The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Imo commissioner visits schools

    Commissioner of Science & Technology and Vocational Education, Imo State, Hon. Emma Buka Iwuanyanwu has visited schools under his ministry to familiarise himself with their activities.

    In a statement, the ministry’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mazi Sunday Orisakwe said the commissioner’s first call was the Government Technical College, Owerri, where he was received by the Principal of the school, Rev. Jamike Eke and Mrs. Igbojekwe Chika, Vice Principal (Administration) and Mrs. Igboanugo Nelly, the Vice Principal (Academics), who led him and his team to tour the school premises.

    The commissioner was shown the various departments of the school, which include the Electrical Department, Mechanical, Auto Mobile, Carpentry and Building Departments. He was also shown the Chemistry and Physics Laboratories. At the Building Department, the commissioner said he was impressed with some fence designs by the students. He urged them to remain focused on their studies.

    He was also shown some toy cars and toy airplanes built by the students. At the Physics and Chemisty Laboratories, the Chemistry teacher complained that there was an urgent need for the upgrade of the laboratories. He said modern science equipment were needed to help the students in their practicals. The Principal, Rev. Eke, solicited help of the ministry, adding that with more funds the school would be a pride to the state. He further said some Industries in Aba come to recruit manpower and some electricity distribution companies engage their students in certain jobs due to the high standard skills acquired by the students from the school.

    The commissioner thanked the workers for their good work, assuring them that the Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha would be briefed on the challenges of the school. “You all know that our governor loves education and has done so much to help Imolites to be educated. He has offered free education from primary to university level because he wants the best for Imo youths. So, rest assured that he will tackle the challenges you are having in the school,” the commissioner said. He advised the students to shun cultism.

    At the Young Scientist College also in Owerri, its Principal, Mrs. Victoria Amadi, listed the challenges of the school to include lack of electricity, insecurity, lack of equipped laboratory and erosion. But she explained that despite the challenges, the school was doing well academically, as it recorded 93 per cent success in their exams.

    The commissioner thanked the principal and the workers for the school’s academic success. But he was shocked that the school lacked electricity and was also not happy with the quality of work done in the laboratory. He explained to them that the governor harps on science studies, who would help to bring about development to the state. He urged them to take their studies serious, assuring that the challenges faced by the school would be made known to the governor.

    On the commissioner’s entourage were Executive Assistant to the Governor on Information Communication Technology, Mr. Ekwe Scott Ekwe.

    Others include Director of Administration and Finance, Ministry of Science & Technology, Mr. Nnaemeka Nnoromele, and the Director of Science and Technology, Mrs. Patricia Eleberi of the same ministry.

     

  • Ebonyi tackles genital mutilation

    Ebonyi tackles genital mutilation

    From a 62 per cent prevalence rate in 2011, Ebonyi State now accounts for 43.2 per cent of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) figure in the country. This is a significant reduction, thanks to the doggedness of the campaign to stamp out FGM in the state. Leading that fight is wife of the governor Mrs Rachel Umahi.

    “In 2011 the prevalence rate of FGM in Ebonyi State was 62%; with the advocacy carried out now, it has reduced to 43.2% in 2017 and this is due to the efforts of Mrs Rachel Umahi who has been dogged in the fight against the practice,” said Mrs Nkiru Maduechiese, a child protection expert at UNICEF.

    Maduechiese was delivering a lecture titled ‘Ending Female Genital Mutilation is a Political Decision’ at a one day policy dialogue on FGM in Abakaliki, the state capital.

    While commending Mrs Umahi for her efforts in ending the scourge, Mrs Nkiru urged her and the state government not to relent until FGM is eradicated in the state.

    Elated at the giant stride recorded, Governor David Umahi, who was present at the event, donated N20 million to Mrs Umahi’s organisation, Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation, to support her efforts.

    The governor, at the event which is part of activities to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance of FGM, said the donation was  part of the government contribution to assist in the fight against the practice.

    The governor said that the practice had been an age-long culture that has no benefit but causes more harm to women and girls in the society.

    He commended his wife for the initiative and the efforts so far in supporting the state government in the fight against the trend.

    “FGM practice is a culture with no benefit. The Foundation is however a wonderful pet project.

