The Nation Newspaper

Tag: COMMUNITY

  • Joy, happiness as community gets police station

    Joy, happiness as community gets police station

    It was a memorable day for the people of Ugboju community in Benue State when they trooped out to witness the inauguration of a well-furnished Police Station built by the National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Ambassador Dickson Akoh.

    Many believe crime-fighting efforts in the community and neighboring communities will now receive a boost with the new Police Station.

    Akoh, who also presented an Hilux van to the police, said security in the community would be enhanced.

    He also called on Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to further secure the country.

    His words: “Today I was elected as the President of the Ogbojo Community Secondary School Old Boys Association. In this community we have lived peacefully and Fulani are here and when ever organised ceremony, the first people I entertain is the Fulani people. We condemn what the Fulani are doing but people should not take advantage of the fact that they are causing trouble somewhere and be hustle to them. This Police Station will serve this community and will help reduce the rate of crime because we all know the importance of a Police Station in a community.

    “Since I was given birth to till now my father retired from the Army and I came to this village we have never had any case of Fulani clashing with the locals. We should also encourage ourselves to be more hospitable to people. If Nigerians can travel to other country and get elected into offices, then I see no reason we should not live together in peace.

    “I want Nigerians to know that security is key to any development and as such, the greatest gift Nigeria have gotten in the last five years is the capture of Boko Haram and the taking over of Sambisa forest.

    ”The security agencies have made the festival period merrier than before when it was a threat and we all know that a threat to any part of the society is a threat to every Nigerian

    ”We celebrate and appreciate the doggedness of the Armed Forces and the commander in chief of the Armed Forces President Mohammadu Buhari. They deserve accolades from all Nigerians considering the terror that has been unleashed on Nigerians by Boko Haram in the years past, with many lives lost.

    “The capturing of the territory is also a warning signal for other agitators in Nigeria that there is no where you can defeat government. For other agitators they must know that constructive dialogue is the only way out. People should also help the security agencies in this regard to achieve success. Part of the function given to the Peace Corps of Nigeria now is neighborhood watch. In the bill it states that every street now should be watched by Peace Corps.

    The Commandant however appealed to the Federal Government (FG) to motivate other security personnel, while urging for medals of honour to be awarded soldiers who have fought tirelessly to capture Sambisa.

    “As practiced in advanced societies, the chief of army staff deserves the highest honour and I recommend such for him while also encouraging the FG to motivate other security personnel, and those soldiers who captured Sambisa forest deserves medals of honour. Some streets should also be named after the gallant and young men who fought day and night to secure the hideout of Boko Haram,” he urged.

    His Royal Highness, the Obande of Ugboju, Chief Solomon Apochi, who led the Ugboju traditional council in Oturkpo Local Government Area of Benue State, to the event, praised Akoh for building a modern police station for Ugboju community. He urged the Federal Government to fix the bad roads in the area so that farmers could convey their products to the market.

    The police station, he said, would further curb crime in the community.

    The House of Assembly member representing Adoka/Ugboju constituency and Chairman of appropriation in Benue State House of Assembly, John Adam Okloho, stressed the importance of policing as he commended Akoh for building the police station.

  • Community honours Obiano’s man

    Community honours Obiano’s man

    A star, no matter the distance, shines to the glare of all. Diamonds shine brighter in the midst of darkness. Comrade Chinedu Obidigwe is a journey strewn with audacity of faith.

    Born to parents whose vocation were mainly farming and fishing in the agrarian community of Aguleri on September 26, 1979, he embarked on life’s journey with the burning desire to be a farmer or fisherman as his parents and ancestors were.

    However, as he grew up, his teachers discovered a rare gem in him, and with rare intelligence in his academic performances and which changed his course of history.

    His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Obidigwe Adumaka of Isiokwe, Mkpunado Aguleri sacrificed much to see him through his academic pursuit because they could not afford to see such a brilliant brain wasted.

