The Nation Newspaper

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  • Exploits of an ambassador

    Exploits of an ambassador

    In 1996, Alhaji (Dr.) Hassan Adamu was appointed by the then Federal Military Government of Nigeria as the country’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America. Ambassador Hassan Adamu remained in Washington Dl.C. and scouted round the United States of America performing his difficult task of re-uniting America with Nigeria in three years of resourceful diplomacy in international relations and international politics.

    How Ambassador Adamu eventually won America’s “Handshake” for Nigeria and got America’s political and diplomatic support for Nigeria’s democratization process is now the content of a new book titled: Hassan Adamu: Diplomatic Exploits Of A Nigerian Ambassador In Amercia, written by Dayo Duyile, former Director of Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos.

    The book, which has recently been released from the printer’s shop is a voluminous and well researched document on how Dr. Hassan Adamu, not being a career diplomat, but was able to soften the stone-hearted America ’s diplomatic moves against Nigeria ; thus making the world’s strongest nation to smile at Nigeria , once again. The diplomatic rows, the inconsistent political transition programmes of the military and other political issues, which angered America and which created bad blood between the two countries, according to the new book, were swept aside with a wave of Ambassador Adamu’s brand of practical international diplomacy. The book deals at length with the genesis of the Nigerian political drama which angered the international and western communities as a whole and which led to keeping Nigeria at bay, turning it into a politically cold region – a sort of Siberia in the African continent!

    The author of the book, Dayo Duyile, currently a University Senior Lecturer, Journalist and author of many books on journalism, exsplains that it was the uncertain political clouds and the total neglect of Nigeria by the international community, spearheaded by America and Britain that necessitated the appointment of a non-career diplomat and the preference for an entrepreneurial genius of Ambassador Hassan Adamu’s caliber to proceed to American to dismantle the unpleasant web of international politics and diplomacy in which Nigeria was then encaged.

    Dayo Duyile’s book on Ambassador Hassan Adamu, actually was to be released to the public some years ago aftear his assignment, but it has to wait for other reasons which the author says were strategic because all aspects of the Diplomat’s work between 1996–1999 and his other ministerial duties after his diplomatic assignments have to feature in the book, Moreso, the author feels that the book should be of historical reference value and that some of the materials to be used had to be researched in Nigeria and in Washington, D.C. which was the base of operations of the subject of the book.

    He said he has taken the pain to document and chronicle Ambassador Hassan Adamu’s successful jobs in America not only because he is a journalist and author and University Lecturer, but because Dr. Hassan Adamu built a modern library for the Nigerian Institute Journalism (NIJ) Lagos on his invitation when he (Duyile) was Director of the Institute from 1990 – 1998. “This apart”, the author further explained, “I have been gathering materials for this book since the Waklin Adamawa accepted the Ambassadorial appointment in 1996. I also went to America a couple of times to gather further materials from the Nigerian Embassay in Washington D.C. for the book. With the assistance of Mrs. Dunn who served as the Ambassador’s Secretary at the Nigeria Embassy, I got a lot of materials for the book which is now being reviewed in the press”.

    The book has twenty chapters with chapter 18 and 19 dealing with General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s roles in the political transition, and how former President Olusegun Obasanjo came into office, respectively. Their roles in pre and post transition to democratic dispensation are also explained in the 168 – page book.

    Other chapters in the book bear the titles: America ’s diplomacy in Nigeria ’s political process; Hassan Adamu as Ambassador of the year (1999); Hassan Adamu and Koffi Annan, UN Secretary General; When Lagos sent off Ambassador Hassan Adamu; Dr. Hassan Adamu: The Entrepreneurial Diplomat gets the “Green Card”, Ambassadorial job: Hassan Adamu, a good choice; From Carrington to Twadell; From Ambassador to Ministerial job and his agenda for Environmental solutions; Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar: His roles in Nigeria’s political transition; President Obasanjo sailed into office with promises of political reforms; and many other chapters dealing with various diplomatic manouvres brought to play by Ambassador Hassan Adamu in his dealings with American President, Bill Clinton and the White House, the American Congress and the American Communities in United States of America.

    The book, “Diplomatic Exploits of a Nigerian Ambassador in America” is a book of history about an African Diplomat who went to Washington with loads of political and diplomatic challenges and conquered all!

