The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Groups condemn hate campaigns against Amaechi

    Groups condemn hate campaigns against Amaechi

    Southern youth groups have condemned hate campaigns against the Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi. They said efforts were being made to frustrate the minister’s presidential aspiration.

    The youth comprising 13 socio-political groups from the Southsouth and Southeast, spoke yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during an extraordinary general meeting.

    The youth, under the aegis of Southern States Youths Coalition (SSYC), decried blackmail against Amaechi, noting that “such debased action against the former Rivers governor is the handiwork of political jobbers.

    “It is very worrisome that these kinds of lies could be posted into public space, even when Amaechi has not declared his intention.

    “Those behind these attacks are afraid of Amaechi’s profile and credentials as a former governor and current minister.

    “This is the time to do away with political sentiments because the eyes of youths are open, and we can choose who we want as the next president,” part of a communiqué signed by the Director General, Media Vanguard for Change (MVC), Ordinance Emeji, reads.

    The groups asked those they described as political detractors to “check Amaechi’s track record as former speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of the state, chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and currently minister of transportation.

    “Those sponsoring Amaechi’s blackmail are just trying to drag his reputable name in the mud for political reasons, just to distract him from delivering on the job of fixing Nigeria, as assigned to him under the Ministry of Transportation by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We are determined to support the emergence of a youthful leader like Amaechi. This is why we are begging him to declare because we the youth from the Southsouth and Southeast, we have contributed cash to buy nomination\expression of interest forms for him as soon as he is ready.”

    The communiqué, which was also endorsed by the Secretary of the coalition, Igbikiminachin Elliot, said it was time for all hands to be on deck towards ensuring a tension-free electioneering. It urged desperate politicians to “play the game according to the rules.”

     

     

  • Cavalli Group, Vita Construction sign deal on Vantage Bourdillon

    Cavalli Group, Vita Construction sign deal on Vantage Bourdillon

    Cavalli Business & Investment Group has awarded  contract for the building of the Vantage Bourdillon to construction and civil engineering firm, Vita Construction.

    Speaking at the award and signing ceremony at the weekend in Lagos, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Cavalli Business & Investment Group, Emmanuel Odemayowa, said Vita Construction was selected after a very rigorous and competitive bidding involving several world-class firms.

    Odemayowa added that Vita Construction’s vast experience in the construction industry and its proven expertise with projects of the scale the Vantage Bourdillon entailed, were key considerations in the award of the construction contract to the firm.

    “Knowing the importance of Bourdillon when it comes to prime real estate in Lagos, we had to come up with something that would wow everyone that beholds it and that informed the idea behind Vantage Bourdillon,” Odemayowa said.

    He said piling and relevant tests on the project site had been completed, adding that the completed Vantage Bourdillon would be a key landmark on the highbrow Bourdillon Road, meeting the lifestyle needs of its highly demanding clientele with the building’s unique features.

    The Managing Director/CEO of Vita Construction, Mr. Yiannakis Christodoulou, thanked Cavalli Group for giving them the job, describing Vantage Bourdillon as a “fanstastic architecture” and that he was confident would be sold out.

    He assured the Cavalli Group of his company’s commitment to delivering of quality, drawing from their over four decades of experience of handling projects of such sophisticated magnitude, especially in Ikoyi.

    The Vantage Bourdillon is a luxury real estate development on 12 suspended floors, comprising 11 apartment floors that would accommodate 22 private residences and a recreational floor with state-of-the-art facilities, including a swimming pool, cinema room, gym and spa.

    The apartment floors comprise  three-bedroom apartments and five bedroom penthouse maisonettes with various amenities, which, according to Odemayowa, compare favourably with luxury apartments in the advanced economies.

  • PSP operators engage officials on the high cost of diesel

    PSP operators engage officials on the high cost of diesel

    Some Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators in Lagos State have threatened to stop work over the hike in the price of diesel and vehicle spare parts.

    The operators said the high cost of diesel and vehicle spare parts might force them to stop work unless they raise their charges.

    “We would be unable to continue to render our services if urgent steps are not taken by government to revert to the old price of diesel and vehicular spare parts, if it is not done on time.

