Category: Southeast report

The newly elected traditional ruler of Ogbogidi/Ozara in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, High Chief Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu is building a 20-bed cottage hospital for his community.

Asadu until his elevation to the traditional stool was a nurse in Dallas Texas for over 24 years before the community bestowed on him the traditional authority of Ogbogidi/Ozara autonomous community.

Laying the foundation stone of the hospital in the community, the chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area Chief Patrick Omeje represented by Mr. Chinedu Aniche administrator Nsukka West Development centre said that the cottage hospital embarked by the Igwe-elect of Ogbogidi/Ozara community was a restoration of human dignity, adding that sacred human life is centred on healthy situation and environment.

Omeje said that the cottage hospital will be of immense assistance to the community and beyond, noting that the singular act of the traditional ruler elect was to complement the state governor, Ifeannyi Ugwuanyi’s developmental strides across the three geo-political zones of the state.

“For a traditional ruler-elect to embark on a hospital project for his community to ameliorate health challenges shows commitment and care for the community. The project will save the cost travelling long distances for medical attention. Communities in the state should not wait for government to do everything for them. This was the reason why High Chief Asadu embarked on the cottage hospital to augment the state government efforts in the communities.

“Recently the state government disbursed N5 million to every community in the state to embark on any project of their choice to bring governance closer to the grass root. The new autonomous communities are yet to benefit from the state government gesture while High Chief Asadu did not wait for the state government gesture and took the bull by the horn erecting 20-bed space cottage hospital for his community,” he noted.

Omeje called on donor agencies, philanthropists, and NGOs, among others, to emulate the kind gesture of Asadu and embark on any project in their various communities and

change the type face of the community to assist government efforts on infrastructural development Speaking at the occasion, the donor said the project ýwas a divine call from God to put a permanent structure for the community than the annual merriment of food, drinks and gift items.

The traditional ruler-elect said that the hospital project was part of the burning desire in him to tackle the health challenges in the community and beyond, explaining that it was not

healthy for pregnant women and sick ones of the community to travel long distances for medical attention as he can afford to build a cottage hospital for the community.

Asadu explained that he was mostly touched to embark on ýthe cottage hospital having paid hospital bills for people of the community for over 20 years, adding that the cottage hospital when completed hopefully on or before August 2019 will be free medical services to the community.

The traditional ruler elect noted that he would employ and pay both ýdoctors and nurses, equip the hospital with drugs at all times to ensure that nothing lacks for the health of people of the community.

He said that the hospital was meant to contain 14 beds for adults and six beds for children with pharmacy department and outpatient bay, pointing out that Ogbogidi/Ozara community raised him and it is time to give back to the community what it bestowed on him.

Asadu said that the community meant a lot to him as he provided electricity, water and just recently built a bungalow for indigent widow of the community, adding that people should not wait for government to do everything. Philanthropists have to play a role in development.

“It is better for me to die in charity than having fat bank accounts while people wallow in abject poverty and penury. I will not pack money for my children in banks, they have to make their own money and perform more than me. If I am installed by the state government it will give me more access to issues of the community than calling on government assistance. I made my money in nursing and know what it is for people to be healthy,’’ he said.

Also speaking Nsukka local government supervisory councillor for health, Hon. Florence Chinonye Ugwu expressed gratitude for singular gesture of the Igwe elect embarking on 20 bed cottage ýhospital for Ogbogidi/Ozara community which remains second to none in the history of the entire Edem Ani ancient kingdom of Nsukka Local Government extraction and Enugu State in general.

Ugwu noted that both the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the local government chairman of Nsukka Chief Patrick Omeje have achieved a lot in the health sector on areas of child delivery system, extension of district hospitals in the three geo-political zoes of the state.

She noted that Chief Omeje recently donated his monthly salary for medical services in the locality, supporting the health sector of the council in immunisations and other health facilities and creating more health centres at various communities in the area.

A Federal government delegation from the Ecological Fund Office of the Presidency, Abuja led by Mr. Abubakar Takuma arrived in Okpoji Aku community in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State on December 16, handing over a federal government road project in the area to the contractor Smace Nigeria Limited. This signaled the take-off of work on Uratta Road, a 3km stretch.

The road which was last rehabilitated during the administration of former governor of the state Orji Uzor Kalu, has suffered neglect in the hands of successive administrations. The Port Harcourt end of the road has been turned to a market, while weeds have taken over the middle of a road that once witnessed movement of cargo trucks and other commercial vehicles on a daily basis.

Residents of the area including a representative of Aba South State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Clinton Ebere whose house is located on the Uratta Road, find it hard getting to their homes during rainy season as a result of flood.

It was also gathered that some residents and house owners of the area have abandoned their homes after they were submerged by flood that sometimes resulted to death.

