The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Bishop hails Soludo’s firmness in fight against insecurity, kidnapping

    Bishop hails Soludo’s firmness in fight against insecurity, kidnapping

    The Methodist Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anambra State, Rt. Rev. Moses Nwakanma, has hailed the efforts of Governor Chukwuma Soludo towards fight against banditry, insecurity, kidnapping and cultism.

    He also lauded the governor for being firm in declaring Anambra a Christian state, saying there was no going back on that position.

    Nwakanma made the commendation in Awka while delivering his address during the church maiden annual Diocesan Synod with the theme: ‘Contending for the Faith’.

    He, however, advised the governor to have a listening ear, to ensure he was properly guided towards making right decisions. 

    The cleric said: “I commend Governor Soludo and his deputy, Onyekachi Ibezim, for being firm in declaring that Anambra is a Christian state and that there’s no going back on that. 

    “Your intense fight against all forms of banditry, insecurity, kidnapping and cultism is also commendable.

    “I advise the governor that he should add to all his virtues, a good consistent listening ear. May God grant him good counsellors, keep and preserve him to fulfil God’s mandate for the state.

    “Having been around the state for some time now, some of the complaints and agitations notwithstanding, I want to say that government is beginning on a good note and his one year in office is not a wasted one.”

    On the state of the nation, the bishop condemned what he termed selective fight against corruption by the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    He lamented that Nigeria was viewed as an object of caricature in the comity of serious countries, in view of its skewed nature, describing selective corruption fight as another dangerous form of corruption.

    Said he: “Permit me to ask, why has the office of the chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), right from inception, rotated around a particular tribe and religion?

    “I don’t support corruption of any type, but I have problem with the pattern of the fight against it. What happened to others from the ruling party and their religion?”

  • Coca-Cola Foundation, others supply 2.5m residents with clean water

    Coca-Cola Foundation, others supply 2.5m residents with clean water

    The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has partnered Rural Africa Water Development Project (RAWDP) and Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction and Urban Resilience (IDRRUR), to increase water security and resilience for 2.5million residents in Imo State, through its ‘Resilient Watershed for All’ initiative.

    The initiative will support the state Water Corporation Board and the social and economic development of 25 communities in Imo State, all of which depend on Otamiri River as a critical water source.

    The community-based interventions focus on watershed governance, sanitising and protecting watershed sources through the conservation of forest and woodland ecosystems.

    It attempts to provide long-term access to clean water and lower the prevalence of water-borne illnesses.

    The project addresses several important challenges faced by these communities such as inadequate access to clean drinking water, caused by the degradation of the significant Otamiri watershed; low awareness levels of the importance of, and capacity for, watershed management; insufficient capacity of the communities to sustainably manage the watershed; and loss of biodiversity and forest cover caused by high levels of deforestation.

    Speaking about the project’s significance, the President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg, said: “We are dedicated to enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities by promoting sustainable access to safe water. We take pride in collaborating with strategic partners and stakeholders to amplify our impact and efficacy.

    “Over a 24-month period, this project is set to reach 2.5 million people across the three urban local governments of Owerri North, Owerri West and Owerri Municipal in Imo State. This intervention will restore and replenish over 15,000m3 of riparian landscape, using nature-based solution, especially riparian buffers on the riverbank.”

    To sustain this, he said the initiative would mainstream asset management into the management of the water facilities, “to guarantee longevity and sustainability of this impact investment. “The project will also accelerate community impact by prioritising sustainability and ensuring that key inputs to unlock sustainability gains are optimised.”

    On the project aspirations, Executive Director, Rural Africa Water Development Initiative,

    Ogechi Ezeji, noted: “The Resilient Watershed for all project holds great promise, not only for the watersheds, but also for the countless communities and individuals who depend on them.

    “Through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts, we aim to enhance the resilience of our watersheds, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

    “By adopting nature-based solution, implementing robust water management practices and fostering community engagement, we can safeguard our precious water resources in the target communities.” 

    The foundation continues to improve access to safe water, facilitating sanitation and reliable protection of natural water resources in Nigeria through meaningful partnership with the government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and local communities.

    Thanking the organisers of the initiative, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Dame Ann-Dozie, said the global water crisis was accelerating and called for collaboration and synergy among governments, corporations, utilities, CSOs and NGOs “towards solving the water security challenges of today as well as planning for the uncertainty of tomorrow, which requires urgent action.”

    The foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where Coca-Cola Company operates “and where our employees live and work.”

