The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Group decries corrupt practices at health centres

    Group decries corrupt practices at health centres

    The ATM (AIDS, Malaria and TB) network for the C19 RM/RSSH (COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health) has decried high cost of drugs and medical services in Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) in Anambra State.

    The project led by Civil Society Organisations for Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) also lamented alleged corrupt practices by health workers in some PHCs in the state, warning those involved to desist.

    Speaking in Awka during its monthly coordination meeting, Zonal Coordinator, ACOMIN, Southeast, Prof. Dennis Aribodor, blamed the low patronage witnessed at PHCs across the state on such nefarious activities.

    He advised heads of health departments of health facilities to demonstrate high level of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their assignments.

    Aribodo, who is also executive director, Malaria Eradication and Safe Health Initiative of Nigeria, enjoined officers-in-charge of the PHCs to make use of basic health care provision fund for maintenance of the health centres.

    He said: “The corrupt allegation in Awka South has been addressed. But that of PHC in Nnewi South Local Government is still under investigation.

    “It’s our hope that resources for PHCs should be transparently managed. The local government heads of health departments and heads of health facilities should shun corruption in whatever form, so that available resources will be used for the good of community members.”

    State Coordinator, Mrs. Chioma Okeke, urged members to replicate achievements being recorded in their areas of coverage in other neighbouring towns with no PHCs or underutilised ones.

    “As you oversee PHCs assigned to you, nothing stops you from replicating what is happening in your area in other neighbouring communities and even in your own towns where there are no PHCs.

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    “Anywhere you have opportunity, sell this market to community members and other stakeholders in communities where PHCs are not existing or functional and you will be surprised with the positive outcome.”

    State Coordinator for Tuberculosis Network, Mrs. Ify Unachukwu, told members that the group’s target remained ensuring functional, community driven PHCs towards better health care delivery for residents of the area.

    The Programme Manager, State Malaria Elimination Programme, Nonso Ndibe, lamented the human resource challenge in most health facilities, stressing the need for engagement of more health workers at the centres.

    The state Programme Officer, Wisdom Jacob, urged CBOs to ensure the project was sustained in the community they were working.

    He also enjoined them to build capacity of the Ward Development Community (WDC) to continue canvassing for maintenance of the health centre in the locality through community members.

  • Aloysius lkegwuonu (Bishop Ozubulu) for Christly Humanitarian of the Year Award

    Aloysius lkegwuonu (Bishop Ozubulu) for Christly Humanitarian of the Year Award

    Renowned philanthropist and oil magnate, High Chief Aloysius Nnamdi Ikegwuonu, popularly known as Bishop Ozubulu, is set to be bestowed with the prestigious ‘Christly Humanitarian of The Year’ Award at the upcoming 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards in November.

    High Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu, often referred to as the ‘Youngest Silent Billionaire,’ has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. His latest endeavor involves the construction of over 120 free houses for widows and the less privileged, exemplifying his dedication to uplifting the underprivileged in society.

    Within his Ozubulu community, he has undertaken remarkable initiatives by establishing five international standard Catholic churches, alongside a parish house and a sister’s lodge. Additionally, he has erected a rehabilitation center, complete with its own church, providing essential care for patients, and even constructed spacious halls within the center.

    A true symbol of christly compassion, High Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu generously covers the hospital expenses of discharged patients and those with severe cases in major hospitals in Anambra State whenever he visits. Furthermore, he extends his benevolence to the elderly population, ensuring that all individuals aged 60 and above receive a monthly salary, in addition to having their medical bills fully covered.

    High Chief Aloysius Nnamdi Ikegwuonu, the CEO of Aloy’s Oil and Gas, is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a renowned philanthropist. His selfless contributions to society have earned him the well-deserved ‘Christly Humanitarian Of The Year’ Award, which will be presented at the #LEEX Awards.

    Read Also: Ozubulu massacre: Overcome evil with love – Catholic Bishop urges Christians

    Recently, his humanitarian foundation, the Ebubechukwuzo Foundation, took a monumental step by granting scholarships to over 1000 underprivileged students, ranging from nursery school to university level, within Anambra State and beyond.

    The Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX Awards), now in its fifth consecutive year, is an annual event organized by IgbereTV. It serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of leaders in both the public and private sectors of Nigeria. The awards ceremony also shines a spotlight on individuals whose profound impact has reverberated throughout Nigeria’s political, social, and economic landscape.

