Category: Southeast report

As part of efforts to curb kidnaping and militancy within the creeks, the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar flagged off Exercise Still Water II at Ikang community in Bakassi local government area of Cross River.

Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, Brig-Gen. Everest Okoro dropped this hint during the flag off that the exercise was meant to curb kidnapping, militancy, armed robbery, cultism among others.

Okoro said that during the exercise, troops will plan and conduct operations in both land and riverine environments that are volatile, unpredictable, chaotic and ambiguous in real-time.

According to him, real-time operations would be used to counter security threats in the state ranging from kidnapping, armed banditry, arms smuggling/proliferation, militancy and cultism among others.

“Exercise Still Water would also serve as an avenue to challenge commanders in their understanding and application of the tactics, techniques and procedures of various scenarios of an internal security environment.

“The exercise will heighten the tempo of operations and ensure no respite for criminals throughout the Area of Responsibility while at the same time ensuring law-abiding citizens enjoy the freedom to go about their legitimate activities.

Read Also: Army launches anti-crime operations in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Delta

“This period was carefully selected by the Army Headquarters to checkmate the activities of criminals during the yuletide period and the political activities that have commenced towards the 2023 general elections,” he said.

The Commander therefore solicited the support of residents of the state towards the success of the exercise.

He noted that the exercise would also afford the army the opportunity to further cement the existing cordial civil-military cooperation, thereby facilitating civilian support to the military.

“All personnel of all units of the Brigade across the state including those from other security agencies will jointly participate in the exercise which implies comprehensive capacity building.

“During the exercise, troops are expected to conduct roadblocks, mobile patrols, riverine patrols, cordon and search, crowd dispersal, guarding of key points and vulnerable points.

“The troops are also expected to conduct escort duties, imposition of curfew, rescue operations and raids to contain and deny criminals freedom of action.”

Also speaking, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Dr Alfred Mboto, commended the synergy of security agencies in the state.

Ayade, who lauded security agencies in the state for their contribution towards peace building and security provision, pledged his administration’s commitment towards the success of the exercise.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta central senatorial candidate Chief Ede Dafinone has said that the APC government under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will tackle unemployment, inflation, insecurity and food crisis will be a thing of the past if he emerges as next president in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

Dafinone made this statement when he consulted with APC members and leaders in Sapele local government area of Delta state on his ambition to run for the Delta central senatorial seat.

According to him, Tinubu is well-grounded in the art of governance having done it in Lagos state, where he governed for eight years and made the state a mega-city.

He assured the party faithful of his commitment towards delivering the dividends of democracy when elected come 2023, adding that APC will bring the desired development to Delta state come 2023.

He asserted that the APC will win the 2023 general from Lagos to Delta, from the North and Southsouth, Southwest and the Southeast.

Read Also: My plans for Nigeria, by Tinubu

While assuring them that their votes will count, unlike before because the days of snatching ballot boxes are over, he urged the electorate to go on door-to-door campaigns for him.

The APC Delta Central Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki tasked the APC faithful in Ward 1, to rally round and mobilise support for Chief Ede Dafinone and all the party candidates, adding that the campaign this time around will be door-to-door.

Akpeki narrated how he accompanied the APC senatorial candidate’s late father, Sen. David Dafinone to the National Assembly in 1979 during the regime of late President Shehu Shagari under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), here his late Senator Dafinone influenced the siting of Delta Steel Company Aladja and the Sapele Seaport, all in Delta Central.

The senator representing the Northern senatorial district of Cross River State, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)has flagged off his re-election campaign bid with a boast that he will defeat his major rival, Governor Ben Ayade of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is eyeing returning to the senate seat in 2023.

Jarigbe on Saturday in Ogoja organised what he tagged “one million man march” which recorded huge crowd and he declared, “I am going to face a non performing governor and I will defeat him.”

Buoyed by the huge crowd, Jarigbe said he is ready for the election and advised his supporters to vote all PDP candidates because it will be better for them.

In his words, he alleged that,” Ayade has failed his people and he is too greedy. I am going to face a non performing governor and I will defeat him”, he reiterated.

Jarigbe said as a Senator he has demonstrated empathy for his people by putting myself in their shoes and their support for him is unparalled.

