The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Nnamani resumes lecture series, hails Igbo woman’s indomitable spirit

    Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has resumed his lecture series which were last heard at the end of his tenure as the governor of Enugu State in 2007.

    As governor, the senator was a highly sought public speaker who delivered over 40 lectures on a wide range of national issues. Last weekend, he reenacted the lecture series on the invitation of the 1976 class of the Alumni of the Anglican Girls Grammar School, Awkunanaw, Enugu.

    He treated the topic, “Dike Nwanyi Igbo: Amazons as leaders” in which he challenged Nigerian women of Igbo extraction to be enterprising both in business and in politics.

    The former governor urged the women to emulate prominent Igbo women of old who excelled in politics and in businesses, adding that Ndigbo were known for their industrious nature, and as such it should be maintained by all and sundry as a mark of identity.

    He therefore,  encouraged the Igbo women to be aggressive in their pursuit of any endeavour, citing  prominent Igbo women that had made Ndigbo proud in the past such as late Margaret Ekpo, who made a mark in politics to the extent that an a airport in Calabar was named after her.

    According to him, other women of substance that made their mark included, Nwanyerua of Aba Women Riot fame, Ahebi Ugbabe; Nkpolo Nwagwudu-Elele; Flora Nwapa; Oyibo Odinamadu among others.

    Applauding Ugbabe’s exploits, Nnamani, recalled that she was a woman who ran away from her kindred when she was about to be dedicated to an idol at Enugu Ezike in Enugu State and became influential to the extent  that she was made a warrant chief in the colonial era which was the preserve of men.

    “Ahebi Ugbabe rose from the status of a local girl to that of a village head, Warrant Chief and queen. In the case of Flora Nwapa she was an author of many books and later university administrator, later held political positions.

    Going down historical lane he recalled the heroic role of Mrs. Nwanyeruwa spearheaded the famous Aba Women Riot of 1929.

    He declared: “This legendary but iconic woman led the first documented Igbo women resistance that defined the character, integrity, poise and defiance of the Igbo race beyond masculine parochialism.

    “Bravery and tact were deployed in the face of brazen brutality of the colonial despots. Pre-colonial coinages like to “make war” or “sit on a man” were reinvented by Nwanyeruwa to mobilize the courage and gravitas of Igbo women in order to withstand or better still conquer the illusion of fear.

    “Women “made war” in 1929 to call attention to a number of situations that adversely affected their interests as women. They believed that the British colonial government would institute direct taxation on them. In 1927, the British had instituted direct taxation on men. It was rumoured that women would be taxed next, hence the resistance. “

    The occasion was attended by dignitaries including Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state and the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma.

     

  • Imo recovery team to sustain tempo

    Following the recovery of some Imo State movable assets hidden in some warehouses in the state, the Emeka Ihedioha administration is poised to sustain the reclamation drive.

    Upon his swearing-in in May, the first challenge confronting the governor was how best to go about retrieving the state government property allegedly looted in the last days of his immediate predecessor’s administration.

    Ihedioha’s first tour of the government facilities revealed that the looters carefully implemented their plan. Everything from Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to doors, window blinds and kitchenware was removed.

    Ihedioha’s government immediately set up a task force headed by Hon. Jasper Ndubuaku to recover the stolen items.

    Overwhelming majority of Imo residents were also very concerned about recovering the removed property.

    So far, the team has recorded many successes. For instance, in its maiden chat with journalists at the team’s office, Ndubuaku revealed that the task force discovered about 67 vehicles allegedly carted away by the former governor, his immediate family members and workers. He noted with great dismay that his team had made mind-boggling discoveries on how Imo State movable property were stolen. In a release made available to journalists, Ndubuaku accused Okorocha’s driver of going home with a Prado Jeep while his ADC made away with two SUVs of similar brand.

    The former governor’s sister Ogechi Ololo who served as Commissioner of the controversial Ministry of Happiness was also said to have got the contract to equip the ministry as well as the Imo International Conference Centre (IICC). Both the ministry and centre were looted, Ndubuaku said.

    On the day the governor visited the Government House after his swearing-in, he discovered to his chagrin that the entire complex was empty. Ihedioha discovered that all the fittings like cottons, furniture, air-conditioners, bulbs, and even the generator sets were all gone. The kitchen was not spared as spoons, knives, pots and other utensils were stolen.

    With Imolites obviously happy and thankful to Ihedioha for the discoveries, the recovery team’s only desire is to continue the investigation until every stolen property of the state is recovered.

