The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra State

  • Succour for homeless widows in Anambra

    For 22-year old Nonye Igbokwe, an indigent widow in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Council Area of Anambra State and four other widows of similar status, Christiana Chukwugelo, Chinenye Onyekum, Theresa Iwuchukwu and Augustina Oba, fate has at last soothed their heartache since they lost their husbands and breadwinners.

    For these women, who are mothers to between three and six children each, life ground to a halt after they were saddled with the huge responsibilities of catering for their children, as well as contending with the challenges of obsolete traditions associated with widowhood.

    Homeless, helpless and hopeless, some of them were denied their husband’s inheritance and thrown out of their homes, their children denied education and love.

    This was the pitiable condition of these indigent widows before their case was brought to the attention of the wife of the Imo State Governor, Nneoma Rochas Okorocha. Today their plight has been lifted and they can once again behold the rays of joy and laughter.

    Moved with compassion, Mrs Okorocha, who has built over 200 bungalows for indigent widows in Imo State, under her pet project, She Needs a Roof Project (SNARP), went on a verification tour to Oraifite, where she was confronted with the heartrending testimonies of the widows.

    She handed over five fully furnished two-bedroom bungalows to the widows in a ceremony that drew tears from the audience.

    The governor’s wife said she was inspired to build the homes for the helpless widows under her pet project, She Needs a Roof Project (SNARP) by the plight of the widows.

    She stated further that the gesture was not politically motivated but was rather spurred by a genuine passion to show love to a section of the society that has been denied joy and fulfilment by happenstance of life.

    She said, “Some of these indigent widows have long forgotten how to smile or be happy. Life for them has become one tortuous journey for no fault of theirs. But with what we have done today, these ones can now smile and know how it feels like to be happy. Today they have become owners of modern buildings which is a clear departure from the decrepit homes they were once used to”.

    Urging wealthy Nigerians to continue to assist the poor and downtrodden with their resources,  the Imo Governor’s wife,  added that,  “we can actually help the poor among us because there is no way we can live in two homes or wear two different clothes at a time. We can actually give put those surplus to lift the plight of the indigent ones, especially these widows that have lost their breadwinners and are left to shoulder the burden of raising the children alone”.

    She said, “For me and my husband, giving is a calling and we will continue to do our best to assist to making life better for the underprivileged people. In Imo State, for instance, we have given out over two hundred such bungalows to widows and orphans and it is still counting “.

    On whether the project will continue after her tenure of office, she assured that,”as you know my family have been involved in philanthropy and I don’t look at money as a barrier when it comes to doing things like this.  It is my passion; it gives me joy to see smiles return to the faces of these people, so God helping me I will continue to the best of my ability to provide succour to the indigent people “.

    Commenting further on the initiative, Mrs. Okorocha, explained that, ”this project was conceived after I visited my husband’s brother and friend,  Sir Emeka Offor when he was hosting a large number of widows under his Foundation,  Sir Emeka Offor Foundation and I was touched and promised to assist my building five bungalows for five of the widows.  Today that dream has come true and I feel so happy that I have assisted in my own little way.“

    Lauding the gesture, wife of Emeka Offor and Vice President of the Emeka Offor Foundation,  Mrs Adaora Offor, thanked the Governor’s wife for alleviating the sufferings of the widows,  “I thank you for what you have done for these widows, even though they are not from Imo State. It is my prayer that God will continue to bless and reward you as you serve humanity.

    One of the recipients, 30-year old Nonye Igbokwe who lost her husband in a motorcycle accident two years ago, while narrating her emotional ordeal, said that she was sleeping in a hut with her six children before she was sent away by her husband brothers.

    She said, “After I was driven away by my husband’s brothers, members of my extended family gave me one room in an uncompleted building where I was staying with my children. At night I hardly slept for fear that reptiles may attack my little children. During the day, I do menial jobs to feed my children.  Life was so tough for me that most times I think of committing suicide.  But thank God today my sufferings have come to an end.  I thank the Imo governor’s wife and others that God has used to rescue me and my children “.