“I treat my people with empathy, input myself in their shoes and their support for me is actually unparalled, I owe them a lot.”

“I’ve provided most of what the people need and have filled the gaps.

“Return all the PDP candidates and it will be better for all of us,” Senator Jarigbe said.

Read Also: Cross River North: Appeal Court refuses to review judgment given in Jarigbe’s favour

Also speaking, Godwin Offiono, the PDP candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency said the one million man march is a success and demonstrates Jarigbe’s acceptance.

He described the lawmaker as their “Governor-General of Cross River North” who has done exceedingly well.

According to Offiono, the turn out in the solidarity march is a clear demonstration of Senator Jarigbe’s acceptance.

“This is an expression of solidarity, love and acceptance the people of Cross River North have for senator Jarigbe,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr. Ikani Wogar a retired technocrat, said with the one million march, the people have put an imprimatur on the district.

The imprimatur he said is for Senator Jarigbe and no other person can take it away.

Other stakeholders who lent their support for the reelection of Senator Jarigbe include Major Mike Otiwa, Ujie Udah, Idi Yakubu, Martin Achadu, Omang Omang, Rita Agbor Anyim and many others.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta Central senatorial candidate, Chief Ede Dafinone, has commiserated with victims of the flood disaster and affected communities, calling on Delta state government to intervene swiftly.

Dafinone, who stated this in a press statement, has also called on the Federal Government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to speed-up emergency operations and bring relief materials to over forty-five affected communities not cared for.

He said over 46 communities in Ughelli North and South local government areas in Delta central are currently flooded with many families displaced and goods and properties worth several millions of naira destroyed.

Dafinone said, “I wish to commiserate with our people in Ughelli North and South and other parts of Delta who are affected by the ravaging flood that has displaced a number of families and destroyed means of livelihood.

“I also want to use this medium to call on the authority of the National Emergency Management Agency, Delta State Government and other relevant agencies to speed-up emergency operations and bring relief materials to affected victims.

Read Also: Flood displaces 1300 in Rivers community

“In the last count, 41 communities in Ughelli South LGA which includes; Ewu-Otor, Orere, Assah, Etefe, Olodiama, Omafuvwe, Edjekuo, Gbaregolo, Omosuomo (inland), Omosuomo (waterside), Okuama, Ogoda, Alagbabri, Ofrukama, Ososo-Urhie, Ekameta, Oyan, Arhavwarien, Okparebe and Olota.

“Other affected communities include; Okpavuerhe -Olomu, Ophori-Olomu, Akperhe – Olomu, Oviri- Olomu, Umolo – Olomu, Agbon – Olomu,  Aloba – Olomu, Ovwodokpokpor – Olomu, Ogoni -Olomu,  Okpare – Olomu, Effurun – Otor, Otegbo, Egbo-Ideh, Otutuama, Okwagbe, Ekrokpe, Iwhrogun, Esaba, Ophorigbala,  Otu-Jeremi, Erhuwaren and Obi-Ayagha.

“In Ughelli North Local Government Area, Evwreni, Unenurhie, Uwherun Town, Ohoro and Agadama Communities are also affected, with several farms, properties and other means of livelihood completely swept off by the flood, leaving our people devastated.

“There is impending hunger in the affected communities, so I want to appeal to corporate bodies, international agencies and well-meaning Deltans to rally support in the form of food items, and other materials for the affected victims and communities to cushion the effect of the flood.

“While we await these interventions, I also urge our people in the affected flood place to move upland and to safe places,” adding that all hands must be on deck to bring succour to affected victims.

The youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obegu Ward, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Celestine Egbuaba have been killed by gunmen.

According to sources, the gunmen, numbering over 10 had reportedly blocked the road, took hold of the youth leader and murdered him.

The gunmen, it was learnt also attacked other passersby who were returning from their farms and unfortunately ran into the attackers.

A source, an aged woman who was returning from the farm but was quick to hide in a nearby bush, said that despite several appeals from the youth leader, the gunmen shot at him by the side of the belly when he made attempts to escape.

She noted that shortly after the youth leader was shot dead, the gunmen took the other victims and escaped inside the bush.

“It was so pathetic as I was returning from the farm. I heard voices and I had to hide in a nearby bush and watched closely what was happening.

