NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Nigeria’s prosperity depends on getting power sector right – UK Envoy

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The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Nigeria’s prosperity depends on getting her power sector right, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery, declared in Abuja on Wednesday.

Montgomery made the declaration at a roundtable on the Electricity Act 2023 with the theme: “Implications and Opportunities for State Electricity Markets’’.

The two-day event organised by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) is funded by UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and implemented by the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructural Advisory Facility.

Montgomery was represented at the roundtable by the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Gill Atkinson.

He urged Nigeria to find ways to connect the dots between the power sector and inclusive growth.

“This is the time to explore new opportunities to scale up electricity delivery to more Nigerians.

“We need to give primacy to ways to promote expanded renewable integration, both on and off-grid.

 

“Nigeria gave fantastic commitments to COP26 and to the future of its power sector. This forum will help Nigeria to deliver those commitments,’’ she said.

COP 26 was the 26th UN climate change conference held in Glasgow from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, 2021.

“We also need to find ways to connect the dots between the power sector and inclusive growth. Nigeria’s prosperity depends on getting the power sector right,’’ she said.

The envoy said deficit in the power sector was affecting about 90 million Nigerians and the country’s economy, and advised Nigerians to work with the new government to address the challenge.

“We have a new government here. It has embarked on important macroeconomic reforms. The exchange rate and the fuel subsidy are bringing short-term pain to the country and to the people of the country.

“These are positive changes in the medium to long term that will help Nigeria to fulfil its potential for the future.

“Part of this, and a particularly important moment, is the Nigeria’s power sector. Unfortunately, the country has the world’s largest absolute electricity deficit.

“This affects 90 million people. Even those Nigerians who are connected to the grid face frequent outages and do not get reliable supply,’’ Atkinson said.

She added that Nigeria must understand and acknowledge the impacts of the power supply problems both on the people of Nigeria and on its economy.

“What we are gathered here to do is to work on the credible reform process needed to resolve both the regulatory and the policy changes that are necessary.

“We need to work together to make sure these are addressed in an integrated manner.

“The Electricity Act, passed in June of this year, is an important component of the current reforms,’’ she said.

Earlier, Chairman of the NGF, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, said the forum was promoting subnational electricity programme to facilitate the development of sustainable, competitive and diversified electricity markets.

AbdulRazaq said that the forum believed that the action would deepen the electricity market in Nigeria in a competitive way.

“We believe in partnership and getting divergent views on how to achieve the same goal. This is why this roundtable is so important and we look forward to reboot engagement in this important event.

“I hope we will leave here enriched to see how we can implement the Electricity Act and interface with existing structures,’’ AbdulRazaq said.

In his remarks, the NGF Director-General, Mr Asishana Okauru said growth in the electricity sector would inevitably catalyse economic development in Nigeria and impact positively on all other sectors.

Okauru said that the amended Electricity Act 2023 represented a significant milestone to achieving a stable, reliable, and efficient electricity supply for the people.

He noted that the Act also provided a legal framework for private sector participation in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.

Okauru described the roundtable as the first in a series of talks and activities that would jumpstart the development and growth of the electricity sector in the country.

“We are often told that the amendment of the Constitution and the signing of the Electricity Act 2023 open the sub national electricity market.

“To stakeholders and players in the industry, this makes perfect sense, but to laymen and perhaps to a majority of the populace, this is mere jargon.

“Our task, therefore, is to facilitate the simplification of this very complex and highly technical endeavour in a way that the government and the governed will fully appreciate.

“We have held and continue to hold talks with development partners and international donor organisations that have shown remarkable interest in supporting our efforts in ensuring the success of this initiative,’’ Okauru said.

He added that the NGF planned to unveil a support effort that would caption the Nigeria Sub-National Electricity Markets Support Programme.

“This is going to be a flagship project of the NGF and it will be designed to facilitate the development of sustainable, competitive and diversified sub-national electricity markets in the country,’’ Okauru said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Mental Health: Minister assures on commitment to strengthen services

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The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa addressing the management of Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba during his visit to the hospital on Wednesday in Lagos.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa addressing the management of Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba during his visit to the hospital on Wednesday in Lagos.

