The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nsukka

  • At the mercy of robbers

    The staff quarters of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has been invaded by robbers, leaving staff and students disturbed. Last Friday, robbers raided houses serially, reports OLADELE OGE (Mass Communication).

    It is supposed to be the safest area on campus, but the staff quarters of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has become a fertile ground for robbers.

    Staff and students no longer sleep at night; they keep vigil because of robbers.

    The frequent armed robbery has become disturbing to residents, who are appealing to the university and the police to came to their rescue.

    Last Friday, residents cried for help when the robbers raided houses serially at 4am. Help came from nowhere as the robbers carted away valuables and an undisclosed amount of money. Some residents, including two students, were injured during the attack.

    Nobody could say how the robbers got access to the quarters, despite the presence of school security personnel and policemen around the area.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the robbers molested female victims, who proved stubborn. The affected areas are Okuta Close, Fulton Avenue, Zik Drive and some parts of Margret Cartwright Street.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, some victims said their wellbeing could no longer be guaranteed. They added that they could no longer depend on the security operatives.

    A victim, who identified himself as Prof Obiwere-Ego, recounted his ordeal with the robbers. He said: “I slept in the sitting room and suddenly, the generator stopped working. I sent one of my children to check what happened; unfortunately, he met robbers, standing beside the generator with guns and cutlasses. They ordered him to take them into the room. For several minutes, they ransacked my room and messed up everywhere.”

    Other buildings invaded by the robbers included Dr S. Koledoye’s apartment and a widow’s house.

    The widow, who declined to give her name, said she appealed to the armed gang for mercy, all to no avail.

    “I told them I don’t have money in the house and in the bank. I spoke five Nigerian languages, yet they insisted that they must go with something even if it was N200. When I could not give them anything, they descended on me and threatened to kill me,” the widow said.

    Dr Koledoye, who lives on Bye-pass Road, said he woke up to see the “young men” in his bedroom, armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. They ordered him to get up and bring out all the money in the house.

    He said: “I told them I had nothing in the house except food stuff, phones, laptops and my cars parked outside. My response annoyed them and they descended on my wife and children, beating them with knives and iron-belt.”

    They later found Koledoye’s bank cards. The medical doctor was ordered to lead them to the nearest Automated Teller Machine (ATM) port, where the gang withdrew all the money in the accounts of Koledoye and his wife.

    The victims condemned the attitude of the school security personnel, who they accused of not responding to distress calls.

    CAMPUSLIFE could not reach the Chief Security Officer, but an officer, who spoke to our reporter, said the security department had been working to ensure that the campus is peaceful and safe for all. He said there was no time the department got emergency calls without swinging into action.

    He said the department had given out seven mobile numbers to staff and students to call or send short messages whenever there was an emergency. He urged the residents to co-operate with the security personnel, who, he said, were making efforts to arrest the robbers.

  • Star Trek: 2face, Olamide, Naeto C, Phyno, others thrill Nsukka fans 

    Star Trek: 2face, Olamide, Naeto C, Phyno, others thrill Nsukka fans 

    Nsukka, a sleepy town in Eastern Nigeria, was aglow when the first leg of the annual Star Music Trek, a star-studded concert organised by Nigerian Breweries, berthed on its university, Saturday night.

    In its 13th edition, organisers had unveiled the full list of top-rated artistes at a spectacular sign-on party in Lagos, arousing great expectation among fans across the 10 Nigerian cities where the show will be staged.

    2face leads an exciting line-up which opened at Nsukka at the weekend. The show recorded an impressive crowd, as the famous singer dazzled music buffs alongside other artistes such as M.I, Olamide, Naeto C and Phyno, who performed hit after hit, to the delight of fans.

    Venue was the Local Government Stadium, Nsukka, where show host, Do2tun of CoolFM, took time to welcome guest from far and near with hilarious jokes, as he introduced, and called the artistes to stage.

    Naeto C’s stylish blend of music and panache did the trick, as his dancers kept up with the rapper’s swift beat. Joining him on stage was Efa, whose clout gave verve to songs like 5&6, Tony Montana, and 10/10. Evidently, these songs still resonate strongly with his fans.