    The much-anticipated award presentation to Bishop Ozubulu will take place on Saturday, the 11th of November 2023, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, marking a significant moment in the recognition of his extraordinary humanitarian efforts.

  • We are poised to invest aggressively in Nigeria’s talent pool – Aliyu

    We are poised to invest aggressively in Nigeria’s talent pool – Aliyu

    The Managing Partner of Hamu Legal, Saadatu Hamu Aliyu, stood before a captivated audience on that memorable October 2, 2023, evening, discussing her organisation and the legal profession in Nigeria. 

    The elegant Boto restaurant on Yalinga Street, Abuja, was the backdrop for a significant milestone – the firm’s “5th Anniversary” dinner, celebrating five years of remarkable accomplishments.

    Aliyu painted a vision filled with ambition and unwavering dedication in her address. 

    Her commitment was clear: “We are ready to make substantial investments in Nigeria’s talent pool, the wellbeing of our team, and expanding our partnerships to provide exceptional services across various industries.”

    These words resonated with unwavering conviction, as Hamu Legal had already made a name for itself within the legal world. It had woven a thriving tapestry of legal practice, known for ingenious and unconventional solutions, epitomizing its mantra: “Do Different.”

    Aliyu’s impassioned speech spoke of purpose and precision. She emphasized that Hamu Legal would remain united while strategically diversifying its practice across law, technology, energy, dispute resolution, government regulation, and corporate matters – a steadfast commitment to excel and diversify.

    But this endeavor wasn’t solely about growth but becoming a beacon of insight and knowledge. Aliyu stressed the importance of research and development, positioning Hamu Legal as a market leader who provides critical insights on pressing issues to clients and the public.

    The anniversary celebration was nothing short of grandeur. Distinguished guests, including dignitaries, government officials, legal luminaries, and clients from various sectors, gathered to honor Hamu Legal’s journey.

    The atmosphere was electric as 200 attendees convened in this exclusive setting.

    The evening was a journey filled with reminiscence and hope, featuring speeches from the firm’s earliest clients, heartfelt testimonials from friends and family of the Managing Partner, and a documentary that stirred deep emotions.

    Ruqayya Tofa Bashir, CEO of Raw Food & Beauty Resources Limited, praised Hamu Legal’s tenacity, stating, “.

    She continued, “Hamu Legal understands my business, and I’ve always found them reliable.”

    Chukwuma Okoroafor, Head of Legal at Helium Health Limited, acknowledged the firm’s dedicated staff and consistent values. Anthony Epundu, an associate, remarked, “.

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    At its core, the event was an expression of gratitude, honoring clients, partners, staff, and well-wishers who had contributed to the firm’s ascent. It was a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey and gather momentum for the path ahead.

    The celebration began with a spirited cocktail session, where guests shared stories about their connection with Hamu Legal. The melodic background music added to the ambiance, ensuring the festive spirit never waned.

    The event’s host skillfully guided the evening, captivating attendees even during the sumptuous meals.

    The event beautifully highlighted the synergy between business growth, the significance of corporate gatherings, and the value of recognizing the contributions of staff and clients. The Managing Partner reiterated the pivotal role of partnerships in nurturing a thriving enterprise.

    As the evening drew to a close, awards were presented to collaborators who had journeyed hand in hand with the firm, solidifying the importance of fruitful alliances.

    In the final moments, a representative of Hamu Legal stood before the gathering, expressing gratitude and encapsulating the sentiment of the evening – a celebration of excellence, unity, and an unwavering commitment to “Do Different” in the years to come.

  • Indigenes seek govt’s intervention as oil spill ravages Akwa Ibom community

    Indigenes seek govt’s intervention as oil spill ravages Akwa Ibom community

    Indigenes of Iba Oku in Uyo Local Government of Akwa Ibom State have called for  Federal Government’s intervention over incessant oil spill, which has  ravaged their community.

    The Nation gathered that the spills, which started four days ago, have polluted the community’s river, killing fishes, destroying farmlands, economic trees and other valuables.

    One of leaders in the village, Mr. Francis Elijah, lamented the devastating impact of the spills, saying if not contained, the community could go into extinction.

    “The only source of potable water has been polluted by the spills. The adjoining communities of Nduetong Oku and Afaha Oku can face danger if urgent action is not taken by relevant authorities to clean the spills and mitigate the impact of the problem on the host communities,” he said.

