The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi residents receive Tinubu’s food items

    Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi residents receive Tinubu’s food items

    The Southeast Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to distribute Christmas food items and palliatives to beneficiaries in Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states.

    The food items, including rice, garri, salt, and cash, were initially distributed to over 10,000 homes across the 27 LGAs in Imo State.

    The National Coordinator of SERHA, Ambassador Belusochukwu Enwere, disclosed this in Owerri, adding that similar exercises would be carried out in Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Abia states.

    Enwere expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his generosity in supporting the organisation to ensure that citizens from Southeast benefit from the food items, regardless of party affiliation.

    “We want to thank the President for his good works and his  generosity. We are grateful Mr. President. If you thank a person for the good thing he has done, he will do more next time.

    “We are indeed happy for what the President has done for Ndigbo and Southeast in particular at this Christmas festival regardless of party affiliation. God will continue to bless the president, we have also seen other initiatives he has brought to Nigeria,” he said.

    Enwere cited some of President Tinubu’s achievements, saying they include economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and termination of multiple foreign exchange systems that had impeded economic development. 

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    He also mentioned infrastructure development, highlighting ongoing projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Express Way, with over 440 road projects nationwide.

    The President’s initiatives have led to the creation of 240,000 jobs through 10 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as the launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) and National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP). In healthcare, over ₦250 billion has been allocated to revamp primary healthcare centres nationwide.

    On security, Enwere noted that over 13,500 terrorists have been eliminated through sustained military campaigns. The President’s administration has also increased oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day, with the “Project One Million Barrels” initiative driving recovery in the upstream sector. Additionally, the government has secured over $50 billion in new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments.

    Enwere called on religious organizations, NGOs, CSOs, student unions, youths, women, and men to come together to support President Tinubu’s reelection bid, 

     “We are confident that in his second term, he will do more,” he said, urging all stakeholders to rally behind the president.”

  • Igbo group appeals to Tinubu, Oborevwori, lawmakers to support Anioma state creation

    Igbo group appeals to Tinubu, Oborevwori, lawmakers to support Anioma state creation

    An Igbo socio-cultural group, the Ndi Na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organisation (NNABSCO), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and South-East lawmakers in the National Assembly to promote and facilitate the creation of Anioma State.

    The patron of NNABSCO, Chief Cosmas Chikeobi Agada, appealed during a recent interview in Asaba, the Delta State capital, where he highlighted growing momentum towards the proposed state aimed at strengthening the political and administrative representation of the Anioma people.

    Agada said the push for Anioma State gained renewed energy following a successful solidarity rally in Asaba, during which a coalition representing the nine local government areas in the Delta North Senatorial District demonstrated strong support for the initiative.

    He noted that participants at the rally, including youths and community leaders, expressed a clear desire for Anioma State to be zoned to the South-East geopolitical zone, describing the move as consistent with broader regional aspirations for improved governance and development.

    “The call for action was directed not only at South-East legislators but also to key political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, urging them to use their influence to promote and facilitate the passage of the necessary legislation,” Agada said.

    According to him, the rally attracted participants from Anioma and Ika-speaking communities in Edo State, underscoring cross-border support for the state creation project and a shared commitment to political autonomy and better resource allocation for the Anioma people.

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    Agada, who hails from the South-East, described Anioma State as a pathway to reclaiming lost Igbo territories. He said that despite some setbacks, the overall process remained on course.

    While appealing to South-East leaders to work towards the success of the bill, he commended Ohaneze Ndigbo for endorsing the Anioma State project.

    “We are pleading with South-East legislators to put aside personal interests and consider the collective interest of the Igbo people by supporting the creation of Anioma State as a first step towards reintegrating our people who are marooned in other zones,” he said.

    Agada explained that the bill was currently at the caucus stage in the National Assembly, where the positions and votes of lawmakers were critical in determining which proposed states would advance.

    He added that although governors would play influential roles at the concurrence stage, the immediate responsibility lay with South-East legislators to ensure the success of what he described as a landmark bill.

  • Anambra billionaire Kenneth Ifekudu honoured with Ebonyi chieftaincy title for humanitarian contributions

    Anambra billionaire Kenneth Ifekudu honoured with Ebonyi chieftaincy title for humanitarian contributions

    Anambra-born businessman, billionaire philanthropist, and CEO of Diamond Leeds Ltd, High Chief Kenneth Ifekudu (Agbalanze Onyekachukwu na Ozubulu) OFR, has added another chieftaincy title to his illustrious portfolio, this time in Ebonyi State, reflecting his influence beyond his home state.

