The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • How Edo is battling paedophiles

    It all started in May when Governor Godwin Obaseki read reports of a 12-year-old girl, who was sexually assaulted by 58-year-old Lambert Ighodaro.

    Obaseki, aside ordering the immediate arrest, prosecution of Ighodaro, constituted an inter-ministerial committee to give tooth to the Child’s Right Act.

    The governor’s worries, his aides said, stemmed from his belief that abused children become disturbed adults, who most likely, become dangers to the society.

    The committee comprises representatives from the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, State Universal Basic Education Board  (SUBEB), media and civil organisations. It was mandated to identify children with traits of sexual assaults, arrest and prosecute their abusers.

    The thinking is that pupils will not fully benefit from the good-intentioned programmes of the government if they were continuously exposed to paedophiles, whose actions alter their psychological and emotional balance.

    To achieve its mandate, the committee launched a state-wide campaign to names and shame paedophiles, just as it partnered trained Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST) teachers, who have been schooled on the art of fishing out pupils going through physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

    Barely two months into its mandate, the committee, according to SUBEB’s acting Chairperson, Dr. Joan Oviawe, has recorded many arrests, while some cases were being investigated.

    Among those arrested, Oviawe said, was 65-year-old Matthew Omokhafe, who defiled a 13-year-old pupil in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

    She said Edo SUBEB was instrumental to the suspect’s arrest by ensuring the case was moved from Akoko-Edo Police Division to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Benin City.

    Oviawe said: “With the collaborative efforts of the Child Protection Network (CPN), SUBEB was able to handover the child’s custody to the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.”

    Another milestone in the campaign against child molesters was the arrest of 70-year-old Francis Ezomo with his two sons, Nosa, 26, and Festus, 29, who defiled their nine-year-old relative.

    Oviawe said: “The issue came to limelight when the headmistress of the minor’s school noticed a change of behaviour in her. She decided to ask her what the problem was and the pupil narrated her ordeal to the headmistress, who then informed the Education Secretary of the local government council where the alleged crime took place.

    “We then swung into action and got the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development involved,” Oviawe said. When we could not get the necessary action required from the police, the state government swung into action and these three men were apprehended almost immediately.

    She said: “What the men have done is bad and their actions have attempted to destroy the life and future of the minor. The three men took advantage of the child and exposed her to trauma. We waded into the case to ensure justice prevails.”

    Already, a medical report has established the defilement of  the nine-year-old girl, whose hymen was torn.

    Oviawe explained that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has taken custody of the child who is now in a safe place and assured that SUBEB would ensure that her education is not truncated.

    Explaining while the suspects were being paraded, Oviawe said it was to send a clear message that Paedophilia was unacceptable in Edo, adding that the Governor has vowed to create a safe society where children can pursue and actualise their dreams.

    Kokumo said: “Scientific investigation on the minor was sent to the hospital and a doctor’s report has shown that her hymen has been broken. The scientific report has established that the minor was sexually abused. We will investigate the case and charge them to court.”

     

  • Bayelsa begins documentation of Dickson’s projects, policies

    Prior to the present administration of Governor Seriake Dickson in Bayelsa State, record keeping was not an integral part of governance. From the period of the late Governor Diepreye Alamiyeiseigha to the administration of Timipre Sylva, documentation of government activities was not given expected attention.

    It was difficult to have easy access to government’s information through the website and other researched documents. Even when it existed, the government’s website was empty. It lacked required contents.

    Therefore, it was a Herculean task to effectively track government’s projects, policies and programmes. It was also cumbersome for researchers especially students to compare achievements of various administrations in the state.

    But all that changed with the advent of Dickson’s administration. There have been more determined efforts to document and archive government’s policies, projects and programmes. The website of the state government is richer and more robust with lots of information on various arms of government and their activities. Even the public sector has been automated.

    To further deepen its commitment to ensure documentation of government activities, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson recently assembled a think-tank. He set up a special committee to carry out a comprehensive compilation of Dickson’s policies and projects from 2012 till date.

    It was a 14-man committee inaugurated at a brief ceremony in the Information House, Yenagoa. Iworiso-Markson gave the 14-member committee 60 days to complete its assignment. It was obvious from the membership of the committee that the ministry meant business.

    Dr. John Idumange was appointed to head the committee. Idumange, a lecturer and research expert is currently the Director-General, Programmes of Policies in the state. Other members of the committee are Mike Afenfia, Abigail Onekpe, Chris Odi, Marshall Edolo and Timipha Andrew. Others are Samuel Kikile, Wisdom Poyeri Maria ýOlode-Osume, Dr. Stephen Olali, Arc. Stella Raine and Barr. Amaemi Bekeyei-Alaki.

    Inaugurating the committee, Iworiso-Markson said the chronological compilation of the policies and projects would be produced and presented in different volumes and would serve as a guide for the incoming administration after inauguration.