    It is a published narrative on the activities of a Nigerian Diplomat Par Excellence; a book of reference on Nigeria’s International relations and diplomacy which will be useful for general reading, research in international politics and diplomacy, public policy and as a reference value for libraries. The Foreword in the book is provided by Alh. (Dr.) L.K. Jakande, former governor of Lagos State who is a good associate of Amb. Hassan Adamu.

  • Floods: Oko Poly shuts Atani campus

    The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, yesterday closed indefinitely the Atani campus of the institution, following the floods that submerged the campus.

    The Rector, Prof Godwin Onu, explained that the action was taken to save the over 3,000 students and 500 workers.

    The floods have ravaged the Ogbaru Local Government Area, where the campus is located.

    The management, at the weekend, deployed over 50 canoes and 15 buses to evacuate the students and workers.

    In a statement in Awka, the state capital, Prof. Godwin Onu explained that the management closed down the campus because of the threat the floods posed to life and property.

    He regretted that the closure would adversely affect the school’s academic calendar.

    Onu said: “The examination is to begin in the next two weeks and the Atani campus has been closed, to allow the floods to recede. We are desperately in need of aid to enable us tidy up the environment as soon as the flood gives way and to recover from the colossal loss.”

    The rector said the polytechnic had lost about N500million.

    He regretted that the floods affected buildings, equipment, such as computers, generators and electronics.

    Onu noted the floods had caused a big disaster.

    The academic urged governments at all levels and individuals to assist the polytechnic, because the management alone cannot cope with the situation.

     

  • In the spirit of peace

    This book is free. Its goal is to promote peace and encourage people to stand up and speak out against violence”. This is the first sentence you will read, flipping through the first page of this mind-blowing piece by Shehu Sani. Truly, this sentence convinces one on the ingenuity of the book and what it seeks to achieve in the lives of humans.

    The Northern part of Nigeria is gripped by years of sectarian violence. A vicious, virulent and unceasing armed insurgency has added to the chaos and the woes. Every day comes with its record of assassinations, mass killings, indiscriminate bombings and gross human rights abuses. The raging violence continue to threaten the peace and unity of the country and shaking the foundation of its democratic institutions. This is why Shehu Sani has come up with this exceptional and amazing book to advocate peace.

    The author is a renowned civil rights activist, poet and playwright who has written extensively on political and religious conflicts in Nigeria and Africa in general. And his book is a sure evidence of his contributions to reduce violence as he is a campaigner for peace.

    The introductory page of the book takes readers through the bits and pieces of what the book is about. Like it says, these collection of poems are not conventional sonnets that conform to the strict rules and stereotype of literature or academics. Rather, they are literary intervention to inspire the minds and reinforce the spirits of victims of violence, residents of flashpoints and ordinary people passionate about peace.

    Those who strive for peace and justice for the oppressed should grab a copy of this book because the poem appeals to their minds and gives a sort of encouragement in the course. The book of poems also softens the hearts of warriors to embrace peace. The author says that readers will clearly decipher some of the poems as respectful of the dictum of injustice begotten violence and the rights and obligation of oppressed people to free themselves.

    The poems of peace is a compilation of 95 poems that are prescribed for peace particularly for  people of northern Nigeria for whom over three decades have been experiencing sectarian and ethnic violence between Christians and Muslims and now facing an atrocious insurgency. The author also included the usefulness of the poems to the people of Northern Ireland, Kashmir, Bosnia Herzegovina and some communities in Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, Egypt, Middle East, Philippines.

    Aside the afore mentioned destinations, it is highly believed that the richness of these poem surpasses restrictions as Africa and the world at large surfers violence. The author should minimize the limitations of his work.

    The fonts and graphic design of the book portrays the message. The colour of the book cover is white which is known for peace as the author advocates. Sani italicised his font to captivate readers, he also uses pictures to tell his story of violence that has destroyed lives. This is indeed a very fantastic way of relating a message as readers do not only get to imagine his flow of thoughts, they also visualise it through the pictures used.

    In fact, words cannot express Sani’s magnanimity as he takes his time to feel the pains of his people and tries to make a change in his society. It will not be surprising if he is given a Peace Advocate award or the Nobel peace prize for this inspirational work that encourages peace.