    “The option before the government to prevent the PSP operators from suspending their operations is to permit that we increase our tariffs, notwithstanding that they were only increased last year and also increase waste subsidy for those affected. Already, many operators were not working to capacity because of their inability to buy diesel at the current exorbitant rate.“The government needs to come to our rescue quickly before the system collapses, clearly, hard times awaits Lagosians on the issue of cleanliness and the aesthetics of the environment,” they said in a statement.

    The President of the association, Mr. David Oluwasegun Oriyomi and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Adebola Olugbenga, said though the situation is tough for them, they were discussing with the relevant authorities to find a solution to the problem.

     

     

  • Don’t create zoning tension in Ebonyi, group warns

    Don’t create zoning tension in Ebonyi, group warns

    A group, the Ebonyi for Good Governance, has warned that the continuous emphasis on the zoning of the governorship in Ebonyi State can create political tension.

    In a statement by its Coordinator, Kevin Oji, the group insisted that what should rather be the focus is the character of who becomes the next governor.

    “Desperate political forces appear to be diverting attention, stoking the fire of zoning instead of focusing on the best to rule the state,” the group said.

    According to the group, the zoning arrangement, if ever exists in Ebonyi, presupposes the presence of a charter of equity envisioned to ensure that every zone within the state is given the opportunity to take a shot at the state’s top job.

    This, the group said, was an idea conceived based on fairness, equity, and justice, adding that the issue of zoning was never conclusive.

    It said such an idea was conceived by the founding fathers but was not underpinned and ratified by any Charter of Equity duly agreed upon and certified by political leaders from all the three senatorial zones.

    READ ALSO: Confusion in Ebonyi over purported resignation of deputy speaker

    It said the document if ratified, could have been the holy grail owned by every citizen of the state and should have been a guide for political affirmation and interest.

    The group said: “The plank of any discussion on zoning at the creation of the state in 1996 was that for political convenience, the two divides of the state, Abakaliki and Afikpo blocs be recognised as equal partners.

    “The unwritten understanding then was that if the state capital is cited within any of the geographical locations of the two divides, that the governorship automatically be ceded to the other block.

    “If this view was maintained, the emergence of Abakaliki as the state capital, the governor of the state in 1999 would have automatically gone to Afikpo bloc.

    “This wonderful arrangement though not signed would have established political stability in the state if followed by same politicians who are now distorting records.

    “But unfortunately the idea was instantly killed on arrival by selfish political interests…

    “It will, therefore, be absolutely correct to state that zoning has never been practised in the state since the advent of the present democratic experience in 1999.”

  • Olubadan-elect didn’t endorse any political aspirant – Olori

    Olubadan-elect didn’t endorse any political aspirant – Olori

    The Olubadan-elect Senator Lekan Balogun has not and will not endorse any aspirant or political party in the forthcoming elections.

    The insinuation of endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu after his recent visit to the Olubadan-elect is not true.

    Speaking after the recent visit of All Progressives Congress(APC) presidential aspirant Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to the Olubadan-elect, the Olori, Ambassador Joyce Anene Balogun, told journalists that she has received several calls that the Olubadan-elect has endorsed Tinubu.

    According to her: “I like our people to know that there was no such thing.”

    Asiwaju Tinubu’s visit, she said, “was purely a congratulatory visit to my husband, a normal courtesy visit notable people make to one another.

    “We highly appreciate this and thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for coming to assure the Oludan-elect that the people of Nigeria appreciate him for what he has done for the nation and the people of Ibadan especially.

    READ ALSO: Olubadan-elect and new legacy projects

    “However, the visit of Asiwaju, or of any politician at all, should not be construed as an endorsement of contestants or political parties.

    “The Olubadan-elect is non-partisan. As the father of the people of Ibadan and the nation, he would not be one-sided. All that the Olubadan-elect did was to pray for Tinubu and ask that every politician coming out to contest for elective offices in the future should think about the people and how to improve their lives.”

    This, Olori said, “is the passion of my husband. He loves the people, desires to improve their lives and make them more comfortable. He also talked about the youths and wants them to feel they are a part of the country and give their best to the country.

    “These are what the Olubadan-elect said. I was there. There was nothing like endorsing anybody or a political party. My husband doesn’t care who gets there.

    “He wants the right person in power and him to be conscious of the needs of the masses, the youths and the aged. He wants the best for the nation,” she said.

  • 14 Brigade Headquarters gets new Commander

    14 Brigade Headquarters gets new Commander

    Brigadier General Mohammed Dahiru Abumawashi has taken over as the new Commander of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barracks, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army Headquarters Ohafia, Abia State.

