The Nation News

Category: News

  • Benue Govt relocates 171 households with over 835 IDPs to mega camps

    From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

    The Benue State government in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on Thursday commenced relocation of 171 households with over 835 population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to a newly constructed Mega camp.

    The new camp, constructed by International Organization for Migration, IOM is located at Mbayongo community along Makurdi- Gbajimba road, Guma local government area of the State.

    Recall that Governor Hyacinth Alia had, upon assumption of office, promised that his administration will return the IDPs to their ancestral homes within one year in office.

    Speaking during the commencement of the relocation, the Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, revealed that the camp has capacity to accommodate over 5,000 persons.

    He said the State government has decided to relocate three camps including Baka, NEPA and Ichwa to the mega camp, hence their  ancestral homes and  for better living conditions and security for the IDPs.

    The SEMA boss who was represented by the Information officer of the Agency, Mr. Tema Ager, said that provisions have been made for the siting of a security post, schools, market, hospitals and electricity, toilets and water facilities to ensure standard of living of the inmates.

    Speaking with Journalists, an Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs Margaret Jubu who shared her experience in the camp, said she has been staying at the NEPA camp for over seven (7)years, adding that for these years, she engaged in doing menial jobs like going to work in people’s farm, cultivating rice and cassava to sustain herself and five children. 

    Hear her,”I lost my husband 7 years ago as a result of the crisis. He died of hypertension.I hail from UIkpam in Guma local government area. When the community was attacked by suspected herdsmen, I ran straight from the farm and had to trek to Makurdi for two(2) days.

    “We escaped from the farm and walked several miles hiding inside the bush. When we got to Daudu, there was another attack, we escaped again from there to Makurdi. I first stayed at my sister’s place at Ter Guma Street in the North Bank but it was not a conducive place. 

    “So, I moved to this place (NEPA Quarters)but thank God for Governor Alia this camp has been abandoned for several years but he brought life back to it by ensuring that we have regular relief materials. 

    “We also appreciate SEMA for the show of care and attention given to the IDPs. Am excited to be relocated to a better place”.

    Another victim, Terngu Angbianor who was displaced and has been living in the camp for over seven years, expressed joy over the decision of the state government to move them to the Mega camp .

    He said it could have been better if they returned to their ancestral homes.  

     “Life at the IDPs camp for the past seven years had been difficult. Despite the kind gesture by the government, I  will prefer to go back to my ancestral home if enough security is provided” he stressed.

  • Implement minimum wage to teachers -Atiku tells Gov. Fintiri

    Implement minimum wage to teachers -Atiku tells Gov. Fintiri

    By Yagana Ali Yola.

    The chairman of the Nigerian union of teachers, NUT, Adamawa state chapter, Atiku Buba has called on the state governor, Amadu Umar Fintiri to implement minimum wage to teachers.

    Buba made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen shortly after the annual 12, (8 quadrennial state delegate conference) held at lelwal hotel in Yola.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that this year’s conference theme is “Education challenges in an Economy of uncertainty:effect on teachers” 

    The chairman, Buba however appreciated the governor Adamawa state Amadu Umar Fintiri on constant payments of benefits to beneficiaries of the teacher welfare scheme and engaging in constant dialogue with government on the lingering issues of promotion and upgrading of teachers in primary schools which he said has yielded a very good result..

    While highlighting the problem of teachers in the state, Atiku called on the governor to implement the promotion and upgrading of primary schools teachers , non-payment of professional allowance of 27.5 percent of some teachers with requisite qualifications.

    He also called on the governor to consider the elongation of years of service to cover all categories of teachers irrespective of area of specialization.

    In his remark the NLC chairman Adamawa state also called on the governor to ensure the provision of learning materials to schools in the rural areas and equip the teacher with teaching materials at the local government level.

    Earlier, the national president of the NUT,  Audu Amba sympathized with the NUT over the death of the late chairman of NUT, Adamawa state, Rodney Nathan.

    He also called on the governor of Adamawa state to implement the recent increase of minimum wage to teachers in Adamawa state.

    He said , “Why is the government, especially at the state level, on disparity over the implementation of the minimum wage scale to teachers while others enjoy it but not teachers?”

    He therefore called on all state governments to at a matter of urgency implement the salary scale because they too pay tax as citizens.