    Iworiso-Markson who is also the chairman of the State Documentation Committee confirmed that part of the problem faced by government was the absence of a detailed working document from previous administrations. He said the administration of Dickson was desirous of correcting the malady.

    He maintained that with the number of projects embarked upon by the government and with various existing policies, it was only ideal to have a compendium that could also serve as an academic document for students of related and relevant field of studies.

    He urged members of the committee to painstakingly perform their duties adding that they would be remembered for their noble roles.

    He said: “This is one of the most important things that the ministry will be embarking upon. A number of you perhaps may not be aware that a lot have happened in our state in the last six years. We are getting to the finishing point. So, there is a need for us to begin to take stock.

    “Dickson is leaving behind a very significant legacy and for those of us who are privileged to serve in his government, we feel the need to chronicle the outstanding legacies of this administration in a book format and through a dedicated website to guide the next government.

    “It will also guide students of history and posterity. We have started a process of compiling some of the major achievements of this administration in a book titled ‘Finishing Strong’. It comes with a subtitle, ‘Footprints of Restoration’.

    “It will be the most complete account of restoration government developmental strides, the policies and achievements and the legacies. It will also feature photographs of all the projects with a clear narratives of projects embarked upon by this government.

    “If any one needed proofs that governor Dickson will be remembered as the greatest of all times, this book will provide the proofs. The government has been able to churn out policies and initiated projects that have helped to shape the course of government and put the state on a sound path for rapid growth.

    “The policies and projects cutting across various parts of the state are the foundations upon which the government has delivered key promises. Some of them have strong legal backing that will outlive this administration. It will serve as a future working document and also serve as an academic document for students of various areas of studies”.

    Addressing members of the committee, Iworiso-Markson said: “You have your job clearly cut out. You have been carefully selected because of your proven track record of service delivery. All of you are not strangers to the achievement of this government. So it is expected that you will do your best within the time frame.

    “It is important that we do what we are doing. This is not for us but successive government. We want a situation where it will not be difficult for the incoming administration to know the status of certain projects and the existence of some policies. So they can be guided properly as they settle down.

    “This government has done so much since inception. If we don’t have a record of what we have done, a lot of people will not know. So we are putting together this committee to do this tasking job and we believe at the end of the day they will do a good job”.

    Responding on behalf of other members Idumange assured that the the committee would deliver on its mandate. He said the initiative by the ministry was like putting all the achievements of the government in a brain box for future references.

    Idumange said: “Preserving the achievements is like putting them in brain box to serve as a deferent point as well enlighten the youths of tomorrow. If you go to the United State Library of Congress with a punch of a button, you can read all the speeches of JF Kennedy.

    “We shall work around it and ensure we deliver on our mandate. This is a task most administrations have failed to do. This is is going to be one of the most comprehensive documents that will preserve what has been done by this administration”.

    Also speaking, a member of the committee and Speechwriter to the governor, Mr. Michael Afenfia said the documentation would eliminate confusion in future about the achievements of the government.

    “There will be no confusion tow, three years from now, who did what and who started what during the restoration government. This initiative is laudable. The governor has done so much and it will be a shame if there is no document to highlight the projects and policies”, he said.

     

  • Nri kinship tussle: ‘Claimants, sheathe your swords’

    In what could best be described as an elder’s clamour and contribution to peace in Igbo land, Dr Ramas Okoye Asuzu, a revered Igbo traditionalist, has given a concise narrative of the history of the ancient Kingdom of Nri, which he said is in “its truest, unadulterated perspective.”

    Speaking at his palace in Uruofolo, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Asuzu traced the movement of the ancient kingdom back to the remotest prehistory and made a passionate appeal to the warring Igbo communities to sheathe their swords.

    ”Nri Kingdom” he said, “is universally acclaimed by historians and oral tradition as the ancestral home of the Igbos and the epicenter of Igbo civilisation. It occupies a religious, social and spiritual position regarded as sacred in Igboland. The kingdom is composed of six villages namely Umudiana, Uruofolo (Uru ofo na Alo), Ekwenaika and Diodo (Nrinamoke). These villages are collectively referred to as Ifite Nri or (Akamkpisi na Diodo). They are the aborigines (earliest settlers) of the kingdom and also referred to as Ikenga Nri.

    ”In 1043 AD, there occurred a wave of migrations into the kingdom through Aguleri via Ugbene. Led by one Menri, these migrants first settled in Mkpume Onyilenyi in Enugu-Ukwu. By negotiations and the grace of the people of Ifite Nri, they finally settled at Agukwu, which was a farmland of the Ifite Nri community. These settlers today constitute the other three villages of Nri Kingdom, namely: Agbadana, Uruoji and Obeagu. They are collectively referred to as Agukwu Nri. Thus the kingdom is structured along a sharp divide namely – Ifite Nri (Akamkpisi na Diodo) and Agukwu Nri (the latter settlers) who are also referred to as Ezi Nri. This structure resulted in the two divides being autonomous, as they lived separately, independent of the other, with own tradition and leadership.”