    The Poems of Peace is  recommended for all to read as it relates to every life one way or the other being victims of violence or as members of a society filled with violence.

     

  • PDP chieftains, supporters defy rain for Oke

    PDP chieftains, supporters defy rain for Oke

    Despite the downpour in Akure yesterday that nearly marred the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Chief Olusola Oke’s campaign mega rally, chieftains and supporters of the party defied the rain and trooped out for the event.

    The politicians, clad in yellow vests and fez caps, chanted Oke’s name and sang political songs in the heavy rain which lasted for about three hours.

    Some PDP chieftains became prayer warriors at the rally held at the Akure Democracy Park. They sought God’s intervention and asked him to stop the rain.

    Oke and his running mate, Saka Lawal, who led Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and other chieftains to the podium, were moved by the commitment of the chieftains and members who defied the rain and waited for them.

    The PDP standard bearer in the October 20 poll and his running mate later joined the chieftains and members of the party in the rain for the rally.

    Sambo hailed the supporters. He said they have shown that the PDP is ready to reclaim the state.

    The Vice-President said the Ondo people are agitating for a change and want the PDP to reclaim the state.

    Sambo expressed the commitment of the presidency to a free and fair election, saying the President Goodluck Jonathan administration would provide the machinery that would ensure the One Man, One Vote Philosophy.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Daniel, Kashamu emerge Ogun Pdp leaders

    Daniel, Kashamu emerge Ogun Pdp leaders

    •Martins-Kuye, Onabiyi, Otegbola step aside

    Chieftains of the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday moved to improve on the ongoing reconciliation among various factions of the party.

    Former Governor Gbenga Daniel and the party’s financier, Prince Buruji Kashamu, emerged the leaders.

    The party leaders converged on the Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos home of the former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, and chose Daniel and Kashamu as the party’s leaders.

    Martins-Kuye, Alhaji Sule Onabiyi and Senator Ayo Otegbola stepped aside to allow a more dynamic and vibrant leadership.

    Highlights of the four-hour meeting included the harmonisation of all the factions into a united “PDP family” under the Adebayo Dayo-led State Executive Committee.

    The party leaders agreed that the Dayo-led Exco was the validly and democratically elected body of the party’s leaders in the state.

    Some of the party chieftains at the meeting were Chief Kola Ogunjobi, Mrs Iyabo Apampa, Chief Niyi Adegbenro, Chief ‘Pegba Otemolu, Chief Dayo Abatan and Alhaji Semiu Sodipo.

    Others included Chief Duro Otesanya, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji-Ishola, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon. Dave Salako and Senator Tunde Osholake.

  • Lagos Assembly summons commissioner

    Lagos Assembly summons commissioner

    The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday summoned the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, over the plan to introduce the study of the Chinese Language, Mandarin, in public schools.

    Mr. Abdoulbaq Balogun (Ajeromi/Ifelodun 2) said the introduction of Chinese Language in public schools would have no relevance on the state’s economy.

    Mr. Rotimi Olowo (Somolu 2) said: “Our children are yet to understand our local languages and we are planning to introduce another language.”

    Mrs. Lola Akande (Ikeja 2) said there was nothing wrong in introducing Chinese Language to schools.

    Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji said: “In most of the countries I have visited, people from age 15 speak three or more languages. I think it is good for us to learn more languages.”

     

     

  • Rotary award for lawmaker

    Rotary award for lawmaker

    The lawmaker representing Somolu Constituency at the National Assembly, Deji Jakande, son of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, has been honoured by the Rotaract Club of Maryland, Lagos.

    The club gave him an award for his leadership qualities and philanthropy, some of which include providing a free school bus, free GCE forms for over 1000 candidates and sinking boreholes for his people, among others.

    Commending the Club, Deji said the recognition was another feather in his cap, promising to give more to his people.

    He said: “This award has buoyed my spirit to do more. I did not expect this and I’m never the type who will orchestrate an award for himself or induce an organisation to present an award to me.

    “I was shocked when the organisers notified me. And being an international body that does not compromise standards, I feel truly honoured to have been counted among the few lucky recipients of the award.”

    The award was held at the Rotary Centre Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

    The lawmaker also spoke about his father’s principles.