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, has assured of his administration’s readiness to strengthen mental healthcare delivery services and tackle drug abuse in Nigeria.

Alausa gave the assurance during his first official visit to the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba on Wednesday in Lagos.

He identified substance/drug abuse as a menace to the society and one of the causes of mental illness in Nigeria.

According to him, it is imperative that the country addresses the issue of substance abuse in the society with the view to promoting mental health of the citizens.

Alausa said that the government would support the hospital to expand its substance abuse delivery capacity, so that they could build more wards for substance abuse services.

“Substance abuse is a huge problem in the society now, which if we don’t tackle it very quickly will create a bigger problem in the future.

“And this hospital is well-positioned to help reduce these impending future problems by increasing the level of awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of patients who have substance abuse issue.

“I am very impressed by what I am seeing on ground; presently, you already have about 60 beds ward for substance abuse patients.

“But we will also have to help you to expand the facility, so that you can double this; build more wards and expand your substance abuse service capacity,” Alausa said.

According to Alausa, since human resource for health is a major crisis, plans are underway to expand human resources and increase the number of nurses the hospital produced.

He noted that there was need for the hospital to expand its capacity development to be able to increase its productivity.

“Of all the challenges mentioned by the hospital’s Medical Director, we are going to find a way to address them except for the provision of funds for the welfare of pauper/indigent patients.

“This is a Federal hospital, specifically designed to provide healthcare for indigent citizens. So, the hospital should be able to cater for indigent patients probably from its internally generated revenue.

“We will continue to work together to find a way to support and expand the services of the hospital and, hopefully, things will get better,” Alausa said.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, applauded the minister for the visit and called for government’s continuous support to improve the hospital’s operations.

According to Owoeye, the hospital is at the forefront of the treatment and campaign against drug abuse.

He said that inadequate funding of overhead releases to the hospital, need for new facility building for the drug abuse rehabilitation unit were some of the challenges limiting effective operation of the hospital.

He said that other challenges included the need for alternative power supply, provision of funds for welfare of indigent patients and construction of more staff accommodation for resident doctors.

Owoeye said that the hospital also required adequate funding for research and community education as well as infrastructure for its evolving medical services among others.

“The hospital is at the forefront of the treatment and campaign against drug abuse. We have partnered with other non-government organisations to sensitise and educate the public on the issue of mental health wellbeing.

“Our podcast programme on ‘Yaba Voice’ has received fellowship from many Nigerians, at home and across the globe.

“The hospital also derives its significance and relevance as a mental health institution through its activities in mental health research,” Owoeye said. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Christiana Fadare

Flood: NEMA distributes relief materials to 7,374 households in Abia

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Materials

By Leonard Okachie

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Tuesday, started distribution of relief materials to 7,374 households in Abia communities who were affected by the 2022 flood disaster.

 

Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, said during the distribution in Umuahia, that the items would be shared with the affected persons in 15 local government areas of the state.

 

Ahmed, who was represented by a NEMA official, Mr Johnson Andero, said the exercise was part of the 2023 National Special Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) programme for those affected by 2022 flood disaster and the most vulnerable people.

 

He said that the Federal Government approved the special intervention based on the assessments which were jointly conducted by NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

 

The NEMA boss said that the intervention was expected to drive the sustainable socio-economic resilience of the targeted most vulnerable individuals.

 

The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Abia, Dr Sunday Jackson, thanked the federal government for the intervention, saying that it would help to bring about normalcy, especially to those who lost their means of livelihood.

 

“I’m particularly happy because in 2020, we had 3,900 beneficiaries but today, we are having 7,374 across 15 LGAs, which is a remarkable improvement.

 

“We believe that the federal government will still do more by increasing the number because the entire 17 LGAs are being affected by flooding,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Gov. Alex Otti commended the federal government for the intervention, saying that it was a demonstration of President Ahmed Tinubu’s passion for the care of the poor and the most vulnerable in the society.