    With an impressive collabo, Phyno and Olamide delivered stellar performances to which fans screamed excitedly. Phyno’s fans were introduced to new songs from his recently released album No Guts No Glory, even as he played familiar hits like Ghostmode, Obago, Dope Money, and Man of the Year among others.

    The show became more interactive and engaging when an elated fan, Chidinma mimed M.I’s song, One Naira. She got the rapper’s expensive wristwatch as a prize. With other songs like Chairman, Anoti etc, the self-acclaimed Africa’s Rapper No. 1 kept the momentum going.

    Superstar entertainer, 2face, unleashed a flurry of excitement as joyous fans stormed the stage to get a closer look at the celebrated performer.

    2face who joined M.I in the last few minutes of the former’s performance, took over the stage with his live band and eclectic dancers. No doubt, he offered just what his fans were waiting for; a nostalgic combination of his old and new hits.

    The crowd sang and danced, spurring the artiste on, as he performed his exciting medley such as Implication, Dance in the Rain, and Only Me.

    The excitement had started the previous day, with a Pre-Trek gig at Jives Bar, Nsukka, hosted by Do2tun with special guest artiste, 2face. At that event, invited guests won exciting prizes such as TV sets, phones, and carpets from the brand.

    Star Music Trek continues next weekend at the IBB Square, Makurdi, Benue State. Next on line are eight other cities, including Uyo (April, 12), Umuahia (April 19), Orlu (April 26), Ekwulobia (May 3), Onitsha Fegge (May 11), Benin (May 17), Ado Ekiti (May 24), and Lagos (May 31).

  • ‘We are committed to quality education’

    Management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has expressed its commitment to reposition the institution for academic excellence. At the ninth edition of its lectures series held at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Hall last week, Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof Basden Onwubere said the university had initiated series of projects to upgrade the college.

    He said the college has concluded arrangements to launch a N6 billion education fund raising programme scheduled to hold from today till Sunday.

    Prof Onwubere said despite the impressive performance of their graduates globally and rapid infrastructural development in the college, management was in dire need of more funds.

    He said: “Within the past four years, we have moved from less than 20 professors to nearly 60 in the College of Medicine, with many at the final stages of assessment. However, we are not yet where we should be, and there is still room for improvement in our academic work and research activities.”

    He decried the challenges faced by the college, which include medical library, students’ hostels, transportation and modern facilities necessary for conducive learning. Prof Onwubere commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barth Okolo for starting the construction of the ultra-modern college building complex, adding that Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, USA, Ben Nwosu formed African Research League with nine other UNN alumni to provide funds for students to conduct research under the strict supervision of members of staff.

    Chief Medical Director of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, ‘UNTH’, Dr Chris Amah said in two years, the hospital had witnessed massive transformation in infrastructure, establishment of new patients’ wards and improved services, adding that the open heart surgery, which was suspended for more than 10 years has been restored with record of five successful surgeries.

    He said the oxygen plant that had ceased to function for several years is operational, noting that building complexes for the schools would soon be completed.

    A former Chief Medical Director of UNTH, Prof John Oli stressed the need for the inclusion of local languages in the medical curriculum, saying this is necessary to enable medical doctors communicate effectively with illiterate patients.

    The chairman of the Professor Chukwuedu Nwokolo Annual Lecture Series and Award of Prizes for Academic Excellence, Prof Chuba Ijoma, said every year, there are cash prizes of N50,000 and N25,000 for best academic staff and students.

    In a lecture entitled: “Future trends of medical education in Nigeria,” Prof Okey Mbonu, said the future of medical education in Nigeria depended on the willingness of stakeholders to modify the curricula with a view to producing medical graduates with the additional competencies required for modern medical practice, adding that doctors were now required to acquire rare abilities that would meet the current needs of the society.

    “We need medical graduates with excellent clinical, research, computer and entrepreneurial skills, who would possess a problem-solving and a life-long learning attitude required in community centers,” he said.

