The Nation News

Category: News

  • Ebonyi: 5 aircrafts land at Chuba Okadigbo’s airport after runway rehabilitation 

    Ebonyi: 5 aircrafts land at Chuba Okadigbo’s airport after runway rehabilitation 

    By Uchenna Okeh

    No fewer than five aircrafts have landed at the Chuba Okadigbo’s international airport after the runway rehabilitation by Ebonyi State government led by governor Francis Nwifuru.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the first aircraft conveying the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje and other prominent Nigerians have landed safely at the Chuba Okadigbo’s airport located at Onueke Ezza South LGA.

    It was gathered that the 5 aircrafts landed, after one year of rehabilitation of the runway wherein over #17.8 billion was spent by governor Francis Nwifuru’s led administration.

    The commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu who spoke to newsmen in Abakaliki, expressed gratitude to the regulatory bodies in Nigeria; the FAN, NACA, NCAA, NEMA and Nigeria air state management for approving flights operations at the Chuba Okadigbo’s airport.

    According to her: “Today is my happiest day, since 2024 that a landmark was made, you know after the rehabilitation of the runway and completion of the ashaphating, we were doubtful if all the regulatory bodies in Nigeria; the FAN, NACA, NCAA, NEMA and Nigeria air state management whether they will approve of it, and today by the Grace of God, it is done.

    “We have received the first aircraft that brought in the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje to Ebonyi state for the burial of our dear son and the former minister of science and technology, Ogbonnaya Onu.

    “We are very happy that the Chuba Okadigbo international Airport is now open. From next week, we will be having flights coming in and going out. The opening of the flight operation in Chuba Okadigbo airport is a welcome development and we give thanks to God and all appreciation to the workaholic governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, who doggeredly achieved this great fate.

    “It has not been easy but the governor’s prudence, transparency, dedication and commitment has brought this to us, and we are very grateful.

    “We are expecting five aircrafts but one has landed, still expecting the remaining four other aircrafts to land” she noted.

  • Enugu Monarch, Nwoye harps on preservation of Igbo Culture, Tradition in S-East

    By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

    The Traditional ruler of Amurri ancient kingdom in Nkanu west Council area of Enugu state, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Charles Egbo Nwoye, has stressed on the need for the preservation and propagation of the Igbo culture and tradition in the south east region.

    He stressed that posterity won’t forgive the custodians, if igbo culture and tradition is allowed to go into extinction.

    Nwoye, posited that any race that does not promote its culture and tradition, which remains the people’s way of life, are doing a disservice to such claims.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that notable personalities as the incumbent Senator representing Enugu East senatorial district, Kelvin Chukwu, immediate past Enugu state Chairman of the ruling All progressives  Congress, APC Dr. Ben Nwoye, late Nollywood legend, John Okafor, fondly known as (Mr Ibu), amongst others hails from the Community which is comprising of four villages.

    Speaking during the 2024 annual  popular Oriri Anu Amurri which is a combination of their new yam festival held at the Community’s market square yesterday, the monarch insisted that the history of a people will be incomplete without their culture and tradition record.

    He therefore urged natural rulers in Igbo land to keep doing everything within their powers to ensure that the culture and traditions of their localities do not go into extinction in their respective domains in the name of civilization.

    He said: “What we are doing here today, being Afor market day, is remarkable in the history of Amurri ancient kingdom. We are marking what has been in existence from time immemorial”

    According to Igwe Nwoye, “it is only aeculogist that can test the soil and trees to ascertain how long this Community has been existing, and even at that, they can only use the word about, which may not be accurate”

    “So, what we have gathered here today to celebrate is what we call Oriri Anu Amurri Esato obodo Esato. Oriri, simply means celebration, while Anu means the soil. We are celebrating the soil.

    “During the farming season, we cultivate, we plant different seedlings and produce into the soil, and by the beginning of November, we will begin to harvest and make bumper harvest .

    The Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah, who spoke through his Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Patrick  Ubru, applauded the Amurri people for their zeal and resilience  in farming  which he said,  is in line with his administration’s commitment in boosting food production and sufficiency.

    He assured the people that his government would continue to provide farmers both rural and mechanized ones the conducive environment so as to enhance food sufficiency and make the state food basket in South East Nigeria,  restating his resolve in accordance with  Agriculture sectors the  topmost priority.