    Comrade Obidigwe began his academic career at Community Primary School, Ojor in Uzouwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. For his Secondary education, he attended Father Joseph Secondary School, Aguleri Community Secondary School Omor and finished at Model Secondary School Olo, Ezeagu Local Government Area Enugu State.

    After his secondary education, he volunteered as an auxiliary science teacher in a couple of schools before he got admission at Ebonyi State University to study Medical Laboratory Science; Graduating in flying colours with a Bachelors of Medical Laboratory Science, (BMLS). Comrade Obidigwe from his days in the university began a life of service to advance the course of youths’/students’ welfare and public service to make the nation a better place for all to live in. Undoubtedly, Mayor, as he is fondly called by his admirers, understood what public service is all about. In the course of these services, he had gathered different Awards of Excellence for outstanding accomplishments.

    On June 12, 2012, he was appointed the Transition Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area where his services and quest for excellence were exhibited. As chairman of the council, he embarked on the most audacious youth empowerment exercise ever in the history of the local government area.

    He became a beacon of hope for the youth of the area and ensured that no youth was left behind in his empowerment drive across the area. It was during his tenure that the country witnessed the worst flood disaster that devastated parts of the country, and especially part of Anambra East Local Government Area.

    But he rose to that occasion and, in partnership with the state government and private citizens, he provided succour to thousands who were adversely affected by that disaster. Comrade Obidigwe became a reference point in the service of humanity due to his style of handling the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were victims of the flood disaster.

    On assumption of office, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, (Akpokudike Global, Agunechemba Anambra) spotted him and thus appointed him the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.

    That appointment, once again, proved to be a wise one as Comrade Obidigwe embarked on one of the greatest youth mobilisation effort Anambra State has ever seen–creating the now popular and powerful United Anambra Youth Assembly; U-AYA.

    These days, U-AYA heralds the arrival of Governor Obiano in all occasions with fun fare and exuberant celebration. Aside this, U-AYA has become solid structure in the 326 Wards of Anambra State mobilising for Goveror Obiano’s second term ambition.

    After excelling in this assignment, he was elevated once again, to the position of Special Adviser, (Political Affairs) to the Governor Obiano, thus becoming a full member of Anambra State Executive Council.

    What a meritorious rise within few years of being in public service. Again he is demonstrating rare service in this position. As the man saddled with the responsibility of leading the campaign to return Governor Obiano for a second term, he is not disappointing in this direction.

    Recall that it was during his tenure as Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area that APGA first won election in Anambra East Local Government Area during the 2013 Governorship election and subsequent elections; defeating well established political deities.

    Otimkpiri is a rare politician. His dedication to public service is unquantifiable. He is not new in serving the people in any capacity he finds himself. This is why before all these he was

    Chairman National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) Ebonyi State chapter. He led Omambala Students’ Association where he also displayed unquantifiable comradeship. He was the Anambra North Youth Coordinator for APGA 2010, State facilitator Willie Obiano Support Group, General Overseer Ebelechukwu  Obiano  Ladies’ Movement, State Secretary APGA Congress Committee in 2015 and President-General of United Anambra Youth Assembly, U-AYA.

    Comrade Obidigwe is a rare gem in crisis management. He was Co-Chairman, Aguleri–Ibaji (Kogi) Boundary Conflict Resolution, 2012; former chairman Nando–Igbariam Boundary Conflict Committee, 2013; Chairman Umuoba Anam–Agulu Otu Conflict Resolution Committee, 2012; Camp Manager Internally Displaced Persons for Anambra East and Anambra West and Chairman Nneyi Umueri Factional Crisis on Burrow Pit Management, 2013.

    For his excellent service to humanity, the state and the local government, as well as the youth movement, Comrade Obidigwe has received various awards from different organisations among which are Award of Excellence by Legendary Digest, South Africa; Award of Excellence in Grassroots Integration and Transformation by Nigeria Union of Journalists in collaboration with National Council of Local Government Information Officers of Nigeria; Merit Award by Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Ebonyi State chapter; Merit Award on Service to Humanity and Support to the Government of Anambra State by Councilors’ Forum, Anambra East/West local government areas.

