Category: Southeast report

  • UNICEF lifts 840 women in Anambra communities

    UNICEF lifts 840 women in Anambra communities

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has distributed livelihood support to over 840 women in four communities in Anambra West Local Government Area.

    Benefiting communities – Umueze Anam, Umuenwelum, Ifite Anam and Olumbanasa – got items like rice seedlings, potato stems, groundnut, pepper, water melon seeds, and cucumber, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.

    Stakeholders also got fully constructed football goal post and volleyball court, footballs, volleyball, whistle and other indoor games for relaxation.

    Read Also: States should implement child rights law, says UNICEF

    Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, said the livelihood support was a way of helping women bounce back from the 2022 flood disaster.

    Obinabo, represented by the Director of Child’s Department, Mrs. Ekene Aniesona, thanked UNICEF for the gesture, and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the items. She also admonished community stakeholders to ensure safety of all the gaming facilities and take ownership of them.

  • Cross River auditor-general goes on compulsory retirement

    Cross River auditor-general goes on compulsory retirement

    Cross River State government has sent its Auditor-General, John Odey, on compulsory retirement.

    The directive was contained in a June 2 memo by Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Inaku Uko.

    The memo directed Odey to proceed on ‘immediate’ retirement, and to hand over all official documents to the director of administration ‘who will oversee the office till further notice’.

  • Police Zone 13 gets spokesperson

    Police Zone 13 gets spokesperson

    Inspector-General of Police (IG) Usman Alkali has approved the appointment of SP Ihunwo Josephine as the new Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 13 Police Headquarters Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State.

    A statement from the zone said Josephine would be taking over from SP Nwode Nkeiruka. It added that Josephine, by the posting becomes the second PPRO of Zone 13 since its creation on June 8, 2020, which covers Enugu and Anambra States.

    The statement reads: “SP Josephine was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 2010. She holds a B.sc in Statistics from Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri.

    “Josephine is a sports lover and has commanded sports activities as the sports supervisor in Enugu State Police Command. She was the Anambra State Police Command Sports Officer who led the command to so many victories with lots of medals, and this elevated her to the position of Zonal Sports Officer.

    “She is the Acting Chairman of the Cricket Association in the Nigeria Police Force, and has attended several courses locally and internationally…”

    Read Also: Katsina gets new Commissioner of Police

  • Nigerian rapper releases new record

    Nigerian rapper releases new record

    It’s delivery that’s right on time, as the title suggests. “Dispatch Rider” might be the most uncommon of song titles, but with 2min Ime’s just-released record it’s an exciting cruise across contemporary Afro-fusion.

    Across the 6-tracker EP, 2min Ime, born Aduba Ikenna, soaks in his various perspectives of life, especially from direct experiences, into Afro pop and Amapiano buckets. While the record flushes for its sonic direction, the standout feature on it would be it’s thematic direction as well, as 2min Ime strives to prioritise depth of message in this project.

    Read Also: American rapper Travis Scott reacts to Victony’s ‘Soweto’ remix

    2min Ime is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and performer. He Studied Law in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state. 2MIN began his musical career in the year 2012 in his university days. He released his first debut single ‘Disturbance’ on the 5th of May, 2015, then dropped his follow-up single ‘Bamboo’ to stamp his presence in the music Industry, which features ‘Ymc’ and premium mouth organist (Thiotee).

    He went ahead to drop ’Imam’ on the 1st of August 2018 with an official video to it, then dropped “Senior Man” on the 26th of November 2019, he then followed up with ‘Banana Juice’ a dance hall track that he released September 2021.

    Dispatch Rider is a project that cuts across different genres with 2min Ime infusing several occurrences to create the perfect songs for his fans. 2min Ime is geared to create an extensive niche for himself in the Nigerian music industry with the release of this project

  • Northeast youths urge Tinubu to disregard letter on NEDC

    Northeast youths urge Tinubu to disregard letter on NEDC

    The North Eastern Youths Advocacy for Peace and Development (NEYAPAD) has asked President Bola Tinubu to disregard an open letter by written by Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), Frank Tietie, calling for the dissolution of the newly constituted board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

    The youths urged Tinubu to discard the latest attempt to derail and bring confusion into the interventionist’s agency.

