The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • New deal for the aged in Anambra

    New deal for the aged in Anambra

    The Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State, was filled to capacity. Old women numbering more than 10,000 gathered at the centre. They were not briefed on what the event was about neither had they any inkling of the benefit of attending the event.  They were merely invited to witness the Mothers’ Summit which was initiated by the wife of former Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Margret Obi, to ease boredom among the aged.

    Some of them were guided into the hall by their daughters or close relations, while others ambled in on their own aided by their walking sticks.

    Eager to witness how young women were going to discuss issues bordering on community development, the senior citizens were surprised by the largesse showered on them by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano.

    Mrs. Obiano invited the aged and the less-privileged, who seemingly have lost hope in the society, to have a sense of belonging.

    The event was the eighth edition of Mothers’ Summit in the state.

    The event also served as this year’s August Meeting, where women of the state, from Nigeria and the Diaspora, deliberated on how to move their communities forward.

    The theme of this year’s summit was “Women and Progress in Anambra State: A Priority Agenda.” It was held in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

    The Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, attended the summit.

    Various groups, including the Police Officers’ Wives’ Association (POWA), Department of Security Services (DSS), Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives’ Association (NAOWA) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were in attendance.

    At the event, Mrs. Obiano announced incentives for the aged to enhance their well-being. She donated some items to the aged and other less-privileged. They included 50 television sets, 50 standing fans and indoor games such as Ludo, Draught and Poker, among others.

    Aside these items, Mrs. Obiano promised to build a day care centre for them which, according to her, would serve as a recreation centre for the aged. The centre, she said, would be provided with such recreational items as television sets and radio sets, among others, to keep them happy.

    Above all, she empowered 30 indigent women from each of the 189 communities in Anambra State to enable them start petty businesses. This, according to her, would enhance the welfare of their families.

    Also, 15 children and eight physically-challenged from each of the communities also benefited from Mrs. Obiano’s largesse.

    She said the provision of such incentives would increase in subsequent years, since everybody knows that only the vulnerable groups keep increasing in number rather than reducing because of the risk factors in all spheres of life.

    It was not only discussions on community development at the summit which was interactive in nature.  It featured paper presentations by Dr. Ebere Ugochukwu, professor of Pediatrics; Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi entitled “Nutrition and Cancer in Women” and Prof. P. Ibekwe, a consultant gynaecologist and Provost, College of Health Sciences, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki in Ebonyi State. He spoke on “Prevention and Management of Common Cancer in Women.”

    In a chat with our correspondent, Mrs. Obiano said the aim was to make the aged people happy, adding that denying them movement out of ignorance was sending them to their early graves.

    She also said she had acquired garri processing mills and corn mills for the indigent in the state, adding that she has other plans towards enhancing their well-being in the future.

    Mrs. Obiano said: “My first 100 days in office was splendid and I equally unfolded my plans to transform the fortunes of women, widows, people living with disability and less-privileged children in the state.

    “My next 100 days will witness the unfolding of my pet project Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) in every community.

    “I will improve the status of old people by re-activating the old people’s homes through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Awka.

    “Again, I will liaise with the Anambra State House of Assembly to enact a law that will protect widows from family harassment and ill-treatment which are rampant in the society.

    “All these plans will involve a lot of money and that is where our sons and daughters who have the means should come in to help in procuring some of the equipment, especially on cervical and breast cancers.

    She went on: “My pet project CAFÉ will definitely play a significant role in ensuring the welfare and progress of women.

    “I have already started with life-saving kits to address the needs of expectant mothers and the distribution of cancer-testing kits to the entire local government areas in the state for early detection of cancer in our women,”she added.

    Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Chinwe Nwaebili, informed our correspondent that they never knew what breast or cervical cancer meant until the ailments became rampant due to ignorance.

    She advised women to notify a specialist anytime they noticed any abnormality on their bodies, even as she commended Mrs. Obiano for taking the lead.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Victoria Chikwelu, said 1.7 million women will be diagnosed of breast cancer in 2020 which, according to her, would be 26 per cent increase from its current level.

    She added that women’s health should be a priority agenda at all levels.

    Dr. Chikwelu further said health systems in many communities were not responsive to the needs of women, adding that in many places, cultural taboos make it impossible for women to seek medical care from male health care providers.

    Earlier in his address, Chief Obiano said his administration had a high regard for women, promising to be committed to health-related issues concerning them.

    He said: “I still hear the voice of my mother in my head to date whenever I find myself drifting below the standards I have set for myself.

