The Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Humanitarian Services, Princess Christina Ude, has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for initiating the Household uplifting programme (HUP) which is being implemented by the conditional cash transfer office in the 9(nine) pilot Local Government Areas of the State for the great assistance and life – changing relief the programme has impacted on her citizens.
Princess Ude gave the commendation when the officer of the National cash Transfer Office (NCTO), Abuja under the federal ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster management and social Development, who were in the State to carry out a Documentary of Success story on the impact of the Household uplifting programme on the beneficiaries in imo State paid her a courtesy visit.
Mrs. Ude who is the focal person (FP) for the programme in the State said that the programme is a good one as it has helped many households, particularly the helpless in the society, to have food on their tables.
She noted that many people never believed in the viability of the programme ab-initio but when they saw that the programme is real and has began to yield the needed dividend, the demand to be involved kept on increasing day after day. She, therefore, appealed that the Federal Government should create the opportunity for more poor and vulnerable households to be enrolled in to the programme in the State. She noted that for this purpose, the Imo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma has given the necessary directives to the State operating coordinating Unit (SOCU) to scale-up its activities in the remaining 18 (eighteen) Local Government Areas of the State.
The Special Adviser assured the federal Government that Imo State would continue to play her assigned role under the programme whenever the need arises. She appreciated in a special way, the Honourable minister and the officers of the National Cash Transfer Officer (NCTO), Abuja, for their hardwork and transparency in carrying out the programme.
Adding his voice the Head of unit, Mr Joseph Odoemenam, noted that the state currently has enrolled a total of 11,736 (eleven thousand seven hundred and thirty-six) beneficiaries across the 9 (nine) implementing local Government Areas of the State in to the Household uplifting programme.
He continued that, the Documentary Assessment Tour which took the National Officers to 3 ( three) Local Government Areas namely Okigwe Local Government Area in Okigwe zone, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area in Owerri zone and Nkwerre Local Government Area in Orlu zone revealed a strong zeal and commitment on the side of the HUP Beneficiaries in making judicious use of the N50,000.00 (Fifty thousand Naira) each received in arrears (i.e. N5,000.00 Per month for 10 months) to better the lives of their households.
Mr Joseph narrated the success stories from some beneficiaries in Mpam Ward in Ahiazu Mbaise, one Mrs. Jane Udeh whose husband had an accident and could no longer do anything which made life miserable for the family said that she thanked God that she was among those who got this favor. That when she got her money, she started raising birds and gradually added the sale of firewood and breadfruit. The multiple micro businesses started growing, brought more income to the family and subsequently her family living standard has substantially improved.
Mrs. Grace Izuogu from urban Ward in Nkwerre Local Government Areas Stated that she used her first payment to start a firewood business. She said that she sold the first set of firewood, bought two more sets from which she made a lot of profit and now used the money to buy a cassava grinding and processing machine.
The investment generated more money and she added maize and beans grinding machines. These machines, according to her, have been generating income that has helped her improve the standard of living of her household compared with the period before she was involved in the HUP programme.
Also in Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Areas, 21 (twenty-one) women formed an Oil Palm Co-operative Society and when they got their first payment of N50,000.00 (fifty thousand Naira) each (i.e N50,000.00 arrears of 10 months) in November, 2019, they contributed money & bought some heaps of palm fruits which they processed at an Oil Mill. They sold the oil, re-invested the proceeds in buying food stuff which they shared among themselves. With the subsequent payment they received, they made small contributions in order to support their individual small scale business.
Responding, the leader of the visiting team, Mr. Henry Terna Ayede, commended the focal person and the staff of the State Conditional Cash Transfer Office for the good job they are doing in the state adding that, in the meantime, Imo State has been lucky to be chosen from the South East Zone in the ongoing Documentary Assessment tour of the six Geo-Political zones in the country.
While urging the management and staff of the conditional Cash Transfer Unit, Imo State, not to relent in their efforts to carry out their assigned duties, he equally commended the beneficiaries of Household Uplifting Programme. He assured the Special Adviser that the Team would carry out its assigned duties with every sense of responsibility in the State.
Among those present at the visit were the HOU, Conditional Cash Transfer Unit, Mr. Joseph Odoemenam, the Operations Officer, Ebere-Ohameje Thelma and the Training Officer, Mrs. Amaka Obielu.