    Prof Mbonu called for the establishment of departments of education in medical colleges in the country to drive progress in medical education, adding that community based training should be enhanced to complement traditional hospital practice.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that in 2006, the college administration under the leadership of Prof Banjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, instituted the Prof Chukwuedu Nwokolo Annual Lecture Series and Award of Prizes for Academic Excellence to stimulate research and scholarship.

     

  • Nsukka business community laments poor power supply

    The Allied Business Community, Nsukka, has expressed deep concern over the worsening power situation in Nsukka, Enugu State.

    In a position paper presented by its President, Comrade Okagu Augustine in Enugu, the group said poor power supply had crippled their businesses, adding that most of their members had already closed shops.

    The business community lamented that the power project at Nru Junction, which would have solved the acute power problem in the area, had long been abandoned.

    “We want to state with deep pain in our hearts that the power supply in Nsukka zone has gone from bad to worst. Epileptic power has killed our businesses, yet we are still paying relevant rates to the government.

    “In addition to this, we are being over-laboured with exorbitant estimated bill from the Electricity Distribution Company. It would have been a different scenario if we do enjoy the power supply to a reasonable extent, but the reverse is the case as we have continued to pay for power we never used.

    “As we talk to you today, over 50 percent of our members have either quit their businesses or retired to their villages owing to untold hardship occasioned by lack of power.

    “We are all aware of the high cost of diesel and the implication of using it constantly to run our businesses”.

    The group called on the Federal Government to all assistance to the contractor handling the Nru Junction Power project.

    “Government should ensure that the contractor returns to site and complete that project. Similar projects started in other parts of the country at the same time have since been completed and commissioned.

    “Our own case should not be different; government should be alive to its responsibility”, they added

  • Royal tussle in Nsukka

    Royal tussle in Nsukka

    The town of Eziani, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State is in turmoil as the choice of a traditional ruler seems to tear the community apart.

    The installation of Chief Tony Ezema as the traditional ruler of the community was faulted by the community. This generated controversies that may linger for a long time.

    The crisis, which has lasted for more than one year, got to a climax recently as hundreds of indigenous members of the community stormed the premises of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs few hours to his coronation, accusing the ministry officials of imposing him on them.

    Most of the members of the community are expressing fears that the new monarch would wield the big stick on them.

    The protesters, made up of aged men and women as well as youths, arrived Enugu, the state capital, from Nsukka as early as 9:00 in the morning chanting war songs.

    They carried placards bearing different inscriptions such as “No to imposition of Igwe on our community,” “Enugu State Government, please treat us as other communities where you conduct elections for Igweship,” “No to injustice, due process must be followed,” and “Without justice, no peace,” among others.

    In a protest letter addressed to Governor Sullivan Chime, they alleged that contrary to laid down rules and procedures, few highly placed individuals were bent on imposing a monarch on the community.

    The letter read in part: “We, the people of Eziani are here to, again, beg the government of Enugu State to come to our aid, as some few individuals are bent on doing things against the right of the people.

    “We listen to news, we go out and we observe that this ministry has been doing well to so many communities by restoring peace to those communities through the conduct of elections for the Igweship positions of such communities.

    “It is on record that when the ministry came to our community, Eziani in Nsukka Local Government Area on June 4, 2012 for verification exercise, the Commissioner, Pastor Emeka Abugu promised that the ministry would come back to conduct an election for Eziani people.”

    The commissioner was quoted as saying then that “we have seen that there is more than one candidate for the Igweship stool of Eziani community. Therefore, we will come back to conduct an election. I also want to let Eziani people know that government make more money when there are multiple candidates. So, any other person that is interested should go to the ministry at Enugu and buy form which costs N100, 000 per contestant.”

    They further said: “We complied and two people went to the ministry and bought the forms at the rate of N100, 000 each. Yet, up till now, the ministry has not come to conduct the election.

    “When government takes sides on any issue bordering on the masses, especially when it comes to their traditional rulers, it is obvious that such government is encouraging bad blood among the people and as such makes them fight against themselves, which may lead to loss of lives.”

    Our correspondent reports that the commissioner, Pastor Emeka Abugu, who arrived at the office three hours later told the protesters that the only option left for them was to go to court.

