The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Carnival: We will set new record of success, says Cross River govt

    Carnival: We will set new record of success, says Cross River govt

    Cross River State Government has assured tourists and fun seekers that this year’s Carnival Calabar, being the first to be hosted under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, would set a new record of success by any measurement standard.

    It gave the assurance at a news conference addressed by the Commissioner for Information, Police  Commissioner, Special Adviser (Security) to the Governor, Executive Secretary, Carnival Commission and Special Adviser, Events Management.

    Information Commissioner Erasmus Ekpang said Cross River State was ready for the Season of Sweetness Calabar Festival, stressing that security architecture was in top shape.

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    Executive Secretary, Cross River Carnival Commission, Mr. Austin Cobham, said Carnival Calabar 2023 would be an opportunity to set a new record and set a mark to prove to the world that the carnival was running 20 years already, except for the two years that were lost to COVID-19.

    Police Commissioner CP Gyogon  Grimah, represented by Deputy PPRO, DSP Igri Ewa, said security was a holistic issue that involved all citizens, adding that the command was working to ensure peace and unity.

    State Security Adviser South, Rtd Commander Patrick Odiong, said security was in top gear, stressing that there was a good working relationship between the security agencies.

    Special Adviser, Events Management, Office of the Governor, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, said a full timetable showing 31 days Calabar festival activities would soon be released to the public.

  • Akwa Ibom gives Fed Govt nod to offtake power from Ibom Power Plant

    Akwa Ibom gives Fed Govt nod to offtake power from Ibom Power Plant

    Akwa Ibom State Government has given approval to the Federal Government to offtake power generated from the Ibom Power Plant located in Ikot Abasi Local Government.

    Governor Umo Eno made this known during an interaction with a delegation of the Senate Committee on Power led by its Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and members of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    He said the approval was an expression of the state government’s commitment to partner the Federal Government to enhance power sector infrastructure and improve supply in the state and country.

    The governor said: “I believe we can do better with our power system, but a lot has to do with the Federal Government. If the Federal Government gives us the leeway to do it and with a promise to refund, then we can begin to think of it.

    “But we’ll like to work together because we need to get those permission to be able to link these things up, so that we won’t need to get into too much talk after the process. At the end of the day, it will be to the benefit of our people and then to Nigeria.

    “Power is something dear to our heart; so the work you are doing needs to be encouraged because without power, we cannot really do anything and the economy cannot move forward.”

    He expressed gratitude over the return visit of the senators barely a few weeks after the Senate retreat in the state, noting that the preference of Akwa Ibom for conferences and retreats had put the state on its toes to improve on facilities to retain the confidence of such high profile visitors.

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    Eno said: “We are delighted at the increasing interest in our state for conferences, retreats and others. It behoves us to ensure that our facilities continue to be topnotch.”

    He described the synergy between the Senate Committee on Power and NERC as healthy for the power sector, saying both arms would be on the same page for enactments and regulatory policies.

    Senator Abaribe said they were in the state for a three-day retreat, and expressed satisfaction with the choice of Uyo for the retreat, as against earlier plans for locations outside the country.

    He said previous retreats of the body were held in Ghana, Morocco and other locations outside the country, adding that after the last Senate retreat in Akwa Ibom, they realised that Akwa Ibom had quality facilities sufficient for their engagement.

    Abaribe hailed Eno for his purposeful leadership and attributed the pace of development in the state to continuum in leadership.

  • 40% varsities IGR : Onoh lauds Obi over comment on Tinubu

    40% varsities IGR : Onoh lauds Obi over comment on Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu’s former spokesman in the southeast Dr. Josef Onoh has commended the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi for keeping politics aside to place the greater interest of Nigerians through his support, constructive criticism and advise on the President’s reversal of the automatic withdrawal of 40 percent from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Federal universities.

     Tinubu on Friday, during the 75th Founders day celebration of the University of Ibadan, announced the reversal of the automatic deduction of 40 percent from the federal universities IGR which he said was ill-timed at a time that the universities are financially choked.