    He was bestowed with the traditional title of Ife Abata (Light Has Come) by the Ezeudo II of Amike Autonomous Community, Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Eze Sir Michael Nwankwo JP.

    The honour was in recognition of Ifekudu’s contributions to the development of Amike community and society at large, particularly his efforts in providing roads and other critical infrastructure.

    During a colourful ceremony on Saturday marking the conferment, High Chief Ifekudu expressed gratitude to Eze Sir Michael Nwankwo and the Amike Kingdom, describing the honour as a challenge to do even more. He emphasized that the recognition strengthens ties between neighboring states and urged all Igbo sons and daughters to continue extending humanitarian efforts wherever they are.

    Ifekudu also highlighted that the ceremony celebrated Igbo culture, acknowledging and rewarding acts of kindness and community development.

    Renowned for his philanthropy in Ozubulu, Anambra State, and beyond, Ifekudu recently empowered over 100 individuals with mini trucks to support livelihoods amid growing economic challenges. This latest title adds to his earlier honour, Ife Ozubulu (The Light of Ozubulu), conferred by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Fidelis Oruche, Obi Ozubulu, earlier this year.

    In addition to leading Diamond Leeds Ltd, Ifekudu is Chairman of Gorrion Engineering Ltd and was recently named Businessman of the Year by the Sun Newspaper. He is widely praised for ensuring that his community members are the first beneficiaries of his charitable initiatives.

    The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Prof. Ben Akanegbu, Dean Faculty of Economics, Nile University; HRM Eze Sir Michael Nwankwo; Eze Udo II of Amike Bar Ik Ibe; Ugo Nwa Nne Nnewi; Enviable Transport; Hon. Peter Uzokwe, Federal Representative for Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo; Hon. Chinedu Oga, Federal Representative for Ikwo and Ezza South; Hon. Joseph Nwobasi, Federal Representative for Ezza North; High Chief Chioma Ifekudu; Ugogbe Ozubulu; Chief Chukwuneke Commander; Chief Nnamdi Ifekudu; Engr. J.K. Onyeka; Bar Ebere Ituma; Chukwuemeka Enviable, MD Enviable Group; and other notable figures.

  • Why unresolved audit queries dropped from N2.5bn to N750m in Anambra’

    Why unresolved audit queries dropped from N2.5bn to N750m in Anambra’

    Anambra state government on Thursday disclosed that amount of unresolved audit queries which hit about N2.5billion in 2023 financial year was drastically reduced to about N750million in 2024.

    State Auditor-General, Akosa Okocha made the revelation at the Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue on 2024 State Financial Statements in line with States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) and International Best Practice requirements.

    He attributed the feat to proactive measures put in place by his office, including identification and rectification of expectation gaps, lapses and other breaches as they occured.

    According to him, the state performed creditably well in the 2024 with a revenue surplus over the year’s budget projection while the budget shortfall was 28.70%.

    “State government over achieved the expected revenue for the year by N92,813,471,665.63 or 33.21% while the sum of N117,721,974,562.61 or 28.70% was the amount by which our actual expenditure of N292,410,250,696.39 is short of the budget projection of N410,132,225,259.00.

    “Therefore, the State achieved a remarkable budget performance of over 70% in the year 2024. The revenues earned were applied to critical areas for
    development. The State performed creditably well in the year 2024,” he added.

    While welcoming participants to the engagement, Akosa said the dialogue would provide Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with modern and trending approaches and techniques on public sector financial management.

    “Transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility have always being our watchword in Anambra State leading to the State wining many accolades in public sector financial managements and transactions from reputable rating organizations.

    “This year Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue is a continuation of my office’s duty of bringing to the public whose fund the State government holds on trust and manage the report of our stewardship for the year ended 2024.

    “It is an interactive session where the citizens and other relevant stakeholders interface with Public Fund administrators in order to gain insight on government and governance, fund administration and management, revenue generation, challenges faced within the period under review and other observed issue.”

    Appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his consistency in release of funds for Auditor General activities, Akosa urged him to assist his office towards the soon completion of the new office building.

    “I believe our Solution governor who has great love for infrastructure development will look towards our direction in the incoming year and we will be our new office building.

    “The area of capacity building for my staff is also being pursued by my office to enable them gain current expertise, knowledge and skills for job performance,” he added.