    He said: “In 1991 under the zero party I contested as a councillor in Somolu Local Government. I won the election but my father had another candidate. In fact, he threatened to disown me because he wanted me to back down.

    “The interesting thing in that episode was that I went to the grassroots level. I told Dad that I was contesting courtesy of my friends who contributed money and I couldn’t just step down like that,” he said.

    Deji, however, believes his father is an institution which he cannot compare himself with as a son.

    “It’s quite challenging being Jakande’s son. His shoes are too big for me to step into. Even as a young boy, when he was governor, I used to follow him about. Today, I still see him often and take advice from him, likewise my people in Somolu,” Deji added.

    Deji also owes his achievements to the national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on whose platform he won election as a lawmaker.

    He said the intimidating profiles of both is father and that of Asiwaju have placed enormous challenges on him to represent his constituency well in the House, live an exemplary life and never fail the ACN.

    He urged Nigerians, especially youths to lend their voices against corrupt and bad governance, and speak up against societal ills.

    “This is the only way we can regain our freedom,” Deji stressed.

  • Obi urges more help for flood victims

    Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has urged wealthy individuals and organisations to donate relief materials to flood victims in various parts of the state.

    The governor spoke in Awka, the state capital, after visiting the victims.

    He said individuals and groups should send their materials to the office of the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

    Over 1.2million victims have been camped in various locations, including Bishop Ajayi Crowther Primary School, Onitsha, behind the Holy Trinity Church.

    Others are the Army Barracks in Onitsha; Onitsha South Local Government secretariat; Oyi Local Government Area, among others.

    The Coordinator of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Transform Nigeria Movement, Comrade Obi Ochije, yesterday berated the National Assembly members from the state for what he called their lukewarm attitude towards the disaster.

    He noted that only the governor deserves to canvass for votes during elections because he abandoned every other thing on Monday to evacuate the victims. Ochije said: “Who are they deceiving? When election comes, all of them will start running from one corner to another, looking for people to vote for them again.

    “But the time for help has come for those who voted them into power. Yet, they are nowhere to be found. They only know about themselves. Are they waiting for these people to die before they help?

    “We are talking of those who are dying and need help. Some politicians are talking of the 2014 election. If these people die, who will vote for them?

    “My organisation will make sure that nobody casts their votes for these selfish senators and House of Representatives members when the election comes in this state. They are not representing anybody, they are all selfish.

    A former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Paul Obidigwe, has said the people would only vote for politicians who assist the people in their time of need.

    Obidigwe, who is the Chairman of Omambala Forum, led other members of the forum to the affected communities in Anambra East, Anambra West and Ayamelum Local Government Areas.

    They donated relief materials, including bags of rice, bags of garri and other items.

    The senator representing Anambra North and widow of the late Senate President, Dr Chuba Okadigbo, Margery, visited Anambra East and West yesterday to empathise with the flood victims.

    She donated materials to the victims in Aguleri, Anam and Nzam.

    Mrs Okadigbo regretted the level of destruction.

    She urged the Federal Government to do assist the people.

  • From Heathrow …with shock

    From Heathrow …with shock

    Chief Sub-Editor Sunday Omoniyi relieves his encounter with Border Control officials during his trip to the United Kingdom

    I have not gone on leave in the last four years because of pressure of work. But when the opportunity came in July I quickly jump ed at it.

    “I decided to go to the United Kingdom.

    “I jumped on the computer and booked an Iberia, Lagos–Madrid–London return ticket online. It was operated by the British Airways. The date was Thursday, July 12 and to return on July 27.

    “On D-Day, take-off time was 8:30pm. Check-in and airport formalities concluded, all passengers boarded and at exactly 9:15pm, the plane hit the sky.

    “It was a smooth flight to Madrid. After a little over five hours in the belly of the aircraft, the plane landed at 2:45am (local time) at Marajas Airport. It was in the dead of the night. Airport workers were scanty. Some of us, who were London-bound passengers, passed the time by taking a walk round the airport. It is an architectural masterpiece. Everywhere glittered.

    “After waiting for about three hours, the second lap of the journey began – all London-bound passengers were checked in. It was on a Friday. The aircraft took off about 6:45am. About two hours in the air, the announcement came from the pilot: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, we’re approaching Heathrow Airport, London. Fasten your seat belts and all electronic, gadgets should be switched off. Thank you”. The time was 8am.

