The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Sen Ekpeyong honoured among distinguished Young Leaders at THISDAY’s Awards

    Sen Ekpeyong honoured among distinguished Young Leaders at THISDAY’s Awards

    Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, representing Cross River South, has been recognised as one of Nigeria’s most promising young leaders at THISDAY’s 30th commemoration awards ceremony.

    The prestigious event, held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional resilience and innovation across various sectors.

    Under the theme “When the Going Gets Tough…the Tough Gets Rewarded,” the awards ceremony brought together Nigeria’s most influential figures, including governors, industry leaders, technocrats, and politicians.

    Senator Ekpeyong was honoured in the Young Global Leaders category alongside other distinguished recipients: Folake Akindele, founder of Tiffany Amber; Jennifer Adighije, CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company; and Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa.

    In his acceptance speech, Senator Ekpeyong demonstrated both humility and vision: “This recognition is not just mine but belongs to the pillars who have shaped my journey,” he stated, acknowledging his constituents and mentors, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Governors Ben Ayade and Bassey Otu. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Netanela, for her unwavering support.

    “This award strengthens my resolve to continue striving for excellence and creating meaningful impact, knowing that the journey is never walked alone but always with the encouragement of family, mentors, and partners”, he emphasised.

    The evening was marked by world-class performances, including an electrifying show by legendary American singer Diana Ross and Nigerian superstar Flavour.

    The event was masterfully coordinated by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of THISDAY Media Group/Arise TV Networks, who shared powerful insights about resilience in journalism and leadership.

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    Other notable awards included the Governor of the Year category, which recognised Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) for their exceptional leadership and impact in their respective states.

    Senator Ekpeyong’s recognition among the Young Global Leaders highlights his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape and his potential to shape the nation’s future.

    His commitment to excellence and public service, built on good representation and a People First Agenda that drives every policy and project in the district, continues to inspire the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

  • Onoh greets Fubara at 50

    Onoh greets Fubara at 50

    President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the south east Dr Josef Onoh has hailed Rivers Governor Simi Fubara who clocked 50 on Tuesday.

    Onoh, in the message, asked Fubara to remain focused in offering good governance to the people of Rivers State as he swore in his oath of office..

    He described Fubara as a man of wisdom whose large heart has accommodated and united the diverse people, residents and stakeholders of the oil-producing State in the Niger Delta.

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    Onoh stated that the people of Nigeria, Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State are united in their support for the success of the Fubura administration and urged him to prioritise people’s needs over and above any other consideration.

    “On behalf of myself and family, I wish you more prosperous years in good health and wisdom. In the words of Thomas Osbert Mordaunt, ‘Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife!
    Throughout the sensual world proclaim,
    One crowded hour of glorious life
    Is worth an age without a name.”

    “Happy birthday, Your Excellency. “Odunejogu Ndigbo! Odibo di uru Ndigbo, Dike di Igbo NMA,” Onoh stated.

  • Otti warns against extortion, fraud in Abia teachers’ recruitment

    Otti warns against extortion, fraud in Abia teachers’ recruitment

    Abia State Government has warned individuals or groups planning to extort or defraud applicants in the ongoing recruitment of over 2,000 teachers for public schools, to be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

    The government had last week announced its decision to recruit about 2,500 teachers in public schools across the state.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Alex Otti emphasised the commitment of his administration to a transparent and merit-based selection process.

    The statement said the recruitment aimed to revive the state’s education sector, which had faced challenges over the years.

    Ekeoma revealed that the application process would be conducted online, with detailed guidelines to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.

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    He acknowledged concerns that some desperate applicants might fall victim of unscrupulous elements seeking to manipulate the system for personal gain.

    The statement noted: ‘’Transformative measures, including sponsored extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65.

    ‘’Approval of a special welfare package for teachers, particularly in rural areas. Introduction of tuition-free education in primary and secondary schools. Approval of monthly running costs for school heads.

    ‘’Reconstruction and retrofitting of school buildings across the state’s 17 local governments. Training of 200 master trainers by a renowned consultancy firm to enhance teacher capacity.’’

    The government urged the public to report cases of bribery, extortion, or fraud, saying anyone caught violating the recruitment guidelines would face legal consequences.

  • FUTO warns against dropping governor’s name to grab disputed land

    FUTO warns against dropping governor’s name to grab disputed land

    Host communities of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) have cautioned dubious individuals in Imo State against dropping the name of Governor Hope Uzodimma and his administration for the purpose of grabbing the community’s disputed land.