    The delegate from 21 LGA in Adamawa elected a new leader Faisal Muhammad after the demise and expiration of the Chairman seat in Adamawa.

  • NBC DG, Adamu vows to resolve boundary disputes in northern states

    NBC DG, Adamu vows to resolve boundary disputes in northern states

    …Tasks LGAs to Set up committees for boundary demarcation 

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

    The Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu A Adaji on Wednesday urged all the local governments in the six Northern states of Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe to set up Committees  for boundary Demarcation.

    Adaji gave the urging during a two day sensitization workshop for boundary managers with the theme: Towards a peaceful and prosperous Borders held at the Bauchi State Government House Banquet Hall.

    He said that the committees will help in settling disputes in the 7 state and the local government areas.

    Adaji said that the National Boundary Commission (NBC) has the responsibility of resolving boundary related dispute between Nigeria and its neighbours and between the constituent states of the Federation, Demarcation and delineating international and internal boundaries.

    Promoting cross border cooperation and peaceful coexistence between the NBC establishment act 2006 structured the internal boundary system into 3 tiers with the National Boundary Commission.

    He further said that the National Boundary Commission act 2006 stated that the commission is to intervene and deal with any boundary dispute that may arise among states, local government areas and communities in the Federation with a view of settling disputes.

    The Director General of the National Boundary Commission,  Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji said that the workshop brings managers of boundary affairs and other relevant Stakeholders to foster dialogue and collaboration among neighboring states along internal boundaries of Nigeria in order to fast-track peaceful resolution of boundary disputes.

    Promote peace, stability, and security through enhanced cooperation and trust building, address common boundary related challenges and harness opportunities for socio-economic development in border areas.

    The program targeted the deputy governors of the affected states,  members of the states boundary committees, vice chairmen of the affected border local government areas, traditional rulers and community leaders.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman who is the mai-bade double with the vice council Chairman traditional rulers of Yobe State, said that traditional leaders are ready to support any decision that will bring peace in the seven states.

  • Ebonyi gov. Nwifuru vows to give full support to Unizik new VC, Odoh

    By Uchenna Okeh 

    The governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru on Tuesday vowed to give full support to the new vice chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Barnard Odoh.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that Odoh is the first Ebonyi man and first unizik alumnus to become Vice chancellor of the university.

    Nwifuru made this known in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

    The statement reads in part: “On behalf of the government and the good people of Ebonyi State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our dear son—erudite scholar and Professor of note, Bernard Ifeanyichukwu Odoh on his well-deserved appointment as the 7th Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 

    “Your remarkable achievement is a source of immense pride to us all, as a distinguished son of our State.

    Your emergence in this prestigious position reflects not only your deep commitment to academic excellence —but also your unwavering dedication to the advancement of education .

    Nwifuru

    “I am confident that under your visionary leadership, Nnamdi Azikiwe University will achieve even greater heights in research, teaching, innovation and community service.

    “It will   also serve as an inspiration to the youth of our state, demonstrating that hard work, integrity, and excellence will always be rewarded.

    “As you assume this new role, I pray for wisdom, strength, and good health to guide you through this exciting and challenging journey.

    “The government of Ebonyi State pledges its support to your administration and remains committed to fostering education and development in all spheres—much as I pray that your tenure as Vice Chancellor will  be marked by great achievements and lasting legacies” he stressed.

  • Financial misappropriation among govt officials is a global phenomenon – Adegoke

    By Uchenna Okeh 

    The National Chairman of the Federal and State Auditor Generals of Nigeria, Sunday Adegoke has described financial misappropriation and other corrupt activities, especially among public offices as a global phenomenon.  

    He, however, called on public finance actors, especially the key government functionaries, to be more active in the  war against corruption in the country.

    Adegoke made this known while speaking with newsmen at a 4-day capacity building for the Auditor-Generals held at the Meritona hotel, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

    The National chairman, Adegoke also called for a holistic approach in the fight against the menace of corruption/ financial misappropriation in the country.

    He further advocated for a uniform auditing standard in the auditing profession across the country.

    “Public finance actors, especially the key government functionaries who hold one or more responsibilities in managing public finances, are primarily responsible parties to ensure that this menace (corruption) is brought down. 

