The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Monarch marks coronation anniversary

    Monarch marks coronation anniversary

    The traditional ruler of Amaimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Godwin Ehirim Nwaebo, the Duru Imo II of Amaimo kingdom has said that for a community to have any meaningful development, the people must be committed to issues of peace and unity. He also advised his subjects to ensure they cooperate with one another in order to take the community to greater heights.

    Eze Nwaebo gave the advice while celebrating his first year coronation anniversary and conferment of chieftaincy titles on members of his cabinet and other illustrious sons of the kingdom.

    Some dignitaries that attended the event included members of the Eze’s cabinet, traditional rulers from other towns who came to show solidarity with Duru Imo 11, Ndi Nze na Ozo led by the Epum of Amaimo Ancient Kingdom, Nze Emmanuel Patrick Onukwugha Ejimonyeabala, Senators led by Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu who represents Imo East Senatorial District in the Senate, and lawmakers from the Imo State House of Assembly. Commissioners led by Imo State Commissioner for Pension/IGR, Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, friends and well-wishers and some other prominent indigenes of Amaimo also participated in the celebration.

    As early as noon that day, guests had begun to throng the arena. There was spontaneous jubilation as Eze Nwaebo and his entourage made their way into the arena.

    The roomy playground was largely suffused with beautifully coloured masquerades and traditional dancers who entertained the people. Gaily dressed women known for their panache and active social lifestyle were a marvel to behold. The men equally in their beautiful Isiagu attire swirled to the suiting rhythm of drums and other musical instruments in the somewhat balmy afternoon. It was a gathering of who is who in Amaimo.

    The coronation anniversary was a two-day event. The first event was held at Egbelu at the Palace of Duru Imo II on Friday, May 27. It wasn’t as elaborate as that of Sunday. The event at Egbelu was merely a palace matter as Eze Nwaebo conferred chieftaincy titles on members of his cabinet. The Sunday event was a showcase for the conferment of chieftaincy titles on some illustrious sons of Amaimo who have distinguished themselves in various fields.

    Members of Eze’s cabinet honoured with chieftaincy titles were Theodore Agwaraonye (Palace Secretary) Ephraim Ekwu (Chairman of the Cabinet), Paulinus Awurum, Ikeotuonye Osuagwu, Clement Onyebele, Donatus Anyanwu and Benjamin Njoku, among others.

    Before conferring the titles on members of his cabinet, Eze Nwaebo admonished them to be upright in all they do. He also advised them not to use their positions to oppress widows, orphans and other less-privileged persons.

    “As representatives of your various villages, you must ensure that you do not betray the confidence reposed in you by members of your communities. You must always be on the side of truth, justice and equity. That means, you should not pervert justice.

    “Do not use your positions to suppress truth or intimidate widows and orphans. They look up to you to give them justice and fair play. Remember they are apples of God’s eyes. If you pervert justice in cases involving them, God will hear their cries and may visit you with His anger,” he said.

    Also advising the chiefs, the Epum of Amaimo, Nze Ejimonyeabala said: “Having been conferred with chieftaincy titles, you should be conscious of the customs and traditions of the land and uphold them. You all should join hands with the king to preserve the mores of the land and learn some of the salient practices such as the principle of kola nut presentation and how to greet the king and the Nzes. As men of tradition, these are so fundamental.”

    In his remark, the Traditional Prime Minister of the kingdom, Chief Chukwuma E. Awurum (KSM) said he would do his possible best to attract government’s presence to the kingdom.

    He also said he would ensure the continuity of unity as well as the maintenance of the people’s cultures and traditions.

    He said: “I will ensure that our cultural heritage is maintained. Amaimo is known for peace; based on that, one of my priorities would be to ensure that the people continue to live in peace with one another.

    “Development goes with education, infrastructural enhancement and empowerment of human resources. Therefore, we pledge to promote education in Amaimo through scholarship scheme for brilliant but indigent students. We will also enhance on youth empowerment programme for our youths to realise their innate potential,” he said.

    Senator Anyanwu, who chaired the occasion, praised Eze Nwaebo for selecting young and able-bodied men to be members of his cabinet, stressing that gone are the days when old men constitute an Eze’s cabinet.