    Since its inception in 1984, the foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.”

  • ‘Tinubu govt will tackle economic woes’

    ‘Tinubu govt will tackle economic woes’

    The member representing Delta State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, has said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration would tackle the economic woes bedevilling the country.

    He made this known in a congratulatory message to President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima on their inauguration as the 16th president and vice-president. 

    Wishing them success in piloting the affairs of the country “towards stability, true democratic governance and economic development,” the NDDC member hailed the president for his firm and unequivocal commitment to “progressive good governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal”, as captured in his five governance principles.

    Read Also : NDDC Board, MD fight dirty at Senate over alleged corruption

    “The principles include governing according to the constitution and the rule of law; to defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country; and to remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty,” Okumagba said.

    According to him, “I look forward to your tenure marked by peace and prosperity of our country through an inclusive national reconciliation process; remarkable focus on confronting insecurity through a reform of the sector, growing the economy and tackling multi-dimensional poverty, which will boost Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), thereby creating a robust middle class that will drive our country’s economic rebound under your watch.”

    He lauded the President’s vow to address the nation’s economic problems and his directive to the relevant authorities to make monetary policy more business-friendly and work towards a unified exchange rate.

    The former commissioner reaffirmed the President’s reputation as a “bridge builder, a true progressive, an astute believer in true federalism, who has over the years sacrificed to ensure the sustenance of democracy in our country,” noting: “He will bring these remarkable skills to bear in renewing the hopes of Nigerians for a more prosperous nation.”

    He said Tinubu’s transformation of Lagos State as a governor between 1999 and 2007 and the “sustenance of a succession pipeline, have made Lagos the state of choice to live in, work and play.”

  •  Don’t allow cultists run your govt, ex-minister tells Eno

     Don’t allow cultists run your govt, ex-minister tells Eno

    A former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has advised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno not to allow cultists run his administration.

    Speaking to reporters at his country home in Eket yesterday, Essien, also an ex-federal lawmaker, said cultists were the ones running political affairs in the state.

    He advised the new governor to tackle cultism, “without which he will  not make appreciable progress.”

    “We have to reduce indiscipline in the state. The operation of cultists has been very embarrassing to the state. 

    Read Also : A’Ibom 2023: Umo Eno remains PDP candidate, as party files appeal

    “It has gone to a level that you must belong to a cult before you can become somebody, to the extent that cultists are now the ones that appoint people into positions. This should no longer be tolerated.

    “Cultism has to be reduced, otherwise whatever we do will not be effective,” Essien said. 

    He hoped with the background of the governor, cultists would not be able to get on well with him

    He called on the governor to sustain peace and consolidate on the achievements of the former administration, by completing ongoing projects.

  • NDDC designs scheme to fight restiveness in Niger Delta

    NDDC designs scheme to fight restiveness in Niger Delta

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has developed a scheme to address youth restiveness in the Niger Delta.

    The Executive Director (Projects), Mr. Charles Ogunmola, in a chat in Port Harcourt, said the hope to restore peace to the oil-rich region was in ‘Holistic Opportunities Projects and Engagement’ (aka Project- HOPE).

    Project HOPE was reportedly designed to create a comprehensive potential resources database of the youth population of the Niger Delta, focusing on their needs, qualifications, skills, passion, interests and employment status.

    It is meant to empower youths with legitimate livelihood, in line with their educational directions, qualifications, skills, among others, with a view to giving them the opportunity to attain the desired economic freedom.

    The development is coming after years of unplanned and mismanaged project execution in the region.

    Ogunmola said the NDCC board came prepared with new ideas to focus on youths, initiate and execute the right programmes, and deliver people-oriented projects.

    He said Project- HOPE comprised human capital development and human capital determination. 

    He said the project is expected to create at least 1,000 jobs in each of the nine states of the region when it comes on full stream.

    The executive director said the jobs would come through securing of sustainable international and local partnership for the establishment of multi-agro processor industries, internship development, training opportunities, chamber of commerce and overall youth engagement statistics, among others.

    Project-HOPE Resource Person Mr. Blessing Fubara said: “The time has come for a serious development model to kick off in the Niger Delta.

    “The Samuel Ogbuku and Charles Ogunmola-led board of the NDDC has brought HOPE to Niger Delta youths, so it’s time for serious business. 

    “Project-HOPE is designed to deploy the first Niger Delta Youth Potential Resources Database System, which focuses on applicants’ qualifications, skills, interests, status and passion identification.”