    It said it would constructively fight those who want to frustrate the confirmation of the board.

    In a statement by its Convener, Safiyanu Ya’u, and Co-convener, Salahuddeen Shuaibu, and Secretary, Abner Shitu, the youth accused Tietie of trying to frustrate the confirmation of the board.

    The group said the purported issues raised by the lawyer were not only “shallow and otiose but do not hold water, as such it does not deserve the attention of Mr. President as he has other urgent matters of national importance to attend to.”

    The youth wondered what metric of evaluation Tietie employed in measuring the qualifications of those who are to be appointed to man the board of the intervention agency that warrants him calling those appointed unqualified considering the speed and focus with which the new board members have hit the ground running since their assumption of office last month, albeit in an acting capacity.

    Read Also: Tinubu: When preparation meets leadership

    The group averred that there is no crisis of confidence in the commission as there is currently an excellent rapport existing between the Staff and the management.

    According to the statement, this is due to the quality of individuals appointed to lead the interventionist’s agency.

    It added that there was nothing illegal in the appointment of the board in an acting capacity pending the confirmation of the Senate, saying it is not a practice alien to Nigerians.

    On achieving the mandate of the commission, the group noted that the people of the crisis-torn zone are happy with the various humanitarian and other interventions currently ongoing as they are aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the people.

    The group wondered why Mr. Frank Tietie, who hails from the Niger Delta is not concerned about the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and was not offering his unsolicited advisory there but was more concerned about the North East if not for briefcase advocacy.

    The group urged ” activists who are not from the zone to stay off the activities and issues surrounding the Board and management of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC).”

    The Northeast youths expressed optimism that the newly appointed leader will be confirmed by the Senate to continue the strides in development currently going on in the Northeast zone.

  • Rep Tunji-Ojo: A legacy of quality representation

    Rep Tunji-Ojo: A legacy of quality representation

    As the tenure of the ninth Assembly comes to a close, it is important to reflect on the outstanding contributions of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the representative of Akoko North East North West Federal Constituency. Over the past four years, he has left an indelible mark on his constituency, transforming the narrative and bringing unprecedented development to the region.

    Today, we commend him for his exceptional achievements and look forward to the promise of an even brighter future under his continued representation in the 10th Assembly.

    Tunji-Ojo has been a catalyst for change in Akoko North East North West Federal Constituency.

    His commitment to progress and unwavering dedication to his constituents have brought about a remarkable transformation across various sectors. From infrastructure development to improved healthcare, enhanced security measures, and advancements in education, Tunji-Ojo has spared no effort in ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of development for his constituents.

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo, Adegbomire, Adefarati win in Ondo

    Under his leadership, the federal constituency has witnessed a level of growth and progress that was previously unprecedented. Dilapidated roads have been rehabilitated, providing better connectivity and facilitating economic activities. Access to quality healthcare has been enhanced through the establishment of medical facilities and the provision of essential medical equipment. The improved security measures implemented have fostered a sense of safety and peace, allowing residents to thrive and businesses to flourish. Additionally, Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to education has resulted in the implementation of programs and initiatives that empower the youth, paving the way for a brighter future.

    As Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo concludes his tenure in the 9th Assembly, the people of Akoko North East North West Federal Constituency are filled with confidence and optimism for what lies ahead. They have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of his leadership and are eager to see him build upon the solid foundation he has laid. With his proven track record of dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents, there is no doubt that Tunji-Ojo will continue to be a beacon of progress and bring about further positive change in the 10th Assembly.

    By Femi Salako

  • Entrepreneur Idoko gets productivity award

    Entrepreneur Idoko gets productivity award

    Foremost media personality and entrepreneur, Mrs. Love Idoko-Uloko has been named as recipient of the coveted National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award alongside many notable Nigerians.

    The announcement was made by the National Productivity Centre, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on May 29. The statement conveying the announcement was signed by the Director-General of the National Productivity Center, Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha.