    “This is why we need you to plant the values that will return the lost glory of our people. On our part as the government, we shall not relent in our efforts to open new doors of hope to Anambra women.”

    One of the widows, Mrs. Ebele Okafor, who spoke with our correspondent,described Mrs. Obiano as a caring mother. She prayed God to guard, guide and protect her for the people of Anambra.

    Taking care of the aged, she said, would prolong their lives, adding that widows and the less-privileged  had not been at peace because of hardship.

    Also speaking, 84-year-old Pa Simon Nwafor said Mrs. Obiano was another messiah sent by God to ameliorate the sufferings of the downtrodden.

    He said wives of Anambra State Governors were always sources of blessing to the people, adding that it became more pronounced with Mrs. Margret Obi.

    He noted that with what Mrs. Obiano is doing, she meant well for the aged and the needy.

    The Chairperson, Anambra State House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Rebecca Udorji, representing Awka North State Constituency, said some of the health issues arose as a result of people abandoning their roots.

    She said Ndigbo; especially women, should go back to the old practice thought them by their forefathers by using herbs.

  • Kidnapping: Anambra demolishes four houses

    Kidnapping: Anambra demolishes four houses

    •Police parade 15 suspects

    ANAMBRA State government has demolished four bungalows allegedly belonging to kidnappers.

    The government also revoked the certificates of occupancy (C of O) of the buildings at Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government area.

    Two of the buildings were in Umuobi while one each was at Dusogu and Ifite in Awkuzu.

    Two of the buildings belonged to Ifeanyi Nwaezeagu, an alleged fake pastor and General Overseer of Unchangeable God Ministries, Awkuzu.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Operations Olafimiham Adeoye, who spoke at the demolition site, said it was in compliance with a government law, which says kidnappers and robbers must not benefit from the proceeds of the crime.

    He added that the demolition would also dissuade people from involving in crime.

    Adeoye confirmed that Nwaezeagu had generated millions of naira from proceeds of kidnapping.

    The pastor was accused of kidnapping many wealthy Anambra men, including a priest.

    The DCP added that Nwaezeagu operated unnoticed until he was caught last year and confessed.

    Governor Willie Obiano later revoked the certificates of occupancy of his buildings.

    The state Police Command paraded yesterday 15 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, including confiscated sophisticated arms and ammunition, at the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) Headquarters, Awkuzu.

    The arms included one Rocket Launcher, one Rocket, 50 magazines for AK4, 300 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition and others.

    Adeoye, the SARS Commander James Nwafor, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Emeka Chukwuemeka and Special Adviser to Obiano on Security Chikodi Anarah led the team to the demolition sites and also paraded the suspects.

    Chukwuemeka, who addressed reporters said 10 of the suspects were kidnappers and five robbers and members of a car snatching syndicate.

    He praised the SARS Commander and his men for their due diligence in investigating and arresting kidnapers and robbers terrorising the state.

    Chukwuemeka said the successes recorded would have been impossible without the support of Obiano and Commissioner Police Usman Gwary

    The special assistant to the governor on Security confirmed that the robbers and kidnappers used sophisticated weapons.

    One of the suspects, Prince Ndubuisi Friday, who is also a dismissed Army officer, confessed to the crime.

    He said he kidnapped only once while Obieze Asombe confessed to snatching of vehicles with his gang.

    Ifeanyichukwu Onuchukwu confessed to painting the brand new stolen car and Oliver Ifeanyi confirmed he received the vehicle.

    The painter and receiver claimed they did not know it was stolen car.

     

  • Anambra carries out first heart surgery

    Anambra State has begun a heart surgery programme at St. Joseph Specialist Hospital, Adazi Nnukwu.

    It said the surgery is being carried out by a team of 15 doctors and medical workers, led by a cardiac surgeon, Dr. Joseph Nwiloh, who is an indigene based in the United States (U.S.).

    The first surgery was reportedly carried out last Saturday.

    A statement said Nwiloh  is globally regarded as one of the best cardiac surgeons.

    The building housing the heart clinic was named after him by the former governor, Mr. Peter Obi.

    The hospital was reportedly built “as a way of celebrating worthy Anambra sons and daughters and hold them out as role models for the young.”

    Nwiloh, who helped in equipping the centre, thanked God for His mercies and Obi for his vision.

    He promised to work harder to make the centre fully functional.

    Obi, who witness the first surgery last Saturday, said he was happy at the “many fruits of the collaboration between the church and the government.”