One of the residents who gave his name as Ifeanyi said the impassable nature of the road has made the people live in fear because of the activities of hoodlums and cultists who now find their area a safe haven to committee all manner of crimes.

Here is some good news. The federal government through the Ecological Fund Office of the Presidency has stepped in to ensure the reconstruction of the 3km Uratta road project that is budgeted to cost the sum of N460m.

The traditional ruler of the benefitting community, Eze Onyebuchi Ugwuzor, Aku Akpu II of Okpoji Aku autonomous community could not conceal his relief when the federal team visited. He said, “This road has stayed more than 18 years now. God will bless you. I am promising that by the time they would be commencing work here, we will give them the necessary security that they would need. God will help us to protect them and their working implements.

“I want to also appeal that unemployed youths of the community will be given the opportunity to work with them so that they will from such, see what to do in order to put food on the tables of their families.

Mr. Takuma from the Ecological Office of the Presidency, under the supervision of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha said that they got to know about the problem of the area through the member representing Aba North and South federal constituency who drew their attention to the plight of the people.

Takuma expressed hope that the road project on completion would help to ease the sufferings of the people and also improve economic and business activities in the area.

He said that he would be coming to the construction site early next year to see the progress of work on the road.

In an interview, the lawmaker representing Aba North and South, Hon. Ossy Prestige said that he was touched by the plight of the people when his attention was drawn to the situation in Uratta.

Prestige said that as a lawmaker representing the area, he couldn’t have closed his eyes or feels less concerned when the people are suffering.

The lawmaker who stated that the road would help to ease off the usual gridlock on Port Harcourt road and improve the lives of people in the area disclosed that he had started lobbying to attract the federal government to the road before Babachir Lawal, former SGF was ousted from office.

He thanked Boss Mustapha and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approving the rehabilitation of the Uratta road that has been abandoned in the last 17years by successive administration in the state and national level.

“We came here with some of the management staff of the Ecological Fund Office of the Presidency. They have come here to do the final inspection and possibly to flag off this very important road which by the special grace of God, I attracted the attention of the federal government to do it for you.

“Please, what we are pleading with you especially those who have turned this place into a market because the road hasn’t been in use for over 15 years. We are appealing to you to please relocate your shop. Job will begin on this road immediately.

“What we are appealing to you is to give them your maximum support and cooperation that they deserve because this road has cost a whole lot of inconveniences to those living around this area.  For this number of years, we know what you people have been going through and we want to solve it once and for all. We know that you all have suffered and that your suffering is coming to an end,” Prestige stated while addressing some of the traders who have turned the Port Harcourt end of the road to a mini market.

Also speaking, the representative of the contractor handling the project, Chinedu Okeke of Smace Nigeria Limited, begged for maximum support and cooperation of the people and pledged to engage the services of youths in the area during the rehabilitation work.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Army, Hon. Shawulu Kwewum has called for more funding for the military.

Speaking on a visit to the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Ohafia, Abia State, Kwewum said it has become necessary for the military to be have more funds because of the numerous tasks it undertakes, including the fight against insurgency, kidnapping, and child trafficking, among others.

He said, “We have a lot of security challenges across the country and you have seen the challenges and the efforts being made. There have been some improvements, but there is still a lot of work to be done. I’m sure that as we increase the funding for the military, they will be able to perform optimally. Today the military is actually performing the functions of the police because of the weaknesses that we have. The army traditionally is supposed to be facing external aggression; people trying to threaten the territorial integrity of the country. But now we have a situation where the army is involved in fighting kidnapping, cultism, oil bunkering, child trafficking and other crimes. So, their roles have increased but their funding hasn’t been increased. That’s the gap that we have.”

Hon. Uko Nkole, member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly and a member of the committee in whose domain the 14 Brigade Headquarters is situated said, “I am very happy that the committee has come to appraise the situation on the ground.

“The gaps have been noted and through appropriation, the committee will cure whatever that is the problem in the barracks. We have seen it and I’m very happy that the officers here are professionals in what they do. It is one thing to have officers and it is another thing to have officers that will conduct themselves in professional manners. I am proud of them and to say that the committee will do its possible best within our legislative frame work to do that.”

The Commander of 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Abubakar Ibrahim noted that the brigade has been active in tackling oil bunkering, kidnapping, armed robbery, farmers/herdsmen clash, activities of secessionist groups and other activities that would have caused a breach of the peace in Abia State and its environs.

Ibrahim using the opportunity of the visit to draw the attention of the committee to the areas of need of the command, listed inadequate lift capacity, accommodation, water supply, poor road network, epileptic power supply, inadequate medical facilities, among others, as some of the challenges facing the brigade.

Muslims of Igbo extraction have formed a platform called South Eastern Muslims Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON).

At their first meeting held in Enugu, they kicked against being addressed as “Igbo Muslims”, which they said has some connotation of inferiority.