    “We have captured the bill and it will protect women and girls when passed into law by February 2018 because of its importance, but it has to be looked into properly,” Umahi said.

    Umahi commended the efforts of United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF), and National Orientation Agency (NOA), among others who have been partnering the state government to eradicate the menace and promised to give more support.

    The governor directed that the state Ministry of Education should write schools in the state to always educate children during schools’ assembly on FGM.

    Mrs Adline Idike, Chairman of the occasion described the act as a cultural practice that had become endemic for some people and as part of their life.

    Idike said to reverse the trend means turning around the orientation of the people, which she said “is very difficult”.

    “Law per say will not do it but we need to go into persuasion and this can be achieved through sensitisation and enlightenment.

    “This will enable these people, who believe in this practice to think like others, understand it and this will take years for it to be achieved,” Idike said.

    Meanwhile, the Chief Field Officer, UNICEF, Mr Ibrahim Conteh said that the agency leads the protection of rights of children and will support move to end FGM.

    They commended the state government on its efforts and plans to carry the campaign to the grassroots.

    “The fight is a continuous fight and we must all support the campaign, because we have a long way to go and the act could impede on the socio-economic growth of the society,” they said.

    Mrs Umahi said the support of the state government and donor agencies were pivotal to the Foundation’s success in reducing the prevalence rate from 74.4% to 43.2% in Ebonyi in the last few years

    “Ebonyi State is also the research destination towards ending Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Umahi through her Family Succour and Upliftment Programme in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has taken the end FGMC message to the grassroots as it held sensitisation rallies in Amangbala, Mkpoghoro and Ibii communities all in Afikpo North local government area.

    More LGAs are to follow soon.

    The event tagged “community sensitisation on hand in hand we stand innovation project by UNFPA” also had in attendance the state Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Ogbuewu.

    Addressing participants during the rally, Mrs Umahi represented by her Chief Press Secretary. Donatus Owoh, enjoined Stakeh-olders/leaders of Thought to intensify efforts to end the menace of FGMC.

    Mrs Umahi said the Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed the “Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) bill into law, assuring that it would soon be assented to by the governor.

  • Aba NDLEA arrests 324 in drug crackdown

    Aba NDLEA arrests 324 in drug crackdown

    The Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said the agency has seized about a tonne of illicit drugs in the state, adding that it also arrested 324 suspected drug addicts.

    The state Commander of the agency, Akingbade Bamidele in a chat with our reporter in Aba, said that out of the 324 suspects, 304 were males while 20 were females.

    According to him, 24 persons underwent rehabilitation in their facility, while they secured 53 convictions, adding that other cases were still ongoing in various High Courts in the state.

    He further disclosed that the agency counseled and released 78 drug suspects arrested at various  points in the state and later handed over to their family members.

    The NDLEA boss said that the agency was working to secure a court order to destroy about six tonnes of exhibits in the facility whose cases have been concluded. He also said they would not relent on their efforts to stop the activities of drug merchants and addicts in various notorious drug spots in the state.

    Akingbade thanked security agencies especially the Nigerian Army, 14 Brigade, Ohafia for their support while they raided villages such as Arochukwu, Okonu Ohafia where some drug barons were smashed. He also lamented the activities of some youths and village leaders who shield drug dealers in their community from being arrested by its personnel during raids.

    He expressed worry over the high rate of drug abuse among the youths who he accused of combining depressants and stimulants as substitutes for cocaine before committing all manner of crimes including armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, etc.

    Akingbade said they were going to establish drug-free clubs in schools to ensure that they educate the youths on the dangers of using hard drugs, adding that they would be establishing their outposts at strategic places to ensure that the war on the sale and consumption of illicit drugs in the state was total.

    The NDLEA boss who said that the agency would continue to engage patent drug dealers in a roundtable discussion on the need to sell drugs to only the people with drug prescription from qualified and approved physicians warned youths against consuming illegal and prohibited drugs.

    He called on the state and federal government to come to their aides, adding that with the provision of adequate logistics, the agency would do more in its fight against illicit drugs.

    He also added that its officials acting on intelligence report, recently arrested three drug suspects within the premises of a primary school in Aba where they seized unsold drug exhibits weighing 800 grams and a recovered locally made double barrel gun.

