The Nation Newspaper

Tag: campaign

  • NBL takes campaign on cleanliness to host community

    NBL takes campaign on cleanliness to host community

    As part of the company’s commitment to promote a clean and hygienic brewing environment, staff and management of Nigerian Breweries, (NB) PLC Aba, Abia State have embarked on a one day hygienic sensitisation exercise in its host community.

    The brewery manager, Mr. Ukeje Udah said that the exercise, with the theme: “Care/Respect for the Environment” is in line with one of the cardinal values of the brewery which ensures that staff and management of the company personally participated in ensuring a clean, greener and friendly environment within the community where their factory was situated.

    Udah, who expressed the willingness and the desire of the company to sustain the campaign however pointed out that it would further take the cooperation of their host community to make the programme a success.

    The Commissioner for Environment Chinwe Nwanganga, who was represented by a permanent secretary in the ministry, Elder Okechukwu Aguwa described the state governor, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji as an environmental conscious governor thanked NB PLC for thinking about the hygiene of its workforce and the cleanliness of the host community where it brews its products.

    According to Aguwa, Abia State government and the Ministry of Environment was going to partner with NB PLC to make sure that the aim of the project was not defeated and therefore called for the sustainability of the programme.

    The permanent secretary while urging other private organisations in the state to emulate the positive steps taken by NB, expressed hope that impact of programme will have a trickledown effect on the entire commercial city.

    The General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, attributed the programme to the outcome of a familiarisation tour to private and corporate organizations embarked by his agency.

    According to the ASEPA GM, the need for a greener and healthier environment cannot be over emphasized, adding that his agency was not going to relent in its effort to make Aba a cleaner commercial city.

    He described the NB PLC’s action as a wakeup call to individual and corporate organizations operating in Aba and urged them to see waste management in and within their offices/factories as a collective responsibility.

    Ikpeazu said that his agency was working out modalities to improve on waste management system in Aba, calling Aba residents to always make use of the waste buckets at designated points and avoid dumping refuse on the main road.

  • Council chief leads campaign for a cleaner capital

    Council chief leads campaign for a cleaner capital

    There is a sustained drive to keep Ikeja, Lagos State capital, clean.

    An environmental services and waste management unit headed by Mr. Kolawole Ajanaku, has been established for this purpose by the Chairman, Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Wale Odun-lami.

    But the council chief himself does indeed spearhead cleanup exercises, seeking not just to lead by example but also practically instill healthy living in the people. For instance, he leads a campaign team that orientates the residents on environmental issues including pre-rains and de-flooding programmes.

    On designated sanitation days, he wears his knee-length boots, picks up his shovel and steps into the gutter to excavate silt and all manner of disused items. Where traders clog up the environment, he appeals to them to desist from such acts and keep the capital clean.

    The Odunlami administration believes that the host of Lagos seats of power needs all it can get to maintain an impeccable profile. For instance, the administration has initiated several infrastructural programmes to lift the standards of the council.

    It has built new roads, rehabilitated others, and ensured that health facilities are in place were the residents need them. Also, school infrastructures have been upgraded, among others.

    The council leadership has rehabilitated Oba Akran Road as well as Otigba Street, Computer Village. Drainages and culverts have been built in water-logged areas, just as flood plain parts of the council have been landscaped for appropriate infras-tructural remedies.

    The health profile of the area has also been boosted with the completion of public health centres at Obafemi Awolowo Way and Onilekere. Public schools at Ikeja area, classroom furniture including desks and benches have been provided.

    The administration has equally enhanced sanitation and healthy living by building prototype public toilets in the area with borehole facilities. Primary school pupils are regularly assisted with free aids, including power generating sets, computers and exercise books. Every year, free GCE forms are given to exam candidates. Security is equally improved by providing the police with logistics support.

    The recently inaugurated multi-storey building with 300 units of shops at Obafemi Awolowo Way has provided traders better options. So, have the 150 units of stalls at Onipetesi night market.

    Hon. Odunlami believes that if anywhere should be above par in hygiene and infrastructure, it is the state capital. He also says that his administration priori-tises the well-being of grassroots residents.

  • Nku to launch awareness campaign on prostrate cancer

    Nku to launch awareness campaign on prostrate cancer

    Former Nigeria track and field star, Mercy Nku says she is set to launch an awareness campaign on the causes and dangers of prostrate cancer.

    Nku, a former African 100m champion is a Nursing graduate from the York University in Toronto, Canada who believes most Nigerians, especially men from the age of 50 and above do not know they are susceptible to the disease.