    “At this point, my anxiety heightened. So, I don finally land for Mama Charlie backyard? Thank you Lord, I said to myself.

    All the passengers filed out of the aircraft to the Arrival Hall. We all joined a queue. An official, a middle-aged man of the Border Control Post, monitored the queue and was directing passengers among the officials in a cage to be attended to.

    “Next person – I was called to meet a woman, an Immigration officer, in her cage. I walked briskly before her. Good morning, she said to me. Morning Madam, I answered, smiling. Unknown to me, this cocky woman would later turn out to be my nemesis? My ordeal started right from her.

    After rummaging through my passport, she said: “This is your first time of coming to London? Yes, I replied. Why, as a journalist, she asked again?. Well, I was taking my time – I fired back at her.

    “Two minutes later, she handed over a paper:

    Notice to a person required to submit to for further examination.

    “She ordered me to sit on a seat overlooking her cage and instructed that I switch off my phones.

    “And off she went away with my passport, return ticket and other documents.

    Since I wasn’t carrying any illicit drugs or any contraband, I never gave it a thought that I was in for a tough time.

    “The first 10 minutes gone, the woman didn’t return. Thirty minutes later, I became apprehensive. Where was this woman? The question flashed through my mind.

    “After waiting for 45 minutes, she appeared from the blues. This time, she was without my documents. She came to me and said: Somebody is coming to check your bags. Alright, no problem. I replied her. I was happy that afterall, the end was in sight for my ‘detention’.

    “About 10 minutes later, an official – a Customs officer– came with a file containing my travel documents and the entries of my particulars.

    “You will follow me and I will check your bags, he said. How many bags do you have, he asked? One check in bag and a hand luggage, I answered.

    “He marched me to the escalator. There was my bag rolling away. I picked it and the Customs officer took me to a desk and there he ransacked, searched and turned the contents upside down.

    “He removed all the documents in the bags. Before then, on his instruction, I had emptied all the contents in my pockets and wallet. He asked how much money I had; I told him – 550 pounds and 25 Euros. He entered the information in the file. He took away my call cards and other documents.

    “The second session ended.

    Before now, I had thought my interrogation was normal and that I would soon scale the hurdle of being prevented from entering the United Kingdom.

    “I never knew I was in for a tougher time.

    The Customs officer took me to his office where he took my shots in different positions and my finger prints. At this point, I asked him why I was being treated like a ‘criminal’. No, no, no! – All I’m doing is to document your entry into the UK. After this session, another officer will interview you. How long will that last? I asked him. It may be 10 minutes or more, depending on the officer, he answered.

    “After the photo session, he asked a few questions on what I normally ate –whether I took sugary foods or not. He was preparing me for ‘detention’ as well as taking cognisance of my health condition.

    “After completing his documentation, he gave me two papers; one is a notice to detaine/reasons for detention and bail rights and the second: Notification of Requirement to provide fingerprint. He handed me over to another officer in a holding room – detention room.

    “He gave me two forms or papers:

    There I met two other officers – a man and a woman, who received me with a smile. They were civil in handling their jobs.

    “You want coffee or tea? There is food, apple, biscuits. Treat yourself to any of our books and magazines. The officer threw questions at me one after the other. But my mind was troubled. I was not ready for any of their cordial treatments. At this point, I had spent more than five hours at the Border Control Post.

    “In the holding room were two young men – a white and an Igbo. The Igbo guy was unlucky, he was sent back to Nigeria that same night. His offence: his host was living illegally in the UK.

    “After about another 30 minutes, a short black woman came in for me. She took me away to an office.

    “Yes, I want you to be truthful and tell me everything. Do not try to hide any information from me. If you lie, you could be barred from coming to Britain for 10 years or more and you know the implication. Other countries would take a cue from this – the woman admonished. I’ll tell you as it is. I’m not a criminal, I said to her.

    “Now, the questions and answers session began:

    Now, what have you come to do in the UK, she fired her first question.

    I’m here to spend my vacation and to do some shopping, I replied.

    Have you applied for a UK visa before?

    Yes, I have, but I was refused.

    Why?