    The communities, which spoke through their attorney, Chief Sam Anokam, described as misleading and outright falsehood, the claim by some individuals in media reports that the disputed land with FUTO in Obinze and Umuoma Nekede communities in Owerri West Local Government was acquired by the Imo State Government under a housing project.

    The report also claimed that the land was collectively released by the communities to the state government, saying the land in dispute was outside the area under litigation between FUTO and host communities.

    But, the host communities, which described the claim as untrue and misleading, insisted that the land was part of the subject land in contest between the host communities and FUTO.

    Anokam warned companies and individuals against dragging the officials of the state government and Imo State Housing Corporation into the said land.

    “These persons are pursuing vested, personal interests as land grabbers, who are dropping the name of the governor. Let me add that the said prominent persons should make public, letter of the land release.

    “They should produce letter of land release by Imo State governor or the Federal Government. It is meant to once again defraud unsuspecting land purchasers.

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    “These dubious people are fond of using Imo Housing Corporation. Where is the former Commissioner for Housing and ex-General Manager of Imo Housing Corporation? They were agents of land grabbing activities over this swathe of land.

    “Imagine the dubious persons crediting my efforts at initiating the intervention of the Federal Government to Imo State Government. I challenge them to publish Imo State Government correspondence that gave rise to the Inter-ministerial Committee and I publish mine and the Federal Government response.

    “If the governor is behind them, then the governor should apologise to his former Commissioner for Lands, Noble Atulegwu and Nze Chinasa Nwaneri for disgracing them out of office over the same land grabbing offence.”

  • Enugu okays landmark climate, off-grid electricity policies

    Enugu okays landmark climate, off-grid electricity policies

    Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, has approved Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), making it the first subnational government in Nigeria to adopt a long-term climate strategy that incorporates emissions modelling, micro-energy audits and extensive stakeholder engagement.

    The State Executive Council has also okayed Enugu State Off-Grid Electrification (OGE) Policy Strategy Plan, to expand electricity access to unserved and underserved communities, leveraging distributed renewable energy solutions to drive economic growth and improve public service delivery.

    The approvals were announced by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the end of the State Executive Council meeting at the weekend.

    Briefing reporters alongside the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Nathaniel Uramah, Onyia said ESCPAP underscored Mbah administration’s commitment to balancing economic transformation, environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness and climate resilience, ensuring key sectors such as agriculture, energy and natural resources were climate-resilient and future-proofed against environmental challenges.

    The ESCPAP, according to the government, represents a pioneering effort to facilitate clean energy development, stimulate job creation and foster green technology advancements.

    “We do recall that Enugu State had started this policy design in the past eight months, and finally, after the surveys and after crunching the numbers from various instruments we used, we have come up with a policy and action plan.

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    “This action plan will help us enhance economic growth. This is very important for us in job creation, and we are looking at a situation where we facilitate the creation of 792,000 jobs in renewable energy, waste management and reforestation by 2060,” he said.

    In terms of sustainable economic growth, ESCPAP is projected to drive a 25-fold increase in the state’s GDP by 2060 through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and green technology.

    In terms of energy transition, the state, going by the policy, targets 80 per cent renewable energy usage by 2060, with a 60 per cent emissions reduction in the transport sector and a robust afforestation plan to enhance carbon sequestration.

    The comprehensive policy and action plan includes the setting up of an ESCPAP Implementation Committee, comprising representatives from the government, private sector, civil society and international donor organisations, to ensure effective execution of the policy’s goals as well as the introduction of  a climate change curriculum in Enugu’s Smart Green Schools, to equip the future generations with knowledge and skills in green innovation.

    The Climate Policy and Action Plan, he said ,aligned with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate agreements, thus positioning the state as a key player in the nation’s journey toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.

    Also, highlighting the state’s Off-Grid Policy, Onyia said: “This policy is designed to complement the Enugu State Electrification Policy that was passed in 2023 Enugu Electricity Law.

    “This provides a framework that will catalyse private sector investment, enhance socio-economic growth and improve the overall quality of life of Enugu people.

  • 64 schools to compete for N10m prize Olu of Warri’s quiz, debate

    64 schools to compete for N10m prize Olu of Warri’s quiz, debate

    Sixty-four schools drawn from across Warri and other neighbouring kingdoms in Delta State are set to participate in the 2025 Ogiame Atuwatse III Intercollegiate Quiz and Debate Competition.

    Recall that His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III announced the N10 million-grand prize competition last October, through his Sole Representative Liaison to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Prince Collins Edema.