    Also speaking at the colorful ceremony, the immediate past chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Enugu State, Ben Nwoye  stressed the need for religious groups to always imbibe the culture of tolerance.

    The APC chieftain who is a Crown Prince in the Community noted that before the advent of the Europeans that led to the acceptance of Christianity in Africa, natives had their ancient ways of worshipping their gods.

    Going down memory lane, he recalled that the natives accommodated various Christian denominations like Catholic Church, Methodist, among others.

    The former Federal Commissioner further disclosed that apart from accommodating Christianity, the natives gave its denominations places where they built schools and churches.

    Nwoye therefore appealed to Christians and Muslims  and other religions to also tolerate the traditional worshippers and not to disperse them.

    ” We call on the Christian religion to also be accommodative and not to go to any community and disperse them. The way of worship of Amuri people is the ancient way of worship and the God that created us still hears us” he stated.

    Nwoye further noted that the Amuri community, like the Christian religion, has a pilgrimage center where people go and  pray for solutions to their needs including wealth.

    He  explained that the cultural celebration is also used to seek for peace, adding that the priests of the land have already showered blessings on them.

    Also speaking, the Chief Priest of Amuri, John Njoku stated that they use the  event to celebrate the new yam festival and appreciate the land of Amuri.

    In an interview, Senator Chukwu, described this year’s festival as unique, saying it provided sons and daughters of Amurri kingdom the opportunity of coming together as always to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the locality 

    He promised to attract his colleagues to attend that of 2025, adding that as a Senator, he would continue  to support his people ensuring that the festival is sustained.

  • UNIZIK VC, Odoh vows to attract #70b, uplift standard of teaching, learning 

    By, Uchenna Okeh 

    The vice chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh has vowed to attract over #70 billion naira to the varsity and uplift the standard of teaching and learning within the period of five years of his tenure.

    Odoh, who addressed a mammoth crowd of stakeholders and students at the Church service, in Akwa disclosed plans to position UNIZIK among Africa’s top 50 universities and within the top 500 globally.

    He said that the funding of projects would come from tuition fees, partnerships, and grants, with a focus on Public-Private Partnerships expected to raise over N10 billion by co-financing critical infrastructure projects and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives.

    “As part of our commitment, we’ve distributed a ‘social contract’ booklet outlining our five-year vision for UNIZIK,”

    He reminded the University Community that politics of the selection of the Vice-Chancellor was over and that there was no controversy over the powers of the Governing Council and the Visitor of the University over the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.

    “The era of politics over the VC selection is behind us; let’s focus on moving UNIZIK forward,” Odoh stated.

    The Vice-Chancellor issued a stern warning against disloyalty and indiscipline, emphasizing his intent to foster unity and commitment across the university.

    “The law of the university is clear, and I was appointed through due process. I won’t entertain divided loyalties. I’ll approach my role with humility but will be strict in enforcing policies. From day one, discipline is non-negotiable. UNIZIK has been on a decline, and we must all work together to revive it.”

    Odoh, an alumnus of the university, underscored his dedication by announcing plans to reside on campus.

    “I want to experience what students and staff experience. If there’s a power outage, I’ll feel it too. My goal is to live and work here closely with the community,” he said.

    Outlining his vision, the VC highlighted his experience as both an academic and a businessman, expressing confidence in his ability to attract substantial funding and drive reforms.

    “We aim to raise N70 billion over five years, utilizing PPPs and other funding channels.

    “Currently, UNIZIK ranks 22nd among Nigerian universities—a position I find unacceptable. My goal is to elevate our university into Africa’s top 50 and to compete globally among the top 500 institutions,” Odoh stated

    Odoh outlined the core objectives of his administrative blueprint to include “Development of Industry- Ready Graduates, Enhance Research and Development, Integrate Disruptive Technologies, Strengthen Industry- Academia Partnerships and Achieve Sustainable Growth”.

    Earlier in a sermon during the mass presided by the Chaplain of St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy UNIZIK, Rev. Fr. Religious Ezeokonkwo, the homilist, Rev. Fr Evaristus Iheanacho in a sermon titled “Call to Serve” urged every member of the university community to work hard in upholding the motto of the institution in character and learning.

    “I urge all members of this great citadel of learning to work together and in unity to restore the glory of this University. Only change is constant and positive change is what this University needs”.