    Other Organisations which have recognised Comrade Obidigwe for his outstanding public service are Catholic Youths’ Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), Aluta Award as an icon of students’ emancipation by the Aluta Newspaper; Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Hero’s Award as Senior Advocate of Youths.

    Other awards he received were from Aguleri Students’ Union, Open University Law Faculty, Enugu Otu–Mkpunado Welfare Association, Lagos Branch; Youth Mobiliser Award as Obata Ifeadi by U-AYA, Onitsha South Local Government Area; Arise Award by Arise Leadership Award. These are just to mention a few.

    Comrade Obidigwe is a determined personality whose focus is on human welfarism as his second name is now youth empowerment. He is especially interested in ensuring that his generation makes a difference. It is a thing of joy that his community, the Aguleri Kingdom is recognising his accomplishments in human development.

    The Aguleri monarch, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Igwe C.N. Idigo (Ogalagidi Aguleri) and his cabinet of chiefs have announced one of theirs for conferment of a chieftaincy title.

    Now there is new Sheriff in town in the state’s youth leadership who is driving the entire Anambra youths to support the second term bid of Governor Obiano, Apkokuedike Global, Agunechemba Anambra.

    Comrade Obidigwe, congratulations as you are conferred with the chieftaincy title of Aka Oma Jide Aku Olutu Umu Ogbenye 1 of Aguleri (the blessed hand that reaches out to the poor).

     

    • Dr Anozie, Public Affairs Analyst, wrote in from Awka.

     

  • Festival Mall boosts economic activity in host community

    The management of Festival Mall, Amuwo Odofin, on the outskirts of Lagos has taken steps to boost the economy of its host community. The mall has also, in the spirit of the season, hosted children of Life Changers Orphanage to a day of fun.

    The mall, renowned for its pleasant shopping experience, used the visit to put smiles, on the faces of the children from the orphanage.

    “The end of the year is a busy period for most shopping malls because people tend to shop more for merriment, but it is also a season of giving too. It was in this light that the management of Festival Mall decided to partner with Life Changers Orphanage Festac for the visit of select children from the orphanage to the mall,” a statement from the management said

    It said the children visited Funtasticaland’s Santa’s grotto, a jolly ride on the Cho-Cho train and an exhilarating movie experience at the Silverbird Cinema’s all of which are situated within the mall.

    Mall Manager, Kola Bamigboye reiterated the mall’s continued commitment to providing the best shopping and entertainment experience in Lagos. “Nothing gives us more joy than opening our doors to our valued customers each day and seeing that they leave satisfied. It is the season of goodwill and love and we are more than delighted to have children from the Life Changers Orphanage in our midst to share in the fun and excitement that the mall offers,” he added.

    Festival Mall located in Amuwo Odofin is a community based shopping and entertainment centre in the heart of Lagos. It was conceptualised to create a destination point for Lagos residents around Festac, Amuwo-Odofin, Mile 2, Ojo Alaba, Orile and Okota to have a delightful experience of fun, shopping and entertainment.

     

  • Lagos community marks end of year party

    Lagos community marks end of year party

    The Soba community in Lagos has marked it’s end of year party.

    The event,  which held at the community’s playing field, attracted a large turn out of indegenes and dignitaries.

    The event, which was also used to map out strategies towards the development of the community in the coming year, also provided a veritable opportunity for the people to merry and celebrate  the Yuletide.

    The Baale of the community, High Chief Agbebeji,  who was the chief host, commended Governor Akinwumi Ambode for what he described as unprecedented development strides since he assumed office.

    The traditional ruler particularly praised the governor for ensuring the construction of the road that leads to the community. He said the new road has eased the problems encountered by his people.

    Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, who is also a resident of the community, urged the state government to help provide adequate security and other social amenities for the community. He described as worrisome the activities of kidnappers, who he said have disrupted the peace that once prevailed in the community.