    ‘Prostate cancer is a disease which only affects men. It begins to grow in the prostate -a gland in the male reproductive system,’ said Nku who also holds a Masters Degree in Health Management from the same University.

    ‘I have been hoping for an opportunity to launch this awareness campaign and I have been lucky to have some respected people in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria identify with my dream. We will be starting the programme in Okrika in Rivers state and hope to spread the message across Nigeria.”

    Nku is particularly keen on prostrate cancer because it is prevalent in black men.

    ‘Prostate cancer is more common in black African men and black Caribbeans than in white or Asian men. In the UK, black African and black Caribbean men are 2 or 3 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. Asian men have a lower risk than white men,”said the former sprinter who is on record as the second Nigerian African woman to run in the 100m final (1999 and 2001) of IAAF flagship event, the World Championships.

    ‘We plan to let people know about the disease, its causes as well as its dangers. We will also let Nigerians know symptoms of prostate cancer.

    ‘During the early stages of prostate cancer there are usually no symptoms. Most men at this stage find out they have prostate cancer after a routine check up or blood test, revealed Nku, who won an unprecedented four gold medal (100m,200m,4x100m,4x400m) for Nigeria at the second African Junior Championships in Bouake,Cote D’Ivoire in 1995.

  • ‘Uduaghan has kept campaign promises ‘

    ‘Uduaghan has kept campaign promises ‘

    Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, said GoverEmmanuel Uduaghan, has fulfilled 90 per cent of his electoral campaign promises to inhabitants of riverside communities.

    Omare, who spoke with Niger Delta Report at New Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state, assured that the Uduaghan administration, as part of its determination to finish strong, would achieve the remainder of the promises in the next 17 months before handling over to his successor.

    He said: “I led a team to campaign in this part of this state in 2007 and 2011. In this (Warri SW) LGA, we made commitments that as PDP government, if we are voted into power we are going to do XYZ. Today I am here to ascertain that the things we are going to do in this community, more than 90 per cent have been done.

    “The jetty we promised has been done. When we came, there was no jetty. I came with Honourable Dan Mayuku, we had to jump down from the boat. We promised that we will give them a jetty, there is a jetty there.

    “We equally promised to do something about the numerous schools in the area, solar street lights, which we have linked to the next community,” Omare added.

    Speaking further, Omare, who hails from Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, said that although Salvation City was not the headquarters of this LGA, it had benefited from the government’s infrastructure drive, adding that similar infrastructures were replicated across communities in the entire area.

    “If you can appreciate what has come into this community, so also it has gone to other communities. It means that the government and the governor I serve have listened to me and the budget implementation both in the state and DESOPADEC budgets are reflecting in the various communities,” he added.

    He admonished the people of the area to be patient with elected and appointed political officeholders, stressing that while they all could not be politicians, it was important for those outside the system to support those who are entrusted with public offices.

    “We want to finish very strong. People will make noise, they will blackmail, but the process must be done to its logical conclusion. All ongoing projects will be completed; a few ones (that are) needed will be started.

    “The important thing is that wherever you find yourself, play your role well. In any position, anything you are doing do it well. I lived here up to my third year in the university. When some people see us they do not know where we are coming from.”

    Speaking on the activities of his ministry in the last lap of Uduaghan’s administration, Omare revealed that there are plans to employ over 1,600 environmental marshals to ensure that people behave very well.

    He said the plan would not only provide employment but would also ensure that people in the state adhere to environmental laws and regulation to keep the cities and environment clean.

    “In Asaba, we have installed incinerator that will tackle wastes in the whole of Delta north. We are bringing in an incinerator of about 2,000 tonnages in Warri. Those are things that we are putting together.

    “We are purchasing new equipments for the waste management board. We have bought some, the governor has approved some. Government cannot do everything, but we should be disciplined and things will be well.

    “We are bringing the waste equipment in Warri/Effurun area. We are going to start installing them as soon as few documentation are done. When that is done every waste on the streets will vanish,” he added.

    Omare advised people of the state to change their attitudes toward sanitation and care of their environment, lamenting that “The cultures of our people are fundamentally wrong. People generate a lot of waste in their houses and for people to come and evacuate them they are not willing to pay or register with the PSP or pay N1,000 or 1,500.”

  • Ngige takes campaign to Ladipo market

    The former Governor of Anambra state Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige visited Ladipo market in Lagos. His visit was mainly in the interest of traders, spare part dealers and car battery dealers. But not all of them welcomed him with opened hands, saying they have witnessed such visit several times and are not impressed with the outcome.