    It was gathered that the storm of division began to gather in 1115AD, when Nrinamoke VII (the traditional head of Ifite Nri (Ikenga Nri) took ill.

    ”Neglected by his Diodo clan, Nrinamoke VII was prompted to enlist the care of his nephew, Nribuife who graciously took good care of him. In appreciation of his devotion and care, Nrinamoke VII bestowed on Nribuife the right to the kingship stool, which he gladly accepted.  But Nrinamoke VII in his wisdom went further to compel Nribuife to swear on the Ofo na Alo (the symbol of authority) that the kingship which he was bestowing on him never departs from his (Nrinamoke) palace.

    ”The Adamas (kingmakers from Umudiana) coroneted Nribuife at Ekeagu in Ifite Nri, where he established his temple (Obu Nribuife). After his coronation, however, Nribuife relocated to Agukwu quarter of Nri, taking with him the Ofo na Alo. By this singular action, the kingdom was inadvertently unified as the Ofo na Alo of the two separate communities have become unified.

    Thus it was Nribuife who amalgamated the two autonomous communities of Ifite and Ezi Nri as a unified entity collectively known today as Nri. After the death of Nribuife and with the Ofo na Alo now residing in Agukwu, they (Agukwu section) of the kingdom took advantage of the situation that has now played into their hands to hatch an unwholesome conspiracy.

    Through intrigues, subterfuge and calculated distortion of historical facts, they conspired to introduce a rotational kingship system, using the blood lineage of Nribuife to technically restrict the rotation exclusively amongst the three migrant villages of Uruoji, Agbadana and Obeagu, contrary to the sworn injunction by Nrinamoke VII that the kingship should not depart from the Umunri clan. In this way, they arrogated to themselves a stranglehold on the traditional stool of Nri Kingdom.

    ”According to the scholar, this breach by the people of Agukwu Nri sowed the seed of discord and division between Ifite (Ikenga) Nri (the aborigines) and Ezi (Agukwu) Nri (the migrants) which has now lasted for all of 903 years.

    He continued: “This situation was made worse by the Mbadinuju administration, which ignorantly took sides in the matter by giving Certificate of Recognition to Obidiegwu Onyeso from the Agukwu section and by this singular act, compounded the whole issue of succession almost beyond redemption.

    ”These rumblings of division and imminent implosion in the kingdom came to a crisis point in 1927. The recurrent succession issues came to a head after Obalike from Uruoji village, who was crowned king in 1887 died in 1927. After the death of Obalike, it was equitably the turn of Agbadana village to produce a successor. But one Okpoko usurped this right and was vehemently challenged by Tabansi Udene.

    The situation degenerated to a point that produced a crack in the ranks of the Adama (kingmakers), prompting them to crown both contenders. With two kings on the saddle, the kingdom watched as both tried to undo each other even through fetish means. The situation continued until 1935 when Okpoko died mysteriously and Tabansi became the unchallenged Eze Nri in 1937. Tabansi refused to be persuaded to settle the issue of succession during his lifetime and after his death in 1979, the issue reared its ugly head in very dangerous dimensions.

    ”As a contingency measure, the kingdom unanimously endorsed Tabansi’s son to ascend his father’s throne in the capacity of a Regent for seven years to allow time for the order of succession to be decisively settled. But after seven years and with no solution in sight, the Agukwu Community took late Obidiegwu Onyesoh to Aguleri to be coroneted as Eze Nri, contrary to the tradition of Nri Kingdom and without the consent of the Adama (Kingmakers).

    ”But the move was vehemently resisted by the kingdom. With a new President General, Oba Kelvin Obaegbunam, who promised to reconcile all factions in the kingdom now in the saddle, it is the popular wish that, in the overriding interest of the ancient Kingdom, Uruofolo community should be the next village to produce a successor to the throne in all considerations.

    ”As a proportional response, the Ifite Nri community also coroneted their own Eze Nri P.C Ogbumuo as Nrinamoke VIII. He was coroneted by the Adama and the Ifite Nri community who proclaimed themselves as Ikenga Nri with an autonomous status which they have thereafter sought to legitimatise in the court. The matter is now at the Supreme Court level.

    ”Now, in his capacity as the father of the kingdom, apex title holder and custodian of the kingdom’s values, Asuzu sought a way out for his people.

    ”It is a matter of great regret that the historical significance of Nri is becoming extinct as a result of the recurrent bickering going on in the ancient kingdom. The kingdom is in tatters as a result of a deluge of succession issues that has torn the kingdom apart. It is sad that some illustrious sons of the kingdom are fanning the embers of this division in rather very partisan ways.