    The vice chairman of the residents association, Pastor Femi Ekundsyo, also called on the state government to help check the activities of criminals in the community.

    The chief Imam, Alhaji Law all,  prayed for peace in the community and Lagos State in general.

  • Community seeks station upgrade

    Bothered by the crime upsurge in the community and the need to forestall atrocities such as kidnapping, robbery and ritual killings, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Area E Command Adoff Ojo has called on the Inspector-General of Police to fulfil his promise of upgrading the Iba Police Station to a Divisional Headquarters..

    The appeal was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of PCRC, General Secretary, and grand Patron of the Zone Messrs. Phillip Uzor, John Leo Okpala and the Oniba of Iba land Oba Goriola Oseni respectively.

    Recall that Oba Oseni, a first-class king in Lagos, was abducted by kidnappers from his palace on Saturday, July 16 this year. He was, however, released on August 16.

    The statement reads in part: “Sir, the population of Iba at present stands at 25,000 according to the 2006 census. Besides, Iba Town, which has over 36 communities, has been the traditional headquarters of the old Ojo. Its jurisdiction includes Okoko division, Ishashi and Lagos State University (LASU).

    In a chat with Southwest Report in his palace on Monday, Oba Oseni, who thanked the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for coming to his rescue when he was in the kidnappers’ den five months ago, recalled that the former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umaru Manko visited him shortly after his (Oniba) release where the issue of the upgrade was discussed.

    During the meeting, the monarch said Manko had insisted that before the upgrade could be affected, new facilities such as water borehole, armoury, a power generating set, provision of walkie Talkie for administrative staff, among others, must first be put in place as part of parameters for the upgrade of Iba Police Station.

    “Now all those things requested are now available. We want them (police) to come here and see what we have done. We are now very confident that the facilities are good enough to earn us the new status we desire,” Oba Oseni said.

  • Panic in Delta community over Okowa’s aide’s kidnap

    There is panic at Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State over the circumstances surrounding the abduction of a Special Assistant (SA) to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Community Development, Chief Avura Awheme, by some gunmen.

    Awheme, who is said to be interested in the chairmanship seat of the local government in the next council poll, was reported abducted by gunmen over a week ago while returning from a trip on a property matter.

    It was learnt that the abductors had been paid N5 million ransom since last Wednesday.

    A community source said the abductors asked for N30 million, but the victim’s family managed to reduce it to N5 million.

    Despite the payment, the abductors have not released Awheme and his family heard from them at the time of filing this report last night.

    “They used Avura’s phone to call and demanded N30 million. The person who picked the call asked for N1 million and cut the line. When another call was established, the demand was negotiated to N5 million. The money was paid about four days ago. But the kidnappers have not released him,” a community source said.

    A close associate, who confirmed the development to our reporter but wished not to be named, said the abduction was causing panic among the residents.

    The source said some people were uncomfortable with the development and were linking the kidnap to his ambition to contest the chairmanship of the local government area in the next election.

    The source added: “He (Awheme) had gone to settle a property development disagreement at Olomoro and was returning when he was kidnapped. The matter is seriously heating up Olomoro because our people believe this might have a connection with politics. We believe he ought to have regained his freedom, with all the efforts already made. We just pray they haven’t done anything to him because that may cause a serious crisis in the town.”

    Police spokesman Andrew Aniamaka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the command was working with vigilantes to rescue Awheme.

    He said: “A ransom of N30 million was, in fact, demanded. We are not resting on our oars. Our efforts are being complemented by the vigilantes towards a successful rescue of the victim.”

     

  • Indigenes, Fulani community meet over Kaduna killings

    •‘Crisis fuelled by rumours’

    Indigenous communities in Southern Kaduna and the Fulani community met at the weekend to find ways to end incessant attacks and killings.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, convened by Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (rtd), at St. Thaddeus Science Academy, Madakiya, was attended by representatives of 87 wards of the eight councils making up Kaduna South, tribal heads and youth groups.

