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Tag: Ebonyi

  • Ban: Keke, Okada operators protest, block Ekwueme varsity in Ebonyi

    Ban: Keke, Okada operators protest, block Ekwueme varsity in Ebonyi

    Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators on Tuesday, September 19, barricaded the entrance gate of Alex Ekwueme University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) in Ebonyi state to protest the institution’s management decision to ban them from operating within the school premises.

    Students, lecturers and staff were prevented from accessing the school in the morning hours.

    The protesters were, however, later dispersed by the police and millitary officers who were drafted in to restore peace.

    Sources said the institution’s management were forced to take action as the Okada and Keke riders were constituting nuisance and security risk to the university community.

    According to the source, the last straw was when they beat up a lecturer right inside the university premises about a month ago.

    Spokesperson of the institution, Iyke Elom, confirmed the incident, adding that normalcy has returned after intervention of security agents. 

    He said the operators were becoming a menace in the institution and that all efforts to get them to be peaceful and decorous proved abortive.

    He noted: “They have been constituting serious nuisance in the school. They beat up a lecture, harassing students, blaring horns, blasting loud music and generally constituting a menace. So the university took a decision to ban them before the situation is exacerbated.”

    He noted that the ban has been well received by the students, lecturers and entire student community as it has led to the institution become a serene and calm place it should be.

    However, the president of the Keke riders association, Njoku Ejike said they had issues with the security officials of the school leading to a committee being set up to resolve it.

    He said the school management didn’t wait for the committee to conclude its job before banning its members from operating within the school premises.

    He lamented that the youths of the community are angry because their lands were taken from them and that no job was given to them in the school to sustain them after they lost their farmlands to the school.

    He said: “We the youths after they collected our lands they didn’t give us job and they didn’t pay us any compensation and now they also dont want us to operate within the school. We have been operating in the school from the time of the previous administration in the school.”

    Read Also: Ohanaeze decries negative profiling of Ebonyi indigenes

    The chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) in the institution hailed the ban.

    He said the keke and okada riders turned the school into a market place instead of an institution of learning.

    He noted: “Keke and okada are not allowed into other institutions of higher learning so why should AE-FUNAI be any different? They turned the school into a market place. The lives of our Lecturers and students were put at risk. They assaulted a lecturer.”

    The Student Union Government (SUG) President, Wilson Umahi said the institution’s management and the SUG administration are making efforts to provide shuttle buses that will be operating within the school.

  • Ebonyi condemns video portraying indigenes in Anambra as criminals

    Ebonyi condemns video portraying indigenes in Anambra as criminals

    The Ebonyi State Government on Friday expressed displeasure over a viral video portraying Ebonyi people as criminals in Anambra State.

    It described the video as a purported attempt to tarnish the corporate image of the state.

    The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ebonyi State, Engineer Jude Chikadibia Okpor condemned the act when he received in audience the delegation of the State Chapter of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo in his office.

    He said Ohaneze Ndi Igbo should not only rise up to the challenge of protecting the image of the Ebonyi people but also of Ndigbo in general.

    Okpor who called on the Igbo Cultural Apex Organisation, Ohaneze to remain the leading umbrella of unity and progress in the zone, also affirmed that no Igbo man can attain the level of sainthood by tarnishing the image of his or her brother, but would summarily dent the collective image of the Igbo nation.

    Read Also: Stop disrespecting Ondo people, PDP tells Akeredolu

    Okpor enjoined the leadership of the group to use their influence in extending the content of their slogan, “ONYE AGHANA NWANNEYA” in propagating the unity and oneness of the people of the zone.

    He described Ebonyi indigenes in all parts of the world as industrious, hardworking, and law-abiding people.

    Okpo, who strongly condemned the criminal activities involving some Ebonyi people, however, maintained that the activities of a few hoodlums cannot be used to generalize Ebonyi people as criminals.

    He decried the use of social media in trying suspects instead of following due process through a court of competent jurisdiction.

    The Commissioner stressed that when the viral video gets out of the shores of Igbo land, it would not only tarnish the image of the Ebonyi people but the corporate image of Ndigbo at large.

    He, therefore, charged the state chapter of Ohaneze to always strive to work in synergy with their members in other states to protect the corporate image of Igbo people across the globe.