    He gave insight into areas of job generation potential in each of the nine states: “In Abia State, Project-HOPE will set up a textile village and a commercial vegetable farm/ a processor industry on farm, while a poultry and egg hatchery and a processor on farm will be set up in Akwa Ibom State. 

    “In Bayelsa and Cross Rivers states, the project will see to the development and establishment of plantain/banana plantation and snail farm for export, as well as a processor industry on farm and rice plantation and a processor mill on farm.

    “An automobile village and aqua culture and processor on farm will be set up in Delta State, while Edo State will host a cassava plantation and a processor industry on farm, as well as a furniture village. 

    “Ondo State will enjoy a livestock and diary farm plus a processor industry on farm, while Imo State will accommodate a sugar cane plantation and a processor industry on farm, and Rivers State will host the Tech community, onshore and offshore fish farming plus a processor industry on farm.  

    “Project HOPE has also created other areas of youth engagement such as ‘Niger Delta MAP (Music and Arts Project)’, to encourage the creative industry, and ‘simple money (no collateral and no interest money), among others.”

  • Joy in Anambra orphanage as Soludo’s wife feeds 69 vulnerable kids

    Joy in Anambra orphanage as Soludo’s wife feeds 69 vulnerable kids

    No fewer than 69 kids of Model Community Children’s Home, Awka, Anambra State were fed by wife of the Anambra Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo as part of activities marking 2023 Children’s Day celebration.

    The kids, who were treated to sumptuous lunch and dinner, specially prepared by the First Lady, were full of joy and excitement for her presence. 

    Mrs Soludo said the gesture was a show of motherly care to the kids who deserve same love their counterparts privileged to have their parents alive were enjoying.

    She said: “My visit here today which is very special for me is simply to extend love to these my children whose life has not been too good to. We want to tell them that although their parents are not here, we as a government will always be there for them.

    Read Also: Soludo’s curious campaign

    “As children all over the country are celebrating, I thought it wise and proper to also give these ones reason to smile. The present administration is doing a lot to reduce the incidence of child abuse, labour and trafficking in the state.

    “One major strategies for addressing the anomalies is education. Deprivation is a major challenge the state government will not tolerate. That is why we want to make education at the lower level free so our children can afford it irrespective of their social class.

    “We find it rather absurd that parents will send their wards of lower than 7 years away to live with others as maids or servants, to be taking care of adults, when they should be under the tutelage of their parents.

    “This is unacceptable and we are fine tuning laws that will help us fight this issue.”

    Responding, Coordinator of the home, Mrs Precious Asiegbunam appreciated the benefactor for finding time to spend with the children, describing it as hope and encouragement for them.

    She said the Governor’s wife, through Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, had been responsive to the plight of the home, but appealed for more attention, particularly with increasing number of inmates.

    “We need assistance in the home especially in the area of feeding of the children, staff strength and some other infrastructure to make the home more comfortable for the children,” she said.

  • Annang nation backs Akpabio for Senate President 

    Annang nation backs Akpabio for Senate President 

    The Annang nationality in Akwa Ibom State under the aegis of its socio-cultural organisation, Ati Annang Foundation, has thrown its weight behind Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his bid for senate President.

    In a communique, the body,congratulating  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his assumption of office, appreciated him as well as the National Working Committee of the APC for endorsing Akpabio’s aspiration to lead the 10th Senate. 

    It said as a detribalised, patriotic, focused, resourceful, progressive-minded and visionary leader, there was no doubt that Senator Akpabio would team up with President Bola Tinubu to give renewed hope and and more prosperous country for all.

    “We believe these growing and wide spread acceptability of Senator Akpabio stems from his enviable track record of public service as Governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 – 2015, as well as his sterling representation of our people as the Senate Minority Leader and also as an  Minister , the group said.

    It expressed the confidence  that Akpabio has the capability, capacity, carriage, intelligence, panache and  wisdom to lead his colleagues in making useful laws and oversight engagements that would provide the enabling environment for the next government to deliver on its mandate. 

    Ati Annang, joining millions of Nigerians to pray for the new administration at the centre, expressed the hope that it will herald unprecedented transformation and development of the nation.

    Read Also: Senate Presidency: Akpabio, Yari, Izunaso intensify consultations

    “We are elated and firmly believe that the President Tinubu’s administration shall bring hope to the yearnings and aspirations of many Nigerians, who over the years have had to contend with insecurity, growing unemployment, challenging economy and the growing discontent amongst the Nigerian populace.  Our position is informed by the pedigree, antecedents, history and experiences in all forms of human endeavour that we know the duo of President Tinubu,and ‘Senate President’ Godswill Akpabio, possess, and their track record of outstanding public service”.