    Mrs Idoko-Uloko is an acclaimed success activator, a media consultant, and an internationally certified events planner. She is also a motivational speaker, a Publisher and Life Coach. She was born into the family of the late Justice Alhassan Idoko and Evang. Lydia Idoko.

    Mrs Idoko-Iloko , who started in Benue State though of Kogi origin has been very impactful in the youth development, motivation and performance industry and most notable media space.

    She has consistently gotten corporate organizations like Nestle Nigeria, Interswitch, Airtel Nigeria among others to partner with her youth entrepreneurship and empowerment programme (YEEP) where she has been in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since 2017.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s promise to improve economy excites young entrepreneurs

    The entrepreneur has been at the forefront of youth empowerment and development. Her foundation has given out millions of Naira to hundreds of young people to start their business and also support already existing businesses. Very recently in April 2023. She gave out half a million Naira each to six NYSC members.

    Her TV programme, Activating Success with Love Idoko is one of the most sought after inspirational interviews programmes on TV. It has been running for eight years with close to 200 episodes. She has interviewed Chief Executives, governors, celebrities, religious leaders including, The founder of Coscharis Motors, Dr Cosmas Maduka, the Founder of Airpeace , Dr Allen Onyema, International speaker and founder of the wisdom center , Dr Mike Murdock, The M.D Unity Bank, Mrs Tomi Somefun, The founder of streams of Joy International , Pastor Jerry Eze. Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, celebrities include Richard Mofe Damijo, Ramsey Nouah, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, 2face idibia amongst others

    The NPOM award recognises individuals, who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective fields. It is a prestigious recognition that celebrates individuals, who have made significant contributions to productivity, innovation, and national development as well.

    The award is divided into three and is given to individuals, corporate organizations and MDAs.

  • Millions destroyed as storm wrecks havoc in Anambra council

    Millions destroyed as storm wrecks havoc in Anambra council

    Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Anambra State has sympathised with workers in Oyi Council Headquarters, Nteje over destruction of properties worth millions by thunder storm in various buildings in the area.

    President, Comrade Chikweli Adigwe during official visit to the council headquarters, Nteje with State Executive Council to ascertain level of damages, described the damages as big loss to the council.

    He called for urgent renovation of the affected buildings to avoid further damages by the rain, urging workers to continue to be dedicated to their duties despite the damages.

    “Workers need good working environment and improved welfare packages for optimal performances and improved productivity,” he stressed.

    Head of Local Government Administration Oyi Local Government, Mrs Edith Enuka, in a chat with NULGE leaders during the visit, thanked the President and his entourage for showing concern on the workers, stressing that their welfare remained paramount in the present administration.

    She urged workers not to relent in their services to duty as urgent action would be taken as soon as possible towards renovations and reconstruction of the affected buildings.

    OHead of the Works Department, Oyi Local Government, Engr. Peter Akwobi hinted that properties worth millions of naira and other vital official documents were damages by the storm.

    He listed the affected buildings to include: Oyi NULGE branch office, Pavelion, Council e-liberary office, ASUBEB office, Anambra State Urban development office, canteen, council fence, Magistrate and Customary courts, education authority, council over head tanks, among others.

  • I’m still young to quit politics – Ekwunife

    I’m still young to quit politics – Ekwunife

    • Backs Tinubu on fuel subsidy removal

    The senator representing Anambra central senatorial zone, Sen. Uche Ekwunife on Saturday said it was not yet time to quit active politics, stressing she was rather young and active to retire.

    She described politics as a game she enjoyed playing, saying she remained a happy and fulfilled politician with nothing to regret.

    Speaking to reporters in Awka, shortly after rendering account of her four years stewardship at the National Assembly, Ekwunife who lost out to Sen. Victor Umeh in the February 25 senatorial poll, however said she would temporarily return to her accounting profession as she waited for God’s direction.

    She said, “I have no regrets at all, I’m a fulfilled politician and I’m very happy. Some people are asking whether I’m going to retire, I can’t retire. If people like Obasanjo and others that started before me haven’t retired, why should I?

