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Tag: Alex Ekwueme

  • Alex Ekwueme varsity student killed by host community

    Alex Ekwueme varsity student killed by host community

    • Four arrested

    A student of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike(AE-FUNAI), Maxwell Okeke, who was abducted by some members of the host community, is dead.

     Sources said his body was found by a river side and confirmed by his coursemate through the last clothes he wore before the abduction.

    Ebonyi State Police Command Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the death. “His body has been taken to the mortuary while the command has launched an investigation to unravel the death,” he said.

    In a statement, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Elom Iyke Ubochi, also confirmed the abduction and killing of Okeke.

    Read Also: APC slams PDP, dispels alleged plot to forcefully take over Rivers

    “It is with great concern that we inform the university community of the abduction of Magnus Okeke, an extra year student of the Department of Accountancy on June 1, 2024.

    “The incident occurred outside the university campus while on his way back to the private hostel where he resides at Ohankwu village, Ndufu-Alike Community,” Mr Elom said.

    He noted that since the unfortunate incident, the University Management, through its Directorate of Security Affairs, had been working with the Police and other security agencies to ensure his safe rescue from his captors.

  • FG renames Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki after late Ekwueme

    The Federal Government (FG) has approved the renaming of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) to Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

    Alhaji Ahmed Ramalan, Chairman of the hospital’s board, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abakaliki at a press conference.

    He said the renaming was with immediate effect.

    Ramalan said Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, gave the approval on behalf of the government as it is important to bring the action to the notice of the people of Ebonyi and Nigerians.

    “We hope that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will unveil the hospital’s new logo when he visits before the May 29 swearing-in of elected leaders in the country.

    “This is a big achievement in the “next level” mantra of the present administration and it is hoped that the renaming will make the hospital attain greater heights,” he said.

    He said the request for the renaming was made by the University and the Federal Ministry of Health graciously approved it.

    “The university requested to have FETHA as its teaching hospital as the development will bring lots of benefits to it.

    “It will receive funding of infrastructural development from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and manpower capacity building of staff from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF),” he said.

    Ramalan said the board had a successful year in the saddle haven been inaugurated in March 2018.

    “We have recorded successes within the period which include; completion of the construction and furnishing of a 500-seater auditorium and that of a lecture hall.

    “The medical ward complex has undergone 70 per cent completion while we have completed the renovation of the Resident Doctors’ quarters.

    “We have purchased and installed a 5000 KVA generating set and an Echo scan, blood gas analyser, embedding machine, among others,” he said.

    Dr Emeka Ogah, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, noted that the renaming has elevated the hospital to a teaching hospital status.

    “We are presently more equipped to execute our core mandate,” he said.

  • ‘Obi’s choice as VP a great honour to Ekwueme’

    The People Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra chapter has described the choice of Chief Peter Obi as the running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as a great honour to one of its founding father, late Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, Chairman of PDP in Anambra said this while reacting to the announcement of Obi as Atiku’s running mate in an interview in Awka.

    Nwobu said the nomination was a ’round peg in a round hole’ as Obi possessed all the requisite quality to occupy the position having been a successful governor and a seasoned technocrat.

    He said the state chapter was happy that the PDP hearkened to its call that Anambra be given the slot as it had plethora of individuals who could partner with any president to chart a new course for Nigeria.

    “It is a welcome development, the choice of Obi is that of a round peg in a round hole, a governor he set Anambra on a pedestal for economic growth and left huge dune of money for future generation.

    “During the campaigns, we told the aspirants that they should consider Anambra strongly for the slot of Vice President as a sign of appreciation to Late Dr Ekwueme who for his great work as a founding father of PDP.

    Read Also: 2019: Atiku picks Peter Obi as running mate

    “For the chapter here in Anambra, we are happy that Obi was picked and we are fully of confidence that the Atiku/Obi ticket is the magic wand Nigeria needs in all sectors especially economy,” he said.

    Nwobu said the PDP through its primary had shown that it was the custodian of Nigerian democracy and had set great example which other political parties could learn from.

    Also reacting, Mr Oseloka Obaze, Anambra governorship aspirant of the PDP in 2017 congratulated Atiku on picking Obi, saying he made the right choice.

    Obaze, a diplomat, said it was a hard headed decision which was best in the interest of the country at this point in time.

    “His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar has made the right choice in picking Peter Obi as his running make.

    “Atiku has just the exhibited the ability to make hard-headed decision required of purposeful leaders.

    ”Let’s get Nigeria working again, God bless Atiku, God bless Peter Obi, and God bless Nigeria,” he said.

     

    NAN

  • Ekwueme’s family visits Buhari in Aso Rock

    The family of late former Vice-President, Alex Ekwueme, led by his wife, Beatrice, and brother, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, on Thursday paid a thank-you visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The visit followed the state burial given to the elder statesman in February.

    Ekwueme, who was Vice-President from 1979 to 1983, died on November 19, 2017 and was buried on February 2.

    Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting with the President, Laz and Beatrice, who were accompanied by some elders of Oko community, Anambra State, expressed gratitude to Buhari for approving a befitting state burial for the ex- Vice President.

    Laz said: “We have come as family, his spouse, children, members of the family and cabinet of Oko community and other chiefs and friends, to say thank you to Mr. President for the work he did through the committee he set up, under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the presence of the Vice President at the burial itself.

    “And the immortalization they gave by renaming the Federal University, Ndufu Alike, in Ebonyi State, to Alex Ekwueme Federal University of Technology and all the other things they did towards making this burial a special one.

    “And also in recognizing the little efforts that my brother made in building this country. We just came to say thank you to Mr. President and his cabinet.

    “I did make a request on what they (FG) undertook to build – mausoleum for him and he (Buhari) said the SGF will be advised on that.

    “Having immortalized the late former Vice President by naming the university after him, they should now complete the undertaking to build mausoleum for him at his place of residence. And it is best for us to undertake the construction ourselves otherwise, if we wait for the Ministry of Works to do that, that may take forever.”

     

     

  • Peace Corps begs Buhari: Order IGP to unseal our office

    The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to unseal its corporate headquarters, according to various court orders.

    The development was even as the PCN claimed it had secured over 15 valid court judgement against the Police and other security agencies in Nigeria, which none has been appealed against.

    National headquarters of Peace Corps of Nigeria located at number 57, Iya Abubakar crescent, off Alex Ekwueme street, opposite Jabi lake, Jabi, Abuja, has been under lock and keys by the Police since February 28th, 2017, the day the office was officially launched.

    National Commandant of PCN, Amb. Dickson Akoh has claimed the organization pays as much as N13.5m rent annually on the sealed office.

    But the Police has refused to vacate the properties, despite two subsisting court orders; resolution of the House of Representatives; the letter of authority from the Attorney-General of the Federation; the interventions from the Civil Society Organizations and National Human Rights Commission.

    Consequently, Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court Abuja, last Tuesday, through a ruling, restrained the Police and IGP Idris, from further harassing the PCN boss, Akoh, or prosecuting him on any ground, until all previous court judgements are obeyed.\

    Read Also: Reps fail to veto Buhari on Peace Corps’ Bill

    The Peace Corps boss, briefing newsmen on the judgment said his group remains a non-confrontational and law abiding organization and has explored all lawful means, including seeking political solutions to its ordeal, but  to no avail.

    His words: “In view of the landmark ruling yesterday coupled with other previous judgements and the resolution of the House of Representatives, we wish to renew our appeal, as part of our last resort, to President Muhammadu Buhari, to please direct the Inspector General of Police to order his men to vacate the premises of the headquarters of our organization in the interest of equity, fairness and justice.

    “We are also appealing to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Organizations, Human Rights Activists and other well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene in this regard, especially in prevailing on the Nigeria Police to respect the rule of law as a frontline Law Enforcement Agency”, Akoh stated.

    Akoh further stated that his organization and his person have not committed any known crime under the laws of Nigeria, vowing to present himself for prosecution when the Police comply with court orders.

    His words, “We are ever ready to defend ourselves before any court of law as it is our wish to clear ourselves of any allegations.”

    The Peace Corps Boss expressed regrets, that, after securing over 15 valid court judgements, the Police and others have continued to clampdown on his organization, this, he said would only paint the country in bad light before the international community.

    “The truth is that, he is only courting more enemies for this administration that is known for its strong aversion to all manner of impunities, which is injurious to our President, who is doing all that is humanly possible to place Nigeria on the path of economic and political recovery”, Akoh stated.

  • Anambra warns against unauthorized use of Ekwueme Square

    The Anambra State Government said that its attention  has been drawn  to illegal use of  Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka and called on the defaulters to stop forthwith.

    Mr Daniel Ezeanwu, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government gave the warning made the call in an interview with the News men on Tuesday in Awka.

    Ezeanwu said that the facility was designated for government and authorised public functions use only.

    Read Also: Prison escapee arrested in Anambra

    The permanent secretary said some individuals including those who claim to be affiliated to Awka Capital Sports Club made use of the facility for sports and other activities without permission.

    According to him, unauthorised use of the facility will no longer be tolerated by the state government.

    He urged intending users to fulfill due requirement before accessing the facility as defaulters would be made to face the wrath of the law.

    NAN

  • Obiano, sworn-in for second term in office

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State and his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke were on Saturday sworn-in for second term in office with a pledge for more remarkable achievements.

    The News men reports that Obiano and Okeke accompanied by their wives were sworn-in by the Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

    Addressing the people, Obiano said that the state was on another journey of remarkable achievements.

    The governor assured the people that his second tenure would witness improvement in the provision of infrastructure, entrepreneur and agriculture.

    “As we have commenced another journey of four years, we will install CCTV cameras to further improve security across the major cities.

    “We will dualize major roads in Nnewi and Onitsha and transform Awka to 21st century modern city,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Obiano’s second term inauguration tomorrow

    Obiano advised people of the state to stand together with his government to bend the tide of destiny of the state.