    The communique  equally congratulated Governor Umo Bassey Eno on his  swearing and prayed for a successful tenure while pledging the group’s unalloyed support and loyalty.

    “We also felicitate and send hearty and warm wishes to all other great sons of Annang land who were successful in the recently concluded 2023 general elections and pray for God’s guidance so they represent us well in their various capacities, ” it added.

    The body also expressed solidarity with all the other aspirants who were not successful at the polls and urge them in the spirit of brotherhood, to take the outcome of the elections in their stride and strife to make a better and successful attempt next time; while also commending those who lost in the polls, but  “in the true Annang spirit of oneness, unity and love decided not to seek redress in court irrespective of their lawful right to do so”. 

    It therefore implored all political gladiators to be civil, convivial and abhor the tendency for campaigns of calumny, inordinate struggle for power and office, as well as intrigues to outsmart each other or pull others down.

  • NDDC’s HOPE to fight restiveness in Niger Delta

    NDDC’s HOPE to fight restiveness in Niger Delta

    The Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) has developed a scheme to address youth restiveness in the Niger Delta.

    It’s Executive Director Projects, Charles Ogunmola made this known in a chat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital last weekend.
    He said the hope to restoring sustsinable peace to the oil-rich region is in “Holistic Opportunities Projects and Engagement” (aka Project- HOPE).

    Project HOPE was reportedly designed to create a comprehensive potential resources database of the youths population of the Niger Delta, focusing on their needs, qualifications, skills, passion, interests, and employment status.

    ‘’The scheme is meant to empower the youths with legitimate Livelihood means, in line with their educational directions, qualification, skills, among others with the view of giving them opportunity to attain desired economic freedom.

    ‘’The development is coming after so many years of unplanned and mismanaged projects execution in the region.

    Oguntola assured that the new NDCC Board came prepared with new ideas to focus on the youths, initiate and execute the right programmes, and deliver people-oriented projects.

    He noted that Project- HOPE is comprised of both human capital development and human capital determination.

    He explained that the Project is expected to create at least 1000 jobs in each of the nine states of the region when it comes full stream.

    The Executive Director said the jobs will come through securing of sustainable international and local partnership for the establishment of multi-agro processor industries, internship development, training opportunities, Chamber of Commerce and overall youth engagement statistics, among others.

    Also, Project-HOPE, Resource Person, Mr. Blessing Fubara said: “The time has come for a serious development model to kick off in the Niger Delta region.

    Read Also: NDDC chair, MD fight dirty at Senate over alleged corruption

    “The Samuel Ogbuku and Charles Ogunmola-led board of the NDDC has brought HOPE to Niger Delta youths…, so it’s time for serious business.

    “Project-HOPE is designed to deploy the first Niger Delta Youth Potential Resources Database System which focuses on applicants qualification, skills, interests, status and passion identification.”

    This, he said, will provide the parameter for employment generation, youth empowerment, and capacity development in the region.” he stated.

    He gave insight on areas of job generation potentials in each of the nine states.

    “In Abia State, Project-HOPE will set up a textile village and a commercial vegetable farm/ a processor industry in farm, while a poultry and egg hatchery and a processor in farm will be set up in Akwa Ibom State.

    ‘’In Bayelsa and Cross River states, the project will see to the development and establishment of plantain/banana plantation and snail farm for export, as well as a processor industry in farm and rice plantation and a processor mill in farm, respectfully.

    “An automobile village and aqua culture and processor in farm will be set up in Delta State, while Edo State will host a cassava plantation, and a processor industry in farm, as well as a furniture village.

    “Ondo State will enjoy a livestock and diary farm plus a processor industry in farm, while Imo State will accommodate a sugarcane plantation and a processor industry in farm, and Rivers State will host the Tech community, onshore and offshore fish farming plus a processor industry in farm,” he added.

    “Project HOPE has also created other areas of youth engagement like “The NigerDelta MAP (Music and Arts Project)” to encourage the creative industry, and Simple Money (no collateral and no interest money), amongst others.”

  • FG honours Uzodimma with CON award

    FG honours Uzodimma with CON award

    Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma has been honoured with the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award by the Federal Government.

    President Muhammadu Buhari approved the different categories of the Special National Honours award 2023 on Sunday.