    The change in command at the Ohafia Army Barracks was coming on the heels of the recent posting of senior officers of the Force as approved by Army Headquarters, Abuja.

    The change of baton between the outgoing Commander, Brigadier General Mohammed Bello Wabili and Brigadier General Mohammed Dahiru Abumawashi took place on Friday at the Brigade headquarters, Ohafia LGA.

    In his farewell address, Brigadier General Wabili appreciated officers and soldiers of the Brigade for their tireless support and good working relationship during his tenure.

    READ ALSO: 14 Brigade hosts 82 Division Army Inter-Brigade competition

    He enjoined them to redouble their efforts with the incoming Commander by joining hands with the new leadership in making the Brigade better than he met it.

    He reiterated that the incoming with his wealth of experience as a seasoned infantry officer would deliver well and take the Brigade and the Nigerian Army to the next level.

    Before his appointment as Commander 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, the new Commander was the Director Combat Development headquarters Infantry Corps Centre Jaji while the erstwhile Commander was posted to headquarters 2 Division.

    The event was witnessed by the Brigade Principal Staff Officer’s, Commanding Officer, members of Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) amongst others. Event was hitch free.

  • 240 Abia undergraduates get Senator T.A Orji’s scholarship

    240 Abia undergraduates get Senator T.A Orji’s scholarship

    No fewer than 240 undergraduates of Abia extraction have received scholarship support of N100,000 each from Senator Theodore Orji (Abia Central).

    Senator Orji said the scheme was informed by the fact that education remains the bedrock of national growth and development.

    He spoke at the International conference centre Umuahia where the award ceremony took place.

    He said investment in education is never a waste but serves as a bedrock upon which nations grow and develop themselves.

    READ ALSO: Commissioner gives 50 students scholarships

    The Senator said the scholarship was to help youths remain focused on their academic dreams and help reduce the burdens cost of education thrusts on their families.

    He urged students to take their academics seriously to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.

    Beneficiaries of the sixth Senator T.A Orji 6th annual scholarship award were drawn from various tertiary institutions across the nation.

  • Uzodimma’s daughters launch Ability Life Initiative

    Uzodimma’s daughters launch Ability Life Initiative

    Co-founders of The Ability Life Initiative, (TALI), Miss Oprah Uzodimma and Miss Prada Uzodimma, have announced the launching of their foundation that caters to persons with disabilities.

    Oprah Uzodimma, who is a Public Health Specialist in an interview with journalists, said what gave birth to TALI was from their early childhood.

    She said: “We have both been keen to help out in our local communities. This was as little as charitably giving our after-church ice cream money to those less well off at the church gates.

    “I have gained vast experience by engaging with multi-sectoral stakeholders, during the global pandemic. I worked on the World Bank IAP proposal for Imo State thus securing the necessary fund and facilities to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “I successfully managed the implementation of the roadmap for the first-ever joint annual programme review meeting for AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria for Global fund activities in Nigeria.

    She obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nottingham Trent, the UK in Biomedical Science and furthered her studies to Master’s level in Public Health Management & Leadership from the University of Sheffield also in the United Kingdom.

    Prada Uzodimma, a co-founder, is an experienced lawyer who continuously strives to rise to the zenith of the profession.

    She obtained her LL.B from the University of Surrey and her LL.M in Maritime Law from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.

    Currently licensed as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, she has employed her legal ingenuity in a number of cases prominent of which is the celebrated Imo State election petition.

    Their passion for achieving universal health coverage for all and protecting the fundamental human rights for persons with disabilities birthed The Ability Life Initiative (TALI), an initiative engineered to bridge the gap for persons with disabilities.
    .
    When asked what inspired the initiative TALI, Prada noted: ” Like my sister said it all started during our childhood.
    “Years later, having been exposed to global cultural perspectives through our foreign education in the United Kingdom for over 7 years, we began to think about how to apply our experience and insights to better our own country.

    “Disability is something that has affected only a small number of people around our own lives. However, it is something that we have a strong yearning to pursue alleviating.

    “We have decided to wake up every day to use our resources and that of those willing to aid this initiative to create a community, a country, and even a world where persons with disabilities have the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life”.