    The keynote speaker, who was  Imo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Donald Chikadibia Denwigwe (SAN) said peace and unity are the hallmarks of development.

    In his speech entitled “Ala Doro” (let peace reign), he advised the people to make unity their maxim.

    He urged the towns that comprised the kingdom to live in peace and be supportive to Eze Nwaebo. Denwigwe reminded them that their king would be identified and honoured based on the level of co-operation he receives from his subjects.

    High point of the event was conferment of chieftaincy titles on some individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields. Some of them were Chief Sam Emeh, Chief Uchenna, Paschal Ojor, Chief Henry Obieze Akujor and High Chief John Ahanonu, among others.

     

  • Mbaise colloquim holds tomorrow

    The auditorium of Paragon Hotel, Eke Nguru, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, will come alive tomorrow as the people of Mbaise gather for the 2016 edition of the annual Mbaise Colloquium.

    The theme for the 2016 edition is “South East Economic Integration for National Development, a topic considered focal for sustained economic development.

    Recently, political, religious and traditional leaders and statesmen from the Southeast gathered in Owerri, the Imo State capital, to discuss the need for collaboration to enhance regional integration and development. This is an idea whose time is now.

    The Colloquium paper will be presented by Dr. Chris Asoluka, an erudite scholar and intellectual who was a former member of the Federal House of Representatives and former Commissioner for Finance, Imo State.

    The paper discussants will be Prof J.U.J Onwumere, Dean, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and Barrister Patrick Ekeanyanwu, President, Oganihu Mbaise, Port Harcourt. The Chairman of the occasion will be Chief Felix Chukwu, former Chairman, Federal Road Safety Commission.

    In a statement, the Director of Publicity and Mobilization, MPC, Chuks O. Enwerem, said: “Since the beginning of Mbaise Colloquium in 1995, the traditional date has always been August 14 every year. However, because the 14th of August, 2016 happened to be a Sunday, the Congress shifted the event backward to Saturday August 13th.

    As usual, the Mbaise Colloquium is a gathering of Mbaise intelligentsia, professionals, corporate and traditional leaders of thought both at home and in the Diaspora to discuss contemporary issues.

    He said this year’s Colloquium is strategic and is aimed at drawing attention to educating people about the imperative of synergizing within the region to tap from the strength of their unity.

    The Congress enjoins all sons and daughters of Mbaise nation to turn out en masse to attend and fully participate in the discussion that follows the paper delivery.

    The National President of Mbaise People’s Congress, Ochiagha Ano Anyanwu, stated that Mbaise Colloquium has been conducted by MPC for the past 20 years and the lectures had been compiled into a book titled, Towards a Greater Mbaise, available for purchase by interested persons.

    Founded in 1994 as a non-partisan and non-governmental association of young and dynamic Mbaise professionals, MPC implements her programmes through research, education, and civic engagements.

     

  • Papal knighthood for philanthropist

    Papal knighthood for philanthropist

    A foremost industrialist and philanthropist in Anambra State, Sir Louis Onwugbenu, will on Sunday join the club of those honoured with the Vatican City Knighthood. In the state, former Governor Peter Obi and ex-national chair of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Umeh are among the few who have been knighted by the Pope.

    The honour from the Vatican City is bestowed on people who have shown great kindness, especially to the needy and less privileged. The event is scheduled for Nnewi.

    No fewer than 400 indigent persons, including widows and the physically-challenged, have started celebrating in anticipation of the ordination of their benefactor as a member of the Knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

    Louis Onwugbenu has helped many in the state. He has granted scholarships to over 280 students, not only in Nnewi or the state but the entire country through the Louis Carter Foundation, established in 2013.

    One of the beneficiaries of Sir Louis Carter Foundation, and a physically challenged person, 32-year-old Cosmas Nnadi from Imo State, described Onwugbenu as God-sent.

    Another bebeficiary, Mrs. Mary Nzewi, said he has become the bedrock of community life which, according to her, had made him sponsor various charities through the church.