    • Livinus is an information officer of the Imo State government

  • Foundation tackles suicide among youths

    An organisation, John Bosco Onunkwo Foundation has intervened in the rising cases of suicide among youths, appealing to them to refrain from taking their own lives. The organisation renowned for its humanitarian services across the country, organised a symposium for youths in Anambra State where they were made to understand that at the end of every dark tunnel, there is a silver lining. The programme, which was tagged the “New conversation” and organised  in collaboration with the state chapter of Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria, gave the platform to seasoned resource persons to educate youths on how to rediscover themselves and depend less on government to realise their dreams and aspirations.

    The theme of the symposium which was “Redeeming Our Youths To Rediscover Their Roots: A Capacity Building Interactive cum Initiative Forum “was an intervention to end the menace of suicidal, as it sought to address erratic thoughts and actions amongst youths which could lead them into committing suicide.

    Founder of JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation and convener of the symposium, Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo, an accomplished Anambra-born oil and gas magnate based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, took time to explain to the youths that there was no reason youth should commit suicide when he or she can persevere to become a force to reckoned with as well as a reference point in history.

    Onunkwo, who spoke to the youngsters at Omar Event Centre Awka, told the story of how he rose from grass to glory as a youth who had to fend for himself most of the time. He emphasized that no guts, no glory; that there was need for youths to rediscover themselves and diversify into other spheres where they have comparative advantage.

    He said, “We have to tell the people that government cannot do everything. Time has come when the people should call themselves to a meeting and begin to think about what they can do within themselves and be able to stand. I believe in capacity building and I believe in the diversification agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari where he said that people should not only think of one source but should think about diversification. Diversification is a survival strategy.”

    He noted that youths should tap into their talents to get greener pastures. The business mogul equally stated that people perish for lack of knowledge and that the seminar has produced positive response, which will go long way to reduce suicide and other social vices. He pointed out that the symposium exposed youths to the dangers of suicide and why the idea of suicide should not be conceived in the first instance. That the whole essence of the interactive forum was for people to have hope in themselves as well as believe in themselves. He said it was the second edition of the New Conversation series where people were told to be less dependent on governments, politicians and others for their daily bread even as he noted that he has been in philanthropic services for more than fifteen years uplifting humanity. He however revealed that subsequent editions of the New Conversation series would be held before long, stressing that he would use the platform of the interactions with the youths to further encourage them to be innovative, inventive and resourceful to be able to attain economic independence while his foundation would provide the needed backing to those who discovered as well as explored other areas of comparative advantage to stand out amongst the crowd while making efforts also through John Bosco Onunkwo Foundation to disabuse as well as dissuade young people from attempting suicide or other vices detrimental to their dreams and aspirations and capable of putting them in perpetual jeopardy.

  • Imo tackles polio, infant mortality

    The Imo State government has focused attention on ridding the state of poliomyelitis and infant mortality. OKODILI NDIDI reports

    Antenatal and post-natal risk factors have been largely to blame for infant mortality in Imo state, resulting in avoidable deaths and deformities. The state has also been grappling with reported cases of polio and other life-threatening ailments among infants, leaving it with an unenviable status.

    It was therefore a huge relief for parents, especially mothers, when the state government has declared war against Polio and infant mortality.

    Wife of the governor, Ebere Ihedioha, while flagging-off the 2019 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIMPDs) campaign at Umuelemai in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the state, disclosed that the state government is committed to eradicating Polio and infant mortality in the state.

    She said that Poliomyelitis was a disease affecting mainly children under 5 years of age and among the top four child killer diseases.

    According to her, the state government has procured equipment and paid counterpart fund for the Polio vaccinations to demonstrate its commitment to tackling health challenges in the state.

    She said, “To further demonstrate the commitment of this present government in tackling health challenges, the government released funds for the procurement of emergency cold chain equipment and accessories to ensure adequate vaccine storage during this campaign and beyond.

    “The state government has also approved and released counterpart funds for the smooth and seamless implementation of this campaign.”

    She tasked parents to ensure that their kids are vaccinated within the period, adding that the benefits of the immunisation cannot be undermined.

    She said, “The benefits of immunisation cannot be overemphasised. The mortality and morbidity prevented by immunisation translates into long term savings and potential economic growth for developing countries.

    “We cannot continue to live with the fear of immunisation. A great number of families are still opposed to Immunisation and some of our remote communities are still inaccessible. Hence the need for us to do all we can to reach every community and enlighten families and to reach every nook and cranny of the state.”

  • ‘We want strong vigilance groups in Southeast’

    The one week meeting was held in Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    It was the gathering of stakeholders of Igbo extraction, especially in the academia, who called for the development of the zone by the sons and daughters of the area.