    “There is a possibility, and the risk is there, that may spot a place for the managers of the public finances, need to detect each fraud – that is either to detect or prevent the fraud,” he stated.

    Adegoke, who is  Ondo State Auditor General, explained that the workshop was centered on ‘enhancing public sector auditors’ performance for relevance and value addition’ in the country.

    He said the capacity building program would equip his members with prerequisite knowledge and guidelines to ensure the sustenance of the standards requirements of the organization in the public auditing profession.

    He stressed the need for the Auditor Generals to always discharge their expected duties as public auditors pertaining to financial reports to avoid fraud.

    “We will just come in as reviewers to take a look at whatever report they have submitted and look at the financial management system. And where, for instance, a fraud is detected, we report it so that those places can be dealt with as provided by the laws. And what we have come here is to strengthen the capacity of the personnel,” 

    He maintained that the Auditor Generals should be guided by the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria while carrying out the public finance auditing before submitting the report(s) to the House of the Assembly in their various states. 

    He observed that no erring auditor would escape the wrath of the law as the various auditors have their codes of conduct checkmating the professional members’ actions and activities. 

    Earlier in a remark, the Head of the Sub-Supreme of Auditor generals and auditor-general of Ebonyi State, Samuel Uduma, said the four-day training program would be of great benefit to the Auditors General, especially in getting abreast with the prerequisite knowledge for the public auditing profession.

    He lamented that the south East region appeared to be most backward in auditing system in the country.

    Uduma, however commended Governor Francis Nwifuru, for sponsoring the program and described the gesture as the first of its kind in the country.

    “There is a very big gap, most of the Auditor-Generals and their staffs, don’t know a lot of things concerning current happenings in the auditing profession, public sector auditing profession. 

    “So, this is why we are here. We want to have a common auditing standard. We want to streamline it and not what this person will be writing this, another person will be writing that”, he said

  • Gov Mbah Flags-off dualization of 43.7 Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road

    Gov Mbah Flags-off dualization of 43.7 Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road

    By Chinelo Kodilichukwu, Enugu 

    The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has flagged-off the construction and dualisation of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Nsukka Road with streetlights and 18-month completion timeframe in line with his administration’s vision to make the state the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

    Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Opi attended by political heavy weights and leaders of Nsukka Zone, Mbah stressed that the project, which includes straightening of many bends, would drastically reduce accidents and criminality on the road.

    “In the build-up to the election and in my acceptance speech after my election, we made a pledge that we are going to realise the Penoks-Abakpa-Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka Road because . we realised from the outset that if we had to grow this economy to an exponential height, no section of this state should be left behind, more so an economic hub like Nsukka Zone. So, all we are doing here today is connecting those dots,” he said.

    Mbah regretted that a trip from Enugu to Nsukka presently takes over an hour, hence the decision to do the 3.6km from the Penoks Junction all the way to the T-Junction flyover in addition to the 41km Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Road to reduce travel time to about 30 minutes and make it possible for the people to comfortably live and work in Enugu and vice versa.

    He also noted that his administration’s grassroot-based development and economic model placed the Enugu North Zone at an advantage.

    “We are doing projects based on electoral wards. Guess who are the greatest beneficiaries of this model? It is the Nsukka zone. You have 102 electoral wards. That means you will end up with 102 smart schools, 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, over 1,000km of roads, since we are additionally going to do at least 10km of roads per ward,” he remarked.

    In his remark, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani and Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said, “The people of Nsukka cultural zone and Enugu North Senatorial District never imagined the possibility of this life-time project. 

    “The only way we can pay you back is that you do not need to come to campaign here for your second tenure because we are all going to do that for you. You are Godsent to the people of Nsukka, Enugu State and Nigeria at large.”

    Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, noted that the governor had shut the mouths of naysayers.

    “I feel emotional because a lot of things were said during the election. But today, by your good work, you have proved yourself even more Nsukka than any other Nsukka man,” he emphasized.

    “This is a legacy project. Your name will never die. Your spirit shall never die. We will continue to give you support,” he added.

    Other speakers, including the Chairman of Nsukka Nsukka LGA, Hon. Jude Asogwa, former Secretaries to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere and Prof. Simon Ortuanya, among others extolled the initiative.