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Isu WomenJoin Imo State, Global Community To Mark #Orange Campaign 2020
Orange Campaign is a global call to prevent, report and raise awareness of the negative impact that gender based violence has on women, girl child, society and the social fabric of a community. This is an annual United Nations campaign which starts today the 25th of November and ends 16th of December.
This year women across the world suffered from COVID-19 and Continued Gender Based Violence Pandemic. Statistics showed a spike in abuse of women during ‘lockdown’ with 1 in 3 women and girls experiencing physical or sexual violence, most frequently by an intimate partner.
The Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Cllr. Celia Osakwe-Hibbert, who is also an Isu Woman as well as a women’s empowerment activist and currently the new Board Chair of Albertiqs Women’s Foundation, activated her fellow Isu women in Isu Local Government Area headquarters to join the world in raising the profile of this campaign so as to challenge the ugly generational treatment of the female gender!
Hon. Osakwe-Hibbert stated that, “we they Isu women must stand up with women across the world and be counted.
“One violence on a girl child is far too many; one brutalisation, one rape, one mutilation, are all far too many!”
Our correspondent reports that a range of activities will also be taking place in Imo state starting from today and across Nigeria for the next 16days.
Many events are expected to also take place across the world and online. Women and men are encouraged to join nearby events to make this campaign spread far and wide.
71% of all human trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls. 3 out of 4 of these women end up sexually exploited!
This is even as the hash tag #SayNoToGenderBasedViolence is currently trending on social media.
Kogi State Gov., Yahaya Bello Coronates Oba Etombi of Isanlu Kingdom Saturday
The coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty Oba Moses Etombi, as the Agbana of Isanlu Kingdom by His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State comes up on Saturday this weekend.
A statement by the Chairman of Isanlu Progressive Union, Bashorun Dayo Kayode stated that the event will take place at the Agbana’s palace Isanlu in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State beggingning from ten o’ Clock in the morning.
According to the statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Doctor Mrs Ayoade Folasade and the Commissioner for Local Government and Cheiftaincy Affairs, Barrister Salami Ozigi are Special Guest of Honour while the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Smart Adeyemi, a member representing Yagba Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Elder Leke Abejide as well as the member representing Yagba East constituency at the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Jimoh Omiata are listed as the Guest of Honour.
The statement also listed the His Royal Majesty, the Ohinohi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim as the Royal Father of the day while the Hosts include, the Ashiwaju of Isanlu Kingdom, Chief Jide Omokore and the State Commissioner for Finance Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris.
It enjoined sons and daughters of Isanlu Kingdom both home and in diaspora as well as well whishers from across the world to be punctual.
2023: SERG Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Gov. Umahi to Convince Region Stakeholders on His Mission in APC
A frontline pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, the South East Revival Group (SERG) has demanded full convincing explanation from Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State on his mission in the All Progressives Congress (APC), giving him a 14-day ultimatum to do so.
The President and National Coordinator of the group, Chief Willy Ezugwu in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday said “the reason given by the Governor for jumping into the APC boat at a time South East is agitating to be given the opportunity to produce the next President of Nigeria in 2023 is not justifiable and therefore unacceptable.
“It is very obvious that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has maintained anti-South East perception and its hatred for the people of the region became very obvious since the party began its appointment for several offices, except the constitutionally guaranteed appointment like ministerial positions.
“We have seen persons of South East extraction vacate offices and people from other regions replace them.
“So, for such a South East leader like Gover Umahi who is occupying an exhaulted position as the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum to suddenly wake up and make the kind of political adventure he has made is very suicidal and requires convincing explanations.
“The Governor has given a political explanation as to why he joined the perceived enemy of the South East, but his reason is hereby rejected as it is not cogent enough.
“We hereby give the Governor seven days to convince all South East stakeholders on his real mission in the APC and how his mission relates to the ongoing agitation for the South East to be given the opportunity to produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor come 2023.
“For us, any political party that will not be favourably disposed to a South East Presidency in 2023 is part of the enemies of the region and equity demands that an Igbo emerge the next President.
“We hereby warn all political, religious, and traditional leaders in the South East to be careful about their political moves and relationships with political parties ahead of 2023 general election as any effort to sabotage South East interests as regards producing the next Nigerian President will never be acceptable and shall only be resisted”, the SERG warned.
