The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Akwa Ibom group impacts 1,300 lives through medical outreach

    Akwa Ibom group impacts 1,300 lives through medical outreach

    No fewer than 1,300 indigent people, including the aged, women and children at Okoroinyong and Egwenwe communities have benefited quality health care and medical attention from a group, the Ibom Developers, at a two-day medical outreach held at the Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Health Centre, in Eastern Obolo Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

    The theme of the medical programme was ‘Health is Wealth,’ and it reinforced the commitment of Ibom Developers to render medical assistance and ensure the well-being of the host communities. 

    The communities were given free treatment for malaria, typhoid and some prevalent skin rashes.

    The Village Head, Chief Johnson Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe community; said: “This event marks the beginning of a new dawn in our relationship with Ibom Developers. We are happy to see the commitment and the love for humanity to organise this laudable health care programme for Egwenwe community.”

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    He said medical outreach programmes such as this, which targeted underserved communities, served as excellent examples of initiatives that educated, inspired and made a significant impact.

    The Chief Security Officer of Ibom Developers, Mr. B. A. Abass, said: “The programme serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to the well-being of the communities. We are positive that there will be more such initiatives in future.”

    The programme contributes to fostering stability and growth within a community, playing a vital role in shaping its development trajectory.

    Chief Godfrey F. Tallick (Inukuk X), the Okaama of Okoroinyong; said: “Our community is impressed by such a benevolent act, and we appreciate the company’s sincere efforts and kindness.”

    Ibom Developers is committed to driving sustainability and empowerment that address immediate health concerns and promote the welfare of the host communities for a long-term healthy living on the long-term.

  • Oil palm growers excited over Otu’s plans

    Oil palm growers excited over Otu’s plans

    Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN) has expressed appreciation over plans by Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu to provide 3.5 million free oil palm seedlings for oil palm farmers.

    It said the plan by the governor to ensure that Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) had a permanent branch office in Cross River State to guide farmers to have quality yields was a positive move.

    OPGAN National President Mr. Joe Onyiuke said at a town hall meeting with state leaders and members of OPGAN in Cross River that “it takes a governor who means well for the ordinary citizen to commit investment to the oil palm industry and economy.

    He said OPGAN members were excited because genuine farmers had been given the needed lift to grow and expand for the general good of the economy of the state and nation.

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    He said the governor in a speech he delivered to mark his 100 days in office affirmed that his administration was in partnership with OPGAN, and had begun the planting of 3.5million hybrid oil palm seedlings in 13 identified locations across the state.

    The OPGAN national president likened what Governor Otu was doing in Cross River State to what the late Michael Okpara did with oil palm in the defunct Eastern Region.

    He said OPGAN was encouraging family cooperatives and group cooperatives so that when finances were accessed for expansion and growth, sustainability would be ensured.

    The state Chairman of OPGAN, Mr. Nyaim Bisong, said oil palm growers were not only going to remain growing, but would also participate in the value chain of oil palm produce, as planned by the governor.

  • Otti launches training of 50,000 farmers

    Otti launches training of 50,000 farmers

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has launched the training of 50,000 farmers in Organic Agricultural Development Culture and Practice, at Abia State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) headquarters, Umuahia.

    Speaking at the event, the governor expressed delight about the selection of Abia as one of the 22 pilot states to participate in the first phase of the programme. 

    He said the aim of the programme was to promote non-agro business and ensure food sufficiency.

    Otti, represented by the state Director of Agriculture Services, Dr. Ngozi Obioma, stressed that effective agricultural practices would promote good health, generate employment and engender rural farmers’ participation.

    Urging farmers to make themselves available for the training, the governor said N2,000 fee that was expected to be paid by farmers, who would participate in the training, had already been paid by his government.

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    Agric Commissioner Prof. Monica Ironkwe said there was need to revert to organic agricultural culture and practice because of the damage that had been done to agriculture and soil through the use of inorganic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides and others.

    Ironkwe, represented by the Director of Finance, ADP, Mrs. Edna Egbu, said the high cost of inorganic fertiliser had made it almost unavoidable for small scale farmers to increase their cost of production. 

    She said the time had come for a change to organic agriculture, which, according to her, produced nutrients that were non-toxic to the soil and guaranteed the production of organic healthy food and rejuvenation of impoverished soil nutrients, among other benefits.

    The Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Aloysius Mba, said the ministry was committed to organising and managing agricultural sector to facilitate agricultural business, increase food security and employment, commodity value chain and agro-industrial development, to earn foreign exchange and contribute to socio-economic development. 

    The Director-in-Charge, Abia ADP, Mrs. Nnenna Udumma, said the state was lucky to be among the 22 pilot states selected across the country for the training. 