    He built the St. Louis Church and the Reverend Father’s house in Nnewi.

    Not only that; his commitment to education has also resulted in his constructing the school buildings of the St. Louis Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in Nnewi, as well as donating lecture halls to Nnamdi Azikwe University.

    The Nation gathered that some of the Reverend Fathers that shaped the philanthropist’s Christian life were missionary priests like Reverend Fathers Duncan and Baylon, who departed the country after the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.

    The St. Louis Catholic Church he built at Uruagu in the commercial city of Nnewi was dedicated by the Bishop of Nnewi diocese, Most Rev. Hillary Odili Okeke, on December 7, 2003.

    Carter, as he is fondly called by his admirers and friends, had turned down many awards and chieftaincy titles in the land, but could not resist the papal knighthood.

    He is seen by many as a utility player in business, agriculture, education and other climes which he has combined beautifully with his sharp thinking and swift execution of ideas.

    His penchant for helping the needy, physically challenged and widows, among others, has endeared him to many.

    His first son Emeka who spoke on behalf of his siblings, said, “With immense joy, humility and utmost gratitude to God, we congratulate you on the Papal Knighthood of Saint Gregory the Great, as bestowed upon you by his Holiness, Pope Francis.

    “This Papal Knighthood is in recognition of your magnificent works, philanthropy and service to the church and community, contributions we have witnessed throughout our lives.”

    “Your parents raised you to be God-fearing, and impacted on you that being charitable in words and deeds is one of our central Christian responsibilities”

    “Despite coming from humble beginnings, your generosity was never  curtailed as you grew older, but rather manifested more in adulthood, and it made you appreciate the importance of giving back to community” the sons wrote in their message.

    One of the students who benefited from his scholarship scheme of Louis Carter Foundation, Emeka Nzekwe told The Nation that the incandescent smile on the face of Carter anytime he smiles, speaks volume of a man at peace with himself and environments.

    Mr. Okafor Nnoli, said sheer determination, doggedness, resilience, diligence and hard work had propped Carter on and on in business till he began to expand and diversify his frontier into other lines of trade including manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, estate management and general merchandise.

     

  • Group cautions Abia lawmakers on NDDC nomination

    A GROUP, South East Progressive Assembly (SEPA), has defended the nomination of Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC) chair Mr. Donatus Nwankpa to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission; (NDDC).

    Nwankpa’s nomination was criticised by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators, who maintained that he was unsuitable for the position because his community produces no oil.

    But SEPA urged the critics to support Nwankpa’s candidacy, saying he will usher in much-needed development to the state, especially the oil-producing parts.

    The three PDP senators, Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Theodore Orji (Abia Central) and  Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North), it was gathered, had opposed Nwankpa’s nomination on the basis that he hails from Osisioma Ngwa council area which is non-oil producing.

    In a statement signed by its president, Ebere Uzoukwa, SEPA said Nwankpa, a former Minority Leader in the State House of Assembly, and ex-Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development,   has the goodwill to attract people-oriented projects to enhance  development in the oil-producing areas of the state.

    “The South East Progressive Assembly (SEPA) welcomes with joy the nomination of Hon. Donatus Nwankpa as Abia State representative on the NDDC Board by President Muhammadu Buhari. This nomination remains a perfect choice and laudable considering Nwankpa’s background as someone with superlative record in public service.

    “As a former Minority Leader in Abia State House of Assembly and former commissioner for Housing and Urban Development in the state before emerging the state chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Nwankpa,has unarguably distinguished himself.

    “That he doesn’t come from Ukwa West, the oil-producing local government should not override or supplant competence, merit and loyalty roundly considered by President Buhari in nominating Nwankpa for the job. Nwankpa’s local government, Osisioma Ngwa, is and remains part of Abia oil producing area as it houses biggest oil facilities in the state. The people of Osisioma Ngwa have indeed suffered severe degradation and negative effects of pipeline explosion and vandalism.

    “We also consider it appropriate to remind those opposing Nwankpa’s nomination that the pioneer chairman of NDDC, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, didn’t have to come from Ukwa West before his appointment by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.”