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    He urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to intervene by cleaning the spills, saying remedial measures to stop the flow should be put in place since, according to him, “there is no oil firm operating in the area for now.”

    Another resident, Comrade Solomon, a youth leader, said the community could be affected by the spills, “if urgent measures are not taken to prevent escalation.”

    He warned the people scooping crude from the river to “steer clear and stop exposing themselves to danger.”

    The village head of Iba Oku, Etteidung Mbeke, has declared the zone a no-go- area and alerted operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to cordon off the areas pending further measures by the government to address the problem.

  • Pipeline contracts based on evaluation criteria, says NNPCL

    Pipeline contracts based on evaluation criteria, says NNPCL

    Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) has clarified that the contracts for pipeline rehabilitation were awarded based on evaluation criteria and in accordance with industry standards.

    The management of the NNPC Ltd made this known in a statement while reacting to reports in some section of the media alleging underhand dealings in the contract award.

    It said the contracts, which were advertised, were awarded based on rigorous evaluation criteria and in line with industry norms.

    “The attention of the NNPC Ltd has been drawn to reports in an isolated section of the media alleging underhand dealings in the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of pipelines across the country.

    “It is crucial to provide accurate information to address any misconceptions and ensure transparency in our operations.

    “We will like to state categorically that these reports are fallacious and designed to bring the good name of the company into disrepute.

    “NNPC Ltd is committed to adhering to the highest standards of transparency and global best practices in our activities, and this includes our contracting process,” it said.

    The NNPC Ltd, while re-emphasising its commitment to transparency, said it subjected the selection process to a competitive tender guided by Bureau of Public Procurement Standards, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission expertise, and the involvement of a Transaction Advisor.

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    It said it also had representations from NEITI and the Ministry of Justice in the project development team and the evaluation exercise.

    It listed the composition of consortium members per lot spread across Nigeria.

    “LOT 1: Oilserve Ltd, Chu Kong Steel Pipe Group Company Ltd, Saudi Crown Oilserve.

    “LOT 2: MacReady Oil and Gas Services, COBRA Instalicios S.A, Control Y Montajes Industriales and International De Pipelines, Iron Products Industries Ltd, Batelitwin Global Services Ltd, Bauen Empresa Constructora SAU, Sanderton Energy Ltd, The Spanish National Association of Manufacturers.

    “LOT 3: A A Rano, Zakhem Construction Nigeria, Bablinks Resources Ltd, VAE Controls S.R.O and LOT 4: MRS Oil and Gas, CPPE Nigeria Ltd

    “It is imperative to emphasise that these contracts are Build, Operate and Transfer agreements, and selected partners are to finance the rehabilitation and do not entail the transfer of control of these assets to any particular company,” it said.

    It said its objective was to enhance the integrity and functionality of the pipelines to facilitate the efficient transportation of crude oil to refineries and the distribution of its products across the country.

    According to the NNPC management, “the ownership of these strategic national assets remains with NNPC Limited, and are fully committed to ensuring their continued operation in the interest of over 200 million Nigerians.

    Some sections of the media recently alleged that NNPC Ltd has awarded juicy rehabilitation contracts of the nation’s pipelines to four oil companies, including two downstream retailers.

  • Assembly okays Mbah’s N170b request

    Assembly okays Mbah’s N170b request

    Enugu State House of Assembly has approved the request of the Governor Peter Mbah administration to source N170billion facility to fund capital projects, among others, in the state.

    The lawmakers unanimously approved the request yesterday, saying it would enable the government deliver on its mandate, especially in the provision of critical infrastructure needed to attract investments to the state.

    The assembly expressed delight that the loan would run its full course in the first tenure of the governor.

    A breakdown of the request is as follows: N100 billion bank guarantee line, N10 billion term loan, N10 billion overdraft facility and N50 billion credit facility.

    A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and addressed to the Speaker, Uchenna Ugwu, said the request was sequel to the approval of the state Executive Council of the offer of N100 billion bank guarantee line, N10 billion term loan and N10 billion over draft facility from Fidelity Bank and N50 billion credit facility from Globus Bank.

    According to the letter, the N100 billion bank facility will guarantee payment for contracts issued to approved contractors.

    “The loan will be repaid via Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) on consolidated Enugu State IGR accounts, which will be domiciled in Fidelity Bank and domiciliation of JAAC/FAAC/Infrastructure Support.”