    He said: “Your foundation, the constitution is faulty; most traditional rulers did not consult the people before writing the constitution, and the rule of government is that we don’t change the constitution when it is time to elect a new traditional ruler.

    “As long as government has recognised him as Igwe, there is nothing anybody can do to remove him. The only thing that can remove him is a decision of the court. Even if you kill everybody in your place, it will not change anything. I cannot overrule myself, just like the INEC cannot go back after it has declared somebody winner.”

    Abugu said he would go ahead with the coronation of Chief Tony Ezema as the traditional ruler of the community.

    One of the aspirants to the traditional stool, Chief George Okolo who spoke to the media over the development alleged that another contestant Chief Tony Ezema has been parading himself as the recognised traditional ruler of the community without due process of law and in violation of laid-down rules and provisions of the community’s constitution.

    him a certificate of recognition in no distant time, in defiance to the wishes of the majority of Eziani community.

    Chief Okolo noted with dismay that the commissioner had earlier called all the aspirants to procure forms at a whopping sum of N100,000 each, only to single headedly pick Chief Tony Ezema as the traditional ruler at the detriment of the community.

    Giving the names of other aspirants as Chief George Okolo, Chief Matthew Gingeni and Chief Alphonsus Ugwuoke, Chief Okolo revealed that the commissioner invited both parties for a dialogue behind closed doors at an undisclosed hotel in Enugu only to inform them that he has special interest in Chief Ezema as the traditional ruler and ended up foisting him on the community.

    Also speaking, a youth leader and community mobiliser Chief Alex Ugwuoke alleged that the man parading himself as their traditional ruler had confiscated all their lands and made a public statement that anybody wishing to sale his land must consult him and members of his cabinet.

    “What we are demanding is a free and fair election where the choice of the majority will emerge.

    “We are against imposition of anybody on us. We have been in this helpless and hopeless situation after the death of our ruler, Igwe Christopher Idu who was an uncle to the man currently parading himself as the authentic ruler.

    “The self-proclaimed Igwe is highhanded, arrogant, vindictive and greedy. We are calling on the state government to, as a matter of necessity, conduct an election to enthrone a respected and genuine traditional ruler to enable peace return to Eziani community,” he said.

    Efforts made to speak with Igwe Tony Ezema were not successful as he was said to be busy organising his cabinet.

     

  • Nsukka residents decry high cost of kerosene

    Residents of Nsukka in Enugu State have decried the high cost of kerosene, which costs between N145 and N170 per litre as against the official pump price of N50.

    Mrs Joy Ugwuja, a civil servant, who commented on the situation in an interview with newsmen, criticised its dealers for selling the commodity above the official price.

    “It is unfortunate that owners of filling stations have continued to exploit residents by selling kerosene that many families depend on to cook and light their lamp at exorbitant price.

    “For the past two months, kerosene has been selling for between N145 and N170 and relevant government agencies have done nothing to call petroleum marketers to order.

    “To compound the situation, public power supply is not there; we sometimes stay for three to four days without seeing electricity,’’ she said.

    Also reacting to the situation, Mr Sunny Ezeugwu, a commercial bus driver, urged the government to intervene to save the residents from further exploitation.

    “What confuses me is that there is no strike by labour unions in the power sector or by NNPC that may warrant such hike in the price of kerosene.

    “The commodity is not scarce; filling stations are selling it at their own price because nobody is monitoring them. I do not know why the poor in this country have continued to be the object of exploitation.

    “I spend almost all the profit I make from my motor business to buy kerosene to enable my family cook and light our lamp at night since PHCN cannot be relied on,’’ he said.

    Mrs Charity Onu, a widow, said the high cost of kerosene had added to the suffering of her family.

    “Because of the high cost of kerosene, we put off our kerosene lamp when we go to bed in order to preserve kerosene.

    “Last week Thursday, I could not cook our dinner because we had no kerosene and no money to buy the fuel.

    “As result of the high cost of kerosene, the price of charcoal which many people use for cooking has also gone up,’’ she said.

    Some major marketers sell the commodity at N145 per litre while independent marketers sell at N160 or N170.