    Jekada noted that the gesture was part of his “little contribution” to efforts by the Kaduna State government towards ending the attacks.

    “As a concerned citizen, I am trying to support peace moves by the Kaduna State government and as a military man, I want youths to understand that war does not lead to peace. It only leads to more wars, as it is being experienced in Southern Sudan and the Middle East,” he said.

    NAN reports that the meeting was divided into eight groups, according to local governments, with each given posers and questions on possible causes of violence  and how best to address them.

    According to the presentations by the groups, the causes of the violence include poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, religious and tribal sentiments, as well as perceived injustices.

    Other causes include abandonment of culture and tradition, bad leadership, intolerance, bad teachings by some religious leaders, political manipulations and rumour peddling.

    Also identified are destruction of farm produce and killing of cattle, unprovoked attacks and insincerity by the government and its agents.

    The participants said security personnel deployed to restore law and order should be fair, insisting that suspects be prosecuted to deter others.

    Individual Fulani contributors, however, exonerated resident herdsmen from the attacks, but blamed foreign herdsmen.

    On their part, the natives alleged that the government was being misinformed on the true nature and causes of the crises. They advised the government to always insist on hearing from all sides to be well guided into taking informed decisions.

    They also advised the Fulani communities to help the security personnel and the government by reporting strangers among them.

    Jekada said the resolutions would be forwarded to the government to help its efforts in ending the bloodshed.

    He advised the media to be more security-conscious in their reportage, and cautioned against sentiments that could worsen the bad situation.

    Rumours and unsubstantiated claims have, however, been identified as factors responsible for the killings.

    Convener of the Southern Kaduna Peace Initiative and President, Community for Peace and Corrupt-Free Society (CPCFS), Ahmed Zakari Nguroje, who spoke at the Southern Kaduna Peace Initiative interactive session in Kafanchan, at the weekend, said parties involved in the conflict acted on hearsay, only to regret their actions later.

    “For the people of Southern Kaduna, I urge you to always confirm your information before acting. If someone runs to tell you that the Fulani are planning to attack you, confront the leader of the Fulani and ask him; that way, you will prevent the loss of life and property.

    “And for the Fulani, if you hear any information about an attack, go to the village head or district head and relay what you heard,” he said.

    Nguroje stressed that those spreading rumours were the real enemies of peace, not indigenes or Fulani herdsmen.

    He advised herdsmen to fish out members whose cattle enter people’s farms to destroy crops, as it will build peaceful co-existence.

  • Community leader accuses police of disobeying court

    A 76-year-old community leader has accused the police of flouting a court order releasing his Honda CRV with registration number OWORO 1 to him.

    Alhaji Mustapha Durojaiye Ajisegiri said the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was released to him by Chief Magistrate O.I Adelaja, following amicable settlement of the feud between him and Oba Bashiru Saliu Salami of Oworo.

    In an application brought by him, Ajisegiri is asking Chief Magistrate S.K Matepo to imprison an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) for allegedly disobeying Mrs. Adelaja’s September 22 order.

    In a 10-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion, Ajisegiri averred that sometime in March, the State Central Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, Mainland, Lagos took him and Oba Salami to court to bind them over to be of good behaviour in Oworoshoki.

    The matter, he said, was resolved, following the intervention of stakeholders and a peace agreement signed by him and the monarch on April 14 was entered as the court’s judgment.

    He claimed that his SUV, which formed part of the verdict, has not been released to him despite series of letters by his lawyer.

    Ajisegiri alleged that the ASP is insisting on holding to the vehicle in disobedience of the court and his bosses’ order.

  • Community seeks end to vandalism at Navy’s medical mission

    Community seeks end to vandalism at Navy’s medical mission

    The Etegwe community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was thrilled when a team of medical experts led by the Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy arrived at their town hall.

    It was the turn of the community to benefit from the medical benevolence of the navy, which has become a life-saver in Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states.