    Apart from the buildings, the widows were also given wrappers and cash to start petty trading to take care of their children.

    The beneficiaries include Nonye Igbokwe, Christiana Chukwugelo,  Chinenye Onyekum, Theresa Iwuchukwu and Augustina Oba.

     

  • APGA condoles Gov. Obiano over mother’s death

    APGA condoles Gov. Obiano over mother’s death

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has expressed sympathy with Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra over the death of his mother, Mrs Christiana Obiano.

    A statement by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, signed by APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, urged Obiano to bear the irreparable loss and find solace in God.

    The statement described the governor’s late mother as a good woman and devout Christian.

    “The National Chairman, Dr Victor Ike Oye and members of NWC of APGA express our condolence to His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano and members of his family, over the death of his mother.

    “May the good Lord give you and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    “Mama in her lifetime was a devout and committed christian and a very active member of the Catholic Women Organisation.

    “May her gentle soul find eternal peace in the bosom of our Lord,” it said.

    NAN reports that the death of Obiano’s mother was announced on Saturday by Mr Tony Nnacheta, Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy in Anambra.

    He said that Christiana Obiano died on June 2.

  • I still want to become president – Donald Duke

    I still want to become president – Donald Duke

    A former governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke, on Tuesday said he would still take a shot at the presidency, if the opportunity presented itself.

    Duke spoke at a programme, “The Nigerian Symposium for Emerging Leaders’’, held in Lagos.

    He said though he once aspired to the position but did not emerge the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he would still contest for the highest office in the country at the appropriate time.

    Duke explained that it was because of his preference for the presidential seat that he did not vie for any federal legislative seat after serving out his terms as governor.

    “I do not have the flair for the legislature; standing up and sitting down at the chambers to raise a point. That was why I did not contest for the Senate but the presidency, after serving out my term as governor.

    “I have contested the presidency before; I will still give it a shot when the opportunity presents itself . I believe I still have the energy in me,“he said.

    The former governor canvassed the reform of the country’s political system to accommodate wider participation and good governance.

    He suggested the review of the electoral law to allow for independent candidacy.

    Duke said the country’s democracy would fare better if young people, who form the larger proportion of the population ,took more active part in its political process.

    He said most developed countries had young people as their leaders at one point or the other in their democratic history.

    The former governor, however, said power was never given easily, urging young people to participate in the political process and use their prime to add value to the country.

    “I want to urge young people in the country not to see leadership as if it belongs to some people, but do everything positive to be part of it.

    “You can only make a difference at the prime of your life. You can actually add value now, not when you are above 50.

    “So, you need to be part of the political process and play your part. It is your right to be there; nobody is doing you a favour.

    “You represent more than 60 per cent of the population;  you don’t have to beg for it.

    “Just make effort to make that change and contribute your quota to nation building,’’ he said.

    Duke urged government at all levels to be accountable and challenged the governed to demand more from their leaders.

    Also speaking, former Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State decried lack of transparency and accountability in government.

    He said the situation was responsible for the level of corruption in the country and poor delivery of dividends of democracy.

    Obi said the way out of the quagmire was for leaders to carry the governed along in budgetary spending and plans for effective tracking.

    “The way forward is that governments should make their budgets more explicit and published. The plans and the money to be spent on them should be clearly stated.

    “That is when people can track and make comparative analysis with previous budgets and then we can achieve some transparency,’’ he said.

    The former governor also urged the masses to show more interest in the budget so as to keep leaders on their toes.

    Mr Seun Onigbinde, Chief Executive Officer, Budgit, an organisation with interest in accountability in public finance, urged Nigerians to demand accountability from their governments.

    He also urged governments at all levels to always carry the people along in their budgetary proposals and implementation to achieve accountability.

  • Two Nigerians killed in South Africa

    The Nigeria Union in South Africa said on Wednesday that two Nigerians  were  shot dead in Western Cape Province of that country.