 

Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Monica Ironkwe, advised the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously to enhance their standard of living.

A beneficiary, Mr Daniel Okezie, who was given a sewing machine, expressed gratitude and promised to use it judiciously.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the relief materials, worth millions of naira, include food items, livelihood support tools and seedlings, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

FEMA saves 4,880 lives, N99.3m property in 9 months

FEMA saves 4,880 lives, N99.3m property in 9 months

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has saved 4,880 lives and N99.3 million property in various disasters from January to date.

The acting Director-General of the agency, Mr Ibrahim Sabo, stated this during a media interactive session in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the agency saved 1,842 lives from fire incidents, rescued 174 victims of building collapse, and 2,864 others from flood disaster across the FCT.

Sabo said that N99.3 million worth of property had been saved in fire outbreaks within the period under review.

“So far, only eight lives were lost to building collapse and flooding in the last nine months.

“Most of these lives lost during flooding were avoidable.

“In most of these flood-prone areas, we barricade and places a sign, warning people about the issue of flooding in that area while our vanguards are stationed there 24 hours.

“Our major responsibility is saving lives and property of the FCT residents, and we are getting full support from FCT Administration, which has been critical to achieving our mandate,” he said.

Sabo said that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike had constituted a committee to ensure the prevention of fire incidents, adding that henceforth, anyone found culpable in any disaster would be charged to court.

According to him, those responsible for any form of disaster in the FCT, such as fire, flood or building collapse will no longer go scot-free, stressing that the response time to emergency has been reduce from five minutes to three minutes.

He added that FEMA has strengthen its partnership with sister agencies to effectively enhance emergency response.

“We have also been able to strengthen the capacity of our staff and equally trained our volunteers, vanguards, town criers and divers, who are the first respondents during emergencies,” he said.

On her part, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, urged residents to adhere to the agency’s warnings to avoid preventable death. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Reps want FG to channel fuel subsidy savings to healthcare

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By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representative has urged President Bola Tinubu to allocate part of the fuel subsidy removal savings to funding healthcare service for the vulnerable.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Bashiru Dawodu (APC-Lagos) at plenary in Abuja.

The motion is titled, “Call on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to cover vulnerable Nigerians.”

Presenting the motion, Dawodu said that socio-economic development was not achievable without access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

He said that the World Health Assembly in 2005 adopted universal health coverage as part of the
Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) Agenda 2030.

He said that after 23 years, only 5million Nigerians were enroled by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

He said that over 83 million vulnerable Nigerians including pregnant women and children under five, persons with special needs and the elderly were not captured by the NHIS.

He said that this made Nigeria unable to meet the targets of universal coverage, adding that it therefore increase the rate of out-of-pocket health expenditure.

He said that the health care crisis would not be resolved without Universal Health care coverage which cannot be achieved without meeting the target of the National Health Insurance.

He said NHIA Act of 2022 mandated health insurance for all citizens and legal residents which had failed, adding that in 2022 NNPC Ltd spent N.4 trillion on fuel subsidy and N3.6 trillion in 6 months of 2023.

He said that it cost about N5 billion to cover N5 million persons annually at the rate of NI5,000 per person.

He also urged NHIA to ensure implementation and monitoring, while mandating the House Committees on Health Institutions and Finance to ensure compliance.(NAN)(www. nannews.ng)

ODF/ABI

SON seeks jail term for peddlers of life threatening materials

SON seeks jail term for peddlers of life threatening materials

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By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it is reviewing its Act to ensure peddlers of life threatening materials are jailed and not fined.

The Director General of SON, Malam Farouk Salim, said this on Thursday in Lagos during the destruction of materials seized by the organisation.

Salim said the peddlers are economic saboteurs that kill industries and people who innocently buy the products.

“In the last National Assembly, we went to them to review our act to make sure that peddlers of life threatening materials are jailed and not just fined.

“They have passed the law but unfortunately did not get the opportunity for the president to sign it into law.

“So, it is back in the National Assembly and hopefully very soon it will be with the president.