    He gave the names of the suspects as Charles Kelechi (29 years), Osuji Uchechukwu (22 years) and Obioha Lord Jenkins (26 years).

    He stated that the arrest of the suspects was the continued efforts of his men and agency to crack down on the activities of illicit drug peddlers and the way prohibited drugs and substances were being circulated within the city center.

    “Recalled that late last year, there were some joint operations embarked upon with the military, police in conjunction with the NDLEA to flush out drug addicts in Abia especially in Aba. We have now discovered that once these people find it difficult to operate in some of the hot spots in Aba, they relocate to the civilian populations especially in the secondary and primary schools to sell drugs.

    “About three days ago, we stumbled on the information that a primary school in Park road in Aba that drug sellers have entered into the place, and are dispensing drugs. We found it absurd and disturbing. When we went there to confirm this information, to our surprise it was true. We arrested three people there and the worse is that one of them was fully armed in an environment where children are supposed to be learning. This people penetrated the place and were selling drugs and are fully armed.

    “I want to say that our interactions with the school management show that they have this phobia that of reporting this people for fear of reprisal attack on them. We want to encourage the management of schools where we’ll be opening a drug free club to report any of these incidents to NDLEA and other law enforcement agents.”

  • Hunted for IPOB

    Hunted for IPOB

    The quest to silence the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) did not end with the Python Dance, a military operation launched against the secessionist group last year. There is still a manhunt for members of the organisation who once protested in Germany.

    You have not heard the last of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) or of the people who embraced its cause.

    Late last year a military onslaught codenamed Python Dance routed the group in Abia State. The home of its leader Nnamdi Kanu’s father near Umuahia was raided, with some claiming that the secessionist group suffered heavy casualties. Kanu himself has since disappeared, and the group has gone quiet. But the hunt for its members has continued apace. It is reckoned that many of them have been rounded up, even those who demonstrated their support in foreign lands.

    Johncollins Osuji, a staunch member of the proscribed group, is one such person being hunted for his role in a protest last year in Germany. Johncollins hails from Ihitte Afara in Mbaitoli Council Area of Imo State, where his family is said to be constantly harassed by security forces looking for him.

    Life has become a nightmare for Johncollin’s family members because of that pro-Biafra protest organised by the group in Germany last year.

    Johncollins and other IPOB members that participated in the May 30 protest at the British Embassy in Germany are wanted by security operatives in Nigeria.

    Worse, the villagers now corroborate with security agencies to torment the family. They are stigmatised over their brother’s IPOB ties. Day and night, they are hounded by security operatives, who storm their homes in search of him for his role in the 2017 protest in Germany. The Federal Government saw the otherwise peaceful protest as a major embarrassment that will not go unpunished.

    Johncollins alongside other IPOB members who participated in the protest were declared wanted by the Army during the operation ‘Python Dance’ launched by the Nigerian Army to suppress Biafra agitation by the IPOB and other pro-Biafra groups.

    IPOB was labelled a terrorist group by the Federal Government and was subsequently proscribed.

    The Federal Government has also declared all leading IPOB members wanted, including the leader Nnamdi Kanu who has been missing since soldiers raided his father’s house.

    Trouble started for Johncollins after his fellow IPOB members who returned from the protest at the British Embassy in Germany were picked up by security operatives upon returning to the country.

    One of the traumatised elder sisters, Priscila Osuji said they were forced to vacate their home when they could no longer cope with the incessant harassments by security operatives hunting for their brother Johncollins.

    She said, “When we heard that his friends who also went for the protest have all been arrested with some members of their families, we became apprehensive because we were afraid that they will come for him. One night in June last year, some armed men who were not in uniform but we suspected them to be DSS operatives came to our house and demanded the whereabouts of my brother and we told them that he travelled and had not returned they threatened to arrest our mother but when they saw that she was old and frail they left her and warned us to send a message to him to report at the nearest police station.

    “After that, soldiers attached to the ‘Operation Python Dance stormed our home in search of my brother and they manhandled everybody in sight. But my brother has not committed any crime apart from the non-violent agitation for Biafra and the protest at the British Embassy at Germany which is also non-violent. We are worried about what will happen to him if he comes back and they get him. Nobody has heard about his colleague that were arrested and that is our fear”.