    ”But the Igbos says that an elder cannot be at home while a she goat gives birth in its tethers. I therefore deem it as my patriotic duty to the kingdom as a worthy son of Nri and the holder of the apex chieftaincy title in the kingdom (Ezeoba Akajiofor Ndigbo Gburugburu), to advice that we resolve the issues tearing us apart in more inspiring and mature ways by showing some form of accommodation for one another and to approach the issue of succession with a sense of equity, justice and good conscience.

    ”We owe the Igbo race a duty of care as role models in the affairs of Igboland. Setting an undignified precedent will amount to a betrayal of confidence reposed on the ancient kingdom by the Igbos.” n what could best be described as an elder’s clamour and contribution to peace in Igbo land, Dr Ramas Okoye Asuzu, a revered Igbo traditionalist, has given a concise narrative of the history of the ancient Kingdom of Nri, which he said is in “its truest, unadulterated perspective.”

    Speaking at his palace in Uruofolo, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Asuzu traced the movement of the ancient kingdom back to the remotest prehistory and made a passionate appeal to the warring Igbo communities to sheathe their swords.

    ”Nri Kingdom” he said, “is universally acclaimed by historians and oral tradition as the ancestral home of the Igbos and the epicenter of Igbo civilisation. It occupies a religious, social and spiritual position regarded as sacred in Igboland. The kingdom is composed of six villages namely Umudiana, Uruofolo (Uru ofo na Alo), Ekwenaika and Diodo (Nrinamoke). These villages are collectively referred to as Ifite Nri or (Akamkpisi na Diodo). They are the aborigines (earliest settlers) of the kingdom and also referred to as Ikenga Nri.

    ”In 1043 AD, there occurred a wave of migrations into the kingdom through Aguleri via Ugbene. Led by one Menri, these migrants first settled in Mkpume Onyilenyi in Enugu-Ukwu. By negotiations and the grace of the people of Ifite Nri, they finally settled at Agukwu, which was a farmland of the Ifite Nri community. These settlers today constitute the other three villages of Nri Kingdom, namely: Agbadana, Uruoji and Obeagu. They are collectively referred to as Agukwu Nri. Thus the kingdom is structured along a sharp divide namely – Ifite Nri (Akamkpisi na Diodo) and Agukwu Nri (the latter settlers) who are also referred to as Ezi Nri. This structure resulted in the two divides being autonomous, as they lived separately, independent of the other, with own tradition and leadership.”

    It was gathered that the storm of division began to gather in 1115AD, when Nrinamoke VII (the traditional head of Ifite Nri (Ikenga Nri) took ill.

    ”Neglected by his Diodo clan, Nrinamoke VII was prompted to enlist the care of his nephew, Nribuife who graciously took good care of him. In appreciation of his devotion and care, Nrinamoke VII bestowed on Nribuife the right to the kingship stool, which he gladly accepted.  But Nrinamoke VII in his wisdom went further to compel Nribuife to swear on the Ofo na Alo (the symbol of authority) that the kingship which he was bestowing on him never departs from his (Nrinamoke) palace.

    ”The Adamas (kingmakers from Umudiana) coroneted Nribuife at Ekeagu in Ifite Nri, where he established his temple (Obu Nribuife). After his coronation, however, Nribuife relocated to Agukwu quarter of Nri, taking with him the Ofo na Alo. By this singular action, the kingdom was inadvertently unified as the Ofo na Alo of the two separate communities have become unified.

    Thus it was Nribuife who amalgamated the two autonomous communities of Ifite and Ezi Nri as a unified entity collectively known today as Nri. After the death of Nribuife and with the Ofo na Alo now residing in Agukwu, they (Agukwu section) of the kingdom took advantage of the situation that has now played into their hands to hatch an unwholesome conspiracy.

    Through intrigues, subterfuge and calculated distortion of historical facts, they conspired to introduce a rotational kingship system, using the blood lineage of Nribuife to technically restrict the rotation exclusively amongst the three migrant villages of Uruoji, Agbadana and Obeagu, contrary to the sworn injunction by Nrinamoke VII that the kingship should not depart from the Umunri clan. In this way, they arrogated to themselves a stranglehold on the traditional stool of Nri Kingdom.

    ”According to the scholar, this breach by the people of Agukwu Nri sowed the seed of discord and division between Ifite (Ikenga) Nri (the aborigines) and Ezi (Agukwu) Nri (the migrants) which has now lasted for all of 903 years.

    He continued: “This situation was made worse by the Mbadinuju administration, which ignorantly took sides in the matter by giving Certificate of Recognition to Obidiegwu Onyeso from the Agukwu section and by this singular act, compounded the whole issue of succession almost beyond redemption.