    Obi immediately reacted to President Tinubu’s reversal of the policy, commending the presidential order and saying the 40 percent IGR underlines a lack of attention to the abuse of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund).

    Extolling Obi’s critique, Onoh said that unlike the other opposition members that criticize and antagonize the federal government even when it does something positive, Obi’s action has demonstrated true sportsmanship, exposing his value for Nigeria beyond mere politics and commend the LP presidential candidate for the immense applause he gave to the Tinubu administration.

    Onoh assured Obi that the Tinubu-led administration will not take for granted his recommendations and, noting that Obi’s commendation will encourage other well- meaning Nigerians to come together to perceive government as a collective pursuit other than as an individual entity.

    He stated that what His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi has done was a testament to the passion he has for Nigeria in moving it forward for the collective benefit of all Nigerians, adding that the state of education in Nigeria has been a major concern of all for decades.

    Onoh said: “Nigeria as a third world country despite being the most populous country in Africa and having the largest economy has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, with only 59 percent of the adult population able to read and write. President Tinubu during the campaign made education as one of the priorities in his manifesto.

    “He was aware of many challenges facing higher education in Nigeria, from inadequate funding, corruption, inadequate infrastructural facilities, shortage of academic staff, strike actions, Brain-drain, poor research, weak administrators and insecurity.

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    “The President’s directive is an affirmation of his commitment to Nigerians towards building a better society and His Excellency Peter Obi’s commendation of Mr. President’s directive isn’t just taken as a political statement, rather it’s a strong motivational words of encouragement and commitment to Nigerians and I assure him that his support to the greater good of Nigerians isn’t taken for granted by the Tinubu led administration.

    “I urge more Nigerians to emulate his actions and realise that irrespective of our political differences, Nigeria belongs to us all and together we will definitely renew hope and lay a better foundation for the future. This administration will work towards achieving greater access to university education in Nigeria, and will also focus on curbing financial waste in the Nigerian University System (applying the policy of consolidation to its letter).

    “Downsizing the number of support staff in Nigerian University System; retraining of Nigerian universities’ academic staff to embrace ICT/ e – learning; and encouraging all universities in Nigeria to establish distance learning centres to provide more opportunities for all to have access to university education; and revision of education trust fund support for the production of books and journals in the Nigerian tertiary institutions; production of online materials for distance learning centers that would serve the greater populace desiring university education in our country.

    “Once again I applaud Peter Obi for his positive commitment and recommendations towards advancement of education in Nigeria and let him be assured that with his support and that of all well-meaning Nigerians irrespective of political differences and benefits, we all support our government towards building a better nation. Be assured that it will inspire this administration to aspire to the benefit of us all.”

  • Refinery signs $259m project deal

    Refinery signs $259m project deal

    • Egypt, Zimbabwe, Malawi presidents, Obasanjo witness agreement signing

    Azikel Petroleum Refinery, a subsidiary of Azikel Group, has signed a debt funding with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), for Azikel refinery project. 

    The debt financing deal reached between Afreximbank and Azikel Petroleum Refinery was made at the Intra-African Trade Fair 2023 held between November 9 and 15 in Cairo, Egypt. 

    The agreement was signed by the President of Azikel Group, who is also the Chairman of Azikel Petroleum Refinery, Dr. Azibapu Eruani (CFR) and the Director, Project and Asset Based Finance of Afreximbank, Helen Brume, on behalf of the bank. 

    A statement yesterday by Mr. Austin Ebipade, the media assistant to the president of Azikel Group, said personalities present to witness the agreement signing were the presidents of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-vice-president Namadi Sambo and President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah.

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    The statement quoted Afreximbank as saying that Azikel Refinery project was catalysing the new industrialisation in Nigeria. 

    Debt funding is the participation of Afreximbank in the construction, development and operation of the 12,000 bpd Azikel Hydro-skimming Refinery in Bayelsa State. 