    Also narrating his ordeal in a telephone chat, the embattled Johncollins, said, “We held a protest on May 30th 2017 at the British Embassy in Düsseldorf, Germany against the ill-treatment of Biafra agitators, especially IPOB members but after the protest, we heard that the IPOB protesters are wanted in Nigeria for what they called radical protest against British government in Germany”.

    Speaking further, he said, “Some of the protesters that returned to Nigeria have been arrested and they are still looking for many of us. I have also been told that soldiers and other security operatives have been harassing my family members. We were not violent during the protest, just as in all other protests by IPOB members but the Nigerian government to arrest and imprison us for nothing just because we are championing the fight for the actualisation of sovereign state of Biafra”.

    Efforts to get the reaction of the Army proved abortive as they declined comment on the matter. But a security source who didn’t want his name mentioned because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, told The Nation that “the Germany protest and other similar protests around the world by members of the proscribed group, IPOB was a huge embarrassment to the government and all those involved will face the full wrath of the law. We have credible intelligence about the identities of all the IPOB protesters, especially those that protested at the British Embassy in Germany, some of them are already in custody while the manhunt for others are on. IPOB has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation and the government will not allow the miscreants to undermine the sovereignty of the nation”.

    The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer Andrew Enwerem  echoed the same sentiments, adding, “IPOB members complaining about harassment will see more because we don’t want to see them again.”

  • Anambra presents compendium

    Anambra presents compendium

    A new book, the Anambra State Compendium, a comprehensive and officially endorsed manual on everything Anambra, describes the state as, “a state with a rich culture, known for its great myths, giant strides and creative, hardworking and innovative people. Its history is as mythical as its great people, as there are diverse perspectives to the origin of the people.”

    This 800-page history photo book documents the rich history and colourful cultural heritage, religion and traditional institutions, its people, arts and lifestyle, and tells the story of Anambra the way no other book has attempted in the past. The beauty of the book is the depth of information, presented in a concise form, accompanied with different dimensions of beautiful photographic images that conjure life into the pages, taking the reader on a fun, but educative journey, across Anambra communities, in their glorious splendour.

    Divided into 12 sections which include “Our Enterprises”, that details the big businesses owned by Anambra people both in the state and outside, and celebrates “Our Beacon” and “Icons”, those personalities of Anambra origin, past and present, with outstanding achievements as pioneers or leaders in every field of endeavour, and has thus brought glory to Anambra and Nigeria in general. It also showcases the colourful festivals, masquerades and every details of every single community in the state, their food, uniqueness and traditional rulers.

    The compendium also records the iconic pioneer educational, religious and medical institutions in the state with vivid pictures that trigger memories of home and the nostalgic past, especially for those that passed through such institutions in their formative years as the famous Christ The King College (CKC) Onitsha. Those who have had a glimpse of the historic book already refer to it as “a true treasure” that every Anambra home, and institutions, both in the state or in the diaspora should have. Everything that should be known about Anambra is in this history photo book.

    Anambra State is predominantly a Christian state chiefly populated by the faithful of both Catholic and Anglican churches. This factor essentially plays a significant role in major social and political decisions in the state. Every Anambra indigene knows this, likewise political office seekers at different levels in the state.

    What many people in Anambra and environs do not know and probably take for granted is the true account of the origin of Christianity in the state. Just as many don’t also know the history, sights, colours and the intriguing tales – some very mythical – of Anambra communities, nestled both in the serene hinterlands, or the bustling metropolis. This enlightening and highly educative information is offered in this compendium, complete with enchanting photos and insightful prose.

    On the advent of Christianity in the state, the book authoritatively states that, “John Christopher, an Igbo son was instrumental to the introduction of Christianity in Anambra State and the Igbo land.” Born in Sierra Leone in 1815 to a father that hails from Isuama and mother from Arochukwu, the compendium discloses that Christopher was a contemporary of the renowned pioneer missionary, Samuel Ajayi Crowder.

    Ironically too, the book observes that in spite of the predominance of Christianity in Anambra State, the practice of traditional religious belief still exists in the state, remarkably among a minority population. It buttresses this assertion with amazing images.