  • Onitsha drug market hands over fake, expired products to NAFDAC

    Onitsha drug market hands over fake, expired products to NAFDAC

    Drug market popularly known as Ogbo-ogwu, bridge head Onitsha, Anambra state on Wednesday handed over fake drugs worth over N265millon to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    Chairman, Mr Chukwuleta Ndubuisi who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen listed the confiscated drugs to include unwholesome, expired, banned and substandard products.

    He said some of the goods were seized last year while others were confiscated after NAFDAC’s invasion of the market.

    He vowed that the periodic exercise would not stop until all forms of unwholesome drugs were flushed out from the market.

    He said, “We’re here to hand over these seized products approximately N265m. This is not the first time, even before I assumed office. It started right from the time of late Dora Akunyili.

    “We can’t afford to allow people sell products that will kill our people which is in line with NAFDAC policy. We place our taskforce at strategic points to monitor counterfeit drug dealers.

    “Those behind the fake drugs have been threatening my life and fighting my executive, all efforts to remove us so they can have their way.

    “They have repeatedly gone to the media labeling us all sorts of names. But all these won’t deter me nor make me compromise my work. I can’t stop until government said my tenure is up.

    Reacting, State Coordinator, NAFDAC, Pharm. Louis Madubuattah, said over 400 cartons of different kinds of pharmaceutical mostly expired and unregistered products were received by the agency.

    He said the products would be housed in the agency’s warehouse pending time for destruction.

    He said, “This is normal practices. When
    pharmaceutical companies have their products expired, the law requires they hand them over to NAFDAC for destruction.

    “On our own, we’ve been sensitizing the people on the need to ensure expired products are not revalidated and pushed into the system.

    “We’re glad the market leadership has mechanism to mop up unwholesome products. It’s an improvement they’re handing over these products themselves.”

  • Group raises alarm over alleged plot to derail 2027 election

    Group raises alarm over alleged plot to derail 2027 election

    A civil society organisation, Civic Action for Democracy (CAD), has raised the alarm over what it described as a grand conspiracy to derail the 2027 general election and plunge Nigeria into a constitutional crisis through the continued recognition of a deregistered political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Speaking at a press conference, the group alleged that INEC has illegally retained the Action Peoples Party (APP), which it said was lawfully deregistered in February 2020 alongside 73 other political parties for failing to meet constitutional and statutory requirements.

    According to CAD, the deregistration exercise was carried out pursuant to Sections 225 and 225A of the 1999 Constitution and Section 94 of the Electoral Act, which empower INEC to deregister political parties that fail to demonstrate electoral viability. 

    The organisation recalled that the Supreme Court, in March 2022, upheld INEC’s constitutional powers to deregister political parties, thereby affirming the legality of the 2020 exercise.

    CAD’s Executive Director, Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, accused INEC of falsely claiming that APP obtained an interim court order restraining its deregistration.

    “There was no suit filed by APP in any court of competent jurisdiction. No suit number exists. No originating summons was filed, and no restraining order was ever granted,” Ngoforo said.

    He described INEC’s claim that an interim order had restrained the Commission from deregistering APP for nearly six years as “a legal impossibility that insults the intelligence of every lawyer and informed citizen in Nigeria.”

    Ngoforo further alleged that INEC’s continued recognition of APP amounts to institutional corruption and poses a serious threat to national security and democratic stability.

    “This matter has transcended electoral administration and entered the realm of national security. The continued existence of APP as a recognised political party despite its lawful deregistration represents a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

    The group also raised concerns over APP’s participation in the Rivers State local government elections in 2024 and an alleged councillorship win in Jigawa State later that year, which CAD described as a calculated attempt to manufacture electoral legitimacy.

    “APP was deregistered in 2020, and that deregistration was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2022. Any subsequent participation in elections constitutes a criminal enterprise for which all participants and enablers must be held accountable,” Ngoforo stated.

    CAD warned that the alleged conspiracy could be used to destabilise the 2027 general elections through post-election litigation aimed at annulling the polls or through a coordinated boycott designed to delegitimise the electoral process.

    “The ultimate objective is to plunge Nigeria into constitutional chaos by questioning the validity of elections in which a deregistered party participated,” the group said.

    Drawing parallels with electoral crises in Kenya in 2017 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2010–2011, CAD cautioned that Nigeria, with its complex ethnic and security challenges, could ill-afford a similar crisis.