    Mr. Uche Chukwu sells Honda and BMW spare parts at Ladipo market. He said the senator promise to create a link with the Government to enable traders experience stress free importation and avoid problems while transacting business. “If he can help us solve importation problem, we will be grateful to him and begin to build trust for other political aspirant.”

    A car repairer, Mr Samson Uduaka said he believes the Senator’s words. Adding that his visit signifies that he has the interest of the masses in mind which will enhance buying and selling in the market. “Senator Ngige promise to build complexes where our spare parts can be kept before they are sold, he also promise to construct good roads and repair the bad ones .

    Mr. Timothy Nwonkeji sells Toyota spare parts, he said he had a bad experience four months ago when he tried importing some motor spare parts but with the assurance Senator Ngige has given to traders in the market, he is satisfied and will support him during the elections.“He is my man.” he said.

    while many traders embraced the Senator’s visit, few frown at it. A battery seller, Mr. Ben Chibueze said he is not interested in the Senator’s promises.“many have promised and failed “

  • Artisans, widows donate to Ngige’s campaign

    Artisans, widows donate to Ngige’s campaign

    •Okorocha, Mohammed, Izunazo, others in Awka 

    Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige yesterday took a giant step in his bid to return to the Anambra State Government House which he vacated in 2006.

    Ngige is the governorship candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16 election.

    The campaign will kick off on October 3, it was announced yesterday at the Emmaus House in Awka during the Inauguration of Ngige’s Campaign Committee led by Chief George Moghalu.

    The ceremony was attended by APC big wigs, including Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha and APC National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who were warmly received by traders, artisans and commercial motorcyclists inside the Awka Capital Territory on their way to the venue.

    On request, the dignitaries addressed the supporters at the popular Eke-Awka market.

    They were surprised by the show of affection and donations by artisans, the less privileged, widows and the needy in support of Ngige.

    Other members of the Ngige local campaign team are: former State Chairman of ACN, Chief Amechi Obidike, Hon Gozie Agbakoba, Hon Osita Onyeka, Hon Raph Okeke, Iyom Dozie Ikedife and Hon Callista Nwachukwu among others. APC members in the House of Assembly were also co opted.

    Mohammed told the crowd that APC Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had promised to be in Anambra State to campaign for Ngige

    He said that on November 16 Ngige would stand taller than any other person after winning the election.

    Mohammed said Okorocha reminded them how in the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). the needy and the less privileged donated money for candidates’ campaigns.

    Okorocha, who spoke so eloquently, said he was in Anambra to ensure that the perpetual bondage of the people of the state is broken by the APC during the election.

    He said the governorship battle would be between Ngige and the Abuja forces, adding that the people should not allow the forces of darkness to triumph over light.

    ”Ngige is a true Igbo man who cannot be shaken by anybody. His only fault he has as a person is because he is short,” Okorocha said. This threw the crowd into a frenzy.

    ”All the noise by any other political party should not scare you; we are going into this governorship battle with red eyes. I will personally relocate to this state for this election”, Okorocha said.

    Ngige described what is going on in Imo State as a revolution, adding that it will happen in Anambra State from next March.

    He said anybody who wants to contest the councillorship, chairmanship and House of Assembly elections should move to the field for the emancipation of the state.

    Ngige, who was moved to tears by the donations from widows and the needy, said “what happened today has never happened all my life in politics and this is a sign of good things for the state”.

    Others who spoke are Assistant National organising Secretary of APC, Sen Osita Izunaso, the National Vice Chairman South East (APC), Dr. Nyerere Anyim and National Women Leader Madam Sharon Ikeazor, among others.

  • Anambra poll: Four governors, 23 others to lead Ngige’s campaign

    •National campaign committee for inauguration today

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha will lead the governorship campaign team of Senator Chris Ngige for Anambra State.

    Ngige is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

    The co-leaders for the campaign team are: Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; his Osun and Nasarawa states’ counterparts, Rauf Aregbesola and Umaru Al-Makura.

    Chief George Muoghalu is the chairman of the campaign committee and Sen. Osita Izunaso is its secretary. APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Senate Minority Leader George Akume, Chief Tom Ikimi, Gen Ahmed Aboki Abdullahi, former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, are members of the committee.

    The APC national leaders are expected in Anambra State today to inaugurate the party’s National Campaign Committee (NCC) for the governorship poll.

    Other members of the team are: Dr. Anyim Nyerere, Madam Sharon Ikeazor, Abubakar Lado Suleja, Olisaemeka Akamukali, Mr. James Ocholi SAN, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Abubakar Kari, Charles Odedo, Chief Uzoma-Igbonwa, Donatus Onyemena.