    Some of the traditional shrines and deities, where such  worship takes place in the  state, according to the book’s account include, Habaa, the famous female deity, near Agulu Lake,  Ududonka, Agwuve Trinity tree, in Aguleri, Okija shrine, Ayaya shrine in Nando and the Okpo tree in Nteje, which is believed to have mystical powers. In fact, it was reported that several cameras and other electronic devices were mysteriously damaged as the compilers of this historic book attempted to capture the image of the iconic tree. It was not until certain rituals were performed by the custodians of the ancestral tree that photos were successfully taken.

    The book also recorded many similar mysteries hidden at several other Anambra communities. One of such is the amazing Omambala and Ezu rivers which meet at a confluence known as Agbonabo, where both rivers inexplicably ‘refused’ to mix. And this strangeness is highlighted by the obvious differences in colour of the waters of the respective rivers. These and many more unique tourism potentials in the state are detailed in this compendium.

    Obviously highly impressed by the quality of research and the resultant informative content of the book, former President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, who wrote the foreword of the book, expressed his delight thus: “I took a look at the draft of this compendium. It is a very rich book and from it I have learnt a lot about the state and its people. The chapters on the communities, tourism and lifestyle and enterprises are particularly enthralling.” He said he would recommend it to all. IBB’s government created Anambra State on June 26, 1991, hence his decision to make a contribution to the book.

    Giving insight into the painstaking efforts it took to produce a reference book such as this, the Editor-in-Chief,  Emeka Okonkwo,  wrote on the preface,  “It took different teams and crew of investigative journalists and photographers more than a year to cover every nook and cranny of Anambra state, including all important historical, archeological, industrial, commercial and tourist sites and locations. There were many interviews and photo sessions. Professionals were deployed for frequent cross-checking of information to clear doubts and avoid factual errors.”

    Governor Of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, who will be presenting this book in the coming days as part of his  second term Inauguration, stated in the introduction of the book, which he wrote: “The Compendium is a detailed pictorial-based reference manual on the history, people and government of Anambra state, 25 five years  after its creation. We have tried to x-ray in pictures and prose the beautiful story of Anambra people

    “We sincerely hope that the information contained in the impressive compendium on Anambra state will help ginger future generations of citizens of the State to surpass the toils and great accomplishments of the outstanding beacons and icons of the state as well as its past and present leaders.”

     

  • Road repair thrills Abia farming community

    Road repair thrills Abia farming community

    Residents of Isieketa in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State know their strong point: yam cultivation owing to their fertile soil. They produce fat tubers that buyers cannot resist, streaming in every market day from other Southeast and Southsouth states. The community also knows their worst nightmare: poor road. The road through which they send their produce out was graded 50 years ago and has been in terrible disrepair. It is being fixed now, and the joy of Isieketa people knows no bounds. They have the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to thank for that.

    Our reporter who visited the community reports that work on the road is at an advanced stage after only a few weeks.

    A fertiliser dealer whose husband hails from Amuha village who gave her name as Mrs. Ijeoma Nmerengwa, Chief Edward Njoku from Umuakpo Ovungwu and other respondents praised the management of the NDDC and Dr. Alex Otti, an Isieketa son of the soil, for facilitating the project.

    One of the community dwellers, Mr. Kingsley Nwaogwugwu said the road repair is a huge relief for the community.

    He said, “You need to see how deplorable this road has been over 50 years. We have suffered so much on this road before now. Our children don’t even go to school when it rains because they cannot pass through the muddy road. We are farmers and we produce a lot of agricultural produce. But the problem is how to convey them to the market where they could be sold.

    “About two or three weeks when work began on the road, we have indeed heaved a sigh of relief. Life has become a lot better for us. We are to tell the state, local government or anyone behind the alleged plan to stop NDDC from working on this road until they part with some money. We are happy that the federal government through NDDC and influence of Dr. Alex Otti to remember us, the Isieketa community. We are saying that no one will come here to collect any money from NDDC before they will conclude this project.

    “They should not bring politics into this. Let them allow NDDC to work. We have voted for various governments at state and local government in the state and yet, there is nothing to show for. But the federal government has remembered us through our son by awarding this road for construction. What we are saying is that as a people, we will resist any attempt by anybody no matter how highly placed the person is to stop this work. Our reasons are very simple, that we have not been remembered and now that the federal government has remembered us, we will support the contractor handling the project to finish what they are doing.