    But another worry to the Southeast leaders was how to strengthen vigilance groups in all the communities in Igbo land.

    The meeting was at the instance of the sociocultural group known as Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF).

    The group led by its President, Prof Uzodinma Nwala, during their fifth anniversary and congress, came up with the idea of strengthening vigilance groups, based on the insecurity situation in the country.

    The group, formed five years ago, is out to build and develop the Igbo nation, and as well champion the course to advance the spirit of her culture and traditions, through what they called “Aku luo uno crusade”.

    This, according to Prof Nwala, they hope to achieve by visiting and holding seminars in every part of the world where Ndi Igbo are residing.

    Their choice of Umuchu as the venue for the event was to stand on the view point of the fact that an indigene of the community, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, had fulfilled the group’s call by investing hugely in the community.

    Addressing the gathering, who are members drawn from all the Southeastern states, both at home and in diaspora, Nwala, after calling for one minute’s silence in honour of the late BOT chairman of the group, late Dr Dozie Ikedife, traced the activities of the group since inception.

    The theme of the event was “ADF today, yesterday and tomorrow.”

    Nwala said that the foundation came into existence after the international colloquium on the Igbo question in Nigeria before, during and after the Biafra, held in Enugu in 2014, where so many questions arose on the way forward for emancipation of the Igbo nation.

    He called on Igbo to look inwards and remember where they are coming from, where they are presently and where they will be in future.

    He asked them to make haste to save their generations to come by investing their wisdom, strength and wealth in the Southeast.

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman of the group, Bishop Obi Udeze-Onubogu, earlier in a speech, said that Ndi Igbo are a chosen generation whose destiny are in the hands of God.

    He advised that they should take the bold step of making their light to shine forth by loving and encouraging one another, through investments, job creation, being security conscious and promoting peaceful coexistence.

    For professor Emeritus, Chief John Umeh, who was the keynote speaker, entitled, “Ndi igbo, their tradition and the way forward”, while tracing the spiritual belief of igbo ancestors, said that those who colonised this part of the world converted the thinking on  Ndigbo.

    He charged them to reconnect to their ancestors whom, according to him,  cannot lead them astray but can only protect and promote them.

    Addressing the group, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, said that the only viable opinion is for Ndigbo and their leaders was to look inwards towards restoring the hope of meaningful existence in this part of the world by shunning all acts of personal interest.

    The chairman of Orient Group, told them to  be mindful of their  utterances, especially on national issues, transparency on the side of those in leadership positions among others.

    He regretted that the igbo nation had been denied a lot of opportunities and  wondered why only businesses owned by those from igbo extraction are either made to face difficulties like poor electricity, harsh operating environment, or they are closed down.

    Professor, Elochukwu Amaucheazi,  Mr Frank Nneji, Managing Director and Chief Execuitve Officer ABC transport, the traditional ruler of Olo kingdom in Enugu State, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu and many  other traditional rulers were equally in attendance.

    The leaders agreed that Ndigbo are known for developing all parts of the world leaving their region under developed.

    The Igbo stakeholders further called for a stop on the issue, saying that the current security situation in the country, had given chance for a rethink.

    They called for support and strengthening of the vigilance group operations in all communities as a practical step to wading off insecurity.

  • Food scarcity looms as traders threaten strike over extortion

    Members of Food Stuff Dealers Association of Nigeria have protested multiple quarantine posts mounted on the nation’s highways by officials of Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

    They threatened to embark on a nationwide strike, including shutting down of markets and stopping movement of food produce across the country if the posts were not dismantled immediately.

    In a petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police and copied to Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other security agencies and made available to newsmen in Onitsha, the body asked Nigerians to get ready for food scarcity in the coming months.

    It described the posts situated at Orokam and Katsina Ala both in Benue State as illegal targeted at extorting money from its members.

    The body said the petition signed by President General and Secretary, Chief Christian Afiaonwu and Udoka Ahukanna respectively, followed non response to previous petition addressed to the immediate past Minister of Agriculture Chief Audu Ogbe against the multiple posts on roads in Benue State and extortion of money ranging from N2000 to N7000.

    The petition partly read, “We are aware of the importance Quarantine posts which is primarily to checkmate animal disease and unwholesome food stuff from one location to another.

    Read Also: Food scarcity looms

    “We are also aware of the stipulations of the section 12 and 20 of animal diseases (control) decree 10 of 1988 vis-a-vis the establishment of control posts in Nigeria, and to the best of our knowledge it is mostly located at border areas and not more than one in a state.

    “We recognise the Federal Quarantine Control Posts at Jebba, Lokoja, Makurdi and Gada Biu because we were part of the process where it was agreed that they will be established.