“I am sure the president will sign that amendment and those individuals selling threatening items will be jailed immediately they are caught,” he said.

The SON boss said that some of the products to be destroyed are by the orders of the court.

Salim said that the agency also seized some tyres, which were not fit for use while some that were were ne but were stuffed with other used ones.

“As a result, the tyres lost their integrity and are dangerous to the society, while the ones looking new are used tyres, which were pressed and polished to look new.

“The fakers of the motor oil lubricants intercepted in Calabar used popular products so our Nigerian lubricant manufacturers that are successful have to contain with individuals trying to copy their product.

“Nobody copies a product that is not successful; the only problem is the copying is a bad one.

“The product you are seeing behind does not belong to that popular company. It was being copied and they were taken to court, convicted and the court gave us the permission to confiscate the product and destroy them,” he said.

Salim pointed out that Nigerian cable industry are successful and good and they help the organisation to identify the fake ones.

He said that SON, sometimes, uses their intelligence to fish out the people because their activities were affecting the economy of the country.

“Due to the policy on local content, we need to make sure that our indigenous companies are protected.

“These cables are supposed to be copper but they are either iron or copper coated, when used in building, it gets hot and causes fire,” he said.

On the value of the products, the SON director general said that it run into billions of naira, adding that they would keep seizing the products to force the perpetrators to stop.

“To your eyes, these products don’t look nice but an unscrupulous person can take them, clean it up and send to the market and make billions of naira from it.

“The seized items are safe in this environment as the place is monitored by police and civil defence 24 hours,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidi Opara/Olawunmi Ashafa

 

 

International Girl-Child Day: First Lady says education key to overcoming challenges

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The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday in Abuja called on the populace to equip the girl-child with quality education, to help them to withstand societal challenges.

Mrs Tinubu gave this advice at the Maryam Babangida Women Development Centre on the commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl-Child themed, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership and Our Well-being”.

She said the day provided an opportunity for people to reflect on the challenges faced by girls in the country, and to also celebrate their remarkable potential and resilience.

She said that she was inspired by the significance of the occasion both at the global scale and within the rich tapestry of the Nigerian context.

“It is disheartening to acknowledge that many Nigerian girls still face discrimination, violence and limited access to education and health care; we must confront these issues by striving for better, more equitable future for our daughters.

“They are the leaders of today; therefore, it is high time we broke down the barriers that have held them back for long and education is the key weapon that we must use to ensure that every girl is free from discrimination and intimidation.

“Education, in particular, is a cornerstone of empowerment, and we must ensure that every girl has the chance to learn and grow, empowering them with knowledge is investing in our nation’s future.’’

The First Lady advised the public to ensure that every girl had access to quality education, to help in setting them free from any form of discrimination, be it religious, cultural or traditional.

She further encouraged the adults to protect the girls from all forms of violence, adding that it is a collective duty of people to create a safe and inclusive environment for girls to thrive.

She said she has prioritised the girl-child issues under her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to encourage the girl-child to achieve her potentials and attain higher positions.

“We are looking at promoting alternative high schools for girls, so that irrespective of whatever misadventure they find themselves, they can still acquire education that could give them access to higher education.

“I urge all well meaning Nigerians to help show the girl-child that there is a good way, a better way, some of these are; ensure access to quality education as well as promoting health and well-being.

“Also, end gender-based violence e. g child labour, child trafficking, child sex workers like baby factories, educate girls to speak out and promote mentorship and role models that can encourage them to find their voices.’’

The First Lady also acknowledged that the girls were the change-makers, the innovators, and the dreamers, who if given the chance would reshape the world positively.

She, however, encouraged all Nigerian children especially the girls to dream big and positively, “because the dream will keep you alive and keep you going”. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

 

Iron rod dealers commend Reps’ move against substandard products

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Chief Gbenga Awoyale, President, Iron Rod and Steel Dealers Employers Association Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN).
Chief Gbenga Awoyale, President, Iron Rod and Steel Dealers Employers Association Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN).