    Speaking at a news conference at Nana College, Warri, Edema noted that the maiden quiz and debate competition were borne out of the monarch’s desire for children of Warri Kingdom and Delta State at large, to be educated.

    Edema, who was flanked by team members of the project, including the Quiz Project Lead, Coker Tuoyo, expressed the traditional ruler’s gratitude to the educators and students for their readiness to participate in the competition.

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    “I want to convey the heartfelt gratitude of His Majesty to all schools present here today, for being available to participate in this intercollegiate competition.

    “The education of the Warri child and of course, the Delta child is dear to the heart of His Majesty. This is why we are having this competition,” the Olu of Warri’s sole representative said.

    Hinting that the competition would explore science subjects and current affairs, he said besides the N10 million prize, participants would go home with other gift prizes.

    The Project Lead, Tuoyo, stressed that the competition hoped to nurture young minds educationally.

    According to him, 64 schools divided into 16 groups are earmarked to partake in the competition, which will be split into eight rounds, beginning from January, to culminate in June.

  • PIA: Trust Fund launches over N100m empowerment scheme to curb hardship

    PIA: Trust Fund launches over N100m empowerment scheme to curb hardship

    The NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust Fund has launched over N100 million economic empowerment scheme for 200 indigenes in Akwa Ibom State.

    Speaking at the launch of the programme at Ikot Ekong, in Mkpat Enin Local Government, Mr. Sunny Udo, the council’s representative on the Board of Trustees, hoped the programme would serve as a catalyst for job creation in the region, especially for youths.

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    He said participants in the initiative would be trained in agro-business sectors such as fishery, poultry and piggery, and would each receive a financial grant of N500,000 to boost their businesses.

    “EMOIMEE is here to stay and transform Mkpat Enin, We are committed to training youths in entrepreneurial skills, equipping them with the resources needed to create sustainable businesses and employment for others.”

  • ‘Power outage, tariff hike threaten broadcasting’ 

    ‘Power outage, tariff hike threaten broadcasting’ 

    Power outage, hike in telco tariffs, among other challenges, will cripple broadcasting industry in Nigeria, the management of Inspiration Radio Station in Akwa Ibom State has said.

    It said National Assembly’s plan to enact laws to increase telecoms tariff would automatically bring down operations of broadcast stations and shut their businesses nationwide.

    The radio station also observed that power outage had made the cost of production more expensive, considering the high cost of diesel to run broadcast stations.

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    Speaking in Uyo yesterday during the new year thanksgiving service at Solid Rock Kingdom Church, the General Manager of Inspiration 105.9 Radio Station, Rev Silas Ufot, said if the telecoms companies should increase their tariffs, broadcast stations might have low patronage by subscribers.

    He listed other challenges to include high cost of diesel, unfriendly economy, inflation and low patronage.

    Ufot, who led other workers to the thanksgiving service, said the planned tariff hike would reduce the number of callers on their phone-in programmes and cut down audience interactivity/participation, as well as patronage.

  • Obi donates N100m to Anambra hospitals

    Obi donates N100m to Anambra hospitals

    Former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated N25 million to IHM Health System, at Mmiata-Anam in Anambra West Local Government, alongside his philanthropic partner, Prof. Phillip Ozuah.

    This followed previous donation of N75 million made last year to IHM Specialist Hospital in Nkpor, also managed by Immaculate Heart Sisters.

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    Speaking, Obi described the visit as reaffirmation of his commitment to improving health care, education and poverty alleviation across the country.

    He said the donation, which was in continued effort to support key sectors of development, was targeted at aiding expansion of the hospital, in recognition of the institutional impact.

    He hailed the hospital management for its dedication to humanity, emphasising its invaluable role in delivering health care to deserving communities and improving lives in challenging circumstances.

  • Summit appoints governor’s wife as board’s chairperson

    Summit appoints governor’s wife as board’s chairperson

    The Global Sustainability Summit and Awards (GSSA) has appointed wife of Kwara State governor, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, as the chairperson of its Board of Advisors.

    In a statement yesterday, the Convener of GSSA, Canon Otto, described her appointment as a pivotal moment in the organisation’s mission to advance global sustainability initiatives and foster impactful change.

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    He said the governor’s wife’s remarkable history of leadership, diplomacy and commitment to sustainable development positioned her as a vital asset in driving initiatives that advanced environmental conservation, social responsibility and economic growth.

    The environmentalist noted that her visionary leadership would play a pivotal role in fostering meaningful partnerships and ensuring the summit continued to be a catalyst for transformative action.