The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Enugu State

  • Enugu pledges to move school-aged children off streets

    Enugu pledges to move school-aged children off streets

    The Enugu State Government has pledged to compulsorily move all school-aged children off the streets and back to schools soon.

    The state’s Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Princess Peace Nnaji, made this pledge while addressing members of Gender Equality Movement (GEM) on Thursday in Enugu.

    The members of GEM had embarked on a rally advocating that under-aged children should be kept off the streets and roads within Enugu metropolis.

    The placards in the rally reads: “Keep Children off the Street, They Need Education; People Should Stop Using Children for Begging; Education Gives Children a Brighter Future and Please, Government Do All You Can to Rescue these Children.’’

    Nnaji, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Sunny Okafor, said that the ministry was coming up with a modality to get children off the streets while following due diligence and human rights.

    “The ministry is seriously concerned and as fathers and mothers, we see these children roaming the streets while others are used for alms begging.

    “However, we are working out a modality with our partners and security agencies to ensure we evolve the best way to civilly remove these children from the streets and fix them in schools where they should be.

    “We also needed the collaboration of GEM to ensure that you carry this advocacy to your individual homes, neighbourhood, streets and council areas in order to enlighten our people to ensure their wards are enrolled in school,’’ she said.

    Nnaji noted that Gov. Ifeanyi Uguwanyi personally sponsored the Child Right Act bill in the state and ensured it was passed as well as signed into law.

    “Our governor had remained a child-friendly governor that promoting the rights of children as well as their health through free healthcare for children, especially those under the age of five,’’ he said.

    Earlier, the Leader of GEM, Mrs Ijeoma Uzoma, said that the advocacy was meant to draw the attention of the people of the state to the growing menace of under-aged and school-age children roaming the streets.

    Uzoma noted that GEM felt concerned that the future of such children might be bleak if no concerted effort was done by the society including the government, organisations and groups to get them back to school.

    “We have watched with dismal the overwhelming number of these children growing in the state, especially within Enugu, Nsukka and other metropolis in the state.

    “GEM believe that it is high time this issue is tackled to give hope and sense of belonging to these children to guaranty them a brighter future,’’ she said.

    A total of 100 volunteers carried placards across Enugu metropolis; the areas covered included: Ogui Road; Asata Road and Roundabout and Presidential Road before terminating at the ministry.

  • Safety of lives, properties paramount, says Enugu CP

    Safety of lives, properties paramount, says Enugu CP

    The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mohammad Danmallam, said on Tuesday that the command would continue to give the safety of lives and property of all residents of the state the utmost priority.

    Danmallam said this while receiving members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Enugu State Chapter, in his office in Enugu.

    He said that the command would continue to partner and collaborate with members of the NIPR and other reputable associations to stem crime and criminality.

    “Security today is everybody’s business; Police cannot do it all alone; we are counting on your cooperation and partnership.

    “So, we will work with you in the area of information in order to improve our network and reach in the state.”

    On the herders-farmers clashes, the commissioner said that noted that the command had been able to manage the situation effectively through close and constant consultation with between both sides.

    “We have no problem as both sides had shown great understanding and respect in our constant consultations and meetings with them at the state and area command levels,”

    Danmallam thanked the NIPR for the commendation given to one of the officers of the command.

    “We will continue to work collaborate to promote harmony in the state,’’ the commissioner said.

    Earlier, the NIPR Chairman, Mr Chike Ezugu, commended the commissioner for exhibiting professionalism in handling crisis situations in the state, especially the herders-farmers crisis.

    Ezugu noted that the command and the NIPR had maintained a long-term relationship and promised that it would be sustained.

    He said that the institute had facilitated public relations training in the command and printed handbills to help disseminate phone and social media addresses of the police.

    “We must commend the police authorities, even at the headquarters in Abuja for the recognition accorded public relations and the NIPR.”

    The chairman also noted that the NIPR was happy over the quick response to distress calls and the peace in the state.

    “We, in the NIPR, wish to particularly laud Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the support and attention given to promoting peaceful co-existence, safety and security of lives in the state,’’ he said.

    Ezugu informed the commissioner of the forthcoming Annual National Conference for Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries of NIPR to be held in Enugu in October.

  • IPAC appeals to Gov. Ugwuanyi to complete abandoned projects

    IPAC appeals to Gov. Ugwuanyi to complete abandoned projects

    Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of all political parties in the country, has appealed to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State to complete projects abandoned by previous administrations.

    Chairman of IPAC in the state, Mr John Nwobodo, made the call on Friday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

    Nwobodo said that the abandoned projects, which included the International Conference Centre, started by former Gov. Chimaroke Nnamani’s administration should be given attention.

    “Their completion will boost the state’s economic fortune and resuscitate the positive ideas behind them,’’ he said.

    He assured of IPAC’s cooperation to ensure that the present administration in the state succeeded, adding that its members were open to collaboration with the government as such would promote more inclusiveness.