     

  • Community savours Indian-built hospital

    Community savours Indian-built hospital

    An ultra-modern cardiovascular specialist hospital built by an Indian organisation is the talk of the town in Adukwu Ebe, a rural community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The facility, named Aruike Specialist Hospital, was built by Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust in collaboration with another organisation, Hard Rock Cafe and House of Blues.

    Catholic Church Rev Father Charles Aloma Ogada, who lives in India, facilitated the project and its siting in his hometown.

    The commissioning attracted a large crowd from the Indian community as well as a throng of excited local residents.

    The locals were thrilled that such a life-saving facility is in their backyard.

    Though a specialist centre for heart diseases, the hospital also caters to general interest including antenatal.

    One great thing about the hospital is that treatment is free, said chairman of the  organisation, C. Screenivas.

    A community leader Ethelbert Agu said they were “happy the  world-class hospital is in our community.”

  • Children unwind at Xmas party

    Children unwind at Xmas party

    The Christ Holy Church (CHC) International had held its maiden special Christmas party for mothers and their children. It was not all wining and dining. The women and their children also underwent free sugar, malaria and other medical tests at the party organised by the church’s women and children department, reports SUNNY NWANKWO.

    The church auditorium of Christ Holy Church (CHC) International in Aba, Abia State was filled to capacity. Gaily dressed children and their parents attended a Christmas party organised by the leadership of the Women and Children Department of the Aba Superintendency of the church. The day was set aside to bring children from various stations under the Superintendence together to unwind and dine as part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration of the birth of Christ. It was the first time such a programme would be organised.

    The Christmas party, which provided the children the opportunity to interact among themselves, was also used to provide the health and spiritual needs of the children as the organisers provided free sugar, malarial and other tests for the children and their parents.

    There was lecture on the common cause and treatment of children’s cough from the health unit of the Children’s Department, drama presentation and song renditions, among others.

    The Head, Aba Superintendence Women and Children Department and wife of Bishop of Province III CHC International, Senior Deaconess Christiana E. Umeh in a keynote address said the theme of the event, “Raising Godly Children in a Corrupt World” was apt going by the challenges parents encounter while training and raising their children and wards these days.

    Deaconess Umeh urged parents to be mindful of the company their child/children keep. She also called on Christians to rally round the church in prayers if the country must be delivered from the ills and dangers which have bedevilled it.

    In a chat with Southeast Report, the chairman Elder Reginald Umeike and Mr. Donatus Ikpeogu said they were excited over the party, saying that the event was the first of its kind since the inception of the Aba Superintendency.

    Umeike and Ikpeogu, who expressed their happiness, commended the bishop’s wife’s initiative and vision in brining such event. They also expressed the hope that the event was going to be a yearly affair.

    Senior Evangelist Alex Nwasa, who represented the Bishop of Province III, Rev. Nathan Okeke Ume said thanked wife of the bishop and all leaders of the Children’s Department under the Aba Superintendency for initiating such a laudable programme, adding that the initiative was in the interest and progress of the district.

    According to Nwasa, the Superintendency’s leadership would seek ways to partner with the Children’s Department to ensure that the event was sustained.

    One of the children, Miss Peace Kalu said she was happy and excited to be part of the Christmas Party, adding that she learnt being honest, truthfulness and to always listen carefully to recognise when God is talking as it happened between God and Moses.

    Miss Kalu said she expects the 2016 edition of the party to be more organised and better, even as she called for more participation by children and their parents.

     

  • Imo community elects new youth leaders

    Imo community elects new youth leaders

    Elections into leadership positions in youth organi-sations are often fiercely contested with its attendant challenges. So, there is always the air of apprehension and anxiety whenever these elections are scheduled to hold. The reasons for this are the youths’ exuberance and the interference of those willing to have control of the youth body for obvious political reasons.

    But surprisingly, this was not the case during the election of Ama Imo Youths Association (AYA) in Umukabia community in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The election conducted at the Eke Umuodu-Ama Imo field by the officials of the Youth Department of the Ministry of Youths and Sports, was not only transparent but was also peaceful; devoid of the usual skirmishes and violence that often characterise youth elections.