    Mr Mike Ibitoye, the Chairman of the Union`s chapter in the province, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Cape Town, South Africa,  that the Nigerians were  shot by unidentified assailants.

    “ Mr Ernest Ughakwesili, 42, native of Nkpor,  Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State,  was shot in a night club by gunmen at Strand Area of Cape Town on Sunday.

    “ The assailants escaped after the shooting and the victim died before being rushed to the hospital,” he said.

    Ibitoye also said the second victim, Chimezie Oranusi, 26, from Oba town in Anambra State,  was  shot with a friend in a car at Delst area of Cape Town.

    “ The friend is a South African and is still in the hospital receiving treatment.

    “ The incidents have been reported to the police and  the national secretariat of the union,” he said.

    The chairman said that the motive behind the shootings had not been ascertained, adding that  the police had commenced investigation.

    The Secretary of the union, Mr Adetola Olubajo, said the national secretariat had received the  report of the killings.

    “ We have received report about the killing of two Nigerians in Cape Town, Western Cape Province of South Africa.

    “ The union`s chapter in the province is handling the matter while the national body has reported the incident to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.

    “ We urge Nigerians in South Africa to remain law abiding. We also  appeal to the Federal Government to continue to  protect the welfare of our people here,” he said.

  • Fire service official seeks upgrade of National Fire Academy

    Fire service official seeks upgrade of National Fire Academy

    Mr Joseph Esinwoke, North-West Commanding Officer of the Federal Fire Service has called for the upgrade of facilities at the National Fire Academy, Sheda in Abuja, to meet manpower needs in fire-fighting.

    Esinwoke made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday.

    He said that the provision of necessary facilities at the academy would help protect national assets.

    The official said apart from the upgrade of the academy, government should also send its personnel from ministries, departments and agencies to the academy for training.

    Esinwoke noted that the country loses about 35 per cent of its annual budget to fire.

    “The nation losses about 35 per cent of its yearly budgetary allocation to fire.

    “Just to mention figures, the losses in the various fire incidents in Kano State alone in 2016 is estimated to be in the region of three trillion naira.

    “So, we are usually having a monumental loss through fire disasters each year due to lack of safety consciousness and precautionary actions,’’ he said.

    The commander stressed that “fire-fighting business is everybody’s business.

    “There is high need for every Nigerian to be safety conscious and know rudiments of fire-fighting as well as the need to install fire-fighting equipment in their homes, business places and even vehicles.”

    The commander expressed concern over low commitment to the provision of fire-fighting facilities in states across the country.

    According to him, only Kano and Anambra states have met the minimal standard expected in forestalling fire outbreaks by getting their fire fighting equipment ready.

    “I must commend Kano and Anambra State Governments that have shown commitment and purchased modern fighting equipment and trucks to respond to fire emergency, especially that of highly inflammable materials.

    “They have gone ahead to get their fire-fighting personnel to attend courses to upgrade their knowledge,’’ he said.

  • Obiano’s wife wants girls to mature before marriage

    The wife of Anambra governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, has called for proper education and maturity of the girl-child before marriage.

    She made the call at a meeting with community leaders and stakeholders when she visited some border communities, including Mkpunando Otu in Anambra East Local Government Area on Wednesday.

    She also advised parents in the communities to allow their daughters to attend good schools for academic qualification and achieve some levels of maturity before giving them out in marriage.

    According to her, the move is to discourage early pregnancies and allow the girl-child to be matured enough to cater for her needs.

    The governor’s wife said “the sight of young girls with pregnancies and some carrying babies is not encouraging.

    “The way to get the best out of these girls is not early marriage, but by ensuring that they are trained and able to fend for themselves.

    “We have set up centres where they can be trained in handcrafts and other trades.

    “I want you to encourage them to learn something new and I can assure you that they will make everyone proud.”

    She said that under her pet project “c’’, she opened a Skills Acquisition Centre at Enugwu Otu for the training of the girl-child to serve the community and its environ.