    Nwobodo lauded the milestone achievements of the governor so far, saying “Gov. Ugwuanyi has robustly delivered effective governance notwithstanding the meagre resources accruable to the state’’.

    He expressed the group’s commitment to a new political culture of tolerance and accommodation in the state.

    “We are placing the state above personal or party interest because first of all, we are all indigenes of Enugu State before we joined these political parties,’’ he said.

  • Enugu urges residents to donate blood

    Enugu urges residents to donate blood

    The Enugu State Government on Wednesday appealed to residents of the state to donate blood in order to ensure the success of its free maternal and child health programme.

    Dr Okechukwu Ossai, the state Director, Public Health, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that availability of blood was critical to maternal care especially during delivery.

    Ossai also said adequate blood was needed for emergency cases, especially in case of traffic accidents as the state was a major transit hub for passengers from across the country.

    “We are going to sensitise members of the National Youth Service Corps and other youth organisations for them to see the need to donate blood and play their role in supporting the health system,’’ he said.

    The director said that the government had provided good storage facilities for blood in hospitals across the state.

    “For now, we have adequate supply of blood which are in good condition in our hospital facilities.

    “The government is also collaborating with the National Blood Transfusion Center, Enugu, which services the South-East, to increase its reservoir of blood through free donation,’’ he said.

    Ossai added: “Before you donate, the medical personnel must ensure you are healthy’’.

    NAN reports that the World Health Organisations (WHO) has set June 14 as World Blood Donor Day.

    The event was first commemorated in 2004 to raise awareness on the need for safe blood and to thank donors for their voluntary sacrifice.

    The theme of this year’s commemoration is: “Don’t wait until Disaster Strikes. What can you Do? Give blood. Give now. Give often”.

  • Enugu wants ECCIMA to generate quality business data for proper planning

    Enugu wants ECCIMA to generate quality business data for proper planning

    The Enugu State Government has urged the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) to generate real-time and quality business data for the state.

    The government said such data would facilitate effective economic and commercial planning.

    Mr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu, that the government and the chamber must collaborate to improve business and economic growth in the state.

    “Both the chamber and the state government are partners in progress; that is why you always have both working in partnership, to better the lives of the citizenry.

    “However, the government wants the chamber to get a reliable data on the number of business owners and outlets in the state, as well as their locations.

    “The data generated should provide opportunities in terms of their services and products, as well as their challenges.

    “This would help the overall planning, as well as provision of adequate infrastructure for business growth in the state,’’ he said.

    According to him, the government will continue to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within its limited financial resources.

  • Biafra Day: Police warn against intimidation of citizens, give distress numbers

    Biafra Day: Police warn against intimidation of citizens, give distress numbers

    The Enugu State Police Command, on Monday, warned pro-Biafra groups against intimidation and harassment of law abiding residents during Biafra Day celebration on Tuesday, May 30.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Enugu State, SP Ebere Amaraizu, who gave the warning in a statement, called on citizens of the state to disregard the sit-at-home directive.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that various pro-Biafra groups, who are agitating for an independent Biafran State, had issued sit-at-home directive to the people of the South-East and South South regions.

    The group said that the sit-at-home directive was to commemorate the fallen heroes during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, which started in 1967.

    “The command advises members of the public to disregard such order and go about their normal lawful businesses.

    “The command is also advising the public to watch out for any person or group under any guise who will come to intimidate, threaten or force them to shut down their offices or shops,” he said.

    “The command urge the people to report such threat to nearby police station or alert the command through its distress lines 08032003702, 08075390883,08086671202 and 08098880172.

    “You can also report through the command social media platform of twitter handle POLICENG_ENUGU and Face-book page of NigeriapoliceforceEnugustatecommand.

    “The command in partnership with other sister security agencies and relevant bodies has put in place adequate machinery; as security apparatus have been mobilised to fish out those in this habit and bring them to book,’’ he said.

    Amaraizu, however, advised those intending to carry out this unpatriotic and unlawful act to change from their plan in their own interest.

    According to him, the command in collaboration with sister agencies will not sit and fold its arms to see innocent and law abiding citizens of the state being molested or threatened by any person or group.

  • UNN to emerge among 10 best global varsities–VC

    UNN to emerge among 10 best global varsities–VC

    Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, the Vice-Chancellor of  University of  Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), says the institution is on the threshold of being among the best 10 universities in the world.

    Ozumba, who assumed office in 2014 as the vice chancellor of the university, said this  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka, Enugu State, on Saturday.

    The vice chancellor said he was happy that the institution was working according to the dream  and vision of its founding father, late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

    “His dream was for UNN to have the best professors, best library and best academic environment for teaching and learning so as to restore the dignity of man.

    “I am happy that the institution is realising the dream  and vision of its founding father through academic excellence and quality research work.

    “I have no doubt in my mind that in no distant time,  UNN will be among the best 10 universities in the world,” he said

    He said that under his administration,  the university had received global recognition as number one institution  in research among Nigerian  universities.