    “I’m so young and active in politics. That I’m not holding any public office presently doesn’t mean I’ll retire, I’m a politician, I enjoy politics and would continue to play politics.”

    Asked why she did not challenge the outcome of the elections, the outgoing lawmaker said it was unnecessary, especially for one who refused to view politics as do-or-die affair.

    “I decided not to contest, let me go and rest. Politics is not do or die. Once your objective is to serve the people, why are you fighting to serve them? You mustn’t win all the time. Politics is like market, as you’re coming back, others are going.

    Read Also: Why politics matters for Africa’s development

    “If I’m there because of my personal benefits, maybe I might have been crying by now. That’s why I called this meeting because I’m not ashamed but proud of what I’ve done for my people and they too are happy.

    “On the next step to take, it’s what God wants me to do, I’ll wait for God’s direction. But for now, I’ll return to my private practice as a chartered accountant where I consult,” she hinted.

    While reeling out her numerous achievements within her four years’ tenure, the lawmaker said she had nothing to miss in the red chambers having redefined constituency representation through sponsorship of 30 bills and 18 motions.

    “I don’t think I missed anything. For the past four years, I aggressively and passionately served my people in all ramifications, especially in terms of bills and motions, attracting projects, empowerments.

    “The only thing I can say I’ll probably miss is the voice of the floor and opportunities of continuing on those good things. In all, I’m grateful to God and the people of the state. I’m particularly grateful to my husband for standing by me all through,” she said.

    On the fuel subsidy removal, Ekwunife throwing her weight behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on the decision, but called for urgent upward review of workers’ minimum wage to enable public servants meet up with the challenges the subsidy removal would throw up.

    “Incidentally, all the presidential candidates said they’ll remove the fuel subsidy immediately. So I support the removal.

    “But the president must look into the minimum wage. It must be enhanced as a matter of urgency for public servants to meet up with the challenges the subsidy removal will throw up.

    “I also hope the money that would be saved would be used to provide basic infrastructures,” she added.

  • IPOB denies police arrest of four ESN commanders in Anambra

    IPOB denies police arrest of four ESN commanders in Anambra

    • •Says ESN operatives are armed, not civilians

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described as concocted lies the claim by the Nigeria police of purportedly apprehending four Eastern Security Network (ESN) commanders at Ogbaru in Anambra State.

    “We unequivocally debunk the fabricated and concocted lies from the Nigeria Security agents of a purported arrest of four ESN Commanders at Ogbaru in Anambra State,” IPOB said in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful on Saturday.

    While describing the report as pathetic and fake, Powerful appealed to the public to disregard it as there were no ESN commanders arrested anywhere in Anambra State.

    “It is pathetic that the compromised Nigeria security agents will always delude themselves by fake claims of ESN Commanders’ arrest.  Where was the arrest made? And what are the identities of those commanders arrested? IPOB wishes to tell the public to ignore the professional lying security agencies as there were no ESN commanders or operatives arrested anywhere in Ogbaru.

    Read Also: Imo police CP deploys tight security over IPOB alleged threat to disrupt May 29

    “As usual, the terrorists in uniforms may have arrested innocent people and called them ESN operatives so that they would extort thousands of Naira from their victims’ relatives as bail money.

    “On the other hand, they may have arrested criminals impersonating ESN.  Nigeria Security Forces regularly claiming that they have arrested ESN Operatives is childish. ESN Operatives are armed and can’t be preyed on like unarmed civilians that Nigeria Security preys on anyhow. All ESN Commanders and Operatives are intact.

    “Nigeria compromised security team at Ogbaru must come  clean and tell the world who carried out attack on the USA embassy staff convoy instead of playing ostrich on such an international embarrassing attack.

    “The security crisis going on at Ogbaru is a rivalry between oil bunkering cartels, which Nigeria government, Nigeria security agencies (Navy, Army, DSS, and Police) are part of. It has been an ongoing war between the cartels before the attack on US embassy staff convoy. That’s why Nigeria Police refused to carry out any investigation into the attacks. Instead, they go about arresting people and burning IPOB members’ and sympathisers’ homes at Ogbaru.”