    Well, it was your decision; I don’t have control over that:

    Where are you going to in the UK?

    I’m going to Birmingham

    What do you do in Nigeria?

    I work for the widest circulating newspaper in Nigeria, The Nation, I’m its Chief Sub-Editor

    To meet who?

    My host is Kazeem.

    What does he do?

    He is into media relations

    How long have you known him?

    We’ve been working as colleagues since 1999

    How long has he been living in the UK?

    For about six years now

    How many days are you staying?

    10 days

    As I was answering her, she was recording my answers.

    After that session, she returned me to the holding room. She told me she was going to meet with the Chief Customs Officer who would determine my fate.

    About 30 minutes later, she came back and took me away. Yes, I’ve other questions to ask you, she said.

    Yes, why did you come into the United Kingdom through Spain?

    I was looking for a cheaper ticket, and Iberia’s Lagos-London was handy and I jumped at it.

    Have you travelled out of your country before?

    Yes, I have

    Where?

    Israel, on a holy pilgrimage

    And for how many days?

    About 10 days

    “After this session, she took me back to the holding room again. I was there for another 55 minutes. That was when I became hungry. I had to call for a cup of coffee. I drank it and was waiting for the judgment.

    “Ten minutes later, the officer returned. She said she had one other question for me.

    There was a time you applied for a UK visa and you said you were going to be hosted by a particular uncle of yours in London. Now, you’re going to Birmingham, why the change of mind?

    “Well, you’re right. I decided to change my destination this time. I am going to meet Kazeem, who invited me. There was no invitation from my uncle this time. So….

    “And this session ended.

    “Again, I was taken back to the holding room.

    “I was there till about 6:15pm. The thought of what would be my fate kept ringing in my mind when the officer appeared with my travel documents. She signalled to me to come. And as I stood up, the only Etisalat phone I was allowed access to rang. And I requested that I should be allowed to answer the call, but they quickly told me – you’re going now. And at that point, the burden on me became lighter. The officer – handing over my passport to me said – I think jocularly – “You must leave in 10 days.” Yes sir, I replied.

    “I hurriedly packed my bags, grabbed a trolley and pushed them out of the terminal.”

  • Philanthropist donates N5m materials

    A philanthropist and publisher of Orient magazine, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, has donated N5million worth of relief materials to flood victims in five local government areas of Anambra State.

    The materials included 300 cartons of water guard comprising 12 packs per cartoon (for treating water), 500 bags of sachet water, 50 bags of rice, 10 coolers of cooked rice, drugs worth several thousands of naira, free medicare and N500,000 cash donation to Anambra East and Anambra West local government areas.

    Ezeemo was accompanied by some members of the state branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), who treated the victims.

    He thanked God that nobody died in Anambra East and Anambra West councils, despite the devastation of the floods.

    The philanthropist and his team promised to extend the gesture to Awka North, Anyamelum and Ogbaru councils.

    He addressed Anambra East flood victims at Aguleri in company of Igwe Chukwuemeka Ajado of Ukwala; Igwe Tony Onyekwelu of Owere community and Igwe Christopher Nwabunwanne Idigo of Aguleri, among others.

    Ezeemo said when the floods began, he set up a panel, headed by Chief Norbert Udoye, to assess the extent of damage, to enable him determine the level of assistance to give the victims.

    A victim and beneficiary of free health services of the Ezeemo team, 70-year-old Pa Dieli Mbanefo, noted that the free health service was a good gesture.

    Igwe Idigo hailed Ezeemo for his assistance to the flood victims.

    The monarch said Governor Peter Obi had donated relief materials to the victims.

    But Igwe Ajado appealed to the state and the Federal Governments to be more pro-active because the floods were not abating and that they have affected the people’s means of livelihood.

    The floods have affected more communities in Awka North.

    A House of Assembly member, representing the area, Rebbeca Udoji-Paragon, has said rice and cassava farmlands in Awba Ofemmili, Ugbene, Ugbenu, Achalla and Amanuke communities have been submerged.

    She urged the state and the Federal Government as well as the agencies responsible for distributing relief materials not to abandon Awka North.

    The lawmaker said over 500,000 hectares of rice and cassava plantations were destroyed while over 30,000 residents have become homeless.