    The organisation called on INEC to immediately remove APP from its register of political parties and publicly disclose any court order it relied upon in exempting the party from deregistration.

    It also urged the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigerian Police Force to investigate the matter, while calling on the National Assembly to summon INEC officials to account for the alleged irregularity.

  • Budget execution: Benin Unity League hails Okpebholo

    Budget execution: Benin Unity League hails Okpebholo

    The Benin Unity League has lauded Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, following the state’s emergence as one of the nation’s strongest-performing states in budget implementation for the 2025 fiscal year. 

    The group described the development as a clear signal of fiscal discipline, credible planning, and effective governance.

    Data compiled by Agora Policy, based on states’ budget implementation reports, shows that Edo State achieved an 81.2 percent budget execution rate between the first and third quarters of 2025, placing it among the top performers nationwide.

    The figure positions Edo narrowly behind Lagos State, which recorded 81.5 percent, and ahead of several states with significantly larger revenue bases.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, by the National President, Dr. Osarumwense Osayawemwem, said the performance was particularly noteworthy given Edo State’s revenue profile and economic structure.

    According to the group, sustaining budget execution above 80 percent without the advantage of oil windfalls or extraordinary fiscal buffers reflects strong institutional coordination, prudent spending choices, and realistic budgeting under the Okpebholo administration.

  • Senator Kalu appreciates Varsity for naming building after him

    Senator Kalu appreciates Varsity for naming building after him

    The Senator representing Abia North Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has appreciated the board and management of the Southern Atlantic University in Uyo, Akwa ibom state for naming its administrative block after him.

    In a letter of appreciation by the former Abia Governor to our correspondent in Uyo on Tuesday, Kalu said he felt honoured by the gesture extended to him by a private university in Akwa ibom state.

    He acknowledged the pivotal role education plays in the socioeconomic and political development of any nation, urging that Nigeria and her leaders should continue to build brighter future for citizens through investments in education.

    He said: “I remain committed to leveraging this recognition to further support, encourage and empower you to promote educational initiatives and champion policies that improve scientific research and innovations in tertiary institutions, such as yours in Nigeria.

    “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the youth of our nation have the opportunities they need to succeed. Once again I thank you for your support and this gesture of goodwill. 

    “I pledge to continue working diligently for the advancement of our beloved country and to uphold the values that this honour represents”

    On why he named the administrative building after Senator Kalu, the founder of Southern Atlantic University, Pastor Bassey James, described that the former Abia state governor as a detribalized Nigerian and a man of the people.

    “This is a well conceived decision in appreciation of a Man I met many years ago in Lagos state and he took me in as a younger  brother and  mentored me to face life and achieve success. 

    “Dr Kalu is a Man after God’s heart, a detribalized Nigerian and a Man of the people. He accepted as a younger brother and assisted me to rise in life. 

    “He gave me access to relate with his friends no matter their status and genuinely groomed me into what I have become today in life. Senator Kalu gave me a huge surprise in support of the success of my wedding in 1995 and I appreciate his benevolence.  

    “I met Senator orji Kalu about 11 years before he became the  Abia state governor, he is a successful business Man and with a big network of friends and admirers. His home was  kind of Mecca for all Nigerians and he loves humanity. Senator Kalu touched my life very positively and helped me discover the essence of reaching out to people especially those in need. 

    “Kalu’s home is open to all Nigerians and even foreigners. Igbere community is always visited by people from all walks of life. He never segregates but works with people no matter where they come from. 

    “In his employ are people from all walks of life and he gives equal opportunity to all irrespective of your background. I will not tell the complete story of my life without Senator orji Uzor Kalu and my decision to name our university’s administrative block after him is my little way of saying thank you for his mentorship and kindness”, he said.

  • SEDC approves Enugu relocation, programme rollout for 2026

    SEDC approves Enugu relocation, programme rollout for 2026

    The board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved the relocation of the commission’s core operations to Enugu and the rollout of key programmes in 2026.

    The approval was given at the third extraordinary meeting of the board, which also served as its final statutory session for 2025.

    The meeting was chaired by Chief Emeka Wogu, chairman of the board of trustees, SEDC.

    The board reviewed the commission’s programme implementation, institutional performance, and strategic engagements undertaken in 2025.

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SEDC, Mark Okoye, described 2025 as a foundational year focused on building systems, governance structures, and strategic partnerships.