    There was adequate security and the turnout was impressive, irrespective of reported threats by a section of the youth who could not meet up the requirements to qualify for the election.

    Prominent indigenes of the community, including the Bayelsa State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Desmond Agu, witnessed the election, aside from other observer groups, which included non-governmental organisations and representatives of various youth’s groups across the state.

    Akin to every other election, the photographs of the candidates were pasted at strategic locations in the hilly community, especially around the market square and around the venue of the election, a confirmation of thorough campaigning by the candidates.

    At the venue of the election, it was taxing for security operatives, made up of the police and NSCDC officials, to control the large number of youths who thronged the venue of the election to cast their votes.

    Reading out the guidelines for the election shortly before the voting began, the Presiding Officer and the leader of the team from the ministry, Mr. Kelvin Ekeh, warned that any candidate who violates the rules will be disqualified. He assured that the election would be conducted in a transparent manner in order to produce a genuine winner.

    He urged the candidates to accept the result of the election in good fate, adding that, “in every election, there are bound to be winners and losers but my advice is that, as brothers, we should accept the outcome of the election with candour.  We are here to ensure that the right things are done. We have no preferred candidates; our business is to conduct a free-and-fair election that will usher in a new and acceptable leadership for the youth organisation”.

    Continuing, Ekeh said: “Today’s exercise is very important to the Ministry of Youths and Sports because it will engender peace among the youth of this community and give them a sense of leadership, which will encourage and attract youth empowerment programmes that will meaningfully engage the youth and keep them away from crimes.”

    Also in his address, the NSCDC boss said the election was a collective resolution to elect a formidable and functional executive that will pilot the affairs of the Ama-Imo Umukabia Youth Association, which he said will be critical to the development of the community.

    According to him, the Youth Association in the first place, was conceived to energise the youth to key into the youth initiative and development programme of the State and Federal Governments.

    While commending the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha for his efforts in ensuring that the youth are carried along in the scheme of things, Agu, said the need for the Youth Association to have elected executive members was to pilot, facilitate and attract youth empowerment programme of the state government to the community.

    He said: “The organisational structure and integration of youth movement of this calibre is not an easy task. Therefore, those of you who will be elected and inaugurated as leaders of the association would have to see yourselves as been opportune to serve your people and to bring your experiences to bear in reforming, rebranding, re-orienting and restoring the glory and dignity of Umukabia Youths.

    “Similarly, I urge those of you who will be elected officers of the youth association to partner with the state government and other relevant stakeholders in youth matters to attract development to the community. You should not use the office to fight against government or witch hunt anyone in the community. I further urge you to display high sense of maturity, candour, honesty, humility, brevity and above all, the fear of God.”

    Also commending the exercise, the President-General of Amaimo Umukabia community, Mr. Fortunatus Madu, said the emergence of the new leadership of the youth association will complement the efforts of the Town Union in tackling the numerous challenges confronting the community.

    He advised the youth association not to see itself as a parallel organisation with Town Union but should collaborate with it in order to be properly guided in the overall interest of the community.

    One of the observers and the Executive Director of the Human Security and Development Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, Mr. Taritein Boco, commended the organisers for the peaceful conduct of the election.

    He noted that the emergence of the youth leadership will help coordinate efforts to develop the youth of the community by collaborating with the government and other relevant agencies and stakeholders.

    Those who emerged to lead the association for the next three years after the keenly contested election were, Alaegbu Louis (President), Madu Bernerth (Vice-President), Egwim Chinedu (Secretary) and Okezie Johnson (Financial Secretary), among others.

    In his acceptance speech, the newly elected President promised to carry every youth in the community along, irrespective of political or religious differences.  He appealed to those that lost the elections to join hands with the new leadership to move the community forward.

    He also solicited the support of well-meaning indigenes of the community to assist the youth through scholarships and other youth empowerment programmes, assuring that his team will work closely with the state government and other related agencies to improve the fortune of youths in the community.