By Florence Onuegbu

The Iron Rods and Steel Dealers Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has commended the 10th Federal House of Representatives for taking bold steps against the proliferation of substandard products.

IRSDEUN President, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, gave the commendation on a motion on notice, to curb the proliferation of substandard steel products in Nigeria.

The motion was sponsored by Mr Yinka Aluko, representing Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency, and unanimously approved with amendment, during one of its plenaries.

Awoyale said the proliferation of substandard iron rod products had over the years threatened the safety and growth of Nigerians and Nigeria’s economy.

He said the development stood the 10th Assembly out as one truly committed to the greater good and welfare of the people.

Awoyale said the proactive approach of the 10th National Assembly to curb the rising surge of substandard steel products, which had resulted in several building collapse, claiming lives and fortunes across the country, was well acknowledged.

He said the union, as critical stakeholders, had been at the forefront of the fight against substandard steel products, without necessary governmental support.

”The resolve of the House of Representatives to stop the compromising of prosecution of those found culpable in the act of manufacturing substandard steel products through effective enforcement is highly commendable.

”We are open to collaboration with the 10th NASS, for the conduct of a thorough oversight that will rid Nigeria of substandard steel products and guarantee the safety of lives and properties of Nigerians.

”I also wish to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, in the best interest of our dear country, give total support to the noble course the parliament had began.

”For a safe construction industry in Nigeria, there is a critical need for thorough cleansing of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria,” Awoyale said.

He said recently, substandard steel products worth over a billion Naira were seized in seven different steel rolling mills, but because such culprits were not prosecuted, they went back to business.

”Although, as dealers, we make more money trading in substandard products, but it ungodly to deliberately distribute harmful products for the consumption of fellow Nigerians. That is why we are making this much sacrifice and willing to make much more.

”Unfortunately, it is Nigerians like us conniving with foreigners to perpetrate this level of economic sabotage,” Awoyale said.

He said the union had been facing threats from different quarters, but remained unwavering in its resolve to put a stop to the production and circulation of substandard steel products in Nigeria.

”All we need is the political will to sanitise the steel production industry in Nigeria and guarantee a safe construction environment,” Awoyale said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Don’t violate rights of people with mental health condition, CMD cautions Nigerians

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The Chief Medical Director, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye
The Chief Medical Director, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, has urged Nigerians to ensure that the human rights of persons with mental health condition are not violated.

Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, the Medical Director of the hospital, made the call at a lecture organised by the hoospital in commemoration of the World Mental Health Day (WMHD) 2023 on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WMHD is celebrated annually on Oct. 10 to raise awareness about mental health around the world.

The WMHD is also observed to mobilise efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.

The 2023 WMHD has as its theme: ”Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”.

Owoeye, in his welcome address, said that mental health was an integral part of people’s overall health and wellbeing, which needed to be protected.

He said that the human rights of anyone should not be violated because of one’s mental health condition.

He decried that many people with mental health condition were being violated and deprived of their rights in the society because of their health condition.

According to him, mental health is important for everyone because it is the right of everyone to have a sound mental health to optimally function well.

Owoeye explained that mental health as a universal right implied that every human being has right to accessible and quality mental healthcare services.

He said that 25 to 30 per cent of the world population were living with one diagnosable mental health condition or the other, saying that the health condition could happen to anyone at anytime.

Owoeye also restated the commitment of the hospital to ensure that people had access to quality mental healthcare services in Nigeria.

”Stable mental health is a universal right of everyone.

”According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a basic human right for all people.

”Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health.

”Having a mental health condition should never be a reason to violate or deprive anyone of his or her human rights.

”Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many people with mental health condition are being deprived of their human rights, humiliated, discriminated and stigmatised,” Owoeye said.

Dr Olufumilayo Akinola, a Consultant Psychiatrist, said that the WMHD offered an opportunity for people and the country at large to improve their knowledge and drive action about mental health.

Akinola, a Guest Speaker at the event, said there was an urgent need for action to let people know that it was their right to have access to quality mental health.

She emphasised the need for provision of accessible, quality and affordable mental health services across the country.