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    “The N10 billion term loan is on a tenure of 48 months, and a monthly repayment via ISPO on consolidated Enugu State IGR accounts, which will be domiciled in Fidelity Bank and domiciliation of JAAC/FAAC/Infrastructure Support. It will be used for infrastructural development.

    “The N10 billion overdraft facility will be used for prompt payment of recurrent expenditure such as salaries and has a tenure of 12 months with monthly clean up and repayment via ISPO on consolidated Enugu State IGR accounts, which will be domiciled in Fidelity Bank and domiciliation of JAAC/FAAC/Infrastructure Support.

    “The N50 billion credit facility is for the refinancing of the outstanding receivables from Enugu State Government and the repayment plan is 42 months equal and consecutive monthly repayment of principal and interest, which will be debited from Enugu State FAAC account with Globus Bank PLC,” the letter said.

  • Fuel subsidy: Otti rolls out measures to ameliorate effects on workers

    Fuel subsidy: Otti rolls out measures to ameliorate effects on workers

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti says his administration is working on measures to improve the welfare of workers, to reflect the prevailing economic realities occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    The measures include a template to begin payment of transport allowance to civil servants and to raise the salary of civil servants by a certain percentage from this month, to cushion the harsh impact of the rising inflationary trend as well as ensure the survival of civil servants under the present economic hardship.

    Dr. Otti, who broke the news while delivering the 63rd Founders’ Day Lecture Series of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), held at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and Unity Hall, UNN, said the gesture would alleviate their economic challenges, following the removal of fuel subsidy.

    He said plans were on the way to raise the salary of civil servants by a certain percentage, to cushion the harsh impact of the rising inflationary trend as well as ensure their survival under the current economic hardship.

    The governor, whose lecture centred on the theme: ‘Petroleum Subsidy Removal; Dealing with the Challenges, harnessing the opportunities’, said his administration had granted tax holiday to micro, small and medium enterprises to enable them manage the shock that emanated from the subsidy removal.

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    He noted that government had continued to streamline the revenue collection process, to ensure efficiency, cut out double taxation and make the system independent in ways that limit activities of middle men.

    Otti announced plans to revive the Abia State Scholarship Board and grant scholarships and bursary awards to Abia students studying in higher institutions across the country.

    He said besides Abia State, he would love to champion a conversation with his governor colleagues in the Southeast for the expansion of scholarships for thousands of brilliant students in the region.

    “Nothing must stand in the way of the education of our young people because we shall be doomed if we compromise any further on our investments in quality education.

    “I don’t just mean funding the desperation to acquire certificates, but something more holistic as this

    university has been doing for 63 years. Education is something we must take even more serious”

    The governor said his extensive commitment in road rehabilitation and reconstruction was aimed at increasing investments in the state, which would lead to higher employment opportunities for the younger generation and expansion of business opportunities for MSMES.

    “The ultimate agenda is to systematically improve the investment climate in Abia so that the environment does not sabotage the efforts of our entrepreneurs who pass through severe difficulties to remain in business,” he added.

    Otti said the planned launch of a 10-billion naira MSME Fund as announced in his inaugural speech was still on course, while modalities to accessing the fund would soon be unfolded.

  • ‘Muster political will to end insecurity’

    ‘Muster political will to end insecurity’

    The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (RPCN) has urged the Federal Government to muster political will and courage to end insecurity.

    This was contained in a 10-point communiqué issued by the church at the end of its 4th General Assembly on October 8, at the All Saints RPCN Parish, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government of Ebonyi State.

    It was signed by the Moderator-General, Rt. Rev. Chima Uduma and Secretary-General, The Rev. Cornelius Eke.

    The church said: “The Federal Government should muster the political will and courage to end once and for all, the lingering state of insecurity in the nation, which has continued to manifest in a spate of kidnapping, armed banditry, cultism, armed robbery, marauding of  gunmen and menace of ethnic separatists.”

    The church through the communiqué appealed to the Federal Government to hasten action on the release of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles promised by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for intra-and inter-state transport, to ease transport difficulties of the masses occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

    On the 2023 election tribunals and appeal tribunals, the communiqué expressed the need for the judges at all levels to be unbiased and deliver just judgments “in order to forestall miscarriage of justice, bearing in mind that God is a just God that judges all men according to how they judge others.”