    Azikel Refinery Project aims to bring reliefs to the challenges of insufficient refined petroleum products in Nigeria.

    Speaking after the signing ceremony, Eruani reiterated his commitment to the development of Nigeria and Africa by his unquenchable passion in guaranteeing the new industrialisation of Nigeria, creating energy sufficiency and sustainable development.

  • Abbas, Umahi, others unveil Nwifuru’s wife’s pet project

    Abbas, Umahi, others unveil Nwifuru’s wife’s pet project

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has unveiled the pet project of wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, named: “Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO).

    Also in attendance at the event were Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, wives of some governors, including those of Imo, Ogun and Cross River states, National Assembly members and other eminent Nigerians.

    The pet project was launched in Abakaliki, with Abbas, wives of Imo, Cross River and Ogun governors, Umahi, many National Assembly members and other personalities in attendance.

    The event was also used to launch Gender Based Violence (GBV) Centre, which Nwifuru’s wife is planning to build for rehabilitation, reintegration and empowerment of GBV survivors (victims).

    Mrs. Nwifuru hailed the eminent Nigerians for supporting her pet project.

    She said: “It is a collective effort of us that will actually help me to actualise my mission of stopping Gender Based Violence.  

    “The first thing I started immediately was stopping child trafficking, child labour, women abuse and men abuse because I am not first lady for women, I am equally first lady for all. So, I am for men and women.”

    The governor’s wife called for efforts to end GBV in the state through her pet project.

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    Wife of Cross River State governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, praised Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project, which she said would serve as a beckon of hope, offering support and opportunity to those who needed it most.

    She described Ebonyi governor’s wife as a role model and an advocate for positive change, saying her dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality was commendable.

    Speaker Abbas, represented by Amaobi Ogar, said the pet project would end GBV that had been on the rise in the state.

    He commended Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project, which, according to him, would touch and save lives.

    Sen. Umahi congratulated the governor’s wife on the project and described it as apt.

    Governor Francis Nwifuru said the event was germane considering that it would create impact on the lives of the people, especially women, children and the less privileged, who were in need of care and support.

  • Senate hails Mbah on youth empowerment

    Senate hails Mbah on youth empowerment

    The Senate has hailed Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for the efforts of his administration in empowering and equipping youths with requisite skills to enhance their financial base.

    The commendation was made by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, Sports and Community Engagement, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, when the committee visited the governor at the Government House in Enugu.

    The members, who informed the governor that they were on inspection of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) facilities in the state, asked him for more intervention in other areas such as funding and re-equipment of the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Agwu Local Government.

    Adaramodu extolled Mbah for the state government’s intervention in some of the pressing needs of the NYSC and provision of security for corps members.

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    He said the committee had taken note of the good work the governor was doing not only for NYSC, but also his engagement of youths in governance and training them in modern skills that would empower them.

    Mbah said his administration had made some significant interventions at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in terms of improving and upgrading the facilities, adding that his government would support the scheme in other areas despite the lean resources at its disposal.

    The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said his administration had undertaken the re-roofing and other renovation of the NYSC permanent campground.

  • ‘Don’t  tamper with Ojukwu’s title’

    ‘Don’t  tamper with Ojukwu’s title’

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned Anambra State traditional rulers, particularly Eze Igwe Orizu of Nnewi, not to tamper with the Ikemba Nnewi title belonging to the late Biafra leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

    The group said yesterday in a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, that its attention has been drawn to the secret plans by Eze Igwe’s heir and some cabinet members to sell the title given to Dim Ojukwu to a politician in his kingdom.

    It warned those involved to desist from such plans, as the title belongs to Dim Ojuíwu dead or alive.

    The statement said: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by the great and indefatigable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the secret plans by the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Orizu’s heir and some in his cabinet to sell the Ikemba Nnewi title that was given to our eternal leader, the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, to some politician in his kingdom. 