    “But we can no longer bear the burden of paying at three posts in Benue State, hence our decision to once more draw the attention of government through your revered office.”

    Addressing newsmen, President of the Association, Afiaonwu said they had done the needful as responsible law abiding citizens by repeatedly drawing attention of the government to their plight.

    He said, “There may be possible food shortage in the coming months if we go on protest and stop moving food around the country if our demands are not properly addressed.”

  • Kudos, knocks as illegal structures go down in Onitsha

    Reactions have trailed the ongoing demolition of illegal structures along Onitsha-Owerri Road area of Upper Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra State.

    While some residents described the exercise as a welcome development, others criticized the demolition, saying the exercise took them by surprise.

    The government, through officers of the state Physical Planning Board had pulled down adjourning walls blocking buildings and shanties along the road.

    The team, led by the Executive Chairman, Bar. Chike Maduekwe, with security operatives stormed the area, sealing off and reclaiming Aba park in the commercial city of the state.

    Describing the action as a security operation, the chairman explained that the move became necessary as the structures contravened the state’s building policy.

    He added that the action was in line with the board’s mandate, emphasising that security remained at the centre of the present administration’s drive.

    He said, “The exercise is part of the operation to rid Onitsha and its environs of activities of illegal occupants who indulge in illegal activities, hiding behind the walls to unleash mayhem on residents and passers-by.”

    Maduekwe warned that illegal structures in any part of the state which had become a den of criminals would no longer be allowed to exist.

    Read Also: Kudos, knocks as illegal structures go down in Onitsha

    Speaking with The Nation however, some of the victims living and trading in the area said they had made several complaints to security operatives on the activities of criminals in the area, but all to no avail.

    A shop owner, Mrs. Nwanneka Okey, whose shop was affected, said they were taken unawares by the demolition, asking for an alternative place to be provided for them.

    Admitting the pitiable state of the area, Nwanneka however regretted that they were not served enough notice.

    She said, “Yes, we are aware the place has not been conducive for trading, but we were not given enough information and notice.

    “The government should as a matter of urgency, provide an alternative place for us to stay.”

    She however expressed  optimism that the move would restore lasting security to the area.

    Another victim, Kenneth Obi, a transporter, commended government for the operation, saying cases of robbery, phone snatching and other criminal activities would no longer take place in the area.

    “Most times, these criminals escape once they sight the police. With this demolition, the place is now free, open and bare for people to see through all the corners at all times,” he said.

  • ESUT introduces postgraduate studies in Biomed Tech

    Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has introduced the Master of Science (MSc.) degree in Biomedical Technology.

    The programme is domiciled at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences but would be jointly handled by the Faculty of Engineering and College of Medicine of the university.

    In an inauguration and orientation ceremony held at the auditorium of the ESUT College of Medicine, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof Luke Anike explained that the Biomedical Technology programme was born out of zeal to offer solution being observed in areas of health diagnosis and treatment of diseases due to constant breakdown of medical devices and equipment.

    The vice chancellor who represented by his deputy, Prof Samuel Eze said with the paucity of qualified biomedical technologists, the repair, maintenance and rehabilitation of these equipment become difficult and impossible.

    According to the vice chancellor, with the introduction of the programme, “the peculiar nature of our environment exemplified by shortage in power supply, will increase necessitate the design and development of medical devices and equipment that will perform effectively under our environmental condition.”

    Anime was of the view that the new programme would bring ESUT into limelight because it will showcase what the university actually stands for as shown in the university motto, Technology for Service.

    He disclosed that for the vision and mission of the programme to be achieved, there was an international collaboration in March 2017 where a memorandum of understanding was reached and signed with Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom where the coordinator of the programme, Dr Harmony Nwobodo Nzeribe was certified.

    “This programme is indeed a welcome development and giant stride for our university. As I congratulate the pioneer students of this programme, I also encourage you to make good use of this rare opportunity. Humbly tap from the wealth of knowledge of the facilitators and become e perts not just in repair of biomedical equipment but also in design and development of reliable and affordable medical devices and equipment,” he admonished.

    The dean Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof Chike Anibeze in his address said that the new programme as conceptualised in the university was not different from its worldwide goals which is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for health care system either through through diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

    “This field seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine, combining the design and problem solving skills of engineering with biomedical sciences to advance health care treatment and diagnosis,” he enlightened.

    He explained that as a discipline which anchors on interdisciplinary specialisation among already established fields, much of the goals of biomedical technology was geared towards problem solving, research oriented goals.

    “In our medical environment, emphasis will be on the design and production of simple medical tools, biomechanics, basic concepts for the production of biocompatible prosthesis and the repair of existing medical equipment,” Anibueze further explained.