    Also in the team are members of the Interim National Executive Committee from the Southeast Gozie Agbakoba, C. J. Chinwuba, Chibuzor Obiakor, Mrs Constance Iloh and Dame Dozie Ikedife.

    The state leadership of the party and members of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday held a marathon meeting in Awka, the state capital, with Ngige to finalise the campaign arrangements.

    APC has code-named Ngige’s campaign as “unstoppable march to Anambra Government House”.

    A former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Charles Amilo, said an arrangement had been made to ensure that Ngige’s campaign takes off smoothly.

    He said: “Let me tell you that the APC is not leaving any stone unturned in making sure that it gets to the Government House on March 17, 2014.

    “If anybody thinks that the Government House is his personal property, that person is a joker. The APC is not in a crisis, as other parties. Therefore, we have put in everything for that purpose.

    “The national leadership of our party is here to inaugurate the National Campaign Committee. After that, we will kick-start Sen. Ngige’s campaigns immediately. It will be Operation Earthquake.”

     

     

     

  • NOA commences campaign on FoI

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has started public enlightenment campaign through the use of Theatre for Development and Community Dialogue sessions on the Freedom of Information(FoI) Act across the country.

    The Director of the agency Kaduna, Ishaya Sabo, told newsmen that NOA has selected six communities in each of the local councils for the exercise, which is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    Sabo said that the aim of the exercise is to educate people on their rights and how to access information from their representatives.

    He explainedthat the Act was passed to help people hold their representatives accountable.

    He disclosed that the law has been translated into the three major local languages, pointing out that translations into other languages will soon be done.

    Sabo said efforts are on to ensure that the law is domesticated, appealing to the Houses of Assembly to immediately see to this.

     

  • Ex-PDP members campaign for Ajimobi

    Former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), have said Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s performance will ensure his victory in the 2015 election.

    A forum, the Abiola Ajimobi Re-election Movement, has been inaugurated to mobilise support for the governor.

    Leader of the former PDP members and APC chieftain Mr. Akinrogun Taiwo spoke with reporters yesterday in Oyo town.

    He described as “unacceptable and wishful thinking” the statement credited to Senator Femi Lanlehin (Oyo-South District), which said the governor should forget about getting a second term ticket because he would not be picked by the party.

    Taiwo said: ’’We (former PDP members) joined the APC because of Ajimobi’s exemplary leadership qualities and are clamouring for him to continue in office till 2019 to enable able him fully execute his unprecedented transformation agenda and bequeath lasting legacies of good governance to the state.

    “The distinguished senator is not the party and cannot decide the fate of aspirants for elective offices.

    “When the late Alhaji Lam Adesina was governor on the platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), he secured the party’s ticket to contest for a second term due to his good performance in office.

    “So, why cast aspersion on the incumbent governor when we all know that his performance has surpassed those of his predecessors.’’

    On criticisms of the APC’s rally in Ibadan, Taiwo said any ill-feeling in the party should not be seen as an avenue for some members to create controversies on the pages of newspapers.

    On former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s reported directive to PDP governors not to join the APC, Taiwo said: ‘’It is an indication that the former President is not only feeling the heat of the mega party, but knows that the APC is a revolutionary party ready to checkmate the ruling class mentality, sit-tight syndrome and corrupt tendencies, which are the hallmarks of the PDP.’’

  • Miss Nigeria takes campaign against child marriage to Reps

    Miss Nigeria takes campaign against child marriage to Reps

    MISS Nigeria Akudo Ezinne Anyaoha plans to petition the House of Representatives over child marriage.

    The Law graduate of Abia State University, Uturu will present a petition, in which she describes child marriage as a violation of human rights.

    She said: “These children are not prepared for the tedious demands of marriage and family life. Supporting underage marriage will keep relegating the girl-child to the background and will also reduce her chances of being educated to liberate herself.

    “Child marriage perpetuates poverty and leads to poor health as children will not only be withdrawn from their peers but will also have psychological trauma and physical challenges, such as Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF).”

    The beauty queen, who in the next few weeks will launch her pet project, said she is determined to use her office to fight sexual violence.

    According to her, child marriage is not only harmful to the girl-child but also to the family, community and the nation, because it stifles development.

    Miss Anyaoha urged Nigerians to unite against child marriage.

    “This is the right time for all well-meaning Nigerians to come out and speak against this shameful act. This is because it will go a long way to derail the current Transformation Agenda of the current administration and subsequently place the Nigerian girl far behind her peers across the world.

    “I want to urge the House of Representatives to follow the path of honour by rejecting this particular clause during their clause-to-clause consideration of the amended part of the constitution,” she added.