    The medical intervention by the navy was timely. The economy was hard for most of them, who, though had no money to visit hospitals, silently nursed their sicknesses.

    Little wonder the residents took advantage of the opportunity offered them by the navy. The town hall soon became congested as people trooped in to report their health complaints to health personnel. All categories of people came to receive cure for their ailments.

    The naval team led by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), CNC, Rear Admiral Mohammed Garba was prepared. The team came with cartons of quality drugs, medical equipment and an ambulance.

    Dr. Jennifer Odjegba and other medical experts in the team had a busy period listening and addressing many health issues and prescribing appropriate drugs for them.

    Since he took over the command, Graba has demonstrated passion for cordial military-civilian relationship in line with the objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff. The FOC has won the respect and admiration of communities within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) of the CNC.

    Following the care displayed by the Navy, the traditional ruler of Etegwe community, King Todumema Geoffrey, was moved to call on youths and other persons disturbing the peace of the Niger Delta to turn a new leaf.

    The monarch urged youths to desist from pipeline vandalism and destruction of critical national assets, saying that such tendencies would not bring development to the Niger Delta region.

    “We want to appreciate the Navy for the gesture. I want to warn those involved in blowing up pipelines and other criminal activities to desist from such acts. We need development in our region,” he said.

    The monarch further said the free medical mission was the first in the history of the community. “We are very happy to be remembered for this kind of exercise. This is the first in the history of Etegwe community”, he said.

    Also speaking, the youth leader, Mr. Ken Godwin reminded those disturbing the peace of the region of the fact that violence has not paid off anywhere in the world.

    Garba, on his part, asked the people to embrace and respect the ongoing dialogue between the region and the Federal Government.

    He said: “I expect the people to remember that struggle is not drawing a line and make it look like a kind of crusading spirit. There must be ways of reaching compromises and concessions.

    “And you can only reach those compromises and concessions through dialogue. The government has already given room for dialogue, so let them embrace it. If they embrace it, it is better for the society and Nigeria at large.

    “But if they refuse to go into dialogue, there might be a tendency that that sympathy they are gaining from the people will be lost and it means they are now surrendering the call for peace to chaos and violence which is not good for the society.”

    He explained that the free medical rhapsody was part of the Navy’s corporate social responsibilities aimed at boosting civil-military relations.

    He noted that the medical mission was one of the key priorities of the Chief of Naval Staff to bring the navy closer to the people within the maritime environment.

    He said the free medical mission was carried out monthly to test and treat health challenges of the people. Such health challenges, he said include malaria, typhoid fever, high blood pressure and diabetes, among others.

    Garba said: “It will be delightful to let you know that today is the sixth time we are offering free medical services to communities in Yenagoa and its environs. The CNS is instrumental to the sustenance of this rhapsody every month.

    “Navy is a part and parcel of the community. We feel we are blood brothers. So, one Nigeria is a vital issue to all the military personnel. That is why we feel that we must have a way of reaching out to the communities through the medical rhapsody and inauguration of projects.”

     

  • Akwa Ibom community, Mobil bicker over projects

    Akwa Ibom community, Mobil bicker over projects

    The N1.2bn Special Community Assistance Projects in Esit Eket by Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited is generating tension due to the refusal of the firm to mobilise contractors for the third phase of its milestone plans, writes Kazeem Ibrahym

    Esit Esit Local Government Area, one of the host communities to Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited in Akwa Ibom State is in turmoil due to the firm’s lack of dedication to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the community.

    The area, it was learnt, has been devastated by the effects of oil spill resulting from oil and gas exploration activities. As a result, Mobil was to commit the compensation cash of N1.2 billion into communitty development projects in the third phase of its milestone plans.

    Speaking to reporters in Uyo, the state capital, a community leader, Senator Etang Umoyo, decried Mobil’s lack of commitment to the MoU, saying that the firm has reneged in paying the contractors after greater percentage of the job had been done.