    Significantly, in a press statement he personally issued on Monday, Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency on the platform of the Labour Party, Hon. Dennis Agbo, described the road as “a transformational project, which will greatly facilitate commerce, ease mass transit and evacuation of farm produce by our hard working farmers as well as fight crime and criminality.“

    “Our governor has clearly demonstrated his uncanny ability to see and unleash the enormous potential of our dear state and people. It is heartwarming to note that Enugu has suddenly become a frontline state and a reference point for transformational project initiatives,” he stated.

    The Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency and Leader of the Enugu State Caucus of the National Assembly, Hon

     Nnoli Nnaji, expressed the total delight of the federal lawmakers at the governor’s development initiatives and pledged their total support for him to move the state forward.

    Meanwhile the CEO of COMAG Construction Company, Cosmas Agu pledged to deliver a high quality project and on schedule.

  • Ebonyi commissioner, Igboke vows to boost IGR, nabs 26 illegal collectors, fake agencies 

    By Uchenna Okeh 

    The Ebonyi state government led by governor Francis Nwifuru at the weekend, said it has arrested twenty six illegal internally Generated Revenue, IGR, collectors and fake agencies.

    The state government who spoke through the commissioner for transport and special projects, Prince Igboke Emeka Collins, vowed to ensure that the IGR of the state, especially in the Ministry of transport is in top-notch performance.

    Igboke, however commended the governor, Francis Nwifuru for the opportunity and platform given to them to contribute maximally towards the development and progress of the state.

    He said: “All credit goes to our leader and the People’s governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, who has really given us the platform to contribute to the development and progress of our state.

    “We are just following in his footsteps and doing our best to ensure that the state  internally Generated Revenue, IGR, is in top-notch performance, especially in our ministry.

    “As at the time I assumed office as the commissioner for transport, we met a lot of irregularities in the transport system, there were lots of fake agencies, fake people collecting revenue in the name of the state government, but through the help of the governor, we fished out almost twenty six of them. And we restored sanity in the transport system of the state.

    “As of today, I can assure you that those who are collecting any revenue of the state are genuine people and they do remit as at when they do. Those that had a contract with the Ebonyi State internal revenue service, EBSIRS, were able to harmonize the system and make it work.

    “I wish to announce to you that EBSIRS is very proud of the ministry of transport for what we have done in helping them to achieve that” he stated.

    In a related development, Igboke spoke on the alleged controversy that led to the delay in the assumption of office of the new general manager of Ebonyi State Transport Corporation, EBOTRANS, Mrs. Nnenna Jennifer Igwe.

    He said that there was no plan from his ministry to delay or sabotage the official handover to the new general manager of EBOTRANS, Mrs. Igwe by the former general manager, Simon Idenyi, but as a result of the gap in the management of information.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the new general manager of EBOTRANS, Mrs. Igwe has assumed duty after reconciling with the former GM, Idenyi. penultimate Wednesday.

  • Insecurity: Ebonyi VC, Ogbu decries incessant attacks on varsity facilities by armed robbers

    Insecurity: Ebonyi VC, Ogbu decries incessant attacks on varsity facilities by armed robbers

    By Uchenna Okeh 

    The vice  Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Chigozie Ogbu, has expressed regret over the incessant attacks on the varsity facilities by armed robbers in the state.

    He also denied the recent rumours making the rounds on social media that the university planned to sell varsity utility vehicles to the public.

    The Vice chancellor who spoke to newsmen at his office at the perm site, Ishieke emphasized that the accusations were completely false and baseless.

    Ogbu however, reiterated that he has never contemplated selling any university assets, including utility vehicles or any other property. 

    He vowed to uphold the integrity of the institution and ensure that all resources are utilized responsibly for the benefit of students and staff of the university.

    The Vice chancellor urged the public to disregard the misinformation circulating on social media platforms and assured stakeholders that the university’s assets are being managed in accordance with established guidelines and protocols. 

    He emphasized that the primary focus of Ebonyi State University remains on providing quality education and training to its students, as well as fostering a conducive learning environment for academic and research activities.

    Ogbu reassured members of the university community and stakeholders of his dedication to the institution’s welfare and development, and avowed to maintain transparency and accountability in the administration of the varsity.

    “I urge the public to disregard the misinformation circulating on social media platforms that the university’s assets are being sold. We are managing the assets of the university in accordance with the established guidelines and protocols. 