    “The speed they have deployed on the road shows that they mean well and we will give all our support to ensure that the project succeeds.”

     

  • NGO trains journalists, CSOs in affirmative action

    NGO trains journalists, CSOs in affirmative action

    The event will bring a smile to the faces of women. There has been so much talk about giving them more space in the management of their countries affairs because men always lord it over them all over the world. Such is the rhetoric that a gender policy document pushing affirmative action has been formulated but progress remains marginal. Women are still essentially relegated to the background.

    That was why a non-governmental organisation, Alliances for Africa (AFA) took it upon itself to train journalists and civil society organisation personnel on how to help women to gain more ground.

    To this end the organisation is partnering the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) to arrest the ugly trend.

    The organisation brought together a select group of civil society organisations and journalists from the Southeast for a two-day capacity training to enlighten them on their roles in achieving 35 percent affirmative action in the zone.

    At the event, a political scientist, Prince Sam Ezeanyika lamented the decline in the number of female representation in elective offices in the country.

    In his lecture on challenges of affirmative action in Nigeria, Ezeanyika, who is the head of Political Science Department of Imo State University, said that the constitutional history of Nigeria shows that the exclusion of women in the political arena dates back to the colonial times, when women were not allowed to vote.

    “Since their victory at the 2007 elections which saw a huge rise in female representation in elective positions in the country, Nigerian women’s performance in subsequent elections has gone from bad to worse, nosediving from eight per cent in 2011 (32 of 469 seats in the National Assembly) to a pathetic 4.5 per cent (21) in 2015″, he lamented.

    Mr Ezeanyika identified gender stereotyping as the major hindrance of women  actively participating in politics.

    Other hindrances according to him include lack of resources, lack of internal democracy in most of the political parties, godfather syndrome, male dominated party executives, political violence, lawlessness, corruption and sexual harrasment

    He suggested that government should be pressured to implement legislations such as the Gender Equality Bill (GEB), Affirmative Action (AA) which he noted will encourage more women to seek elective positions.

    The Lecturer also urged the federal government to set up a commission to support women while political parties should adopt a more genuine waiver policy for female aspirants.

    “Governement should establish a Women’s Political Institute where parties and all female aspirants and candidates should be equipped with relevant skills that underpin the elective positions they seek”, he added.

    He also called for the amendment of the Electoral Law to encourage women stand for elections as independent candidates.

    The Project Manager of AfA, Blessing Duru in her own presentation called for the empowerment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to enforce the 35 percent affirmative action amongst the political parties.

    She accused the political parties in the country of paying lip service to the issues despite having the policy enshrined in their manifestoes.

    She blamed selfishness on the part of the male politicians and lack of understanding of what the 35 percent affirmative action is all about as some of the reasons why they are frustrating the policy.

    “They think women want to rule them and lacked understanding of the importance and gains the nation stands to gain from implementing the policy. So there is the need to continue to enlighten them on the policy”.

    Participants at the event also highlighted the need for the media to give special consideration and attention to women in politics while others noted that many women shy away from engaging with the media, thereby making it difficult for the media to help push their cause.

  • Enugu set for biggest trade fair

    Enugu set for biggest trade fair

    The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) is set to host the 29th Enugu International Trade Fair expected to be the biggest so far. The United States of America is one of the 15 countries that have indicated interest in the fair. Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, South Africa and Ghana are also said to be desirous of participating in the fair, whose theme is ”Engendering the Competitiveness of Nigerian Products in the Global Market”.

    The event, which is expected to be declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari, will hold between 16th and 26th of March.

    The president of ECCIMA, Sir Emeka Udeze optimistically told reporters in Enugu:  ”It is my pleasure to inform you that a good number of corporate bodies/business organisations as well as government agencies have indicated serious interest to participate in this fair. We wish to acknowledge that a good number of enquiries are being made concerning participation in the fair.

    “We are hopeful that the 29th Enugu International Trade Fair would be a success despite the economic situation that has really affected the economic cycle.

    “The Fair is being packaged in such a way that it will have meaningful and positive effects and outcome for all stakeholders, particularly for exhibitors and participants, especially in the concerted effort to return the economy towards the path of growth and development.”