    The centre, she noted, had already enrolled 200 boys and girls currently training in tailoring and fashion design, computer training, soap making, bakery and confectionery and vulcanising.

    Obiano told participants at the inauguration of the centre that youths from neighbouring communities would also be trained to learn new trades and life sustaining skills.

    She reiterated her readiness to empower trainees who graduated from the centre with equipment and start-up capital, in line with the practice of CAFÉ.

    She then urged the trainees to make good use of the centre.

    Earlier, Mr Chinedu Obidigwe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, who hails from the community, expressed happiness that the governor fulfilled his promise to people of the area.

    He also lauded the governor for giving them “access to the rest of Anambra.”

    The Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Chief Pius Ifeadi, thanked the governor’s wife for visiting the communities and for seeing to their welfare.

    Mrs Francisca Ananwude, Woman Leader of Mkpunando Otu, also praised the governor’s wife “for taking care of the less privileged and for ensuring that the governor attended to the needs of respective communities.”

  • Obiano, Soludo and Anambra State

    Chukwuma Charles Soludo was the guest lecturer in Awka during the 3rd Anniversary of the inception of the Willie Obiano Administration. The renowned economist’s magisterial presentation was laced with numerous economic, political and social nuggets, all of which boiled down to his unequivocal endorsement of Governor Willie Obiano for a second term of office. His views make sustained interrogation imperative. But, some background information is apposite.
    Professor Soludo is far from the first Anambra personage to endorse Governor Obiano’s bid for a second tenure as Governor of Anambra State. The impressive list contains such names as Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first civilian governor of the new Anambra State; Dame Virgy Etiaba, a former Governor of Anambra State, and Chief Emeka Sibeudu, who was Deputy Governor to Mr. Peter Obi. Others include Senators Ben Ndi Obi, Annie Okonkwo and Emma Anosike, none of whom is of Governor Obiano’s ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as well as Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, the former Nigerian Education Minister. Elder statesmen like Chief Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice-President of Nigeria, and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, have equally thrown their lot with Governor Obiano. Non-politicians like Dr. Cosmas Maduka, the versatile industrialist, and Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Car manufacturers have equally given Governor Obiano the thumbs up.
    Indeed, the support for an Obiano second term is gradually becoming a movement. It has gone beyond personalities and attracted the remarkable attention of groups that cut across socio-political, religious, and professional divides. In this category are to be found the Anambra North Peoples Assembly (ANPA); the Old Aguata Union (OAU); the Federation of Old Nnewi Division (FOND); the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) and the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, (ASMATA).Yet, that is not all because the Anambra State branches of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC); the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council; the Traditional Prime Ministers Council, the Anambra State branch of Southeast Women of Substance and the United Anambra Youths Assembly have equally endorsed Governor Obiano to continue with his exemplary leadership.
    All the endorsements are held by one powerful bond – the fact that Governor Willie Obiano has acquitted himself creditably in the onerous responsibility of directing the affairs of Anambra State. In unison they sing the joyous song of his achievements: Obiano has made Anambra the safest state in the country. He has transformed the Awka capital territory from a provincial enclave to a worthy state capital. He has revolutionised agriculture, making Anambra a rice-producing state of note and a leader in dairy farming. He has sustained the prompt and regular payment of salaries, gratuities and pensions. He has displayed an uncommon sense of empathy for the sensibilities and sensitivities of Ndi Anambra. For these and many other reasons, they have taken the attitude that a second term is the appropriate reward for Obiano’s services to his people.
    Professor Soludo was even more pertinent in his Anniversary Lecture. Said he: “For Governor Obiano…this third anniversary must be time to thank God for His mercies – for survival and progress! Let the truth be told: in the context of Nigeria’s situation over the last three years, and in comparison with other states, or even in comparison with past governors in their first three years, Governor Obiano has without question done very well.” A logical question should follow the above assertion. How do you treat someone who has “done very well”? Of course, you ask them to continue with their good work.
    This was how Soludo put it: “So, why mend it if it is not broken? This is a time of crisis and you don’t change the General in the middle of a war, especially the General that has led you through successes in battles. We have learnt useful lessons from the past and must now forge new elite cohesion and consensus. Let Anambra export a rare form of statesmanship politics. Can we then implore most of the contestants to rather deploy the billions of Naira they would soon waste on the campaign trail into building medium scale industries in the state? That way, even the politicians would be adding to the burgeoning start-up companies, and creating high value-adding jobs! There will be vacancy at Government House after the next four years, and anyone can contest. In the meantime, the Working Willie as our chief servant can continue to serve and lead Anambra as a truly emerging start-up state, while we, the people, collectively support and drive the investment boom!”
    In joining patriotic Ndi Anambra to endorse Governor Obiano for a second term, Professor Soludo did not discount the hurdles along the way. Foremost among them is the contingency of unscrupulous politicians using the “Federal might” to negate the people’s choice: “Obviously, we expect candidates from other political parties to contest the election. That is their prerogative under a democracy. Of course, there are many reasons why people run for office. But the argument that Ndigbo or Ndi Anambra need to belong to PDP or APC in order to be “connected to the national grid” is a false argument. I once thought the same way. But evidence since 1999 has shown that there is no special advantage to any state government simply because the governor belongs to the same party as the President (except perhaps 10-30 persons that might be appointed to some federal positions). That is an elite talk, an elite game for the elite interest! Or perhaps some might join a political party so that the federal authorities might deploy the armed forces and INEC to write election results for them. It has nothing to do with the people and their welfare, period!”
    Without question, the greatest challenge facing Ndi Anambra today is how to thwart political charlatans who, in a bid to grab power, will seek to sow death and destruction where Governor Obiano has instituted peace and stability. How do the people ensure that the INEC, the Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies are not deployed, against their oaths of office, to manipulate the November governorship ballot? If Ndi Anambra are allowed the free choice of who governs them; if external forces who give no damn whether Anambra is swallowed by hell fire or high waters, do not impose bloodshed and injustice on a peaceful people because of hunger for naked power, the thrust of Professor Soludo’s anniversary lecture will gain traction and Anambra State will be all the better for it.
    Soludo’s lecture was entitled Anambra: An Emerging Start-up State And Our Collective Challenge. Its central message is that Anambra’s affairs are currently in the hands of a dedicated and visionary Governor. The way Governor Obiano articulates his vision is this: APGA has been in power in Anambra State for 11 years. The party requires a new electoral mandate to consolidate on its legacy, and to replicate the economic miracles of the Asian Tigers and “Israel, Anglo-Americans, Indians and Chinese” of Soludo’s citation, who built virile economies over decades.