Elder Kayode Felicitates with Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Etombi Ahead of His Coronation
Former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Elder Kunle Kayode has felicitated with the Agbana of Isanlu His Royal Majesty, Oba Moses Babatunde Etombi ahead of his Coronation scheduled to hold on Saturday next week.
Elder Kayode in a statement described the occasion as the beginning of another epoch making history in the kingship selection in Isanlu community.
He equally felicitates with the immediate family of the king, the new Isanlu progressive union executives chaired by Bashorun Dayo Kayode and the good people of Isanlu on the occasion and pray to God to grant Oba Etombi good health, wisdom and divine direction to lead the people aright.
Elder Kayode also urged the people of the area to maintain the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity that is peculiar to Isanlu land and enjoined the people to support the newly installed king.
#EndSARS Aftermath: Youth Coalition Presents 3 Bills To National Assembly, President Buhari, Calls For Passage, Accelerated Accents
In view of the precarious situation of the Endsars protests and its urgly aftermaths, that led to 5 demands and further demands for good governance, as a fundamental parthway towards achieving this great milestones and optimal panacea, the apex umbrella coalition body of the various Nigerian youth led organizations: Nigerian Youth Coalition(NYC), alongside Coalition of Southern Groups (CSG) led by Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW), Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council, Ijaw Youth Council, Association of Southern Nigerian Students (ASONIS), while Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) led by Arewa Consultative Forum and others presented three cardinal bills to the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari.
The bills are the National Youth Development Commission Bill, and the National Youth Right Bill and Education Right Bill, which were presented to the leadership of the National Assembly.
For the House of Representatives, the bills were presented through Hon. Jide Obanikoro, Representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Hon. Yemi Adaramodun, Chairman, House Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Ibrahim Alli- Balogun, SA to the Speaker on Youth Matters for onward submission to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, Federal House of Representatives.
On behalf of the upper chambers, Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya of Kano South Senatorial District received the bills for onward presentation to the President of the Senate, Senator Dr. Ahmed Lawan, while another was submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari through the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare for onward accelerated passage and accents respectively.
According to a statement signed by Aare Barr Oladotun Hassan, President, Nigerian Youth Coalition, the bills are “expected to be simultaneously domesticated in all the 36 states and FCT respectively.”
As part of the excerpt of the National Youth Development Commission Bill is aimed at regulating and creating an enabling environment through the instrumentality of the law to create youth standardization and regulatory institution committed to the provision of laws for the protection of all rights and privileges for all youths between ages 12 to 45 years of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, irrespective of sex, ethnicity, religion, ideology or political affiliations, expected to be simultaneously domesticated in all the 36 states and FCT respectively.
“This bill is expected to ensure the establishment of a National Youth Trust Fund, which shall remain accessible to all Nigerian youths through an established National Youth Microfinance Bank institutions in all the 774 local governments nationwide, wherein specifically monthly 10% (Subject to increase and acceptability of all Nigerian Youths) Youth Derivatives before joint sharing by the federal, states and local governments from the federation account through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Revenue Accounts, furthermore 5% Telecommunications Funds via deductible tariffs charges by telecommunication companies in Nigeria, and 5% Oil and Gas Revenue Fund deductible on every revenue of sales from the NNPC, NLNG and other oil and gas private companies nationwide, and any other national youth investment funds, schemes and national youth policy plan supports shall be deposited solely into the National Youth Trust Fund, directly funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“While the National Education Right Bill is aimed at regulating and creating an enabling education rights and privileges law, wherein not less than 25% budgetary allocation shall be alloted and released to the education sector, with other positively driven ideas and unprecedented advantages that will reshape the Nigeria’s education sector , wherein Education Trust Fund, TETFUND and other education related schemes and funds shall be regulated by the National Education Development Council.
“This bill shall equally provide for free and qualitative education from primary, secondary, adult literacy and vocational training, while special education grant and scholarships to students in university and other tertiary institutions shall be given to the indigent and other less privileged citizens.
“Thus, this bill reiterate the need for compulsory teaching of the following subjects: history, anti corruption studies, citizens rights and national security studies, moral instruction and code of conduct studies and indigenous languages in our education curriculums Nationwide.