    The Commissioner further reassured of the government’s readiness to partner with the group to achieve the desired result.

    The leader of the team and state president of the union, Dr. Peter Mbam, assured of the readiness of the union to partner with the present administration in the state to contribute their quota in the development of the state.

    He pleaded with the Information Commissioner to assist in the media publicity of the activities of the union in the state.

  • Ebonyi lawmaker empowers constituents

    Ebonyi lawmaker empowers constituents

    Ebonyi State House of Assembly Majority Leader Ikoro Kingsley has called for peace among communities in his Afikpo North West Constituency. 

    He spoke during the 2023 New Yam Festival ceremony held by communities in his constituency.

    He also launched a bi-annual empowerment programme for businesses and farmers in his constituency, with cash and farm inputs distribution worth millions of naira. 

    The event, held at the weekend in Ibii/Oziza, Akpoha and Amasiri communities, was attended by many people. 

    Akpoha and Amasiri communities a few months ago were enmeshed in boundary disputes, with government and security agencies intervening to maintain peace. 

    Addressing the people, Ikoro said they are brothers, who have lived in peace for years and urged them to maintain peace. 

    Read Also: LG poll: Outcome of results reaffirms PDP dominance in Edo, says Obaseki

    He said it was only in an atmosphere of peace that the communities would continue to develop and benefit from developmental policies of the Governor Francis Nwifuru-led administration. 

    Ikoro added: “Don’t let enemies or a few bad eggs lead you into fighting with your neighbouring communities. Instead of fighting, report to relevant local and state government authorities to settle issues or complaints you may have.

    “The Nwifuru administration has a lot in stock for every community. The governor has asked every community to nominate one road for construction. He has promised to build befitting palaces for our monarchs.

    “But if your community is in crisis, how will government come in and provide these dividends of democracy?”

    The lawmaker donated millions of naira to support 26 small and medium scale businesses across his constituency.

    He said the programme would be a continuous one and would be done every six months, to improve the lives of rural dwellers and create employment. 

    He also donated bags of fertilisers to the wards in his constituency, to aid farmers achieve bountiful harvest

    Ikoro gave N500,000 to support the annual football competition in his Oziza community.

  • Ebonyi govt begins upgrade of Airport’s runway

    Ebonyi govt begins upgrade of Airport’s runway

    Ebonyi state government has commenced the upgrade of the Chuba Okadigbo’s Airport runway to international standard as a way to avert crashes.

    The State Commissioner on Aviation and Technology, Ngozi Obichukwu, said that expatriates have been contracted to upgrade the Airport runway.

    Obichukwu noted that the upgrade of the Chuba Okadigbo’s Airport runway, from concrete to standard asphalting, is to enhance the operation of foreign airlines and other flight movements at the airport.

    She said that the state governor, Francis Nwifuru has engaged security agencies to protect lives and properties, especially the travellers, and assured the foreign airlines of adequate safe landing at the Airport.

    Obichukwu said: “The runway is of concrete, instead of asphalt and that’s why Governor Francis Nwifuru quickly dispatched experts who are knowledgeable in the construction of runways to see how the runway can be upgraded to international standards.

    Read Also: Palliatives: Ebonyi receives N2bn, 3,000 bags of rice from FG

    “The expatriates are here and as you can see, they are working tirelessly to ensure that the runway meets international standards. The United Nigeria Airways landed here and requested that the concrete be upgraded to standard asphalting.

    “Governor Francis Nwifuru has opened discussion with CCECC and CDC construction companies to ensure that the runway is constructed to international standard.

    She called on the travellers to be patient, as the runway upgrade will soon be completed, adding that: “Chuba Okadigbo’s airport has overtaken other Airports in South East region, and needed to upgrade.”

    Obichukwu however, applauded the governor for the payment of five months’ salaries to over

    500 Airports staff that were recruited by the previous administration in the state.

    “We commend the governor for the payment of salaries to over 500 Airport staff that was recruited five months ago by the previous administration.

    “We also commend his pro-activeness and determination to ensure that Ebonyi is on the road map/ World Map of Airways. And that’s why he quickly engaged these expatriates and by tomorrow, the technical officers are commencing work, to ensure that the runway is perfectly in order.”

  • Ebonyi tribunal strikes out Ogbuoji’s petition

    The Ebonyi State election petition tribunal yesterday struck out the petition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Sonni Ogbuoji, against the victory of Governor David Umahi.