    He said: “We are going to use this youth platform first and foremost to bring the attention of the state government to the many challenges facing our community, which include dilapidated roads, lack of water and electrify, among other problems that have made life in our community a nightmare.”

  • Senator gives scholarships to 60 students

    Senator gives scholarships to 60 students

    Senator Theodore Orji representing Abia Central has initiated a scholarship scheme for brilliant students and children of indigent parents in his constituency.

    Orji, the immediate past Abia State governor, said his office has published the scholarship scheme in the newspapers. Ten students would be selected from each of the six local government areas that make up Abia Central senatorial zone, thus bringing the number to 60.

    Speaking during a visit to Ikwuano and Isiala Ngwa North council areas to celebrate Christmas with members of his constituents, Orji said since after the general elections, he has not visited home to see them due to exigencies of duty. He said he decided to do that now that the opportunity has been provided by the Christmas season.

    Orji further said the scholarship scheme will afford the indigent people in the zone the opportunity to send their children to school, stressing that after the advert, those who scaled through have been short listed.

    “But those who will get the scholarship will be those who have done well during the West African School Certificate (WASC) examination, while most of them will be children of the poor,” he said.

    The Senator explained that education is the basis of success. “When the people are well educated, they will help to reduce the load on the society and they stand the chance of being employed which will lead to increase in the internally-generated revenue for the state,” he added.

    “I am in some of the committees and such committees are expected to need people for employment and I am ready to help give my people such chance to be gainfully employed,” he said.

    Orji used the forum to urge his constituents not to disregard those peddling the rumour that he has been sleeping at the Senate, stressing that if he has been sleeping, the much progress he has made would not have been made.

    He said: “Those who have been saying that I have been sleeping at the Senate Chambers are only saying what they do not know. I have been able to sponsor seven bills which have passed first reading prior to their being passed into law outside the resolution and motions. When you sleep in the Senate, would you sponsor such number of bills in so short a time?”

    He advised the electorate to support the present administration under the leadership of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, stressing that people in authority need the prayers and support of the people they are ruling.

    Orji said politicians in the Southeast are under intense pressure as those who lost election have formed the habit of contesting election results unlike their northern brothers who allow those who won to continue while waiting for the next election.

    He explained that the several court cases from tribunal to court of appeal and Supreme Court are distractions for those who have won election.

    “In most cases, their intention is not for the interest of their constituents but for their selfish interest,” he said.

    Senator Orji later donated 120 bags of rice to each of the council areas which include Ikwuano and Isiala Ngwa North with the instruction that the traditional rulers in the council areas should be given 20 bags while the remaining should be shared among the people.

     

  • Nnewi gas explosion: A tragedy foretold?

    Nnewi gas explosion: A tragedy foretold?

    The explosion was deafening. Palpable fear gripped residents of Nnewi Anambra State. At first, the source and cause of the explosion were unknown; leaving people to resort to assumptions.

    Some conjectured that it could probably be the handiwork of some dissident group. Their supposition could be excused judging by the insecurity situation in the country where some groups derive bestial pleasure in killing innocent citizens.

    When the dust raised by the blast had settled, it was discovered that the explosion was from a gas plant at Intercrop Oil Company Limited, a subsidiary of Chikason Group.

    The blast had caused huge fire outbreak that wreaked havoc on the commercial city of Nnewi on that Christmas Eve.

    Residents ran from pillar to post in for safety and in search of their loved ones who came home for the Yuletide.

    The fire which began at 12 noon on that day almost engulfed the entire community.

    Though there are conflicting figures about the number of casualties, eye witnesses believe that those who lost their lives in the blaze were more than 120.

    But Anambra State Police Command, led by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hosea Karma, has maintained that only eight people lost their lives, while the Red Cross Society led by Prof. Peter Kachy said only four persons died with many others injured.

    The Managing Director of Chikason Group, Mr. Linus Ilozue, has adopted the figure given by the police command, even though he maintained that none of the company’s workers was affected.

    Ilozue told Southeast Report that God used Agulefo, one of the members of staff in charge of engineering section to reduce the number of casualties; otherwise it would have been more disastrous.