“The National Youth Right bill will provide for the protection of youth rights in accordance with the African Charter of Human Rights and Universal Rights, while all leading youth organizations like NYCN, NANS, NAPS, NYO, NYP, NYC, CFNN, CSG, CNG shall be duly recognized by the new bill, if passed this will go a long way to aggressively salvage the ailing problems in Nigeria.
“We demand the need for all Nigerians to join voices with us towards the realization of a new Nigeria of our dream”, the groups noted.
Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa is Special Guest at UCF Medical Outreach, Handover of Boreholes to 2 Communities Tomorrow
The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, among other dignitaries, is set to grace the handing over of two boreholes to two communities in Ubommiri area of Imo State and the flag off of a free medical outreach at Umuchima in Ideato-South Local Government Area of the state.
The outreach is being organised by Uzotex Charity foundation (UCF), a charity and humanitarian service oriented nongovernmental organisation (NGO).
According to the Founder and President of foundation, Mr. Festus Uzoma Mbisiogu, the twin event is part of the foundation’s overall objective of giving hope and bettering the condition of life of the rural people through its rural interventions tagged UCF Health, Wellness and Water for All Project.
This, he said, is in keeping with the foundation’s burning desire to live up to its core and overwhelming objectives.
To this end, the President who is also the sponsor of the projects, noted that the NGO is committed to contributing its little quota towards improving the welfare and wellness of rural people.
During this year’s event, UCF shall be handing over its 33rd and 34th borehole built by the foundation to two communities in Ubommiri, and also flag off its third free medical outreach at UCF Health Centre, located along the Festus Mbisiogu Road, Umuchima, Ideato-South Local Government Area, Imo State.
Our correspondent learnt that experience from the previous editions, the medical outreach usually witnessed large turnout of patients from all the communities in the old Ideato area of Imo State and its environs.
Abuja Business Reports recall that the maiden and second edition of the free medicals recorded massive turnout of over a thousand patients, who were cared for and attended to by 30 medical personnel, including medical doctors.
It is expected that forthcoming third edition of the free medical assistance to the less privileged individuals in the rural communities will have more turnout in view of the awareness the outreach has garnered over the years.
To ensure that the foundation meets the needs of patients, this years’ edition of the outreach is being organised to enjoy a boost on drugs, with more number of medical personnel scheduled to care and attend to the patients.
“We are very much aware of the expected larger turnout during this third edition and we are prepared”, the UCF President and founder assured.
The NiDCOM Boss, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa would be the Special Guest of Honour at event holding at the Festus Mbisiogu Road, Umuchima, Ideato-South Local Government Area, Imo State on November 21, 2020 by 10am.
NNPC Restates Commitment to Growing Nigeria’s Hydrocarbon Reserves
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reiterated its resolve to grow the nation’s hydrocarbon reserves to 40billion barrels through reinvigorated exploratory activities in the inland frontier basins across the country.
Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 38th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) where he was a Special Guest.
A press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Dr. Kennie Obateru, quoted Mallam Kyari as revealing that crude oil has already been discovered in the Benue Trough in commercial quantity, with Nigerian Geologists spearheading the efforts.
He noted that the strategy is to aggressively explore for more oil in the frontier basins in order to grow the nation’s reserve base, in line with the Federal Government’s aspiration to hit the 40billion barrels reserve target.
Mallam Kyari said the theme of this year’s conference: “Accelerating Growth in Nigeria’s Hydrocarbon Reserves: Emerging Concepts, Challenges and Opportunities” fits squarely into NNPC’s key aspiration, which is to grow the nation’s hydrocarbon reserves, reduce unit operating cost of crude oil production to $10 per barrel and improve efficiency across its businesses.
“It is my pleasure to appreciate the good work and resilience of our in-house professionals in the ongoing inland basins exploration activities that culminated in the recent discovery of hydrocarbons in Benue Trough. NNPC is indeed proud that it is NAPE members that are spearheading this effort,” Mallam Kyari stated.
According to him, the NNPC has made significant progress in improving operational efficiency through the adoption of technology and deliberate effort to curtail soaring cost of operations across strategic assets.
“It is instructive to understand that the current market reality cannot support inefficiency and escalated costs of operations. The era of $30/bbl oil no longer exists.