    He said he was happier that his successor, Governor Willie Obiano, continued with the collaboration, adding that the ultimate beneficiaries are the people.

    The President General of Adazi Nnukwu, Mr. Ben Enemuo, who spoke about the operation, said the town’s people were happy at the development.

    He thanked God for using Obi to initiate the heart centre and praised his successor for the promise to build on the foundation.

    Former Commissioner for Health, Dr.  Lawrence Ikeakor, who visited the hospital to witness the surgery, said with the development, Nigerians  need not travel outside the country again for categories of heart diseases requiring surgery.”

  • Ebola scare: Anambra bans corpses from outside

    Ebola scare: Anambra bans corpses from outside

    •Six patients relocated from hospital housing suspicious corpse

    Corpses are henceforth barred from being taken into Anambra from outside the state,at least for now.

    This follows the scare triggered by the deposit of the corpse of a native of the state at the morgue of a private hospital at Nkwelle Ezunaka,in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

    The man died in Liberia which,along with Guinea and Sierra Leone ,is waging a battle against an Ebola outbreak.

    The cause of the man’s death is yet unknown .

    The scare was partly on account of the death in Lagos last week  of a Liberian,Patrick Sawyer.

    Mr Sawyer died of the disease.

    Six patients  who were on admission in the Nkwelle Ezunaka hospital have been relocated to the  Umueri General Hospital in Anambra East Council Area.

    A  medical team  from the Federal Ministry of Health was being expected in the state yesterday  to investigate the cause of the man’s death.

    But as  a precaution,Governor  Willie Obiano yesterday ordered security agencies  in the state not to allow any corpse to be brought into the state from  outside.

    He said there was no confirmation yet that the man died of Ebola.

    The governor who addressed women  at the Women Development Centre ,Awka said only an investigation by experts could confirm the cause of the man’s death.

    Sources said security men yesterday prevented  relations of the deceased  from allegedly smuggling his corpse from the mortuary.

    It was also gathered that the six patients were removed from the hospital as a precaution.

  • No Ebola in Anambra—Obiano

    No Ebola in Anambra—Obiano

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra, said in Awka  yesterday,  that there was no case of Ebola virus in the state.

    Obiano made the clarification at the 2014 Mothers Summit and the inauguration of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative of Anambra First Lady, Mrs Ebele Obiano.

    Obiano’s statement came against the background of a reported case of the return of the remains of an Ebola victim from Liberia to Anambra.

    “There is no Ebola case in Anambra and by the Grace of God there will never be.

    “The rumour we have concerns one corpse that was brought from one of the West African countries.

    “On our own, we decided to take precaution. We were doing the proper thing to confirm that the corpse has nothing to do with Ebola.

    “As we speak, from preliminary reports we have so far, there is no Ebola incident in Anambra State.

    “I have told the police not to allow any corpse to be brought into Anambra by road or by air if the corpse does not have a certificate confirming the cause of death.

    “Wherever we see a corpse, we stop and find out what killed him/her before going further. It is only a precautionary measure by=a responsible government to protect our people.”

    In his address to the women, he urged them to participate actively in the political process, saying their role was critical to ensuring the nation’s stability and security.

    He also enjoined them to endeavour to obtain the Permanent Voter Cards, which he said, its distribution

    would commence on Aug. 16.

  • Anambra eyes 500,000 hectares to kick-start agric revolution

    Anambra Government is targeting the acquisition of 500,000 hectares of land for its agricultural transformation programme meant to provide massive employment for over 100,000 people, especially youths.

    The Interim Chairman of the 12-man Land Acquisition Committee, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno,  made this known in Onitsha, Anambra..

    Ilouno said that over 50,000 hectares donated by two agrarian communities for the agricultural programme had already been surveyed, adding that the land were leased to the government without much pressure.

    Ilouno, who is also the Chairman of Anambra Central (Zone) Traditional Rulers’ Council, said that the committee had also secured nine natural body of large water for fish ponds under the new agricultural scheme.

    “I have not seen such a massive support from our people to any government before; Gov. Willie Obiano is highly lucky and blessed.

    “Communities, through their presidents-general and traditional rulers, are on their own calling us (committee members) to come, survey and start something on their land for the benefit of the people, especially the youths.

    “I know that most times in the South-East, it is difficult for people to give you their birth-right, which is their land no matter the circumstances.

  • Sambo inaugurates estate in Enugu

    Sambo inaugurates estate in Enugu

    Less than three months after Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime launched the Maryland Estate, another property has been inaugurated in the state. Vice President, Dr. Namadi Sambo declared the estate open. It was a day President Goodluck Jonathan praised Chime for his developmental efforts.