    He prayed to God to give Prof. Odoh the grace, strength and ability to do things right, fix things in their proper place and ensure progress of teaching, learning and especially, character formation.

    The priest charged the Vice-Chancellor to discharge his duties with all diligence and do good to all men without bias, fear or favour.

    Responding, Prof. Kenneth Nwogu from the university’s Faculty of Law, who spoke on behalf of other staff, passed a vote of confidence on him, assuring that they would support him to move the institution to an enviable heights.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that beginning with a church service at St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy of the University was attended by over 100 priests, Professors, Deans and Heads of Department among others.

  • 17,000 people to benefit from Tinubu’s grant scheme in Enugu

    17,000 people to benefit from Tinubu’s grant scheme in Enugu

    By, Chinelo Ude, Enugu 

    The Bank of Industry (BOI) on Tuesday said that 17,000 people will benefit from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s conditional grant Scheme (PCGS) in Enugu State.

    The Branch Head, Bank of Industry, Enugu, Mrs Anuli Akabuogu disclosed this during a town hall meeting on the presidential conditional grant scheme in Enugu.

    Akabuogu said that the Federal Government had various interventions as  BOI was chosen as one the agencies to handle the  intervention programme.

    She said that N4.3bn had been disbursed to beneficiaries in Enugu State, adding that there were others that had been enumerated but yet to receive the grant of N50,000 which would be concluded soon.

    She explained that the N75bn for Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was another intervention programme of the FG and it was targeted towards reducing the cost of production for the MSMEs.

    “This is because we know that the cost of production has really gone high especially with the removal of fuel subsidies,” she said.

    Mr Arinze Offia, Head of Enugu Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMEs) Center said that nine thousand people had benefited from the scheme so far.

    Offia added that the scheme was for the 17 local government areas of Enugu, urging others who have not applied to make use of the opportunity and apply immediately.

    Also speaking, Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) said that the N200bn Presidential Intervention  Fund  comparing the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and Loan Scheme for MSMEs and manufacturing enterprises in the emerging global market was timely.

    Okeke represented by Mrs Chukwumuanya Okeagu  said it would create a common market for Africa, especially with the standard harmonisation programme in Africa.

    Mr Eberechukwu Ijeomah, Enugu State Manager, Small and Medium- Enterprises of Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) urged the participants to always key into the FG intervention programme so as to benefit as other regions in the country.

    Ijeomah advised them to also ask questions about all government programmes in order not to be left out, adding that SMEDAN is always there to help.

    The Regional Manager, Access Bank, Mr Daniel Nzeka said that the  PCGS was part of the efforts of the FG to make sure that banks were easily accessible as the bank has various loans for Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMEs).

    Nzeka urged everyone to make maximum use of the opportunity as Access Bank was there to support them in any way.

    One of the beneficiaries of the scheme, Mr Okechukwu Uche expressed his joy over the amount he got.

    He said he thought it was a  scam at the beginning but after applying, within a short period he got the grant.

  • 2025: Gov. Fintiri vows to empower 100,000 youths, recruit workers in Adamawa

    2025: Gov. Fintiri vows to empower 100,000 youths, recruit workers in Adamawa

    By Yagana Ali, Yola 

    The Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has outlined strategic plans to enhance the state’s civil service through targeted recruitment and workforce development by 2025. 

    The  administration also aims to economically empower 100,000 youths and women through business grants. 

    Fintiri, who made this known during a courtesy visit by Jimeta residents, unveiled his infrastructure development plans, including road construction in Bacure and surrounding areas.

    He highlighted notable achievements, including the upgraded Jimeta water treatment plant and expanded water reticulation.

    In a remark, one of the commissioners in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa Yayaji commended the governor’s efforts and plans to  economically empower 100,000 youths and women through business grants.

    Others who spoke during the visit; the former Speaker, Hassan Turaki and Salihu Baba Ahmed, lawmakers and local leaders commended the governor’s initiatives, citing their influence in joining the PDP. 

    The Jimeta delegation expressed gratitude for the governor’s economic and social projects.

    Similarly, the State Chief Judge, Justice Hapsat Abdulrahman, however presented a gift acknowledging his contributions to the Yola North zone.