  • CAC trains stakeholders to tackle corruption

    CAC trains stakeholders to tackle corruption

    Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has trained its stakeholders on the effective use of its new platform, the Beneficial Ownership Register (BOR), to tackle corruption in public and private business organisations.

    It said Persons with Significant Control (PSC), a registration platform in BOR, would assist the Federal Government to monitor money laundering and sponsorship of terrorism by organisations.

    The commission spoke in Port Harcourt during a one-day training of stakeholders on BOR, organised in partnership with USAID, Palladium and World Bank.

    The Registrar-General, CAC, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, said BOR would help in the war against terrorism and proliferation of arms.

    He said the verification platform was designed to ensure transparency and accountability in business transactions of public and private organisations.

    Abubakar, represented by the Director of Compliance, CAC, Mr. Justin Biraol, said the required push for BOR was given by former President Muhammadu Buhari at the London Anti-Corruption Conference/Summit of May 2015.

    He said commitment was made at the conference that the country would implement the requirements of beneficial ownership, as part of the overall national anti-corruption strategy.

    Abubakar said the development led to the repealing and re-enactment of the Companies and Allied Matters (CAC) Act 2020.

    He said the move led to the enactment of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act and Proceeds of Crime Act of 2022 to ensure sanity among organisations.

    Abubakar said BOR was designed to serve as a verification platform for owners and significant members of business organisation.

    He said: “The commission with the assistance of the World Bank and other stakeholders such as Oasis developed and deployed the National Register of Beneficial Ownership on May 26, 2023 and has sequel to this deployment undertaken series of training on the use of the register.

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    “Prior to this period, the commission had collected Beneficial Ownership information for companies registered from January 1, 2021 through the

    CRP (Companies Registration Portal) in addition to collections from Annual Returns and Post incorporation filings for legacy companies.

    “The commission has also issued Beneficial Ownership or Persons with Significant Control Regulations 2022

    to provide clarity in the implementation of the framework. Other sector specific

    regulators have also issued guidelines or regulations on the same important issue.”

    Abubakar said the enforcement of BOR would assist the country to come out of the list of world’s Financial Task Force.

    He said the organised private sector was expected to use the register for customer due diligence and to check conflict of interests

    He said: “Effective implementation of the beneficial ownership framework is essential for the fight against corruption, money laundering, terrorism, terrorism financing, proliferation and proliferation financing.

    “It is also critical in the determination of

    whether or not the country gets off the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force.

    “It is also important to note that there are other key stakeholders that drive the

    implementation of the Beneficial Ownership framework. Any discuss will be incomplete without mentioning them.

    “The organised private sector is expected to use the register for customer due diligence and to check conflict of interest, the media for investigative journalism and the NGOs to promote accountability and transparency in governance, particularly in procurement.

    “The National Beneficial Ownership Register is one of the best globally, not only because of the involvement of World Bank in its development, but it is also the only register that provides for instantaneous online verification of the identity of the Beneficial Owner through integration with the National Identity Management Commission’s database.”

    Precilia Orukpe, representative of Oasis Management Company, the firm that developed the platform, said the platform was user friendly, adding that it had unique features.

  • Catholic knights  mark 10th year

    Catholic knights  mark 10th year

    Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Port Harcourt Grand, a family apostolate charged with the defence of the Roman Catholic faith, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

    Port Harcourt Grand covers Port Harcourt Diocese, Bomadi Diocese and part of Aba Diocese.

    Speaking  in Port Harcourt, while inaugurating a 30-member planning Committee that will be responsible for this celebration, the Grand President, Sir Emmanuel Okene said that “10 years is a milestone and when you look back at what we have achieved over the years, we can see the need to roll out the drums and at the same time take stock, and project for greater strides”.

    The 30- member  anniversary  committee  is headed by Noble Brother Innocent Akuvue, and has Sir Premo Ebiware as Secretary.

     Other members include; the Spiritual Director, Monsignor Joseph Kabari, Sir Vincent Okolie, Sir Chuks Onua, Sir PMC Okeke and Sir Luke Wagbara, Lady Theresa Akugbo, Lady Pauline Mgbkaogu, Lady Florence Kenekayoro, Lady Emily Ugwu, Lady Oby Onwumere, Lady Caro Okoh.

    Other members are; Sir Dan Onuoha, Sir Ebitimi Berezi, Sir Premo Ebiware, Sir Uche Manu, Sir Patrick Iroagalachi, Noble Brother Cosmas Ezeobi, Sir Chinwo, Sir Emmanuel Anya, Sir Henry Sota, Sir Dakare Sam, Sir Michael Okwori, Lady Berezi Perekebina, Lady Joy Tawo, Lady Kate Itokem, Lady Joy Ambakaderemo, Lady Ugo Udeh, Lady Ngozi Nwofa, and Lady Eucharia Nnaji.