National Chairman of the group, Muhammad Obiahu Ajah disclosed this while addressing the faithful at Islamic Centre, Uwani, Enugu.

He said it was high time they defined how they should be addressed by other people, pointing out that there were no such designations as Hausa Muslims or Yoruba Muslims or even Ijaw Muslims”.

Ajah stressed the need for them to ensure that their identities tally with Igbos by aligning with Igbo Agenda, adding that they cannot bear to isolate themselves from what majority of Igbo people legitimately demand from the central government.

He reminded the participants that they have an origin which is Igbo, but was quick to add that they must continue to identify themselves as Nigerians and work for the growth of Nigeria as one.

Ajah said, “It is time for us to define how we should be addressed by other people. Yes we are called by our own Igbo people as Ndi Alakuba which literally means the people of Allahu Akbar. That is a very fantastic nomenclature. By that, we are referred to as The People who believe that God is great.

“Being addressed as Igbo Muslims, after critical examination, infers some sense of inferiority. That is unacceptable because Islam is a universal religion and the yardstick of closeness to the lord of Islam-Allah-is piety which any Muslim of any race can wear by the grace of Allah.

Presenting a paper at the event entitled “Igbo Muslims Challenges: A Way-Out and Prospects,” the guest speaker, Suleman Agha Afikpo identified loss of identity to other ethnic group as the major fear of most agitations against Islam spreading in Igboland.

He noted that average Igbo believe any one in contact with Islam denounces his/or her ethnic affiliation for Hausa culture.

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu has set up a general court martial to try erring soldiers within its area of responsibility.

The court martial, inaugurated by the GOC in charge of the division, Major General Emmanuel Kabuk, has a 10-man membership with Col. Edward Aboreý as its president.

Eleven soldiers including a female were billed for trial for various undisclosed offences and were arraigned before the military court during the inauguration.

Major General Kabuk, while inaugurating the court, said the importance of discipline to the success or failure in battle for troops cannot be over emphasised, hence the trial.

He said, “Disciplinary measures in the military to which court martial belongs are aimed at guaranteeing, a highly disciplined and battle ready army. In line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt  General T. Y. Burutai which is to “have  a professionally responsive Nigerian Army, in the discharge of its constitutional roles,” trials in the NA must be organised and administered in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) as  amended.

“As we commence these proceedings, let me assure you that no accused person here should have any reason to fear or panic as the Court martial shall observe all the principles of fair hearing as enshrined under Section 36 of the 1999 CFRN as (amended).

“At this juncture, it must be borne in mind that justice as confirmed by the eminent late justice of the supreme Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Chukwudifu A. Oputa, is not only to the accused. It is three-weay traffic, justice to the accused, justice to the victim of the action or inaction of the accused.

“It is equally imperative to recall that both Section 36 of the 1999 CFRN(as amended) and Section 122 of the Armed Forces, Act, CAP A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004,do emphasize the fact  that expeditious and speedy trial form the basis on which fair trial must rest.

“This is one of the most important   advantages of a Court. I therefore enjoin all the parties in the cases to ensure that they avoid unnecessary technicalities that would delay the trials as there are two concepts of justice. Some believe that justice delayed is justice denied while others believe that justice delayed is not justice denied. What is important is that let there be justice .

“With these few remarks, President of the GCM and members, ladies and gentlemen, I Maj Gen Kabuk GOC 82 Div hereby declare this General Court Martial inaugurated. God bless and good luck.

Also speaking at the occasion, the president of the court martial, Col Abore assured the accused soldiers of justice.

“You should not entertain fear or panic as justice will be dispensed judiciously, “ he told the accused soldiers.

CAPTION: President of the Court Martial, Col Abore (with mic) with other members of the court

The members and staff of Abia State Passenger Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS) have expressed their appreciation to their new General Manager (GM) Dr Anthony Agbazuere for clearing several months of their salary arrears.

Before the coming of the new GM in October, the workers of the scheme had been languishing over the nonpayment of their arrears of salary by former leaders of the organisation.

Speaking during a visit to their GM in Umuahia, the chairman of the ASPIMSS Staff Welfare Association (ASWA), Temple Egesi said that his coming was not only timely but suitable as it is one of the best things to happen to the scheme in recent time.

Egesi said that his appointment came at the most auspicious time when the scheme is in dire need of reforms and eager to maximize the objectives of the establishment which has been neglected over time.

He thanked the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for appointing him, “By this act of the governor he has proven his commitment to make ASPIMSS better in terms of structure and human capacity development.

The welfare boss said that his coming to the scheme has given them hope, “As in less than two months of assumption of office you have given us assurance of brighter days in the scheme”.

“We are happy to express our thanks to you as you have within the two months you assumed office, you are up to date in the payment of workers’ salaries including the three months arrears you inherited”.