    The programme took off with 12 pioneer students drawn from computer engineering, anatomy, electronics telecommunications engineering, pharmacy, medicine and surgery.

  • New cars for monarchs of Abia oil-producing areas

    Lack of basic amenities is said to trigger agitation, in some cases, militancy, in oil-producing areas. In Abia State, the government has distributed cars to traditional rulers in its oil-rich parts. Will it help to cool tempers?

    The Chairman of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Chief Sam Okezie Nwogu handed over 18 brand new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the traditional rulers of the communities.

    The gesture is said to appreciate the efforts of the monarchs in the oil communities in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in their jurisdictions.

    Handing over the SUVs to the traditional rulers, Nwogu, who was accompanied by other members of ASOPADEC board, thanked the state governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his magnanimity and immense support to the traditional rulers of the oil producing communities.

    He maintained that the board would continue to fashion out programmes that were in line with the visions of the Ikpeazu led administration which is geared towards enhancing the wellbeing of the indigenes of the various communities in the state.

    The ASOPADEC Chairman reiterated the commission’s readiness to partner with the traditional rulers of the oil producing communities in the commission’s programmes aimed at ameliorating the age long sufferings of the oil producing communities.

    Read Also: I’m hale and hearty, Ikpeazu tells Abians

    He further thanked the traditional rulers for their immense contributions in maintaining a peaceful coexistence in the various communities and promised them of the commission’s support in making sure that the communities remain peaceful and supportive of the PDP led government in the state.

    Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the traditional ruler of Isimanu Autonomous Community and the Chairman, Ukwa West Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Eze Chinyere Di, appreciated the chairman and members of the board, for their kind gestures towards the wellbeing of the traditional rulers and maintained that the traditional rulers, would continue to do everything within the ambit of the law in maintaining peace and order in the various communities while promising to always support the visions and programmes of the Ikpeazu administration.

    The handover ceremony was conducted by the chairman of ASOPADEC, Chief Sam Okezie Nwogu, flanked by members of the Board of ASOPADEC, led by the Commissioner in ASOPADEC; Barr. Henry Chilaka, Hon. Kelechi Dede, Hon. Orji  Simeon Udeagha, Hon. Hope Uwaga, Hon. Mrs. Kate Maduako, Chief Uzo Ihuka, the Permanent Secretary of ASOPADEC, Mr. Director, Finance, Mr.Kelechi Uwaoma, the Director Works/Projects, Engr. Emeka Gberemakor and other dignitaries including; a Exec Chairman of Ukwa West, Chief Felix Ebere, Chief Ben Nwankpa, a crowned Prince of Ukwa Land, Mr. Emeka Adiele.

  • Security agencies brainstorm info exchange during crisis

    The General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Maikobi has flagged off the “Indoor Telephone Battle, Exercise Quick Dragon II” at the 14 Brigade headquarters in Ohafia, Abia State.

    He said the exercise is one of  Army Headquarters training directives for 2019 designed to acquaint staff officers of commands and units under the Brigade with operational staff procedure during internal security operations.

    It will cover the dynamics involved in various aspects of internal security operations such as handing and taking over procedure between the military and sister security agencies, peculiarities of crowd dispersal, road blocks, curfew, internally displace persons (IDPs), patrol, cordon search and clearance operations, among others.

    Speaking to journalists after the flag-off, the Chief Umpire for the exercise, Brigadier General Sani Yahaya Bashir explained that the objective of the training follows the contemporary security challenges facing the country.

    “Training is the best welfare you can give to a soldier and this is a routine training.”

    “The Indoor Telephone Battle Exercise is meant to train our personnel to be able to address issues in operations and to also achieve synergy with sister security agencies.”

    “With the contemporary security challenges, operating with other security agencies, it is important that we need to create a forum where we can train together so that we can understand our operations, work together and achieve the objectives.”

    When asked if the exercise is simultaneously going on across the country, Brigadier General Bashir said: “There are training cycle and activities allotted to different units within the divisions so other trainings are going on in other divisions.”

    Providing further insight into how the exercise aims to achieve its objectives, Bashir said, “This is more of an office exercise that borders on how to address issues, send messages, pass information, directives and receive response in synergy with other security agencies.

    Synergy is very important because it is not the duty of soldiers to prosecute, that’s why the police, civil defence, prison officials are involved, we provide fire cover and also ensure that crime suspects arrested are properly handed over to appropriate security agencies for prosecution.”

    The GOC, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Abubakar S. Maikobi, took over from Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, some months ago with a promise to maintain ‘the enviable standard of the Division.’