Read Also: Gunmen kill APC youth leader in Enugu

“The attackers got hold of the youth leader and others and were interrogating him about the recent empowerment money he received from the state government.

“The youth leader pleaded with them to spare his life but all his pleas fell on deaf ears as one of them instructed the others to waste the youth leader.

“They shot at him when he made attempts to escape. They left him in the pool of his own blood and escaped into the nearby bush.”

The source also revealed that some members of the community who ran into them while the attack was going on were also attacked and many of them sustained various degrees of injuries while others escaped unhurt.

Confirming the incident, the Council Chairman, Ishielu Local Government Area, Obinna Onwe debunked the report in some media publication that the attack was carried out by Fulani herdsmen, adding that the killing may not be unconnected to politics.

Onwe disclosed that the gunmen after committing the dastardly act the Obegu Ward Party Chairman in the local government, Ede Christian Micheal threatening to also deal with him.

The Aurora Tech Award, an initiative powered by inDrive is set to recognise women IT entrepreneurs who have made profound and positive impact on world development through their tech startups.

Justifying the need for the award, the Executive Director of Aurora Tech Award, Ekaterina Smirnova said it is to break down gender stereotypes in IT, give a boost to women in the IT sector, recognise women’s achievements in IT entrepreneurship and financially support their projects through cash prizes.

“Remaining true to its mission to fight for justice and equity, inDrive has created this award to give women the opportunity to develop and maximise their potential in IT professions. Despite women’s barriers and challenges, they are creating unique IT projects, such as driverless vehicles. They are making a difference in various fields of study, such as medicine and science.

“It’s important for us to give women the opportunity to reach their maximum potential in the IT industry. Gender prejudices are gradually becoming a thing of the past but persist in today’s modern world. Limiting a person’s opportunities just because of their gender is unfair. Last years’ experience showed us how many interesting and diverse projects that benefit communities around the world were initiated by women. We hope that this year we will see even more of them,” it added.

The statement further noted that the entries would go through rigorous assessment from a distinguished panel of judges drawn from prominent female IT entrepreneurs, the winners of last year’s Aurora Tech Award, and key industry experts.

The grand prize winner would go home with $30,000, while the first and second runner-ups would receive $20,000 and $10,000, respectively. Winners will emerge from each category with the prize to be awarded to contestants from any participating country. In addition to the rewards, the entrepreneurs will gain access to inDrive’s mentorship programme.

To be eligible to participate, an applicant must be a founder or co-founder of a startup running for five years. Participants must present their achievements and startup success in a presentation, including a comprehensive explanation of how winning the award will affect the life of the applicant, her company, or a particular community.

Workers of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Enugu State on Friday took out time to observe the annual World Post Day.

The occasion, which is marked every October 9th, was the celebration of this year’s World Post Day in commemoration of the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) about 148 years ago in Bern, Switzerland.

This year’s event, which comes up on Sunday October 9, was supposed to be commemorated on Monday, but was however brought forward to Friday because of the Mondays’ sit-at-home in the Southeast.

At the event on Friday in Enugu, members of staff of Enugu NIPOST embarked on roadshow, sharing flyers and creating awareness on their essential services such as paying bills, sending or receiving money, ordering goods, selling of stamps and delivering of parcels, among others.

Speaking with our correspondent at the event, the Postal Manager in charge of Enugu State, Ivue Ubogu, said the creation of the UPU 148 years ago established a multi-lateral framework for the payment of goods and services, exchange of documents and goods across borders and paved the way for global trade and commerce.

Read Also: NIPOST signs MoU with Visa, eGate for financial inclusion

He noted that as drivers of economic growth, the post must continue to improve and develop efficient postal services.

“Post Office, whether physical or virtual, serve not only customers’ communication needs but also allow them to pay bills, send or receive money, order goods, track and trace parcels/letters, etc,” Ubogu said.

Despite the challenges such as economic crises, stiff competition, globalisation, market liberalisation, technological advancement among others the agency faces in rendering its services, the post still remained very relevant, he stressed.

The Postal Manager further disclosed that NIPOST had maintained a vital link between people and businesses both nationally and internationally even as it has ensured prompt service delivery as well as enhancing staff welfare as much as possible.