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    The church congratulated the Federal and Ebonyi state governments on their 63rd and 27th anniversaries.

    It hailed Governor Francis Nwifuru for approving and releasing funds for the payment of gratuity arrears.

    The church also praised the governor for recruiting doctors, paramedical officers and civil servants to ease unemployment and improve people’s well-being.

    “The recruitment should follow due process in order not to truncate the good intentions of the government,” it said.

    The next General Assembly holds in August 2025, to be hosted by the Ohaozara Synod of the church.

  • TRC law against Nigeria’s extant laws, says CLO

    TRC law against Nigeria’s extant laws, says CLO

    Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has said the amended Traditional Council Law Cap 55 was against Nigeria’s extant laws.

    The controversial law grants perpetual leadership of the Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) on the Ibibio above other ethnic groups such as the Annang and Oro.

    Chairman of the organisation, Mr. Godknows Njoku, at a news conference in Uyo yesterday said the new law contravened Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution as amended in 2023.

    He described the law recently assented to by Governor Umo Eno as discriminatory and offensive in nature, “as it does not take into consideration other minority tribes in the state.

    “We are of the view as a body that the House of Assembly should have consulted the extant laws of the country, especially with regard to Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution as amended in 2023, by looking at how it will affect other minority tribes. The law as it’s being passed now is discriminatory in nature; it is offensive.

    “The matter is now in court, but we can safely say that the House of Assembly that we respect did not consider many things, especially the extant laws of the country before they came to that conclusion.

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    “We trust by God’s grace the court will do justice to it if this matter will continue. By the extent of its inconsistencies, it should be declared null and void. We are of the view that the traditional rulers should look at it and we call upon them to reason together and come up with one voice if they did not want it.

    “The CLO is of the view to apply to join in the suit, but we may not join again, having considered the good intention of the governor who has indicated interest and has publicly said he does not intend to marginalise or witch-hunt any particular group of people in the state. That they should write to the state government if they did not want it.”

    Njoku said the CLO in the state would have applied to be joined in the suit as plaintiff, adding that it rescinded its decision having seen the good intention of the governor, who had consistently told the traditional rulers to write to the government if they were not comfortable with the law.

  • House to investigate failed N6.4b shoreline protection contract

    House to investigate failed N6.4b shoreline protection contract

    House of Representatives is to investigate the failure of the performance of the N6.5 billion shoreline protection contract awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in 2006.

    Adopting a motion on notice sponsored by Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo), the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide temporary relief materials, to cushion the impact of the ravaging sea incursion on the latest victims at Ayetoro community in llaje Local Government of Ondo State. 

    Leading a debate on the motion, Ojogo told the House that the oil-producing Ayetoro community was not just a major revenue source of the nation, but also a phenomenal historical and cultural settlement along the coastal stretch of llaje Local Government. 

    He said Ayetoro community and its environs accounted for 5.4 per cent of the 60,000 Barrel Per Day (BPD) of Ondo State’s crude oil production output, amounting to about 3.7 per cent of Nigeria’s total oil production, ranking Ondo State 5th among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, as captured by the NDDC law. 

    He said the devastating sea incursions and ocean surges had been the albatross of Ayetoro community for over two decades, destroying properties and displacing indigenes, thus disrupting the oil-exploration activities owing to varied reactions by indigenes of the area. 

    Ojogo said the surge had become an annual occurrence and an alarming rate that successive administrations in Ondo State appeared overwhelmed, thus helpless. 

    He said NDDC in 2004 attempted to stem the slide by awarding contract for the construction of a shoreline protective wall designed with a tube technology at Ayetoro to Gallet Nigeria Ltd at an original contract sum of N6.4 billion, of which 25 per cent was reportedly paid.

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    He said the contract was revoked in 2009 for alleged lack of capacity and re-awarded to Dredging Atlantic Ltd at an undisclosed cost and 16 years after the contract was first awarded, there was nothing to show any intervention by the government. 

    Ojogo said owing “to this pitiable level of no action by the mobilised contractor(s), a particular surge that happened towards the end of 2022 reportedly caused the displacement of nearly 2,000 people, 13 deaths and the destruction of over 200 homes.” 

    He said the situation had generated tension in the oil-producing communities, as restive youths had reportedly begun mobilising themselves to disrupt the lawful activities of oil producing companies, thereby creating a state of unease and seeming insecurity.