    This followed a motion to withdraw the petition by Ogbuoji’s counsel, Michael Odo, at the resumption of hearing.

    Umahi’s lawyer, Okechukwu Otukwu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not object to the motion.

    The tribunal, chaired by Justice A. Abdulkarim, was left with no other choice but to strike out the petition.

    It also awarded a cost of N100,000 to the first Respondent.

    Ogbuoji lost the March 9 election to incumbent governor David Umahi. The governor garnered 393,343 votes cast across the 13 local governments while Ogbuoji polled 81,703 votes.

  • AfDB approves $70m loan for road project in Ebonyi

    The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $70 million loan for a road project in Ebonyi State. The bank said on its website yesterday  that it would provide $40 million, while its co-financier, the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), would contribute $30 million for the project.

    It also said that the bank group’s funding would cover the rehabilitation and asphalting of a 51 km stretch between Nwezenvi and N’Doko, and part of the corridor between N’Doko and Ezzamgbo spanning 38.91 km. The bank noted that the project was expected to be completed in five years. AfDB said the project would aid the agricultural state of Ebonyi’s aspiration to develop special agro-industrial zones dedicated to processing of subsistence crops.

    “It will improve road safety and accessibility of farming communities and small-scale industrial areas. Some 1,400 jobs will be created during the construction phase. “Once completed, the road network is expected to serve also as an international link between the State of Ebonyi and Nigeria’s eastern neighbour, Cameroun, in addition to connecting Ebonyi to Benue and Enugu,” it said. The bank added that the project was in line with its development agenda. It said that the project attested to its commitment to improve the quality of life of Africans by improving accessibility and road safety in its member countries.

  • Breaking: Umahi suspends auditor-general, others

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on Friday suspended the Auditor-General of the state, Mr Innocent Nwida from office over the latest communal crisis in the state.

    The governor also suspended other elected and appointed office holders from Igbeagu Community in the Izzi Local Government Area of the state because of the crisis.

    On April 9, Umahi suspended the chairmen of Ikwo and Abakaliki Local Government Councils and all elected and appointed office holders from Enyibichiri in Ikwo and Enyigba in Abakaliki over a communal clash.

    Dr Kenneth Ugbala, Commissioner for Border, Peace and Internal Security, announced the suspension of the officials while addressing newsmen after the governor’s meeting with people from Igbeagu Community, involved in a boundary dispute with Ukele community in Cross River.

    Ugbala noted that the suspension, which took immediate effect would elapse when peace returned to the communities.

    “The affected persons include the Auditor-General of the state, Mr Innocent Nwida, Mr Cletus Nwakpu, Project Coordinator of the FADAMA 3 programme and His Royal Highness, Ogbonnaya Ukwa, among other political office holders.

    “The issue of whether the governor has the constitutional right to suspend the elected officers does not arise because they are constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of their people.

    “However, when an elected officer fails to perform this function, he has violated the constitution and should either resign, be suspended or charged to court.

    “The courts would interpret such issues further and we are expecting such situations with this decision taken,” Ugbala said.

    Read Also:  Umahi suspends two LG chairmen over communal clashes

    The commissioner berated the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for its inability to permanently resolve the bound disputes, including others in several parts of the state.

    “We sometimes doubt the sincerity of the Federal Government in settling such crisis and view the NBC as a toothless bulldog.

    “It has made several visits to the disputed areas even before the inception of the present administration but no decision has been made.

    “It is not our duty to demarcate the boundaries and the state government has attended all meetings convened by the NBC, being always disposed to peace.

    “We urge the commission to live up to its responsibilities because no land is worth the lives of the citizens.

    “The commission only makes ‘urban carol’ visits to the areas whenever there are clashes and we urge the media to mandate it to perform its duties.”

    The commissioner noted that Umahi would visit the affected areas on Saturday to assess the extent of damage and find a permanent solution to the crisis.

    “Stakeholders from the areas are enjoined to enlighten their people on ways of ensuring peace as the government will also look into issues concerning internally displaced persons,” he said.

  • Family of five, 3-month-old killed in Ebonyi boundary crisis

    The Police in Ebonyi state have confirmed the death of eight persons, including a three- month baby in resumed boundary dispute between two communities in Ebonyi state.