    “We are reliably informed that the moneybag politician plans to use the Ikemba Nnewi title in an attempt to secure legitimacy for his upcoming governorship bid.”

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    “Our eternal leader’s title should be left out of his political plans. In life, Ojukwu made his stance clear. Ojukwu represents the people and not the personal ambitions of any individual.”

    “IPOB is by way of this message, also alerting the good Igwe Orizu of the secret plans that are being hatched behind his back.

    “IPOB is warning those involved to desist from that plan, because the Ikemba Nnewi title exclusively belongs to our eternal leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, whether dead or alive, because of his enormous contributions to Biafra Nation. 

    “Anybody who intends to buy that title is setting himself up against IPOB and Ndigbo in general. Nobody in Nnewi or any part of Alaigbo is allowed to be conferred with the title of ‘Ikemba Nnewi.’ That title belongs to the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and to him alone.”

  • Soludo: I will bury my father in compliance with state burial laws

    Soludo: I will bury my father in compliance with state burial laws

    Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has revealed the symbolic coincidence of the date of his father’s death

    He said the death of his father, 92- year-old Pa Nwankwo Soludo, which occurred on November 6, 2023 at 7:45am, coincided with the anniversary of his election.

    The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor said in Awka that his father would be buried “in strict compliance with the Anambra State burial laws.”

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    He spoke after receiving a condolence letter from members of the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), delivered by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu. 

    Soludo hailed ANSEC members for their thoughtfulness and solidarity “during my difficult moment.” 

    He said his father lived a befitting life and would be accorded a decent burial.

    He promised to issue a formal statement with regard to the burial arrangements

  • Emenike mourns Aba accident victims 

    Emenike mourns Aba accident victims 

    The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, has said efforts must be made to minimise avoidable deaths in the state.

    He was reacting to the accident that occurred at Ogbor Hill area of Aba on Tuesday, which resulted in the loss of four lives, while 11 people were injured.

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    Emenike, who lamented the accident, advised the state government to ensure that citizens’ lives were no longer endangered by careless drivers.

    The Abia APC leader recalled that Ogbor Hill Waterside area had been recording accidents over the years, noting that the latest fatalities could have been averted if a lasting solution had been put in place.

  • Victory march for Uzodimma

    Victory march for Uzodimma

    The leadership and members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Imo State yesterday embarked on a march within the Owerri capital territory to express their happiness over the victory of Governor Hope Uzodimma during last Saturday’s governorship election.

    Imo State APC Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, had led his team of party officials from the state, local governments and wards on the march, starting from the APC headquarters on Okigwe road round the metropolis before anchoring at the Government House, Owerri to formally congratulate their leader and governor, Senator Uzodimma, on his electoral exploits.

    Addressing reporters and members of the party, Ebere said the march round the state capital was to show how happy the members were and to thank God for Governor Uzodimma’s victory.

     ”The happiness of the members of the party in the state and beyond knows no bounds,” he said.

     Ebere urged the governor to use his second term opportunity to do more for the state and to make the party members happier, saying “God chooses only one person at a time to lead.”

    Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, who represented the governor, thanked the APC faithful for deeming it fit to come to congratulate their own.

    On behalf of the governor, Iwu assured Imo people and the party that though “the renewed mandate is full of challenges, His Excellency is equal to the task.’’

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    He added: “Imo people should be happy because to whom much is given much is expected.”

    He reminded the APC faithful that Governor Uzodimma’s victory was foretold and expected “because His Excellency worked very hard for it and the party campaigned vigorously at all the nooks and crannies of the state, soliciting votes and the efforts paid off.”

    Iwu said the governor’s foot soldiers did not expect anything less despite that “unfortunately, some people gathered against the party, the government, the governor and the 3R administration in the state, but because they were not of God they were scattered.”

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Nnamdi Anyaehie, Deputy Chief of Staff, Emeka Agbo, other members of the state expanded Exco, the entire State Working Committee SWC of APC in the State among others attended the event.