  • APC will convincingly win Anambra, Osun, Ekiti, 2023 general elections, says Akpanudoedehe

    APC will convincingly win Anambra, Osun, Ekiti, 2023 general elections, says Akpanudoedehe

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it will win the 2023 general elections as well as forthcoming governorship elections in Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti states.

    Secretary of the party’s Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, announced this yesterday while inaugurating the party’s State Congress Appeal Committees in Abuja.

    He said: “You all will agree with me that the process of recalibrating our party into a functional winning machine in 2023 is well on course.

    “With the huge membership strength we have recorded during the last registration and revalidation exercise, there is no doubt that Nigerians still trust us and that we will win all the upcoming elections convincingly, starting from the governorship elections in Anambra, to Osun, Ekiti, and the 2023 general elections.

    “Nigerians, by now, have realised that the APC-led government of President Muhammadu Buhari means well for Nigerians and is doing everything possible to deliver infrastructure to Nigerians amidst difficult economic times globally.”

    Addressing committee chairmen and secretaries, Akpanudoedehe said the appeal committees were part of APC’s internal mechanisms to give dissatisfied members in the just-concluded states congresses a platform to express their grievances.

    The secretary advised them to approach the committees instead of taking issues to the media space.

    “Let them put forward their case before this Appeals Committee,” he said.

    Akpanudoedehe also enjoined the committee members to ensure fair hearing and justice in their assignment.

    “You all were carefully selected based on your proven track records of integrity and capacity to deliver. The party trusts in your ability to bring to bear on this task your incredible credentials,” he added.

    Edo State APC chieftain, Chief Patrick Obayagbon, who responded on behalf of the appeal committee members, assured the party and aggrieved members that they would be given fair hearing and get justice.

    He also advised aggrieved members to use APC’s internal conflict resolution mechanism by approaching the appeal committees in their states.

  • Okowa presents N469.5b budget

    Okowa presents N469.5b budget

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday presented a budget proposal of N469.5 billion for 2022 fiscal year to the House of Assembly.

    Okowa, presenting the budget named “Budget of inclusive growth and accelerated development”, to the assembly in Asaba, said it showed an increase of N85.54 billion over that of 2021 approved budget of N383.9 billion.

    He said the increase was based on anticipated exchange rate gains, increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) collection and other capital receipts.

    “There is also a corresponding improvement in our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which gives allowance to capture 80 per cent of our ongoing projects in the budget.

    “So, none of the projects we initiated is uncompleted by the time this administration completes its tenure,” he said.

    Okowa said the budget was made up of N185.3 billion for Recurrent Expenditure and N284.1 billion for Capital Expenditure.

    He said the total projected recurrent expenditure of the budget would be spent to meet government’s financial obligations on salaries, wages and the day to day running of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

    “The capital expenditure for the 2022 budget is higher than that of 2021 by 60.5 per cent and it will be utilised in funding infrastructural development, acquisition of assets and investments in human capital expenditure.

    “The increase in capital expenditure over the previous year’s approved budget once again underscores our commitment to channel more resources to the growth and productive sectors of our economy,” he said.

    The governor said the 2022 budget was targeted at completion of ongoing projects, as well as new ones in the critical areas of need.

    According to him, it will also focus on transparency and proper accountability in public expenditure so that citizens can always get value for money in all projects and programmes of government.

    Okowa said the budget would be funded from the regular revenue sources, including opening balance from the previous year, statutory allocation, 13 per cent oil mineral fund, taxes and non-tax revenue fees, fines, permits, rents, interests, among others.

    He reiterated that his administration would continue to give intensive taxpayer education, as well as make improvements in tax audits and enforcement to boost the IGR of the state.

    On the implementation of the 2021 budget, he noted that the state received N220.6 billion during the first eight months of the year as against the expected proportionate revenue of N255.9 billion.

    According to him, this represents 86 per cent budget performance, which is a good score in the face of the current uncertainties in the economy.

    “Out of this amount, N45.73 billion was generated as IGR against the proportionate figure of N43.75 billion, which represent 105 per cent budget performance,” he said.

    Okowa, however, noted that the 2022 budget would be the last to be implemented by his administration.

    He reiterated that his administration would be careful to pursue prudent policy stance that would entrench efficient spending, curb waste and engender inclusive to enable him deliver excellently.

    Speaker Sheriff Oboriovwori hailed Okowa for his transparent and accountable system of government.

    He assured him of speedy consideration of the Appropriation Bill.