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    According to Sir Okene, the Committee also has its terms of reference as follows; To plan and organise in conjunction with the Lead consultant and the Grand President activities for the Port Harcourt Grand Commandery at 10 celebrations, advise  on suitable dates for the various activities slated for the anniversary, make efforts to bring together many of our heroes from different parts of the country to celebrate their efforts and contributions towards nurturing and growing Port Harcourt  Grand Commandery.

    They are to assist in the launching of projects to be associated with the celebration”.

    During the inauguration , Sir Okene unveiled some of the programmes that will be carried out during the celebration, to include a family faith development (Catechesis Competition) Catechesis programme in Port Harcourt Diocese to also include a Catechetical colloquium.

    Though KSJI is celebrating 10  years in Port Harcourt Grand Commandery, the Order has been in existence since 1886 and came to Nigeria in 1976. It has a membership of over 18,000 Knights and their Ladies in Nigeria. The Order exists in the USA, England, Germany, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in other African countries like, Kenya, Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

  • Man sets own duplex ablaze over brawl with family

    Man sets own duplex ablaze over brawl with family

    • Two other buildings razed

    Amiddle-aged man was on Sunday rescued alive after allegedly setting ablaze his duplex apartment in Ezinifite, Okpuno in Awka South Local Government of Anambra State.

    The man, a dealer in building materials from Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, was said to have committed the arson over lingering depression following unresolved brawl with his wife and children.

    The Nation gathered that the wife had connived with the children to seize the papers of the property, including one of the sons who reportedly fled with part of his wealth.

    A neighbour who identified himself as Ulasi Obiora alleged that the man’s intention was to wipe away his entire family, including himself.

    He said: “The man poured fuel inside their bedroom and put fire which spread to parts of the building before the arrival of men of the fire service.

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    “I learnt he’s having various issues with the wife but no one expected he would go to that extent. Thank God everyone in the house escaped before the fire engulfed the building.”

    Confirming the incident, State Fire Chief, Dr. Martin Agbili, described it as case of arson, saying the building was already in flames when his men arrived.

    He said although some property were destroyed, no life was lost to the inferno.

    He further revealed that two other residential apartments were gutted by fire same day in various locations within the state capital.

    According to him, one of the inferno occurred at Ugwu Tank, Amawbia in lockup shops, while the other happened at Obiano Close, Rockland Estate, Awka.

    He said while the Amawbia inferno was caused by power outage, that of Rockland estate was a result of explosion of inverter batteries.

  • Soludo suspends four head teachers

    Soludo suspends four head teachers

    • Over non-compliance with free education policy

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has suspended four head teachers for non-compliance with his free education policy.

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Education, Nnaemeka Egwuonwu, said the suspension was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.

    He said the head teachers were alleged to have acted in contravention of Governor Soludo’s policy on free education.

    He listed the affected persons to include: head teachers of Washington Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, Nkem Nkechi; Kenneth Dike Secondary School Awka, Onwurah Catherine; New Era Secondary School, Onitsha, Dr. Cordelia Okonkwo and Amaka Ubaka of Prince Memorial High School, Onitsha.

    Egwuonwu said the commissioner had constituted a committee to investigate the activities of the head teachers.

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    “She warned that if found culpable, the head teachers would be made to refund the amount collected.

    “It is surprising that after announcements on the free education policy by Mr. Governor, the head teachers could still be alleged to have flouted the policy.

    “It will be recalled that Governor Soludo had during his visits to Premier Primary School, Odume Obosi and Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, announced that in line with the Solution Free Education Policy, no child from Early Childhood Education and Development up to Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) is required to pay any fee whatsoever.”

    “No pupil in senior secondary school should pay anything more than N5,000. The policy was further amplified by Mr. Governor at a meeting he had with head teachers at the International Conference Centre, Awka last Saturday,” the statement said.

  • Ogbuku, Jonathan’s wife urge Niger Delta youths to embrace peace 

    Ogbuku, Jonathan’s wife urge Niger Delta youths to embrace peace 

    The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and former First Lady Patience Jonathan have called on youths in the region to embrace entrepreneurship and peace for sustainable development.

    The duo spoke during the Ogbia Youth Summit in Ogbia, Bayelsa State.

    A statement signed yesterday by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Dr. Pius Ughakpoteni, said Ogbuku in his keynote address at the summit insisted that the youth must engage in meaningful ventures for the region to achieve sustainable development and peace.

    He appealed to them to key into the commission’s Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE) designed by the commission to identify their interest for skill training.

    Advising the youth to eschew cultism, drug abuse, thuggery and other vices, Ogbuku lauded their vision to set up a youth hub and pledged to support the initiative.

