Wednesday handed over fake drugs worth over N265millon to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    Chairman, Mr Chukwuleta Ndubuisi who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen listed the confiscated drugs to include unwholesome, expired, banned and substandard products.

    He said some of the goods were seized last year while others were confiscated after NAFDAC’s invasion of the market.

    He vowed that the periodic exercise would not stop until all forms of unwholesome drugs were flushed out from the market.

    He said, “We’re here to hand over these seized products approximately N265m. This is not the first time, even before I assumed office. It started right from the time of late Dora Akunyili.

    “We can’t afford to allow people sell products that will kill our people which is in line with NAFDAC policy. We place our taskforce at strategic points to monitor counterfeit drug dealers.

    “Those behind the fake drugs have been threatening my life and fighting my executive, all efforts to remove us so they can have their way.

    “They have repeatedly gone to the media labeling us all sorts of names. But all these won’t deter me nor make me compromise my work. I can’t stop until government said my tenure is up.

    Reacting, State Coordinator, NAFDAC, Pharm. Louis Madubuattah, said over 400 cartons of different kinds of pharmaceutical mostly expired and unregistered products were received by the agency.

    He said the products would be housed in the agency’s warehouse pending time for destruction.

    He said, “This is normal practices. When
    pharmaceutical companies have their products expired, the law requires they hand them over to NAFDAC for destruction.

    “On our own, we’ve been sensitizing the people on the need to ensure expired products are not revalidated and pushed into the system.

    “We’re glad the market leadership has mechanism to mop up unwholesome products. It’s an improvement they’re handing over these products themselves.”

  • No life lost in Auchi fire, say police

    No life lost in Auchi fire, say police

    Edo State Police Command has said no life was lost in the fire resulting from a tanker explosion in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government.

    Viral videos showed people died while scooping fuel from the fallen tanker that exploded.

    There were reports of three explosions in  parts of Auchi.

    Spokesman for the command, Eno Ikoedem, who spoke on the phone, said only a fire incident occurred in Auchi and not explosions.

    Ikoedem said the tanker fell at a bad spot on Auchi-Okene Highway at about 6:30pm on Wednesday.

    She said quick response of the police prevented people from going to scoop fuel before the fire outbreak.

    The police spokesman said fuel that leaked into underground tunnels, ignited the fire.

    She said: “The fire resulted from a tanker that fell on the highway. Fuel gushed out of the tankers.

    “Police stopped people from scooping fuel. There was no explosion in other parts of Auchi. The police prevented deaths.

    “No casualty was recorded. Our men on ground were able to cordon off the affected areas.”

    She said the command was yet to ascertain the level of damage.

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    But residents said the explosions occurred in the underground drains through which the fuel leaked.

    They said some persons were injured and many buildings were damaged after the explosions.

    A witness said explosions were heard at Igbei Road, Igbo Shade and along Auchi–Okene Road, close to Winners Junction.

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged to support victims of Wednesday’s fire in Auchi.

    He described the incident as painful and unfortunate, noting that it had brought grief and distress to families, motorists and residents.

    Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele,

    commiserated with the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III.

    He said the incident was a painful reminder of the dangers associated with the transportation of petroleum products on the country’s highways.