    ”These rumblings of division and imminent implosion in the kingdom came to a crisis point in 1927. The recurrent succession issues came to a head after Obalike from Uruoji village, who was crowned king in 1887 died in 1927. After the death of Obalike, it was equitably the turn of Agbadana village to produce a successor. But one Okpoko usurped this right and was vehemently challenged by Tabansi Udene.

    The situation degenerated to a point that produced a crack in the ranks of the Adama (kingmakers), prompting them to crown both contenders. With two kings on the saddle, the kingdom watched as both tried to undo each other even through fetish means. The situation continued until 1935 when Okpoko died mysteriously and Tabansi became the unchallenged Eze Nri in 1937. Tabansi refused to be persuaded to settle the issue of succession during his lifetime and after his death in 1979, the issue reared its ugly head in very dangerous dimensions.

    ”As a contingency measure, the kingdom unanimously endorsed Tabansi’s son to ascend his father’s throne in the capacity of a Regent for seven years to allow time for the order of succession to be decisively settled. But after seven years and with no solution in sight, the Agukwu Community took late Obidiegwu Onyesoh to Aguleri to be coroneted as Eze Nri, contrary to the tradition of Nri Kingdom and without the consent of the Adama (Kingmakers).

    ”But the move was vehemently resisted by the kingdom. With a new President General, Oba Kelvin Obaegbunam, who promised to reconcile all factions in the kingdom now in the saddle, it is the popular wish that, in the overriding interest of the ancient Kingdom, Uruofolo community should be the next village to produce a successor to the throne in all considerations.

    ”As a proportional response, the Ifite Nri community also coroneted their own Eze Nri P.C Ogbumuo as Nrinamoke VIII. He was coroneted by the Adama and the Ifite Nri community who proclaimed themselves as Ikenga Nri with an autonomous status which they have thereafter sought to legitimatise in the court. The matter is now at the Supreme Court level.

    ”Now, in his capacity as the father of the kingdom, apex title holder and custodian of the kingdom’s values, Asuzu sought a way out for his people.

    ”It is a matter of great regret that the historical significance of Nri is becoming extinct as a result of the recurrent bickering going on in the ancient kingdom. The kingdom is in tatters as a result of a deluge of succession issues that has torn the kingdom apart. It is sad that some illustrious sons of the kingdom are fanning the embers of this division in rather very partisan ways.

    ”But the Igbos says that an elder cannot be at home while a she goat gives birth in its tethers. I therefore deem it as my patriotic duty to the kingdom as a worthy son of Nri and the holder of the apex chieftaincy title in the kingdom (Ezeoba Akajiofor Ndigbo Gburugburu), to advice that we resolve the issues tearing us apart in more inspiring and mature ways by showing some form of accommodation for one another and to approach the issue of succession with a sense of equity, justice and good conscience.

    ”We owe the Igbo race a duty of care as role models in the affairs of Igboland. Setting an undignified precedent will amount to a betrayal of confidence reposed on the ancient kingdom by the Igbos.”

    Asserting that no amount of litigation or hate speech can decisively resolve this matter, Asuzu said this generation has in their hands the power to cancel out differences by doing the equitable thing that will guarantee a sense of belonging to all Nri sons and daughters.

    In his conclusion, Asuzu said, “For a long time we have stood the truth on its head. For once let us be true to ourselves in name and in fact. Let’s talk peace, not war. Let’s avert this doomsday situation that has the potential of unleashing a devastating catastrophe on the kingdom. We owe posterity and our cherished kingdom a breath of fresh air.”

    Asuzu also stressed that succession to the throne is not predicated on educational attainment or mediocrity.

    “Most wise counsels are not from educated men or women. For one thing, a traditional leader should be a man of wisdom, versed in the traditions of his people and must have public appeal. It is not entrusted on people of doubtful genealogies, unstable broken homes and failed marriages.”

    • Covenant, an ex-journalist, sent this piece from Anambra State

    Asserting that no amount of litigation or hate speech can decisively resolve this matter, Asuzu said this generation has in their hands the power to cancel out differences by doing the equitable thing that will guarantee a sense of belonging to all Nri sons and daughters.

    In his conclusion, Asuzu said, “For a long time we have stood the truth on its head. For once let us be true to ourselves in name and in fact. Let’s talk peace, not war. Let’s avert this doomsday situation that has the potential of unleashing a devastating catastrophe on the kingdom. We owe posterity and our cherished kingdom a breath of fresh air.”

    Asuzu also stressed that succession to the throne is not predicated on educational attainment or mediocrity.

    “Most wise counsels are not from educated men or women. For one thing, a traditional leader should be a man of wisdom, versed in the traditions of his people and must have public appeal. It is not entrusted on people of doubtful genealogies, unstable broken homes and failed marriages.”