    He said: “As Ogbia people, we should jettison individual interests for the collective interest of the people. This is the example we should learn from our leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who declared that his political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian; that is the Ogbia spirit.

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    “What was handed to us by our founding fathers is the identity of an Ogbia man. Whatever achievement we must have accomplished today is the result of the legacies established by the late Melford Okilo and other great leaders. These legacies made us strive for greatness.”

    “It will be a bigger challenge for me if I can’t bring peace and development to Ogbia people. If we collaborate, we can partner and share ideas for success.”

    Ogbuku noted that focus on human capacity building was in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

    Dame Jonathan, who represented her husband, ex- President Jonathan, as the special guest of honour, told the youth to avoid drug abuse because of its effect.

    She said peace and unity were needed to ensure sustainable development in Ogbia community and elsewhere in the Niger Delta.

    The President of Ogbia Youths, Amb. Johnny Jonathan, said the programme was to chart a new course in human capacity development among youths.

    Jonathan, who hailed Ogbuku for supporting youth programmes, stressed the need to educate young people on the importance of peace as a catalyst to economic and infrastructural development.

  • Uzodimma threatens to publish names of workers involved in sharp practices

    Uzodimma threatens to publish names of workers involved in sharp practices

    • Reiterates commitment to people’s welfare

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said his administration would continue to pursue programmes that would promote people’s welfare.

    He advised those who see selfishness as part of government to think twice or have themselves to blame.

    Uzodimma said: “Leadership is service and once you are able to serve well, whether now or later, people will appreciate you.”

    He spoke at the birthday thanksgiving mass in honour of Sir Jude Ejiogu, a former secretary to Imo State Government, held at Immaculate Conception Parish, Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government.

    Uzodimma urged Owerri people, especially those from Emekuku, to take the interest of the state far above their selfish interest.

    He advised civil servants complaining that they had not been receiving salary, to find out whether they fell within the category of those who were receiving double salaries for more than 10 to 15 years, “because everything about payment of salary and pension has been automated.”

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    “The system we are operating now will not have any room to discriminate because the system does not know you, your face or where you come from,” he said, adding that arrangements were in place to solve the challenges a few genuine ones might be having.

    The governor warned those who had been blackmailing the government on allegation of not being paid their salaries to desist and say the truth or else government would be forced to publish their names and their crime against the state.

    He said: “Over 925 people have one discrepancy or another which stems from sharp practices.”

    Uzodimma thanked the priests for appreciating the things his government had done so far.

    “It is not good to be worshiping God in an uncompleted building while we are living in completed houses, well furnished,” he said.

    To assist the parish in the completion of the church building so that it will be dedicated before the end of his second tenure, Governor Uzodimma donated N30million to the project.

    Sir Ejiogu thanked the governor and all that came to celebrate with him. He commended his Emekuku community for always supporting him and what he believed in.

    The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Anyaegbulem, hailed the governor for the infrastructural revolution going on in the state, especially the building of Ekemele, Okigwe road, Orlu road, dredging of Urashi river “and all the good projects that are going on across the state.”

  • Otti vows to generate electricity

    Otti vows to generate electricity

    • Inaugurates Obehie road

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has promised to leverage on gas in Ukwa to generate electricity.

    He spoke while inaugurating the 1.2 kilometre Umuokomiri-Obehie ring road in Ukwa West reconstructed by Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC).

    Dr. Otti said the road had been a work in progress for a long time before he appointed the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Dr. Joshua Onyeike, who took it up and finished the project within a short period.

    He thanked the general manager for the water projects ASOPADEC was carrying out and described him as a man of capacity.

    The governor, who vowed to leverage on the presence of gas in Ukwa to generate electricity for the people, said his government would at the end of this month perform a groundbreaking ceremony of Abia Innovation and Industrial Park in Owaza.

    He said the park, which would house manufacturing, oil and gas companies, refinery and other concerns would enjoy 90 per cent funding by the private sector, while his administration would contribute 10 per cent.

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    He said the money to be used in setting up the park was already available.

    Otti said his government would not just extract resources from Ukwa West, but would also give back to the people.

    He assured the citizens that Ogwe Golden Chicken Company would be revived.

    Ven. Onyeike hailed the determination of Governor Otti to tackle infrastructural deficit in the state, saying the Umuokomiri-Obehie road would ameliorate the problems of the people and end their hardship.

    Ukwa West Labour Party Chairman, Elder I. O. Dike and President General, Asa Development Union, Dr. Ikechukwu Ajuzieogu, described Ukwa West as the treasure base of the state.

    He appealed to the governor to fulfil the campaign promises he made to their people, including reviving Ogwe Golden Chicken project, empowering their people and completing the reconstruction of Ugwati-Obokwe-Oberete road, among others.

    He pledged their support to his administration.