    Uzodimma’s CON came less than 12 hours after the Rivers Government conferred him with the highest Honour of Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS).

    Imo Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the recognition by the Federal Government signposts the immense contributions of the Governor to national development and unity.

    He also said it was a vindication of Uzodimma’s tireless commitment to national cohesion and patriotic zeal in the discharge of his duties.

    Read Also: IG Alkali, Tinubu-Ojo, others for USA honours

    Emelumba said Imo people were particularly appreciative of President Buhari’s love for the Governor and the State, noting Sen. Uzodimma will continue to be at the vanguard for national cohesion and growth both as a public officer and patriotic Nigerian.

    The Chairman of the Board of Benjamin Uwajimogu College of the Ihitte Uboma, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe said Uzodimma deserves any honour done him by the federal government, State, groups or individuals because “he has proven to have capacity for national, state and individuals development.’

    Eze Oliver said he is confident that “more honours are coming the way of our beloved and performing Governor.”

    According to an APC chieftain and business mogul, Chief Henry Njoku, “Governor Uzodimma to us is Mr. Capacity. He has shown that in virtually everything he finds himself doing, both in terms of national and State assignments, he delivers. We are happy for the award because he deserves it and even more.”
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  • Police arrest 10 suspected armed robbers, cultists in Bayelsa

    Police arrest 10 suspected armed robbers, cultists in Bayelsa

    The Bayelsa State Police Command has said that no fewer than four suspected armed robbers and six cultists have been arrested in the past few weeks in the state.

    The new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Romokere Ibani, made this known yesterday at his maiden press briefing which held at the command’s headquarters in Yenagoa.

    Ibani said that upon assumption of duty on May 2, 2023, and after a cursory analysis of the prevalent crime rate in the state, the Command management team and he designed a robust operational strategy to deal decisively with crime and criminal elements in the state.

    He said the robust strategy had strengthened the tactical teams for effective delivery of police service and few weeks of his arrival, the Command was able to record tremendous gains in crime fighting in the state.

    Shedding light on the feat achieved by the command in the last few weeks, Ibani said on April 27, 2023, based on a tip-off, the operatives of SWAT Unit, arrested two armed robbery suspects, namely; Christopher Colombia, 39, and Appah Wisdom Deinyefa, 30.

    He said upon a search of their apartment at Bozi Waters Road, Yenagoa, the Police recovered two locally made pistols, one live cartridge, one walkie talkie, six machetes and one facemask.

    The CP also said that on January 16, 2023 at about 0920 hours, the operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call that armed robbers operating with a Toyota Corola plate-number No ABH 847 AY attacked a POS stand at Imgbi Road Junction and dispossessed the POS operator and her customer of the sum of N500,000.

    He said the vehicle was recovered and in a follow up operation, one Mr. Ebisine Gede, aged 31, was arrested on March 9, 2023 and had made useful confessional statement to the police.

    Ibana stated: “On 9th March, 2023 at about 1410 hours, a POS operator was attacked by armed robbers and dispossessed of the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000) only.

    “In a follow-up operation, operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit, through a tip-off, arrested one Clement John on the same day at Swali community. During a search of their hideout, five machetes, one dagger, two locally made pistols, two expended cartridges and two live cartridges were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.

    “On 11th April, 2023 at about 2023 hours, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call about a rival cult clash at Amarata, Yenagoa.

    “On arrival, the team arrested one Erenyanate Godsday. In a follow-up operation on 28th April, 2023 one Elliot Princewill ‘m’ 23 years, was arrested and one silver automatic pistol and three rounds of .9mm ammunition were recovered from him. The Police are on the trail of other gang members.

    “Also, on 18th May, 2023 at about 1700hrs, operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit while responding to a distress call about cult activities at Swali community, Yenagoa, sighted the cult boys at the community.

    “The team pursued the boys and arrested four suspects namely, James Peter, 20, Esuye Ikeloti 22, Nathaniel Godwin, 21, Taretobou Indikeye, female, 22, were arrested and the exhibits recovered from them were one English made pistol, two locally made pistols, one knife and one .9mm ammunition. Investigation is ongoing.”

    Ibani said the modest achievements were made possible due to the commitment of the police officers and the cooperation of members of the public.

    He noted: “I will rejig the Command Control Room to ensure a coordinated response to distress calls. Police Officers under my watch will be motivated to strive for professionalism and excellence in discharging their duties.

    “I have also charged my officers and men to be firm and courageous in discharging their duties and to be civil and uphold the ethics of the police profession.”