According to her, it is the duty of everyone including the governments, individuals, families, organisations and the general public to ensure that mental health is valued, protected and promoted.

”Despite all advocacies about mental health, there is still a lot of violations of the human rights of those suffering mental health illness.

”Many are being excluded from the community and discriminated against because of their health condition.

”This is very wrong; people with mental health challenge are human beings who are unfortunate to develop the condition because of one circumstance or the other.

”Anybody can have mental health condition because study has showed that one in every four persons have the tendency of developing mental health condition in their life time.

”We need to get to that level in Nigeria that we value our mental health, shun stigmatisation and help others to overcome their mental health challenges,” Akinola said

Akinola listed implementation of the Mental Health Act, good social support, early intervention and seeking help as some of the strategies needed to promote stable mental health state for the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Vivian Ihechu

 

Igbo lawyers task South-East govs on sit-at-home order

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From L-R: Treasurer of Otu Oka-Iwu, Mrs Anthonia Eke, the President, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, Mrs Nneka Chris-Asoluka,1st Vice President, at the maiden news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
From L-R: Treasurer of Otu Oka-Iwu, Mrs Anthonia Eke, the President, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, Mrs Nneka Chris-Asoluka,1st Vice President, at the maiden news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

By Florence Onuegbu

Otu Oka-Iwu Nigeria, a body of lawyers of Igbo extraction in Lagos, has urged the governors of the South-East to collaborate and tackle the ongoing sit-at-home conundrum on Mondays in the region.

The President of the group, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, made the call at its maiden news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

Unegbu said the sit-at-home was affecting the economy of Igboland, noting that the governors must work together and come out with strategies to tackle the problem.

“The sit-at-home conundrum in Igboland on Mondays is now a norm and people believe that if you go out on Mondays you are on your own as there is no guarantee of your returning home safe.

“We appear to have been abandoned by the government that campaigned that we should elect them to protect us. We are using this medium to call on the government to come to our aid in Igboland,” he said.

He also decried the security challenge in the country, especially in Igboland which is affecting the economic growth and development of the South-East.

“Igboland has been turned into a killing field where no person old or young is safe. It is the responsibility of the government, both at the centre and the regions, to secure the lives and property of the inhabitants.

“We observe with pains in our hearts the wanton destruction of the Igboland economy. Igboland before now was bubbling with activities from the Onitsha-Nnewi axis through the Aba-Orlu axis.

“Today the story is in the past and this has given rise to a comatose economy without direction and no substance.

“We must all do something to bring back those days of old where the young challenge nature to a wrestling contest for ideas where the young in our communities will surely come out victorious.

“We should go back to the drawing board and discover where we got it wrong before it is too late.

“We are a group that believes in the unity of this great country Nigeria. We have no other country to call our own,” Unegbu said.

The president also decried the education deficit in the region noting that the Igboland was a known place for educational activities in the past.

“Today, the children in Igboland appear to have lost interest in education which is signalling a dangerous trend.

“There was a time it was like a competition as to which of the states will take the first position in the WAEC ranking of states after the examinations.

“Today, what we hear is that our children are showing negative trends to pursue education or they are interested in getting rich through fraudulent activities.

“We call on the governments in Igboland to take action to reverse this unwholesome method before things get worse,” Unegbu said.

He, therefore, called for enhanced investment in education, especially in technical skills to boost employment generation.

Unegbu also called on the Igbo to embrace agriculture which had been neglected to boost food security.

“This is an area that has been neglected in Igboland. Before now, the Igbos were into various farms that yielded food for the people and more for sale.

“It appears we have abandoned the farms and as such hunger is staring us in the face. We should go back to our farms in order to feed our growing population,” he said.

Also spekaing, Mrs Nneka Chris-Asoluka, 1st Vice President of Otu Oka-Iwu, stressed the need for peace and unity in the country.

“What we want is peace in the country, we don’t have any other country.

“We are sad over the developments in the South-East; we only hope the the governors will work in this political dispensation irrespective of their parties they belong to,” Chris-Asoluka said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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