“You have concluded plans for the payment of December salary before the Christmas Day, this feat is no doubt uncommon and record-breaking and can only be possible with a man of conscience and integrity like you”.

In his response, Agbazuere thanked them for their visit and the governor for finding him fit to be given such a huge responsibility which gave him the impetus to work hard to clear their arrears of salary within a short time.

Agbazuere assured them that they are definitely going to get their December salary before Christmas Day which has never happened since the scheme came into being, saying that the issue of salary arrears will be a thing of the past.

The former information commissioner, “All workers in this scheme will be paid their salary before going home for Christmas break in addition to bags of rice as they need to feel happy after several months of work”.

“January is a always a difficult time for parents when they find it hard to pay the school fees of their children and wards, I want to assure you that before the end of that month that so you can take care of your families unlike before”.

He told then that the issue of accumulation of salary which are not paid will never happen while he is their leader, “It is now a thing of the past, as your welfare is of paramount importance to me and the re-roofing of the bad roof of our office”.

Agbazuere said that he intends to increase their salary on or before February, stressing that the idea is to raise their morale as their take home package is nothing to write home about.

A non-governmental organisation, Healthcare Educational Liaison Project (HELP) based in the United States has given free medical treatment to residents of Amaigbo-Edda, Afikpo South local government area and its environs

The NGO, The Nation learnt, carried out the health outreach because the community is located in one of the remotest parts of the community where the people have great difficulty accessing quality and constant health care.

Speaking to our reporter, Dr John Kalu Ijem, a US-based heart surgeon who led the team of medical doctors during the programme, said the programme has become a yearly ritual he started to give back to the community of his birth.

“We are here to provide free medical care to indigenes of Amaigbo Edda free of charge. The programme is organised by Healthcare Educational Liaison Project, HELP, based in the United States. It’s a non- profit organisation, that provides free medical care for undeserved areas”.

“I am from the area so having excelled in what I am doing overseas in the United States there is what we call giving back and so this is a way giving back to the people of my community”.

The Medical Practitioner advised wealthy members of the community to imbibe the habit of sharing with the less fortunate members of the society.

”It is not how much you have but how much you are willing to share with those who are less fortunate than you are. I am not the richest person in the community but I have enough for myself and I think I could share with other folks who are less fortunate than myself.

”As you can see we have over 250 people here right now who are here to receive the  free medical care. Many more are still coming We have four resident doctors who have come to help us to try and provide the free medical care to the people. So it is not how much you have but how much you are willing to share and care for those who are in need. The total cost of this project is about 30,000 US dollars”, he said.

The Cardiologist said the programme has had tremendous impact on the health and well being of the people of the area and promised to sustain the programme

“The programme has been tremendous. Last year I saw a person who I put in a pacemaker about 7 years ago. She saw my mother in the and was thanking my mother. That her son was able to save her live after many years that she was going from one hospital to the other. She is still alive today. So it has been tremendously successful. Most of the people here are farmers, so they do lots of hard work and it comes with some serious pains. So we give them a lot of pain medications to alleviate their pains and so they are always looking forward to our coming”.

The Nigerian facilitator of the programme, Mr Ijem Sunday Ogbonna commended Dr John Kalu for coming up with the programme which he said has help to alleviate the health challenges of the people.

”The programme is a lofty one. As you can see the number of people here is much. We thank God who has helped him to come this far and to remember where he comes from. So that yearly like this he comes to see his people to tell them yes, I know that you people are suffering this is the little I can do for my people.

”So we thank God who gave him such an opportunity. The programme is not only for Amaigbo people, it is for all of Edda. As many people as we can reach we try to help them. People from all the neighbouring communities are here that is why the number is overwhelming”, Mr Sunday added.

A beneficiary, Mrs Rose Orji Ndukwe said she was there to get treatment even as she confirmed the efficacy of drugs given to her in previous editions of the programme.

”I have serious fever and chest pain and high blood pressure.. I also have pains all over my body. It is as if someone used iron to hit me all over my body. It also comes with serious cough. I came to get treatment because I heard that Dr John is giving free treatment again. I was here last year when I hear similar problems and he gave me drugs and I was well again. But after the drugs finished it started again, so the drugs are very effective and I hope that he will help me to get better again. May God continue to bless him for all the good works he is doing”.

A member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Imo Kalu, who benefited from the outreach last year said the programme has been of immense help to the people of the area.

”Last year while I was in final year, I was deeply sick so they told me that there was one man here that was giving free treatment. So I came and was totally healed. So, I was at my place of primary assignment in Aba, Abia State when I heard that he was around again, so I decided to come and show my appreciation by volunteering to help organise the programme for this year. I am helping to organise the people and do the necessary documentation like writing down their names so that they will go in and be attended to in an orderly fashion”, the Corps Member said.