    According to Udeze, the Enugu International Trade Fair cutting edge remains the efforts towards enhancing the special designated area in the Fair complex for the exhibition of new products, prototypes, innovations and research findings for commercialisation.

    The idea, he stressed, was to deepen technological advancement and industrialisation by bringing researchers, business people and industrialists together, adding that it remains one of the core focal points and cutting edge of the Enugu International Trade Fair. ”The aim is to advance the course of the development of the small and medium enterprises which are key to our national development.”

    The chamber president has cheery news for farmers: “The Agricultural Sector will continue to receive attention in our specially designated area during the Fair aimed at boosting indulgence in Agricultural production and commercial farming, more so as it remains a critical sector towards our diversification efforts, so also for the mining/ solid mineral sector, with focus on the linkages and value chain benefits.”

    On the expectations and success of the fair, Udeze said : “We are indeed making concerted efforts to create a more amenable environment in hosting our Fairs, and we shall strive to do more within our capacity and power.

    “As part of our efforts to boost the success of the Fair, we shall as it is strategic, visit some selected institutions and organizations for sensitisation and consolidating our network and outreach marketing programme.

    “We have equally put in place measures to ensure stable and quality supply of electricity and water during the Fair. Relatedly we shall soon commence the overhaul and maintenance of the two stand-by generator sets in the Fair Complex, in event of public power failure.

    “It is equally interesting to note that we have commissioned the reinforcement of the distribution network of electricity lines inside the Fair complex including the changing of a good number of wooden electric poles to concrete poles. This has become necessary as the weak wooden electric poles used in the initial networking had to be replaced to enhance stable electricity supply. We shall continue to gradually replace the wooden poles with concrete poles, particularly those that are weak.

    “On security, we are determined to maintain safety cum security as we have not had any security breach/problem since we started hosting our Fairs in the Trade Fair Complex within the Golf Estate area about 6years ago.

    “We remain grateful to God Almighty and we shall humanly continue to do the needful in this direction, trusting that God will continue to keep watch over us. Nonetheless, we are pleased to note that Enugu remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and we believe God that this will be sustained.

  • Imo police turn to God

    Imo police turn to God

    Some may have found it unusual, but personnel of the Imo State police laid down their weapons to celebrate God as the ultimate watchman of the state.

    One man leaned over, arms held out as though he were going to dig up something from the ground. Another, a woman, held out both arms, her entire body stretching backwards. It was an unusual day in the Imo State police command. They sang and danced in praise of God, saying He is actually the one protecting the state.

    The word of God came to mind. “If the Lord does not watch over a city, the watchman watches in vain.”

    No matter how heavily armed the watchman is, his ability to stop crime is limited.

    This biblical truth was confirmed by the state command when they temporarily “laid down” their arms and took up their musical instruments, dancing and singing praises to God as the Chief Watchman of the state.

    It was indeed a memorable sight at the police command as hitherto stern-looking police officers and men dropped the garb of steeliness and danced to the admiration of the civilian audience.

    It was at the maiden inter-faith prayer and thanksgiving service convened by the state commissioner of police, Chris Ezike to thank God for helping the command to guide the city against the nefarious activities of men of the underworld and to further seek His help in combating crime.

    Aside from displaying intricate dance steps, the jubilant policemen also proved to be quite spiritual as they held the audience bound with their soulful renditions that brought down the “presence of God”.

    At the event, rank, religion, tribe and status were jettisoned as the officers and men, as well as the civilians danced together freely in honour to God as the command headquarters was temporarily converted to a place of worship.

    In his sermon, the Chief Imam of the State, Alhaji Dauda Onyeagocha, charged the police officers to be conscious of Allah’s injunction on justice and fairness, adding that most acts of criminalities are borne out of injustice and suppression.

    The cleric further admonished the officers to adopt good conduct in the discharge of their duties.

    “The best way to combat crime is through good conduct,” he said.

    Onyeagocha who quoted copiously from the Quran, emphasised the need to seek the help of Allah in protecting the lives and property of people in the state.

    He called for prayers from the public for the command, adding that the officers need prayers to “defeat the forces of evil”.

    In his exhortation drawn from the book of Joshua 6: 1-6, the chaplain of the Imo State Government House Chapel, Reverend Bunmi Babs said that the police have a sacred duty of protecting life and property.