Ubogu also used the opportunity to appreciate the staff for their valuable contributions to the growth of the organisation, even as he promised that their welfare would continue to be a priority.

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), Mrs. Ozavize E. Salami has pledged total commitment to sustaining and strengthening the EdoSTAR Fellowship Programme initiated by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Mrs. Salami made the disclosure at a special event organized by the Edo State Ministry of Education in collaboration with Edo SUBEB to mark World Teachers’ Day in Benin City.

The EdoSTAR Fellowship programme is a three-year intensive training and field experience programme for teachers and aspiring teachers who will be integrated into Edo State Civil Service after successful completion of the programme.

“The EdoSTAR Fellowship program will continue to develop – we now have EdoSTAR fellows in our junior secondary schools – and we will overcome the initial teething problems we are encountering, to eventually provide the required personnel and manpower that is community based to enable sustained quality teaching and learning across all schools and communities in Edo State,” Mrs. Salami said.

Read Also: New chairman for Niger SUBEB

Over 3,000 EdoSTAR teachers were recruited by the Edo State Government in the first phase of the programme to fill teacher-gaps in primary and junior secondary schools.

EdoSTAR Fellows were part of the 10-day intensive EdoBEST Induction Training which introduced teachers to the EdoBEST methodology, a methodology that has been proven to deliver superior learning outcomes to pupils in Bridge Kenya Schools over and above traditional methods (Based on a two-year research conducted by Nobel Prize-winning Economist, Professor Michael Kremer).

A coalition of the Niger Delta ex-agitators made up of Phases I, II and III ex-militants under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has advised the Federal Government against scrapping the scheme until all components of the programme are fully implemented.

The ex-agitators gave the advice yesterday in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), saying that the scrapping of the amnesty programme would not be accepted by the majority of the ex-freedom fighters.

The ex-agitators opposed the plan against the backdrop of the alleged directive by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) that the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme, Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd.), should commence the process of winding down the programme.

The coalition in the letter signed by the Secretary, Comrade Omoko John, noted that the fact that the government awarded multi-billion pipeline protection contracts to a former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, was not a tenable reason to end the programme.

Read Also: Ex-militants task Ndiomu on reverification of PAP beneficiaries

The ex-agitators reasoned that the pipeline surveillance job was only awarded to a company, a corporate body and did not cover the spread of the ex-militants and PAP beneficiaries.

The coalition said before PAP was established by late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2009 as part of the government’s measures to reduce militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta, Yar’Adua carefully studied the security situations of the Niger region vis-à-vis the destruction of oil installations, decline of oil production and kidnapping of foreign oil workers triggered by the region’s neglect by multinational oil firms and the Federal Government.

They said the programme enrolled only 30,000 ex-militants out of over one million youths that were actually involved in the militancy, noting that out of the 30,000 ex-militants, less than 45 per cent had been reintegrated without empowerment packages for them to fully equip themselves to compete with their contemporaries in the society.

The coalition advised President Buhari and Monguno that scrapping of the programme was counter-productive, saying that such action would definitely spark another rounds of agitations in the region which would inevitably lead to the disruption of the success the action intended to achieve in the ongoing pipeline security, fight against oil theft and bunkering in the region.

Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, has bemoaned the lack of “political will” by African leaders to address increasing tropical parasitic diseases ravaging the continent.

The VC raised the concern in a keynote address at the 46th annual conference of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), in DELSU, recently.

Speaking on the theme ‘Political Will Towards Disease Control -The African Experience,’ the professor emphasised the urgent need for the government to bridge the gap in health financing, rather than relying more on foreign aids.

According to him, tropical parasitic diseases have been a huge burden on the continent, causing devastating consequences on humans and agricultural practice, over the years.

Positing that the issue is a threat to Africa’s potential for development, he charged African leaders to rise up to the challenge as this will help curb poverty, infertility rate, slow economic growth, deforestation, rapid urbanisation, increased migration, wars and natural disasters across the continent.

“The health challenge has been well recognised by African governments resulting in the Abuja Declaration in 2001 and other follow-ups.

“But responses have been mixed, with most countries unable to meet the funding target of 15 percent, including Nigeria, with an average budget of about 4.7 percent since the past 20 years. While the highest is Swaziland, with 17 percent,” he said.