  • Otu Inaugurates newly elected local government chairmen  in C’River 

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, on Monday, officially inaugurated 18 local government chairmen and vice chairmen who emerged victorious at the just concluded polls in the state.

    The newly elected chairmen and their vice all emerged under the flagship of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the party recorded a clean sweep in the elections, winning all the 18 chairmanship seats and 196 councillors positions. 

    Speaking at the event, which was held at the temporary office of the Governor at Dan Archibong Lodge, Calabar, Governor Otu charged the new leaders of the third tier of government with the responsibility of serving their local governments diligently. He underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and the ‘People First’ governance approach.

    The Governor highlighted key priorities for the new leadership to include community development, addressing infrastructure needs, and improving public services at the grassroots level.

    “Your victory is a call to action to serve the people of Cross River and deliver on your promises with integrity. We have a goal as a state, and it is important to align with this goal. We want to build our Gross Domestic Product (GDP); we want to attract investment. We want our people to live better. So, it is not a ceremonial office; it is serious business,” Sen. Otu added. 

    He noted that as each local government council is birthed in the euphoria of autonomy, there is a corresponding burden of statutory responsibilities as enshrined in the First Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a mandate, reminding the new LGA leaders that the resolve to bring government nearer to the people remains inviolable to the present administration.

    “As the closest tier of government to the people, the core mandate of every local government council is the provision of basic amenities. The accomplishment of this task shall be a litmus test for the huge confidence the electorate repose in you and a referendum on your capacity to deliver on your campaign promises. 

    Responding on behalf of the inaugurated officials, the Chairman of Obudu local government area, Hon. Udiandeye Peter assured the Governor Otu, APC, and all Cross Riverians that the current crop of chairmen and their vices will not rest on their oars to bring the democratic dividends to the grassroots, a position, he mentioned, has been borrowed from the Otu-led administration.

    He used the opportunity to thank Cross Riverians for trusting them with the mandate to contribute their own quota to the development of the state through grassroot leadership, while praying to God for the enabling grace to live up to the billing of their various positions.

  • ‘Appointment of Odoh as UNIZIK’s VC in total compliance with relevant laws – Otu

    By Uchenna Okeh

    The office of the Vice chancellor, Nnamdi Azikwe University on Monday insisted that the appointment of Prof Bernard Odoh as VC, is in total conformity with the provisions of Section 6 (a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council.

    The varsity made this known in a statement signed and made available to newsmen by the personal assistant, Media and Publicity to the vice chancellor, Charles O. Otu,

    Otu, however called on the general public to ignore the falsehoods that has been flying day and night, alleging that the Federal Ministry of Education in a letter dated November 1st, 2024 and addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka voided the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th Vice-Chancellor of the premier institution.

    Otu emphasized that the Management officially clarified the Ministry of Education and any other body, on matter or any enquiry regarding the processes leading to the appointment of Odoh who came top among Fifteen interviewed out of the Eighteen candidates that applied for the same position or any other such positions.

    He explained the Management of the university through the Registrar, R. I. Nwokike, had made thorough clarifications to the Federal Ministry of Education by attaching with facts, figures and pictorial evidences of all the processes and procedures of the University’s Senate and the Governing Council, including letters of invitations, attendance and actual representatives of appropriate authorities present during the October 29th 2024 interview and selection. 

    The statement reads in part: “The institution has correctly stated that all of its actions were informed and conforms with the statutory requirements and provisions set forth in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004. The Registrar who doubles as the Secretary to the Council had in a letter dated the same day sufficiently replied the Federal Ministry of Education that the actions of the Council were in total conformity with the provisions of Section 6 (a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council which stipulates that the quorum requirements which mandates the presence of five members, including at least one of the following: The Vice-Chancellor or his Deputy, one appointee of the Visitor and one appointee of the Senate.

    “The Registrar had also in response to allegations of violations of due process further clarified that due process was meticulously observed throughout the appointment for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar. Also for further clarification and possible enlightenment, the attention of the general public must be drawn first and foremost to the fact that our extant laws clearly specified the roles of the Governing Council of a tertiary institution vis-a-vis those of the Visitor and the parent’s Ministry of Education. In Nigeria, the University’s Governing Council plays a unique and critical role in administration and governance of universities. 

    It’s a special body that has been legally granted the authority to oversee the university’s operations, including making key decisions about policies, finances, and appointments—such as choosing a Vice-Chancellor, (VC). This council is designed to function independently, separate from direct control by outside bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Education.