    According to him, children in the affected schools now receive lessons under trees as the contractors have abandoned the sites due to failure of Mobil to pay them.

    His words: “Mobil should respect the contract terms with the contractors so that they can return to sites in order not to jeopardise the existing mutual relationship with it.

    “We have no problem with Mobil. They had started some projects in the areas of repair of schools, roads and walls. Now, it is time for children to go back to school and those things are left unattended to. If you go to Esit Eket, you will see the children receiving their lessons under trees.

    “So, we insist that Mobil should meet their payment obligations with contractors so that they can go back to sites and finish those projects in order to create an environment conducive to teaching and learning.

    Some youths wrote a letter to one of the managers, pleading that they should come and do something about the situation. Unfortunately, this was misinterpreted.

    “The General Manager for Public Relations over-reacted and called on the Transition Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area to ask the youth to withdraw the letter and apologise to them. As far as I am concerned, that is going overboard which could generate crisis.”

    The Paramount Ruler of Esit Eket, Edidem Ubong Peter Assam 11, appealed to Mobil to mobilise the contractors to return to sites, revealing that pupils in the affected schools have threatened to relocate to his palace for their learning programmes.

    Assam, Chairman of the Council appealed to the youth to toe the line of peace and work harmoniously with MPN towards the actualisation of the community projects.

    Some of the schools visited by Niger Delta Report included Community Secondary School, Akpautong; Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Akpautong; Union Technical College, Ikpa and others in Esit Eket. Works were at advanced stages of completion.

    But the contractors said they would return to complete the project as soon as Mobil fulfils its agreement to release funds for the project.

    Meanwhile, teachers in the affected schools have lamented the deplorable state of education infrastructure, saying such environments were not conducive for the pupils, especially as the May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) approaches.

    “Our pupils have been learning under harsh situations because of the non-completion of the facilities for the pupils to prepare well for their forthcoming examinations. The situation on ground is really affecting their studies. The doors are bad and as examinations are approaching, it is going to be difficult for the students”, Friday Akpan, Head of Motor Vehicle Department at the Union Technical College, Ikpa, lamented.

    Also, the Headmaster, Qua Iboe Church Primary School, AkpaUtong, Elder Edet Ekanem, said: “The students have no place to sit and learn.

    “Even my quarter as the headmaster is yet to be completed. If the headmaster’s quarter was ready, it will help me to supervise the students well and watch over the school premises very well instead of coming all the way from my village to the school every day.”

    Also, the Esit Eket Frontline Youths Movement (EEFYM) and Network Advancement Programme for Poverty and Disaster Risks Reduction, in their separate letters to Mobil, had accused the company of refusal to pay the balance of the said money and threatened with an ultimatum of seven days to be conditionally followed by protests by the community youths.

    But, in a letter by Mobil’s General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Paul Arinze, and addressed to the Chairman, Esit Eket Local Government Area, Iniobong Robinson, the company said despite the present unpleasant business climate in the country, MPN had not reneged on the execution of the Special Community Assistance Projects in the respective communities of Ibeno, EEket, Esit Eket, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Mbo.

    The letter reads: “As you are aware, the delay in the commencement of project activities in Esit Eket, for the most part, was due to internal community disagreements and litigations. As soon as those issues were resolved; (though some fresh cases have again been filed in court), the process for the disbursement of the first milestone was effected, and payment subsequently made.

    “Upon the completion of the first milestone project activities and submission of satisfactory report by the project manager (I.F. Global Services Limited), the second milestone payment was also made. Based on the value of measured work as earlier communicated, the process for the disbursement of the third (half) milestone payment is ongoing.

    “In view of the above, and in compliance with the Resolutions signed by all the parties on December 19, 2013, the NNPC/MPN JV hereby demands an immediate withdrawal of the letters and the issuance of unreserved apologies by the two groups from Esit Eket Local Government Area, as an irreducible minimum condition for the continued execution of the SP II projects in Esit Eket LGA.”