    • Covenant, an ex-journalist, sent this piece from Anambra State

  • Enugu businessmen groomed on US export opportunities

    Nigerian Export Promotion Council has held a workshop in Enugu to enlighten potential and registered exporters on a wide range of export opportunities in the United States of America market.

    The workshop leveraged on the advocacy programme on African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

    The Regional Cordinator, NEPC, Enugu, Mrs Gertrude Ukoanam told the over 100 participants that there are over 6000 eligible products that can be exported under the AGOA platform.

    These include agricultural products, foods and beverages, bulk and finished products, textiles and apparel and jewellery.

    They also include leather products, auto motives, metals and articles, wood and articles of wood, etc.

    Ukoanam explained that there were also trade benefits like the Harmonised Tariff Schedule which is a preferential duty rate an exporter would enjoy under AGOA.

    She told the participants that they would at the end of the programme be equipped with basic knowledge of the procedures and documentation of exporting under the AGOA platform.

    “Let me state here that the need to have an educative session of this nature for our exporters is timelyý, and its significance cannot be overemphasised especially now that our economy is experiencing dwindling income from oil reserves.

    “Therefore, in line with the Federal government economic recovery plan, our aim is to consolidate on the Federal Government efforts towards an urgent need to diversify our economy and take advantage of the non-oil as a tool for sustainable economic drive, and AGOA is one of such tools,” Ukoanam stressed.

  • Rotary honours Ugwuanyi

    The Rotary International District 9142, Nigeria, has honoured Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State with a “Distinguished Service Award of Excellence in Governance” for his outstanding performance in office.
    The prestigious award was presented the governor at a colourful dinner in his honour, after the installation ceremony of the 2nd District Governor of the Club,  Rotarian Dr. Dan Ajawara, held at The Base Event Centre, Enugu.
    Presenting the award, the newly installed District Governor, Dr. Ajawara, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a humble, humane, unassuming and visionary leader, who leads by example”, adding that it was based on his sterling performance and leadership qualities that “we are honouring him today”.
    Ajawara noted that it was rare for Rotarians to come together to honour a sitting governor, disclosing that they are apolitical.
    He stressed that Ugwuanyi as a Rotarian and governor has kept faith with the ideals of the Rotary Club through his people-centered programmes that “touch people’s lives in so many ways”, saying: “The people have unanimously agreed he will continue leading them”.
    According to him, “Rotary is not into politics. We take note of the people’s feelings and that is why we are honouring him today with this Distinguished Service Award of Excellence in Governance. The Coal City experience is really imparting positively on the people. We hope that this honour will spur you to do more”.
    Ugwuanyi, who appreciated the District for finding him worthy of conferment with its highest award, described the gesture as a great honour.
    He paid special respect to the Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was represented by Chief Emeka Eze and other dignitaries at the event and “heartily congratulated” Dr. Ajawara on his installation as the 2nd District Governor.
    Ugwuanyi pointed out that as a Rotarian and former President of the club in Emene, he was “very much conversant with the aims, objectives and the ideals of the Rotary Club as well as the excitement and joy that accompany the installation of a new District Governor”.
    He, therefore, expressed optimism that Dr. Ajawara would succeed as he “has all it takes to lift the District to greater heights in the service of humanity”.
    The governor used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to continue to promote the ideals of the 4-Way Test of the noble club and bring them to bear on his personal life and discharge of his duties “as the Chief Servant of the people of Enugu State”.
    “We remain grateful to the Rotary Club for its many years of partnership and assistance to the Enugu State government in helping to spread the message of hope, comradeship and solidarity among all classes of people especially through the provision of communal facilities and attending to the needs of the poor.
    “While also thankful for the decision to host this historic occasion in Enugu, we wish to pledge our continued support and cooperation towards the attainment of our common objectives and the noble ideals of the club,” he added.

  • Corps member donates museum to Imo zoo

    The zoo community in Imo State has been thrown into jubilation by the rare gesture of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member deployed to the state Miss Fatunbi Oluwatosin.

    Oluwatosin handed over a museum project worth N15 million to the state government as part of her Community Development Service (CDS).

    The gesture of the Corps member triggered deep emotions among the zoo workers who described it as uncommon and unprecedented.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House Mr Kingsley Uju said the historic museum will not only serve as tourism centre, but also research centre for the next generation.

    He described the Corps member as a role model who should be emulated by all Nigerian youths.

    Uju commended the zeal and inspiration of conceiving the idea to “begin such a huge project considering the little allowance being paid to her as a Corps member”.

    “This is the kind of youths we are looking for in this state,” he said. “She is creative and hardworking and Imo State government will like her to remain in this state so that we can benefit from her full potential”.

    He continued: “Oluwatosin has justified her service year in Imo and has written her name in the good history of the state, this government will not fail to reward her”.