    He said Mr. Agulefo had warned those who came to buy gas for the Christmas at the station to vacate the premises immediately about 20 minutes before the explosion. The instruction, he said, was heeded to by many of the customers.

    However, unknown to some was that two weeks before the explosion, members of staff of the company had held a two-week fasting and prayer session to avoid such incident in the company.

    Southeast Report gathered that the chairman of the company, Sir Chika Okafor had premonition of what took place two days before it occurred.

    An inside source told our reporter that a Man of God had given a message to the chairman on a vision he was given by God, adding that the Man of God urged the company to pray and fast in order to cancel its occurrence.

    After the incident, Southeast Report gathered that the company’s chairman fell sick because of the shock which equally affected many Nigerians.

    But, in a chat with Southeast Report, Ilozue debunked them as rumours. He said since inception for the past 30 years, Chikason Group was a well organised firm, while the one in Abuja has been in existence since the past 20 years, adding that no such incident had occurred in the past three decades.

    He said: “We are going to look into what caused the fire incident because this is the first time such a thing had happened, we are still investigating it.

    “We have a very stable fire unit and that is why it was restricted to this level.”

    One of those who were lucky to have escaped unscathed with her family, Favour Muoghalu, told Southeast Report that only God saved her family.

    She said she evacuated her family from their family house in Nnewi immediately the inferno began immediately she returned to the community from Abuja for the Yuletide. Their house is a pole away from the plant.

    While the fire raged, a woman and her two children died. Eight others were confirmed dead in a block industry along Nnewi Oba–Okigwe Road.

    Also at the mechanic workshop close by, two persons were said to have died, while those in their cars on the road were all affected.

    Some buildings across the road were equally affected, while over 30 vehicles were burnt in the process.

    The traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, who celebrated his 52 years on the throne and 90th birthday anniversary, was forced to dedicate the church service of his Ofala Festival to the victims.

    The monarch also called on the Federal Government to declare three-day mourning in honour of the dead and injured.

    Speaking with Southeast Report, Orizu said such calamity had never happened in Nnewi community since his reign of 52 years.

    A member of the Igwe-in-Council and one-time chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Chief Dan Ulasi, told our reporter that his two cousins survived the fire incident by whiskers.

    He said they were to go to the gas plant to buy gas on that fateful day, but God directed them to go to Onitsha first to finish their transaction, adding that they were in Onitsha when the incident occurred.

    Ulasi thanked God for saving the lives of the two young men whose names he did not mention. He, however, sympathised with the families whose sons and daughters were involved in the inferno.

    When Southeast Report visited the scene of the incident, the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Andy Uba was at the scene.

    He said what happened to Chikason Group affected not only the community, the state but the entire country.

    He said he drove from the airport to the scene to see things for himself, describing it as sad and unfortunate.

    Uba said the National Assembly may consider a law to compel local and state governments to establish fire service stations in every ward. This, according to him, is to curtail such incidents that happened in Nnewi.

  • NEMA gives relief materials to victims

    NEMA gives relief materials to victims

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief materials worth millions of Naira to disaster victims in Ebonyi State.

    The tragedies include fires at Awolowo Street and Chief Liga’s Compound in Abakaliki where about 64 rooms were razed.

    The Federal Government Girls’ College in Ezzamgbo which suffered was among the beneficiaries.

    While handing over the materials to the government for distribution, the Southeast Coordinator of NEMA, Major James Eze urged landlords and tenants to ensure strict observance of safety standards at all times.

    He said: “The state safety enforcement officers should ensure that buildings meet the required safety standards, even as he said occupants of such buildings must possess serviceable fire extinguishers.

    “We urge landlords to insure their property against fire to protect them from financial ruin because no government would have the resources to assist in every misfortune suffered by citizens.”

    He also expressed dismay at the inability of the state fire service to react promptly to the fire outbreaks, leading to complete destruction of properties.

    Items donated included mattresses, bags of rice, beans, maize, mosquito nets, blankets, cartons of soap and detergents, among others.

    Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, the chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Rev. Ephraime Ononye promised to ensure prompt and judicious distribution of the items to the victims. terials to Rev. Ononye