    While six of the victims said to be from the same family were burnt to death in a bus they were traveling in, two others were also killed from bullet wounds they sustained from the attacks.

    The attack happened along the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike road near the border between the two communities.

    Police spokesperson in the state, Loveth Odah confirmed the incident.

    She said the incident happened on Saturday.

    According to her one of the victims is a wife of a Police officer serving in the state but who is on secondment to Borno state to fight insurgency in the Northeast.

    Read Also: Kidnapping: Police deploy IGP squad in 8 troubled Katsina LGs

    “It is a longstanding dispute between Ndiagu Alike community in Ikwo loal government area and Enyibichiri community in Abakaliki local government area that erupted the on Saturday.

    “A vehicle was seen burning on the road allegedly set ablaze by warriors from one of the communities.

    “The victims were coming from Abakaliki where they attended a matriculation of their son.

    “Five of them were from the same family including a little baby and one is a neighbour who joined them. They were burnt to ashes.

    “Also three other persons were also attacked and two of them were killed. One of them a woman was the wife of a police officer deployed to Borno state”.

    The communities have been battling an intractable land tussle for decades.

    All attempts to settle the dispute by successive administrations in the state have proved abortive.

    Details shortly…

  • One dead as car rams into fuel tanker in Ebonyi

    One person died and another is said to be in critical condition at a hospital following an accident involving a fuel tanker and a Honda salon car.

     The incident occurred along Abakaliki/Enugu express road on Wednesday night.

    It was gathered that the driver of the salon car, a welder popularly known as Best Brian, was burnt to ashes

    It was gathered the tanker driver was returning from Cross River state where he went to off-load parts of the fuel to the owner.

    It was further gathered the tanker had a burst tyre and parked on the road for repairs when the salon car with registration number APP 607 AR rammed into it from the back.

    The tanker ignited on impact and the two drivers got burnt.

    The welder was trapped inside his car but the tanker driver, who was said to be carrying out repairs under the vehicle, managed to escape though with severe burns all over

    He is said to be in critical condition at the hospital.

    An eyewitness said: “Best Brian was with us yesterday at the building material and when we finished talking.

    “He said he was going home because he comes from the village to work every day.

    “How I wish he was alive to tell the story how the incident happened. Now he is burnt beyond recognition.

    “We don’t know whether he was drunk or that he was answering a call that caused him to ram into the tanker,” he said.

    It was gathered that the accident occurred at the same scene where another tanker carrying diesel failed and destroyed property worth millions of naira recently.

    Charles Edem, Head of Operations of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in the state confirmed the incident.

    He said the driver of the Honda car was burnt beyond recognition while the driver of the tanker suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital.

  • Women empowerment reduces over-dependence on men — Ebonyi govt.

    The Ebonyi Government said on Thursday in Abakaliki that engaging women meaningfully would go a long way toward minimizing their over-dependence on men.

    Mrs Macellina Ibina, Director, Department of Women Affairs in the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Ibina was reacting to the level of awareness on women’s rights, empowerment, and violence against them.

    She said that the ministry had established an organisation known as Mother Savings and Loan Club (MSLC) to alleviate poverty among members.

    READ ALSO: ‘Women empowerment priority to Osun govt’

    She added that the club was established in furtherance of the Mother and Child Survival Programmes, part of which was to enable members have access to loan to enable them to provide their needs especially where their health was concerned.

    “We target women empowerment to reduce over-dependence on men.

    “This is because when women are not empowered, they rely more on men, which will cause them to accept any condition they find themselves,” Ibina said.

    She further said that the high level of interest shown by the women in the club prompted it to set up offices in 41 communities across the 11 council areas of the state with plans being made to establish such offices to other areas.

    Ibina, however, said that lot of sensitisation on the rights of women had been carried out through aggressive campaign.

    She said that part of the mandate of the ministry was to educate women on their rights as well as empower them to contribute to the growth and development of the society.

    “We visit them regularly for sensitization and to make them understand that the ministry is the first place to lodge their cases.

    “We have also gone deep to educate traditional rulers,” Ibina said.

    According to her, the ministry is working closely with Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, as well as other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to achieve its goals.

    The director added that the ministry was collaborating with donor agencies such as UNFPA to end Female Genital Mutilation in the state.