    ” I am happy that UNN under my watch has received global recognition as the best research university in Nigeria for two consecutive years .

    “ This was according to World Webometric that assesses  universities in the world based on  quality research work,’’ he said.

    Ozumba attributed his achievements in the institution to God’s wisdom and hard work .

    He had also won the award of excellent leadership of the university’s Institute of African Studies.

    “I see any award given to me as a challenge to do more  so that I will not disappoint those who have confidence in me by giving  me the award.

    “My achievements are because of God’s favour  and hard work,

    “Like William Shakespeare says, the achievements of great men were not recorded in sudden flight but they work while others are sleeping ,” he said.

    The vice chancellor said his administration in 2016 hosted the West African Universities Games which participants described it as  one of  the best.

    “I commend my management, staff and students of  UNN because without their cooperation and support,  all these achievements will not have been possible,” he said.

  • Council boss advocates a day for speaking Igbo language in schools

    Council boss advocates a day for speaking Igbo language in schools

    Prof. Rose Onah, the Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Council in Enugu state, has advocated that a day be set aside in all schools in the South-East for speaking Igbo language.

    Onah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka on Friday, that if her suggestion was accepted, it would help to promote Igbo language which remained the identity of Igbo race.

    “The identity of Igbo race is Igbo language; nothing done to promote it will be too much to ensure that future generations speak the language fluently.

    “There is urgent need to promote Igbo language to avoid the language going into extinction,” Onah said.

    The chairman called on governors of the South-East states to select a day in a week for speaking Igbo language in schools.

    She said that the governors should also ensure that the study of Igbo language was included in the curriculum of all primary and secondary schools in the zone.

    “It is better to catch them young; that is why the Bible says teach the child the good way he will follow; when he grows he will not depart from it.

    “Governors of states in the zone should choose a day in a week for speaking of Igbo language so that our children who are the future generation can take the language to the next generation.

    “Teaching Igbo language and culture should be included in all primary and secondary schools curriculum as a way of promoting Igbo language, culture and traditions,” she said.

    The council boss expressed sadness that some children born by Igbo parents do not know how to speak Igbo language but could speak English Language fluently.

    She described the development as “unfortunate, unacceptable and shameful.’’

    “Igbo parents whose children cannot speak Igbo language should bury their faces in shame and apologise to their children for having failed them.

    “No matter the level of education or position of your child, if he or she does not understand Igbo language and culture of your people, you have failed as parents.

    “Parents should remember that no matter the place they reside either in Nigeria or abroad, one day they must surely come back home since there is no place home,” the chairman noted.

  • Police urge Enugu residents to report anybody with gunshot wound

    Police urge Enugu residents to report anybody with gunshot wound

    The Police Command in Enugu State has appealed to residents and hospital personnel to report anybody found with gunshot wound to the nearest police station.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, (PRO), SP Ebere Amaraizu, made the appeal while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Enugu.

    Amaraizu said the call became necessary because the command had been on the trail of bandits who escaped with gunshot wounds after a gun battle with its men.

    He said the policemen engaged its operatives in gun battle in Lomalinda axis of Independence Layout, Amorji Nike, Trans-Ekulu and Opi-Nsukka area of the state.

    According to him, the robbers fled with gunshot wounds “due to the superior fire power of the police’’.

    “The command is appealing for relevant information from residents, doctors as well as hospital owners/operators about anybody with wound suspected to be from gunshot.

    “The information should be reported promptly to the nearest police station or the command.

    “Members of the public can report through the command distress call numbers of 08032003702 and 08098880172.

    “The information given will be treated as confidential and the identity of the informant protected,’’ he said.

    Amaraizu said that the command had upgraded its strategies to ensure safety and security of law-abiding members of the public.

    He said, the command had entered into partnership with sister security agencies to reduce crime in the state.

     

  • Enugu deputy governor’s orderly shot dead

    Enugu deputy governor’s orderly shot dead

    The orderly to the deputy governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo was Tuesday night shot dead by unknown gunmen.

    The orderly, a police sergeant, whose name was given as Helen Sunday was shot at the usual place she drops at the Trans Ekulu area of Enugu after the day’s business few seconds after the official car zoomed off.

    The assailants, according to sources, took away her hand bag containing valuable items.

    Police sources ruled out assassination, but said “she was at the wrong place at the wrong time”.

    Enugu state police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the story.

    According to Amarizu, the deceased, who hails from Benue state, was “allegedly  attacked and killed around Trans Ekulu axis of Enugu on her way  back from work by yet to be identified person/persons over a yet to be established reason and motive.

    He said: “it is very unfortunate and painful news; we have commenced investigation and manhunt on all those behind the barbaric act.  ‎

    Amarizu added “If you look at what happened, it is painful and sad to hear that aide to deputy governor was shot dead on her way back after daily activities. “We can’t really say exactly what happened now but we are trying to find out.”

    No arrest has been made.