    A manager in one of the filling stations, who pleaded anonymity, said he did not know why there was increase in the price of kerosene, saying that he sold according to instructions from the owner.

    “I am not the owner of the station; I take directive from the owner.

    “But to tell you the truth, I am not happy about the high price, after all my family also uses kerosene for cooking,’’ he said.

     

  • Why home economics is imperative, by don

    Aprofessor of Home Economics, Elizabeth Anyakoha, of faculty of education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has stressed the need for government to industrialise home economics to promote indigenous skill, with a view to create employment for graduates.

    Prof Anyakoha said this while delivering the 76th inaugural lecture entitled: Advancing a framework for showcasing family concerns: Challenging the challenges. The lecture was held in the university’s Princess Alexandra Hall.

    Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo, who was represented by his deputy on Academics, Prof Polycarp Chigbu, pointed out that a lot of research works had been carried out through modern technology. He noted that excellent research work was difficult to achieve, advising researchers to add touches of intellectuals to their works.

    Prof Anyakoha said growth in different areas of the nation’s economy posed challenges to the development of home economics, which she said was aiming to revive occupational health education.

    She, however, revealed that the department’s activities had been promoted internationally, which made many of its research works to be used for book publication overseas without royalty.

    The lecturer regretted that the basic quota for admission had stagnat the expansion of the department to produce manpower for national research work and labour market.

    She was confident that if home economics was given proper attention by the government, it could be used to combat insecurity by engaging the youths in productive ventures.

    She added that computer knowledge of students and staff couple with provision of steady power supply participated by the government to carry out research work would to support the initiative of the department to produce needed manpower for country’s development.

    The lecture was well attended by scholars within outside the state including the staff and students of the university.

     

  • Overhauling transcript processing

    Overhauling transcript processing

    The problems of processing transcripts should belong to an old era. It should not be part of 21st century administration of tertiary institutions that desire to be respected the world over.

    With our institutions fighting for relevance on the international scene, there necessarily needs to be an overhaul of how they are run. Their managers need to start adopting best practices from the universities that are topping the world rankings.

    One area that needs complete overhaul is the way transcripts are processed. Our graduates have suffered unnecessary hardship trying to obtain their transcripts for further studies or employment after completing their programmes. Like Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo noted in a lecture he delivered at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abuja (FUNAAB), many have missed admission opportunities because of the lousy procedure involved.

    To obtain transcripts, the practice should be that the institution in need of it applies to the institution that produced the graduate. However, because most of our institutions have not evolved effective ways of managing these processes, that system does not work for many.

    Foreign and even local institutions instruct Nigerian graduates seeking admission to obtain the transcripts and mail to them. Such candidates have to travel to their alma-mater, most times having to obtain permission from their employers for several days Leave to attend to the matter. When they get to the institutions, they are made to follow a procedure that would require them to move from their departments to the exams and records unit, to the registry, and other places. Along the line, they have to grease several palms to facilitate the search, movement, transfer of the files containing their academic records to the appropriate officers for computing. Then when ready, a sealed document is meant to be mailed to the address of the institution that needs them. Today, many collect the transcript by hand, and of course, they open the envelope to see the document.

    If that is all that they need to do to get their transcripts, it would have been bearable. But it is not. Most times, there is a long waiting list for those applying for transcripts, so, those that follow the laid down procedure may as well wait indefinitely for their applications to be processed. The ‘smart’ ones find their way. They get the document out faster by influencing people they know to intervene or parting with some money. They are forced to deal with very unpleasant workers along the line who think processing the document is a favour they do for the graduates and not the jobs they are paid to do. This way of thinking is very wrong. Workers in our institutions should be made to do their jobs and not frustrate students. Some of them have become tin gods in their offices, threatening students with all manner of actions, or ignoring them completely as if they are irrelevant.

    Chukwuemeka Chukwudi is one person who can relate to the frustrations that result when the document is not issued on time. As a matter of fact, the 2003 graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is yet to get his transcript since applying in 2010. He has been told his file is missing. Period! All efforts he has made for three years have proved abortive.

    If it were in other countries, whoever was responsible for misplacing his file would have been probed and disciplined. If he is not sacked, he would face disciplinary action. But it is not so in Nigeria.