    •Iloegbunam is Governor Obiano’s Director of Media Relations

  • Crisis rocks youth council in Anambra  

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) is swimming in crisis in Anambra state, following the emergence of two factions in different election of officers.

    One of the factions elected Comrade Nwosu Ifeanyi Stephen as its state chairman, while the second faction elected Nonso Smart Okafor as its chairman.

    The youth council in Anambra state was allegedly balkanized about seven years ago by some agents of the state government after the expiration of the tenure of Comrade Nwabufo Nwankwo.

    Since then, the state congress had not been held, as a result of the crisis that brought on Frank Maduka, as the leader of NYCN, which had kept the group in comatose.

    However at the weekend, the council in different locations in Awka came together with some of their stakeholders, conducted factional elections with their delegates from the 21 local government areas in the state to elect those leaders of theirs.

    Speaking with The Nation  after the election, the new chairman, Comrade Nwosu Ifeanyi Stephen, extended his hand of fellowship to others who were not successful during the election, adding “together we stand, together we will succeed, build the youth, build the nation”.

    He said that he believed that the youth of Anambra state were now capable to reposition the youth meaningfully by engaging them in agricultural oriented programs, skills acquisition, sports, education empowerment and talent hunt that would go a long way to providing employment.

    The other elected chairman Nonso Smart Okafor, thanked the youths of the state for giving him what he described as rare opportunity to serve them.