    “I emphasized that the primary focus of Ebonyi State University remains on providing quality education and training to its students, as well as fostering a conducive learning environment for academic and research activities” he said

  • Gov Mbah approves N80,000 Minimum wage for Enugu workers effective Oct 2024

    Gov Mbah approves N80,000 Minimum wage for Enugu workers effective Oct 2024

    By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu, Enugu 

    The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has approved N80,000 minimum wage for the state’s workforce, including local government workers, effective October 2024, noting a direct link between a motivated workforce and his administration’s vision of growing the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn.

    This was even as organised labour in the state described the wage as unprecedented, as it was the first time that Enugu workers would be earning above the national minimum wage.

    Mbah announced the new minimum wage on Thursday after a meeting with the Enugu State Minimum Wage Implementation Committee headed by the Head of Service, Kenneth Ugwu and labour leaders, including the state’s labour leaders.

    Mbah said, “Few weeks ago, I inaugurated a committee with the responsibility to oversee the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage in Enugu State. Today, I’m happy to announce a new minimum wage for workers in Enugu State, reflecting our fidelity to their welfare, in regard to which we have been resolutely committed.

    “We have approved the sum of N80,000 as the new minimum wage in Enugu State. This underscores our commitment to bequeathing lasting legacies of improved living conditions.

    “Our commitment to improved workers’ welfare runs deep, and is rooted in the firm understanding of the inextricable link between an inspired workforce and the audacious economic targets we had set our sights on.

    “We clearly understood that reducing poverty to the barest minimum and achieving an unprecedented economic growth target were contingent on the output of the workforce. Therefore, for us, the best way to acknowledge that labour creates wealth is by ensuring that the workforce, which creates the wealth that oils the wheel of government, is sufficiently motivated.

    “We have similarly demonstrated our commitment to workers welfare through the consistent payment of the wage awards, a gesture we had pledged to sustain until a new wage structure took effect.”

    Speaking, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, thanked governor Mbah for always prioritising the welfare of workers, describing the new minimum wage as “a great one for Enugu workers.”

     “In the past, when the minimum wage was announced, it took up to one or two years for anything to happen; and when it did, we took anything they gave us as we saw it.  But today, you have even given us something much higher than the national minimum wage.  

    “But I am not totally surprised because when other governors were paying N12,000 wage award, you were paying us N25,000. When others paid for some months and stopped, you continued paying it until the new minimum wage as you promised. So, we have enjoyed wage awards for 11 months and today you announced the minimum wage which is the first of its kind since my 32 years in service,” said.

    Speaking to Government House correspondents, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Ben Asogwa, said, “We are so happy. The governor did not just announce ₦80,000 minimum wage, but said that it cascades down to even local government workers. He said that he does not want disparity in salary implementation in Enugu State anymore because we all go to the same market.

    “This is the first time in history we are seeing the implementation of minimum wage above the approved amount by the federal government. Actually, when we entered into the negotiation, we were afraid because we know quite well that we are not among the states that share in dividends of oil money. We know quite well that we are at the back when it comes to federal allocation, but His Excellency actually surprised us.

    “One thing we have seen is that he understands the impact of motivation on productivity. The governor has set a pace and we know that any other person coming after him will have the challenge to meet up with the target set by His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah.”

    On his part, Chairman of the Association of Local Government Workers, ALGON, Enugu State, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, pledged the commitment of council chairmen to implementing the new minimum wage.

    “When you motivate workers, they become more productive. What I am promising on behalf of the Enugu ALGON family is that we are going to cascade the new minimum wage to the local government level. Implementation begins immediately,” he said.

  • FG engages Hong Kong, Botswana to eliminate double taxation in Nigeria

    FG engages Hong Kong, Botswana to eliminate double taxation in Nigeria

    By, Daniel Usman 

    The federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved agreements with Hong Kong and Botswana to eliminate double taxation, with the purpose of curbing tax evasion in the country.

    The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris made this known in a press briefing, shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja

    He revealed the preparedness of Tinubu’s administration to eliminate double taxation in the country.

    According to Idris: “there’s an approval for an agreement for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

    “The last one from the Federal Ministry of Finance is the approval for signing of an agreement for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Botswana.” he stated.