    He stated that the Command has adopted the best approach by putting their trust in God instead of men, adding that “the name of the Lord is a mighty tower and those that run into it are safe”.

    The chaplain urged the public to continue to pray for and support the Police, adding that, “as we go to sleep in the comfort of our various homes, the Policemen stay awake and risk their lives watching over us”.

    The chaplain commended the Commissioner of Police for seeking the help of God in fighting crime in the state, noting that “it is only God that can guard a city”.

    The Commissioner of Police who took the first Bible reading of the day taken from the book of Habakkuk 2:1-11, thanked God for all the great feats recorded by his men in 2017.

    He attributed the major breakthrough recorded in the Command in the area of crime fighting to the help of God, adding that it was by divine protection that the Command did not lose any officer in the line of duty in 2017.

    Ezike said the thanksgiving service was organised to commit the activities of the command for the New Year into the hands of God and seek his help to protect the state.

    He urged his officers to keep up with the spirit that stood them out last year just as he also counseled them against indiscipline and nonchalant attitude to duty.

    He said, “Last year was a harvest of criminals in this command. We made high profile arrests, which were responsible for the blissful celebration of the yuletide last year, but we cannot relent and with the event today, 2018 will be better than 2017”.

    Wife of the state governor, Nkechi Okorocha who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, thanked the police Officers for seeking the face of God in discharging their responsibilities instead of resorting to self-help.

    She praised the police for the selfless service they render to the public, adding that it is only God that can reward them for the huge sacrifices they have made to keep the state safe.

    Mrs. Okorocha said, “This Command will continue to do great exploits; the Officers will continue to excel in their duties because anything that is brought before God never goes down”.

    She said, “Things will never go wrong in a state that gathers for God. I thought the only thing the Police does is to hold guns, I never knew that they can gather to worship and praise God. I thank God for giving us a CP who is conscious of the things of God. We are lucky in Imo State”.

    Further lauding the sacrifices made by the Policemen, the governor’s wife promised to build and equip a two-bedroom bungalow for one of the widows of the police officers who died on duty.

     

  • ‘Why ITF equips trainees’

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a manpower-development agency of the federal government, has explained why it does not stop at merely training youths, but also provides them with starter-packs.

    Speaking in Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital, where the Director-General Joseph Ari announced that the Fund has trained 11,000 youths in various skills nationwide, he said that youths trained without take-off capital or equipment end up wasting away with their skills.

    Sir Joseph, a knight of St Mulumba, said trainees who are given startup packs usually make a success of their training.

    The 11,000 were trained under the agency’s National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP).

    Ari was speaking at the Staff Development Centre Abakaliki, where the Ebomyi batch of the trainees held their graduation ceremonies.

    Ari was represented at the event by the Zonal Director in charge of Southeast, Mr Peter Agbo, an engineer.

    Ari said the training lasted three months during which the trainees learnt various skills including tailoring and fashion design, welding and fabrication and plumbing and pipe-fitting.

    Ari said the 11,000 trainees were drawn from the 36 states of the federation.

    Mr Ari said the agency decided to give the beneficiaries startup packs to enable them set up their businesses.

    “The decision to provide the packs was informed by our tracking and monitoring of trainees of earlier phases which revealed that where supported with startup packs, 90 percent of trainees went on to be successful entrepreneurs, or even employers of labour. Conversely where they were not, they were not as successful,” he said

    The DG cautioned the beneficiaries not to sell the equipment given to them but to make judicious use of them.

    “The startup packs are of high standard and cost the ITF millions of naira. Do not contemplate selling any of the items presented to you. Please go out and prove to the world that the 3 months you endured were worthwhile. Your destiny is in your hands, do not toy with it,” Mr Ari said.

    While harping on the need for unity among all Nigerians Mr Ari solicited for cooperation and assistance of various state governments and other stakeholders with the ITF to enable it achieve its mandate of developing the nation’s human resource.

    In a remark, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Sam Egwu commended the ITF for living up to its mandate and promised the support of the Committee especially in approving the budget of the agency to enable it do more for the teaming unemployed youths of the country.

    One of the beneficiaries, Anaele Ikenna promised that the Trainees will put to practice what they have been taught and strive to be good ambassadors of the agency.