     

  • Parents urged to enrol children in public schools -Commissioner

    Parents urged to enrol children in public schools -Commissioner

    A call has gone out to parents and guardians in the state to take advantage of the free education in the state and enrol their children in public schools.

    The Commissioner for Education, Anambra state, Prof. Kate Omenugha, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Awka on Thursday.

    She said that those who felt that charges in private schools were high, should patronise public schools.

    “The government is not doing anything about the cost of private schools, we have public schools which are of high standards and free.

    “Those who wish to send their children to private schools should be ready to pay.

    “And those who cannot enrol in public schools, the only thing is that we will not tolerate abuse in the content,” she said.

    Omenugha said no fewer than three principals of public secondary schools were currently being investigated for collecting levies that had since been declared illegal.

    She said the government had warned teachers and heads of public schools in the state against collecting some fees and levies from students and their parents.

    According to the commissioner, the three indicted principals, whose identities were not disclosed, had been suspended.

    “We have consistently warmed the principals against collecting unauthorised levies in public schools

    “And the three principals of secondary schools who were indicted are now under serious investigation because they ran foul of government directive.

    “If you do not have the approval to collect, certain fees and levies and you do so, you are culpable.

    “Even PTA levies must be approved by the ministry and the fund must be managed by the parent themselves,” she said.

    Omenugha said the home-grown school feeding in Anambra, which commenced on Dec. 8, would boost education in the state.

    She said the programme would take care of the pupils in basic classes 1 to 3 in the first phase, while it would be extended to those in basic classes 4 to 6 later.

    According to the commissioner, the feeding programme will create direct jobs for no fewer than 1,046 people and much more indirectly.

    The commissioner added that the meals were rich in nutrition and carefully selected to boost the health of the pupils.

    “It will also attract more children to school because most of them don’t go to school because they are hungry.

    “It is also an employment and wealth generation programme because each of the 1,046 public primary schools in Anambra will have at least one caterer supplying food.

    “And these caterers will also have those supplying them with ingredients,’’ Omenugha said.

  • Lassa fever Kills medical doctor, three others in Anambra

    Lassa fever Kills medical doctor, three others in Anambra

    Anambra State is now battling to save lives, as Lassa fever has claimed the lives of a medical doctor and three others in the state.

    This was a revelation by the state Ministry of Health Thursday in Awka during a one-day Lassa fever training workshop.

    One of the resource persons at the workshop Dr. Jane Ezeonu confirmed that the medical doctor died at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, three days ago.

    Also, the Director of Public Health in the state, Dr Emmanuel Okafor, said the state had equally recorded the death of three others, recently.

    For Ezeonu, the late medical doctor was referred to NAUTH from Asaba, Delta state.

    She warned the people of the state to stop drinking raw garri, adding that they should protect their food and related items from rats.

    Furthermore, she explained that people don’t acquire immunity after suffering from Lassa fever.

    Ezeonu said general hygiene was important in Lassa fever prevention.

    For Dr Okafor, the essence of the workshop was to train professionals who would go to the grassroots to educate the people on the prevention of the disease.

    According to him “In Anambra State, we don’t know the number of cases of the disease, but we have three confirmed deaths”

    He therefore, called on health workers in the state to exercise high standard in handling Lassa fever cases.

    But he hinted that the state government had put machinery in motion to tackle the scourge.

    In his speech, the permanent secretary in the state ministry of health, Dr Okwuchukwu Chukwuka insisted that there was no such epidemic in the state.

    He represented the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabuike on the training workshop.

    He said “It is a training workshop for health professionals in the 21 local government areas of the state who would sensitize and disseminate information about Lassa fever to the grassroots.

    “We are having the workshop for prevention, not that we have an epidemic in the state,” the permanent secretary said.

    The Nation gathered Thursday that Lassa fever had been on in the state, with the Ministry of Health doing everything possible to hide it.

    Before now, the State Government had denied the influx of tuberculosis that hit about 2000 patients in the state in recent times.