    How can a student spend four years studying at an institution only to be told his entire academic records are missing and nothing can be done about it? Our students do not deserve to be treated so shabbily. It is time management of our tertiary institutions stipulate code of conduct for their workers and provide avenues for students to seek redress.

  • 2015: Enugu PDP zones governorship to Nsukka

    2015: Enugu PDP zones governorship to Nsukka

    IF political developments in Enugu State are anything to go, Governor Sullivan Chime is having its way on which of the three senatorial districts produces his successor in 2015.

    The Caucus of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State affirmed its earlier position that the 2015 governorship seat should be zoned to Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Nsukka cultural zone.

    The affirmation ended aspirations of groups from Enugu West Senatorial District, the political constituency of Governor Sullivan Chime.

    Recently, the governor and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu disagreed on which district takes the next shot at the Government House.

    It (party decision) was taken in the presence of the Chime and Ekweremadu – two major dramatis personae in the zoning row.

    The unanimous endorsement followed a motion to zone the position to Enugu North Senatorial District which was moved by former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Chief Dubem Onyia,

    Onyia hinged his recommendation on the “inherent agreement we have in Enugu State in view of our historical antecedents.”

    Senator Ben-Collins Ndu seconded the motion.

    There was no dissenting voice when it was put to voice vote by the chairman of the party, Vita Abba.

    The decision attracted a loud ovation from members at the Governor’s Lodge, venue of yesterday’s caucus meeting.

    Chime called for sacrifice and understanding, especially from most of the elected representatives, saying “we have to respect agreements based on zoning in order to make transition easier and smoother.”

    In his remark before the endorsement was put to vote, Senator Ekweremadu said he has no problem with the governorship position being zoned to Nsukka zone.

    “If we want it (zoning it to Enugu North Senatorial zone), let us discuss it (because) I’m all for it,” the senator said.

    Former governor and ex-chair of the ruling party Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, commended Chime’s leadership style and wide consultation prior to elections.

    He said: “Some of us initially did not understand the governor’s style but he was convinced and pushed it through.

    “What has been said by the governor (need to respect agreements) is true because it has saved us from unnecessary rancour and bickering.

    “I want to congratulate the caucus on the decision (zoning the governorship to Nsukka) taken today.”

    At the meeting were: all National Assembly members from the state (except Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was bereaved), former deputy governor, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, Ambassador Justina Eze, Speaker of the House of Assembly Eugene Odoh and other principal officers, PDP Board of Trustees member, Mrs. Sally Egbogu and former federal lawmakers among others.

  • New house for rainstorm victim

    New house for rainstorm victim

    One of the victims of last June’s rainstorm in Nru community of Nsukka, Enugu State, Mrs Justina Asogwa, received an unexpected relief.

    Mrs Asogwa, a widow, was presented with a new three-bedroom fully furnished bungalow.

    The house, jointly built by some officials of Nsukka Local Council, was handed over to her by the Chairman, Mr. Tony Ugwu, a lawyer.

    Ugwu said the gesture was to relieve the victim who is ‘the poor of the poor’ among the victims ravaged by the natural disaster.

    “It may interest you to know that we did not use the council’s fund to build this house.

    “Myself and my executive contributed from our personal purse in other that this woman will have a shelter to live in.

    “I am pleased that we have been able to re-echo the slogan of this administration to bring succour and smiles back to residents of Nru community”, he said.

    The councillor representing Nru ward in the council, Hon.  Celestine Ogbu said he was overwelmed at the rare gesture exhibited by the chairman and his executive.

    “I thought the relief materials distributed by the council to the victims were the end of this exercise but I am surprised at these rare act exhibited by the chairman and his executives by contributing from the salaries to bring succour to this helpless widow,” he said.

    The elated widow, Justina Asogwa, thanked Nsukka council for the gift of the house

    “I am happy for the gift of this house and I pray that God will bless all the people who ensured that in wiping my tears away”, she said.

    The Nsukka Local Government gave three bundles of zinc  and a bag of rice were given to each of the  40 victims whose houses were lost to the Nru rainstorm last June.