    Jonathan represented by his deputy at the flag-off of the estate at Ibagwa Nike, hailed Chime’s commitment and achievements in providing shelter for the state residents.The President noted that the support given by the Enugu State Government to Federal

    Agencies such as the Federal Mortgage Bank and to private developers in addition to its own initiatives in the sector, has helped to boost housing development in the state.

    The President also lauded the Federal Ministry of Housing, the National Assembly and the Federal Mortgage Bank for the high level of commitment they have continued to show towards the actualization of government objectives in the sector adding that the achievements so far was the result of their  concerted efforts.

    He emphasized that the Federal Government will continue to accord priority to the housing needs of the people as a way of improving their socio-economic lives and creating employment opportunities.

    Similarly, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Buka Abba Ibrahim, urged other governors in the country to emulate Governor Chime’s commitment to housing, saying it was the only way that the country could achieve its targets in the sector.

    He pledged the continued support of the Senate in attainment the government’s goals in the sector.

    Chime said commissioning the project marked another major milestone in the collaboration between the state government with private estate developers and agencies of the Federal Government towards the provision of affordable houses for all Nigerians.

    The governor disclosed that his administration has so far developed six major housing estates, with all of them already fully occupied and new ones on-going.  He added that the State was, as a deliberate policy, always willing to assist and embrace private investors and persons

    seeking to put up their own homes in Enugu, irrespective of their origins.

    The Estate as planned has the following features, 75 3-bedroom detached bungalow, 89 2-bedrom semi detached block of flats, 32 2-bedroom terrace and 128 one bedroom terrace(12 flats/block).

    There is also a perimeter fencing of the entire estate and police post for security, tarred access roads to all the houses, with side drains, dedicated 500 KVA transformer for electricity supply in the estate, water Reticulation connected to the public mains, neighbourhood Centre with indoor sporting facilities as well as a shopping centre.

    The managing director of COPEN group, the developers of the estate, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime (not a relation of the governor) described the event as memorable in so many ways in the “lives of many of us, especially the stakeholders of ELIM Estate.”

    He said: “Our divine commission in Copen Group is to among other things provide affordable housing for all has once more found its visible accomplishment/ expression in the completion of ELIM Estate., As an organization, Copen Group has been involved in various capacities in the conceptualization, planning, design, financial intermediation, supervision, construction and management of estate development for organizations and governments across the country. To date we have commissioned three FMBN-funded Estates with 405 housing units in Enugu State alone. ELIM Estate with 324 housing units is the fourth. As Project Consultants we facilitated the delivery of over 2,000 housing units across the country. Our involvement over the years at the highest levels in the activities of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and Primary Mortgage Banks(PMBs) has impacted very positively on us.”

    Chime said they considered their success as  part of the transformation agenda of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, “whose government’s interest in affordable housing provision as avenue for shelter, employment and growth is commendable”, adding that “the creation of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company(NMRC) and the plans for 10,000 housing units in 2014 amongst other policies gives hope that at last the housing sector is about to attain its place of importance in our economy.”

    According to him: “The development of this estate was fraught with considerable challenges, any of which could have undermined or aborted it. However, God led us past it all successfully, for which we are eternally grateful. Having gone through the process of developing and commissioning Bethel Estate (2008), Goshen Estate(2011), Jubilee Estate(2011) and now ELIM Estate(2014), we can now fully understand the severe challenges and issues faced by developers, that can lead to and has led to the spate of abandoned and uncompleted estates projects allover the country. We were able to reach the stage of commissioning in each project because of GOD’s favour and manifest presence. For we acknowledge in tandem with John 3:27 that no man can receive anything except it be given to him from above. And what HE has given, no man can take away.

    “The cries of our people for affordable housing is still resonating from all parts of the country. The desires are still the same, who can help us become a landlord? God, who put it in your heart to hear their cry and subsequently enshrine it in your Transformation Agenda, will enable you pursue it to a logical conclusion. The issues of subsidy for the low income earners and housing laws reform especially foreclosure laws etc require both a roadmap and the political will to see it through. It is not easy but I know that God Almighty who has upheld your hand in many past battles is willing to use you immensely. Only be strong and very courageous.”

  • Anambra Robbery: Seven Policemen still in detention

    The seven policemen attached to the Anambra State Government House who were on duty when a robbery incident took place in the house are still in detention for negligence of duty.