    The governor reviewed his achievements in the past four years in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, education and security.

    He assured the people that the Airport City project he promised during his campaign would be achieved.

    The news news reports that the event was attended by the Governors of Delta, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Ebonyi, Chief Dave Umahi, Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state.

    Other personalities that attended the event include Obi of Onitsha, Prof. Nnaemeka Achebe, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,  HRM Dubem Iweka, the traditional ruler of Obosi, members of the National Assembly from the zone and captains of industries and religious leaders.

    The event also witnessed cultural displays from different parts of the state.

    NAN

  • Alex Ekwueme varsity withdraws 232 students, suspends 218 for poor performance

    Alex Ekwueme varsity withdraws 232 students, suspends 218 for poor performance

    Two hundred and thirty-two students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi state have been withdrawn from the school for poor academic performance.

    Also, another 218 of the students have been sent home by the university management for one year for same reason.

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Iyke Elom said Vice-chancellor of the University,  Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba  disclosed this during the 6th matriculation of the institution in which over 2, 000 were matriculated.

    The VC noted that the university has no room for indolent students and urged them to take their studies seriously.

    “It is painful to note that of the 1,750 students that we admitted in the 2016/17 session, about 232 were asked to withdraw and another 218 sent home for a year at the end of the session for reasons of poor academic performance.

    “We expect this set to be different. To be different, you have to focus on the main purpose for your coming to FUNAI. You are here simply here to study. Every other thing is secondary. Work hard and behave well, and you will be successful”, he admonished the new students.

    Read Also: FG renames Varsity after Ekwueme

    “In the university you must pass every course you register. This is not a secondary school where you may fail a subject and still move on. I reiterate, you must pass every course you register. You must also attend lectures as attendance to lectures is a prerequisite to sit for examinations”, he charged the students.

    He stressed that out of more than 12,000 applicants who made the University their first choice institution in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination only over 2,000 were admitted to study in the University after going through its Post-UTME test and meeting the other requisite admission criteria.

    Nwajiuba further enjoined the students to work hard in their studies by attending lectures, doing their assignments and participating actively in all their academic activities to avoid the consequences of academic failure.

    Charging the students to shun social vices, the vice-chancellor maintained that the university has zero tolerance to cultism, examination malpractices, sorting, sexual harassment, indecent dressing, stealing and other unwholesome behaviours.

    He warned that culprits would be fished out and sent home. He also informed them that the foundation of the university was built on excellence and

    Integrity, adding that lecturers are not allowed to sell hand-outs while recommended books were only to be purchased in the university bookshop.

    He equally assured them of a serene and conducive learning environment as the challenges faced by their predecessors have been arrested.

     

  • Anambra frowns at non-completion of N20m community infrastructure

    Anambra frowns at non-completion of N20m community infrastructure

    The Anambra State Executive Council has frowned at the delay by some communities in completing the N20 million Community Infrastructure Projects in their areas.

    Mr Tony Nnachetta, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy made the government position known in a statement issued on Thursday in Awka.

    Nnacheta, in the statement, directed president generals, traditional rulers and leaders of town organisations to galvanize completion of the projects.

    The news men reports that the administration of Gov. Willie Obiano initiated community infrastructure projects with the provision of N20m to each community to execute projects of their choice.

    The commissioner noted that in spite of releasing first and second tranches of N20 million to communities, some of them had yet to complete their first projects.

    Nnachetta said that the council had directed 19 communities whose names were listed in the statement to ensure that they completed their projects before the end of February 2018.

    The commissioner said the council also noted with dismay that some communities had yet to process the second tranche of the project fund.

    Read Also:Fire guts six shops, goods in Anambra market

    “Government is set to activate the third tranche around March 2018 and completion of first and second tranches are clear prerequisites for communities to qualify,’’ he said.

    Nnachetta said that the state government would equip the Anambra Road Maintenance Agency to operate three-work teams in each of the three senatorial zones and aggressively maintain the road network in the state.

    On the Lassa fever outbreak in some states, the council expressed concern for the outbreak of the disease and had continued to provide considerable medical attention through professionals at the Ministry of Health.

    “Everyone is advised to take extra care in cleanliness and for any symptoms, which should be promptly reported to health authorities.

    “Council requests all Local Governments, churches and unions to disseminate information to our people to be extra vigilant in schools and public places,’’ Nnachetta said.

    The commissioner expressed council’s satisfaction, gratitude and cooperation to the people of the state for their effective participation during the funeral of late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    NAN

  • Diaspora honour for late Alex Ekwueme

    Diaspora honour for late Alex Ekwueme

    Nigerians in the UK gathered at The Father’s House International Church, Burnt Oak, London, for service of songs cum memorial service in honour of the late ex-Vice President, Alex Ekwueme . The service organised by the council of Igbo communities in UK was led by Chief Mike Ndukwe and had friends of Nigeria in attendance, including Uzo Owunne of the international maritime organisation and Peter Ekwueme who represented the deceased’s family.