    “We must understand that under our existing law, the University Council is established to make decisions in the best interest of the University without external interference. Therefore, the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, also known as the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1, 2007, asserts this autonomy by stating that the council’s powers shall be exercised as provided in the law and statutes of each university, and that establishment circulars inconsistent with these laws shall not apply to the universities.

    “While the Ministry of Education, including the National Universities Commission, NUC oversees general educational standards across the nation, it does not have the legal power to direct or control the daily decisions of a university council, including who should be appointed as a Vice-Chancellor. 

    “The Council works within a structure of University Laws, Rules and Regulations that guide its decisions. It is therefore safe to conclude that the relationship between the University’s Governing Council and the Ministry of Education is structured by law to be respectful, yet separate. Therefore, when the Council reaches a decision, such as appointing a new Vice-Chancellor (VC), (as it has done in the instant case of NAU), it communicates this decision to the Ministry as a form of official notification. This is a requirement for transparency and coordination, not for approval or control. 

    “It can be correctly deposited that the contrived misinformation and awkward desperation of some of those who died or whose preferred candidate(s) were unsuccessful in the race, though ordinarily common in an academic environment, is now getting unhealthy and distracting. Some of the suspected sponsors of these falsehoods that have been flying day and night since the official announcement of Odoh- a Scholar who has distinguished himself in many publications and several other areas of competence and capacities within the University Community and even beyond now seems to be taken too far.

    “The appointment which for now has not been expressly faulted by any Laws of our land appears to be breeding some bad bloods and unsettling the nerves of some possible big spenders among our Igbo brothers, including some fifth columnists suspected in the nation’s ruling Party. Could it be all about the sentiments of resentment against the average Ebonyi man by the rest of their brothers, particularly the Anambra man? Is this not already degenerating and becoming very unhealthy for a temple of knowledge in the mould of a premier institution like Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka which ordinarily should have the best from anywhere in the world to pilot its affairs? 

    The management, however called on all parties in the matter to give peace a chance, while members of the general public are urged to disregard in its entirety, “all the news and false documents purporting the declaration of the actions of the UNIZIK Governing Council as null and void. Rather, and in compliance with the  recent circular of the Management of the institution which informed on it’s website that a high Mass service shall be held on Tuesday,  5th November, 2024 as part of activities for the resumption of office of the Seventh Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh”:he stated.

  • Gov Fintiri to empower 60,000 women, youths with a N3 billion business grant

    Gov Fintiri to empower 60,000 women, youths with a N3 billion business grant

    By Yagana Ali Yola 

    The governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has vowed that the state government through the Fintiri Business Wallet initiative will support 60,000 women and youths in the State.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the program is targeted to inject N3 billion into the state’s economy, enabling residents to build resilient businesses and foster economic growth.

    The Governor revealed this in the Banquet Hall, Government House Yola when he received a delegation of stakeholders from Hong LGA on a courtesy call on Saturday.

    The governor assured that the support will be rolled out between now and December, 2024, creating new opportunities and strengthening livelihoods across communities.

    Addressing concerns about civil servant salaries, Fintiri refuted claims of illegal deductions.

    He clarified that the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax is a standard deduction and explained that the state government had not deducted taxes for two months until the last month, following the implementation of the new minimum wage.

    During a visit from the delegation, Governor Fintiri received a request for the creation of the Hoba chiefdom. He promised to study the request and consider its merits.

    The governor reassured Adamawa residents of his administration’s commitment to positive change, security, and progress.

    “The best is yet to come,” he said, reaffirming his dedication to delivering his mandate and taking Adamawa to the promised land.

  • Ebonyi govt. orders mining companies to stop operations in Afikpo communities  

    Ebonyi govt. orders mining companies to stop operations in Afikpo communities  

    By Uchenna Okeh

    Ebonyi state government led by governor Francis Nwifuru has as a result of the 

    incessant complaints and petitions against some Mining firms in Afikpo Local Government Area by landlords and host communities, ordered for the immediate stoppage of mining operations in the affected areas.

    The State Commissioner for Mining and Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia gave the directive while addressing representatives of a Chinese Mining Construction Company and Woda Mountain Construction Company both operating in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area in his office in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.