    Okoye thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the establishment and operationalisation of the commission.

    He also acknowledged the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, for their guidance and collaboration.

    Okoye commended south-east governors for their support, especially Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state, for providing office space to serve as the commission’s headquarters.

    He appreciated board members, executive directors, civil servants, and support staff for their contributions throughout the year.

    The board noted achievements recorded in 2025, including the development of governance and administrative frameworks and the establishment of internal management and advisory committees.

    It also noted strategic engagements with federal ministries, departments and agencies, development finance institutions, state governments, private sector leaders, and the south-east diaspora.

    The board said progress was made on the south-east regional development plan and the conceptualisation of major infrastructure and economic programmes.

    It added that concrete steps had been taken toward relocating the commission’s core operations to Enugu in early 2026.

    Following deliberations, the board endorsed the 2025 year-in-review report presented by the managing director.

    The board approved operational priorities for the first half of 2026, including full transition to the Enugu headquarters.

    It approved the activation of priority programmes such as the South-East Venture Capital Programme, the M. I. Okpara fellowship, the South-East Investment Company, and the Project Preparation Facility.

    The board also approved the commencement of stakeholder consultations and technical work on the south-east regional development plan.

    It endorsed plans to strengthen institutional capacity through targeted recruitment.

    The board noted the fiscal realities and national policy environment outlined in the 2026 call circular.

    It commended management for maintaining strong partnerships with development finance institutions, federal agencies, state governments, and the private sector.

    The board directed its standing committees to continue providing strategic oversight across environment, projects and partnerships, commercial and industrial development, diversity and inclusion, finance, security, and legal matters.

    The board expressed confidence in the commission’s readiness to roll out visible programmes in 2026.

    Early priorities include operationalising the Enugu headquarters and launching flagship human capital and innovation programmes.

    The board said bankable infrastructure projects would be activated through the project preparation facility and the Southeast Investment company.

    It added that collaboration with south-east state governments would be strengthened on infrastructure, agro-industrial, and social programmes.

    It said engagement with the diaspora and private sector would be expanded to unlock co-financing and investment opportunities.

    “In endorsing the Commission’s relocation to Enugu, the Board affirms that SEDC must remain firmly rooted in the region it was created to serve. This move is more than administrative; it is a symbolic and strategic step toward ensuring our work is directly felt by the communities whose future we are shaping,” Wogu said.

    “The South East is ready for bankable projects. Our focus is to build credibility, structure, and partnerships that unlock long-term financing for transformational infrastructure,” Okoye said.

    The board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting management in building a transparent, disciplined, and high-performing development institution.

    The board thanked partners, stakeholders, and residents of the south-east, expressing optimism that 2026 would be defined by delivery and measurable impact.

  • Economic Summit: Uzodimma drew global attention to Imo, says Nwawuba

    Economic Summit: Uzodimma drew global attention to Imo, says Nwawuba

    Former federal lawmaker Hon. Henry Nwawuba has lauded the scale and significance of the Imo State Economic Summit held in Owerri this week, saying the turnout of high-profile global figures and major investors underscored the state’s rising relevance.

    The summit, hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma, drew national and international attention, attracting former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Vice President Kashim Shettima, industrialist Aliko Dangote and several state governors.

    Nwawuba said the gathering highlighted Uzodimma’s expanding national profile. 

    Analysts, however, noted that the governor’s increased visibility in recent months has also been shaped by strategic political alliances and his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the South East Renewed Hope Ambassador, a role aimed at deepening federal–regional engagement.

    Commenting on governance in the state, Nwawuba said Uzodimma’s second term has seen notable investments in infrastructure, including ongoing road projects, improved intra-state transport links and efforts to enhance electricity supply in emerging economic zones.

    Policy experts argue that if these initiatives are sustained, Imo could strengthen its position as a manufacturing and logistics hub within the Southeast.

    Nwawuba added that the summit demonstrated Imo’s ambition to seek deeper economic partnerships beyond the region. 

    Observers said the strong turnout reflects renewed interest in states positioning themselves for investment and development collaboration.

    With global political leaders and prominent private-sector players in attendance, analysts believe Imo now has a valuable opportunity to translate the visibility generated by the summit into concrete investments. 

    They noted that the event also signalled the Southeast’s broader push to regain prominence in national economic discourse.

    As Imo builds on the momentum from the summit, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the heightened attention leads to long-term projects and measurable economic gains.