    Mrs. Gift Candida who represented the NYSC state Coordinator said the project was among the biggest any corps member has ever embarked upon in Imo.

    “I wonder what Oluwatosin was thinking when she embarked on this project, I do not know if she knew she has only one year to complete the project.

    “It is amazing that a Corps member could begin and complete a project of this magnitude,” she said.

    In her remarks, Oluwatosin, said she decided to embark on the project so that she would be known for something in Imo.

    She said, “When I was posted to Imo State Zoo, I went round the premises and discovered that the existing museum was not of standard, I decided to start the project just to upgrade the zoo.

    “I was able to complete this project through goodwill of some government officials like the Commissioner for Environment who donated the first N 1million and the Deputy Chief of Staff Mr Kingsley Uju who saw to the completion of the project.

    She also commended the Zoo Manager, Mr. Francis Abioye who she said stood by her during challenges and also introduced her to government officials.

    The zoo manager, Abioye, said the museum project was a top priority following a need to expand the existing museum before the corps member indicated interest.

    He said the historic museum will be used for tourism and research center for students.

  • Financial Reporting Council launches governance code

    The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has held a public hearing on the new Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    The hearing, according to the FRC Executive Secretary, Daniel Asapokhai, will be held across the six geo-political zones of the country.

    He said that the new Code will promote the ease of doing business in the country, as well as attract local and foreign investments and enhance the integrity of the Nigerian capital market.

    According to him, the Code will also raise public awareness of good corporate governance practices.

    The Executive Secretary said, “The Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance was developed based on a comprehensive review of the suspended 2016 Code of Corporate Governance by a 15-man technical Committee and extensive consultative and collaborative engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and other regulators”.

    Speaking further, he said the new code “shall apply to all public companies; whether listed or not all private companies that are holding companies of public companies and other regulated entities, concessioned and privatised companies and regulated private companies.”

    The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria is a Federal Government Agency established by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act No 6, 2011 under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

     

  • Aba transporters, commuters cry out over bad roads

    Motorists, commercial tricycle operators and residents of Ayaba Umueze in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State have appealed to their local and state authorities to fix bad roads in their area.

    The state’s teaching hospital ABSUTH is located in the area.

    Some of the roads that crisscross the community serve as alternative routes into and out of the commercial city of Aba, especially during traffic build-up on Port Harcourt-Enugu and Aba-Owerri Expressways.  The agrarian community also uses the roads to convey their farm produce into the city centre.

    A staff of ABSUTH who could not disclose his name told our reporter that going to work on the Ayaba Umueze Road is hellish.

    When it rains, according to the staff, the road is virtually impassable, adding that the situation has drastically cut down the number of people visiting the hospital.

    Some commercial tricycle operators lamented the impact of the road on their business, saying that people prefer trekking home than boarding their tricycles.

    A resident Chijioke Onyemachi said, “Governor Okezie Ikpeazu came to this Ayaba Umueze. He was at the Oil Palm Nursery to flag off the distribution of 2million oil palms to farmers in the state.

    “We were all waiting to see how he would pass through this same road, but the people leading him took him to the venue through the Adventist, Eastern Union Road that is a little bit motorable.

    “We were hopeful that the road would have received accelerated attention from the governor if he had used the road. But that brings to question of what the local government is doing with all the monies that they get from the state and federal allocation.

    “Their primary responsibility is the people in the grassroots including road and infrastructure. Let this be a wakeup call to the Osisioma local government chairman. He should rise to the occasion to address the impassible nature of roads in the local government area.”

     

  • Succour for the needy in Ebonyi 

    Succour has come the way of over 1,000 street beggars, physically challenged and other downtrodden in Ebonyi State. Their benefactor is an interdenominational worship centre, Power House.

    One of the beneficiaries, Ifeoma Eleagada, a blind mother of three from Ngbo community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, has been begging for over seven years in the popular Abakpa Main Market in Abakaliki, the state capital.

    She was married as a second wife by her husband and became blind after the marriage. She had to quit the marriage and took to street begging to survive. While begging last week, someone from Power House approached her and announced to her that there was occasion designed for the physically challenged. After about one hour, another person from the same organisation said the same thing to her. She agreed and followed the person to the place.

    At the end, she was fed well alongside her children and over 1,000 physically challenged and downtrodden who attended the programme. She was given fat envelope that contained money. Others were also treated same.

     

    Her joy knew no bounds.

    Ifeoma said “We are regarded as nothing, we are rejected by the society because of our conditions but today, we have been treated specially by this church.

    “I am very glad; I have never seen this type of gesture since I was born. I am a beggar with my three children and I am not married. I pray God to bless this church and the founder. I am begging at Abakakpa main market Abakaliki. I have been begging for the past seven years.