    Onyia however, insisted that no mining exploration and activities should continue in the affected areas until the firms properly entered into a Community Development agreements with Ihie and Ezeke Autonomous communities both in Amasiri Local Government Area of the State.

    He gave a seven-day ultimatum to the three Mining firms in Afikpo and Amasiri communities to comply with the directives otherwise they will risk their operation in the said communities.

    The commissioner, Onyia further said that “that WODA Mountain, Amasiri’s purported Community Development Agreement, CDA (Lease agreement) with the host community is null and void and therefore, neither ANLI Mining Investment Limited nor WODA Mountain should carry out any mining operations in Afikpo without the involvement of the key stakeholders from the host communities.”

    He therefore directed the affected Companies to cease operations in the host communities until the processes of re-engaging the host communities were perfected.

    Earlier in his address to the stakeholders of Ukpa Community and ANLI Mining Investment Limited, the Commissioner also nullified any agreement purported to have hitherto existed between the firm and the host community.

    Ebonyi

    “That the purported Community Development Agreement (lease agreement) entered into between Anli Mining Investment Limited and Ukpa Community in Afikpo Local Government is null and void and therefore nullified by the Ebonyi State government.

    The Ebonyi State government through the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development is deeply interested in the execution of meaningful projects in line with provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and the Mining Regulations Act, 2011 in Afikpo for the benefit of the host communities.”

    The Commissioner therefore insisted that: “that Anli Mining Investment Limited must sign a proper and fresh CDA with the representatives of the land owners, village host communities, Traditional Rulers and the representatives of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development communities” he stated 

    The Commissioner also constituted a Projects implementation Committee that consisted of the Company representatives, land owners representatives, community representatives and the government’s representatives. “There shall be two CDAs for which one will represent the interest of Ukpa village, Ohaisu community, Ezi Akani Land Owners and the other representative for the interest of their maternal families”, he maintained.

    The Commissioner also informed that henceforth, “any scholarship from Anli Mining Investments Limited must be strictly supervised and monitored by the Ebonyi State government to know the actual beneficiaries and their individual identities.

    Onyia disclosed to the stakeholders of both the host communities and the firms that the Federal Government is very careful about mining operations.

    “We didn’t say go and kill the company or strangle the company, but we have to follow the procedures. And sometimes, we feel pity for these companies but let me tell you this. None of these companies make less than 500 million naira monthly. I am not trying to incite you against the company but just telling you the truth” he stated.

    Earlier in their speeches, the representatives of Ihie and Ezeke in Amasiri Autonomous community led by the State’s Commissioner for Tertiary Education in the State, Amari Omaka, Mr. Sunny Ike Ogbonnia and Godwin Elekwa among numerous stakeholders, all took turns to bare their minds on the sad dealings between the Mining Companies and their communities.

  • Ex- Senate President, Wayas to be buried Nov 30th after 3 years

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    The former Senate President of Nigeria, Late Joseph Wayas would be buried November 30th three years after his demise at a London Hospital.

    The secretary of the central planning committee for the  burial of the late former Senate President and the convener, Who is Who in Northern Cross River, Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe made the disclosure in Calabar yesterday at a press conference 

    Recall that Wayas died Nov 30th 2022 in a London Hospital where he  had been undergoing medical care due to unavoidable complications, his remains was kept at the London morgue awaiting his burial that could not hold due to disagreement amongst family members 

    According to him, “the funeral has been slated for 30th November, 2024.Exact details about service of songs, commendation service and final burial rites will be announced next week” he stated.

    Joseph Wayas, from Obanliku  local government area of Cross River State served as Senate President from 1979 to 1983 during the Second Republic, distinguished himself through his dedication to democratic Ideals and unity in governance.

    “We would like to once again express our profound gratitude to the Governor of cross river state, Senator Bassey Otu for his steadfast will and determination in ensuring that the story of our late Senate President Concludes in a manner befitting his legacy”

    He said further that, “His Excellency’s commitment to honour Joseph Wayas underscores the administration’s respect for the contributions of our leaders and is a testament to his dedication to preserving the dignity of our state’s great son”.

    He also extended appreciation to the Senate President of Nigeria, His Excellency Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, for his invaluable support and commitment to the cause and his willingness to honour Wayas by arranging transportation of the remains from Abuja to Calabar.