    Also, unnamed civilian who made a suspicious call around 2.am on that day, 10 minutes before the incident, has also been arrested.

    About thirteen days ago, eleven brain boxes of Hilux Vehicles were stolen at the government house, while two of the screens of the vehicles were equally smashed by the hoodlums.

    Following the report to the state police command, the police men on duty on the day were arrested and taken to the B division of the state police command for interrogation.

    The Nation gathered Wednesday, in Awka that the police men had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID’s) detention room.

    When contacted on the fate of the arrested and detained policemen, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Emeka Chukwuemeka, said the incident was being investigated.

    He said the command was working round the clock in making sure that justice was done.

    The Nation also gathered that the policemen were sleeping when the incident happened, while the Hilux Buses, it was learnt arrived from Lagos same day.

    A mechanic in Awka who pleaded anonymity, told the Nation that brain box of each Toyota Hilux  costs between 80,000 to 90,000 naira.

    One of the workers at the government house told the Nation that those women selling “Ogogoro” (hot drinks) at the back gate of the government house should be barred from staying their.

    “Those people give drinks to the policemen and when they are drunk they go to sleep and I believe it was the reason why such thing happened”.

    Meanwhile, the state command had already de-listed the policemen from going back to government house if they were released from detention, while their replacements had resumed work.

  • Bloodbath averted as police, soldiers clash in Anambra

    Bloodbath was averted yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, following a fight between policemen and soldiers.

    A source said trouble began at the Aroma junction where the policemen posted to the roundabout to control traffic, stopped motorcyclists and demanded N1,000 each from those who did not wear helmet.

    The source said a soldier, riding a motorcycle, later got to the point.

    Said he: “They told him to park. When he was about doing that, one policeman hit him, thinking he wanted to run.

    “The young military officer (name withheld) parked the motorcycle and told them he is a soldier (although he was not wearing uniform).

  • NGOs inspire grassroots women in Anambra

    NGOs inspire grassroots women in Anambra

    It was not about giving rice and stew condiments. Women, especially those at the grassroots in Anambra were encouraged to take their fate in their own hands.

    Non-governmental organisations or NGOs preferred to provide inspiration, rather mere food. They told the women to play more roles in governance and take up life-enhancing jobs that will lift their profiles.

    At the forefront of the drive is Development in Practice (DIP), an NGO, which organised the event.

    The women came from different communities in the state which took place at Udoka Housing Estate in Awka, the state capital.

    The programme was entitled, “Coaching Anambra Women Towards Political Participation and Success”.

    Other non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) that were present included Voice to the People (V2P) funded by UK aid, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Civil Rights Concern (CRC) and Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), all these centres are at Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi.

    It drew participants from various  political parties in the state, with women leaders turning up from several communities.

    Beneficiaries of previous sessions of the programme who now hold political offices shared their experiences at the event.

    Tochukwu Ibe, technical adviser to DIP, said the meeting aims to achieve increased participation and representation by women and adolescent girls in informal and formal decision-making structures in the state.

    In her paper-presentation, on formal and informal opportunities for women in leadership, the chief Executive Officer of (DIP), Ojobo Atuluku highlighted the opportunities women have both at the formal and informal levels to make governance work better.

    She pointed out that a leader is not just that woman or man who is placed at the fore front, but that who can convince people to be part of a process.

    Atuluku further charged the participants to develop the charisma and the ability to stand out in the crowd such that whatever they do will attract the positive attention on on-lookers and the public.

    Also, Dr. Chris Abakare of the Department of Philosophy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka delivered a paper entitled “the relationship between Governance, Constituency and Candidacy”.

    He drove them to what makes the good and bad governance as well as drawing examples from Nigeria and other parts of Africa and indeed the world.

    Agada Abah, Programme analyst with DIP in his paper, “Contesting in an election”, pointed out the step by step approach to winning in an election.

    He encouraged women to build support and good character to enable them make positive challenge in their endeavours as well as wining the hearts of the people even when they are not contesting election.

    The women also, were made to know that they can make a mark only if they are transparent and have performance in their minds.

    Meanwhile some of the participants told the Nation that they will abide by the rules of the game.

    Onyinye Okongwu of the All Progressive Congress, who is the State Woman leader of the party said they would go further to the remote areas in the state to sensitize the rural women.

    Also, her colleague Chikodi Nnonyelu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) told the Nation that the issue is not participation but implementation.

    She said she would brief the rural women in the communities of the need for them to be active in politics, adding that they would no longer allow the men to run the political offices.

    Politician s over-heating the polity with their utterances