    “I married a married man and I repented and separated from him because it is against the word of God. I resolved that I will not continue to be married to a married man, instead I will stay on my own and be begging and I have been begging and feeding my three children.

    “I was not born blind. I got blind when I got married to that married man. Now I have repented, I have vowed that I will not marry the man again and nothing will make me to marry him again”.

    Another street bagger, Francis Nwankwo also said that he has not been treated the way he was treated by the interdenominational worship centre.

    Nwankwo who is from Awkuzu, Anambra state said “It is only today that I have seen this type of thing in my life. I pray God to bless this centre. We are regarded as less privileged in the society; we are suffering because no one cares for us. Some of us have died of hunger and sickness. We have suffered a lot in this world but today, we have been given a sense of belonging, we have been treated very well”.

    Earlier, founder and President of the Power House Assembly, Ephraim Ononye said the gesture was inspired by a desire to help the needy.

    He regretted that well-to-do individuals in the society have neglected the less privileged and called on them to use their resources to better the loss of the down trodden instead of wasting them on earthly things.

    He told the less privileged during the event at the Assembly’s branch in Abakaliki not to lose hope as according to them God was still remembering them.

    “It is not every help that we render that we publicise. Last Sunday, so many people into this church empty and left with N10,000 each and we didn’t take it to the news. But we take this one to the news to move the hand of the well to do people in the society to begin to think about how to help the down trodden, people who are living with disabilities.

    “I also want to move the hand of churches and pastors. We collect tithes and offerings from our congregations, we get richer by the day, we get mansions. What about the less privileged in the society who are the people God expected us to take care of as churches and ministers, pastors and prophets.

    “Let those people that calls themselves rich men also think of how to assist the less privileged, those who are living with disabilities and the  downtrodden in the society not  just building mansions, ridding expensive cars and spending money extravagantly. This is where we should spend our money,” he said.

     

  • Relief as Imo bridge repair starts

    It was a huge relief for residents of Amaruru, an agrarian community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State as work starts on the collapsed bridge which cut off the community from other parts of the state and neighbouring Anambra State, where they sell their farm produce and buy other household needs.

    The community was thrown into anguish after the only bridge linking the community with other villages, especially the Nnewi, the commercial hub of Anambra state, which is the mainstay of economic and social activities in the otherwise sleepy community caved in under the weight of a truck conveying cement.

    The long bridge believed to have been constructed over 60 years ago through communal effort, finally caved in, after several years of disrepair. The bridge according to the villagers, has been given signs of imminent collapse, but all efforts to get the requisite authorities to intervene, were all abortive.

    The plight of the community had attracted the attention of the state House of Assembly and subsequently a delegation of Lawmakers was sent to have on the spot assessment of the collapsed bridge and proffer solution.

    But despite the powerful delegation by the state Lawmakers and engineers from the state Ministry of Works, the hope of repair of the collapsed bridge remained elusive three months after.

    But just as the people continued to grapple with the enormous challenge occasioned by the collapse of the bridge, almost losing hope of any intervention in the near future, sucour came the way of the people.

    A philanthropist Ozodinobi O. Nnamachie, an engineer, after a visit to the bridge volunteered to sponsor palliative repair on the bridge pending when a permanent structure will be built.

    The people are relieved and socio-economic activities have bounced back and the community is once reconnected with their friends and relatives in other villages.

    Nze Cornel Isiuzo, a farmer, who had bemoaned the continued neglect of the broken bridge by relevant authorities, commended the efforts of the philanthropist, adding that his intervention has saved the community from harrowing ordeal.

    Isiuzo, who said he was barely nine years old when the bridge was constructed, lamented that the community union may not be able to raise the required amount of money to fix the bridge on time, adding that, “it was a big challenge, we were trapped, we could not take our farm produce to the market and most of our women trade at the Nnewi market but we thank God that it is over now”.

    He said, “The entire community was at a loss over how to go about it because we have written several letters to the state government but nothing tangible came out of it. Now that the bridge has finally collapsed, we hope the state government will come to our aid”.

    Another community leader, Chief Stanley Ukammor, described the gesture as divine, adding that since the collapse of the bridge, the community has been going through untold hardship.

    He said, “We did not know how to go about it and the money needed to fix it or build another bridge is enormous and beyond the capacity of the villagers, who are mostly peasant farmers and retirees. So we just resigned to fate and praying that intervention could come from anywhere, we are happy today that God has answered our prayers”.

    We are appealing to the state governor, Rochas Okorocha to order immediate palliative repairs on the bridge to free us from the current plight”.

    He however lamented that the community is facing another imminent danger of flooding as the Orashi River is already overflowing its banks since the collapse of the Bridge, “we are also confronted by another challenge that need to be quickly addressed, the Orashi River is overflowing the banks and the implication is that our farmlands will be flooded and our entire crops will be destroyed. Something need to be done and urgently too”.