“In today’s Covid-19 defined market, sustaining operations and making progress means that all stakeholders must recognize the need to improve efficiency, reduce costs, eliminate wastages, entrench accountability, act with transparency and embrace technology and innovation to drive performance and value realization across strategic investment portfolios,” he posited.
The NNPC helmsman added that in the face of the energy transition, the Corporation is focused on developing gas infrastructure and deepening domestic gas utilization, stressing that gas is the energy of the future.
The GMD expressed optimism that the Petroleum Industry Bill would be passed next year, noting that the fiscal environment proposed would attract more investment into the Oil and Gas Industry.
He assured NAPE and all other industry operators of sustained collaboration from NNPC, saying that the strategy of synergy was required in order to drive down operating cost and survive the emerging challenges in the industry.
CNPP Debunks N3BN REAPPOINTMENT BRIBE ALLEGATION AGAINST INEC CHAIRMAN, MAHMOUD Yakubu, Says It’s TOO SPECULATIVE TO BE TRUE
The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned a publication by an online news portal, Sahara Reporters which alleged that reappointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu paid N3 billion bribe to get reappointed.
The CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu described the allegation as frivolous, maliciously conceived and too speculative to be true.
“We have painstakingly gone through the publication and found it to be nothing but handiwork of mischievous people who believe that the reappointment Prof Yakubu is standing against their bribing their way to desired political office in the country.
“The entire story was based on an interview with an “Insider”, which the very watery allegation prove that he exists only in the imagination of the malicious writer of the fake story.
According to the so called “top insider”, Prof Yakubu “paid at least N3bn in bribes to have his tenure as INEC Chairman extended by another five years.
“He paid a princely sum of N2bn to a group led by Senate President Ahmed Lawan and another N1bn to another group”, the publication alleged.
The second part of the allegation, which is most laughable reads that “These huge funds were deployed and mobilised by a civil servant and director in INEC, who is described as wealthy and in charge of a strategic department.”
“So, what is the interest of the so-called civivants and the director to warrant the sacrifice of raising a whooping N3 billion?
“For the fact that the writer was was not even certain about the bribe sum; to allege that he “paid at least N3bn in bribes” is nothing but wicked imagination aimed at tarnishing the image of the INEC Chairman.
“At least, implies uncertainty, just as the allegation does not add up. How can the “Insider” not be certain about something he witnessed?
“We can point fingers at some individuals who are using Sahara Reporters to get back at the INEC Chairman.
“The conduct of Edo and Ondo Governorship elections and the introduction of new measures that frustrated election riggers are more than enough to trigger the allegation after the surprise reappointment.
“They just needed to raise an allegation that will involve the reappointed INEC Chairman and the Senate President that will naturally preside over his screening for confirmation. The idea is to tie the hands of the Principal officers of the Senate, make them believe that the Senate President has taken bride.
“But who can believe such tale by moonlight, an old wife tale that is more confusing than convincing?
“Nigerian online media should learn to publish facts, not speculations like we have since in this instance.
“For us, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu has done well and that’s why CNPP never raised any objection against his reappointment”, the CNPP said.
EndSARS Protests: Enugu Panel Engages Religious Leaders on call for Memoranda
…Asks Victims to Submit Complaints on or before November 19
The Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the Enugu State government to look into the recent loss of lives and other grievous bodily injuries to private citizens and security personnel, resulting from the hijack by miscreants of the otherwise peaceful #ENDSARS protests, and recommend compensation that may be paid to them, has reminded the general public that the submission of letters of complaint and memoranda by victims is still ongoing and closes on November 19, 2020.
The panel gave the reminder when its members led by their Chairman, Justice Fredrick Obieze (Rtd.), paid advocacy visits to leaders of various religious groups in the state, on the genuine intention of the state government to ensure that victims are compensated appropriately as well as the need to engage them for adequate and timely information dissemination through all their places of worship to enable people access the panel for submissions.
According to the panel, “the letters and memoranda which should be in two (2) copies and/or a soft copy should be submitted on or before November 19, 2020 at the Conference Room, Office of the Head of Service, State Secretariat Enugu. Email: endsarspanel@gmail.com”.
It requested interested members of the public to call the following numbers: 0806 846 7334, 08126270512, for further inquires.
The religious leaders visited include the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. C.V.C Onaga, Archbishop Emmanuel O. Chukwuma of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Christopher Edeh of the Methodist Church Nigeria and the Sarki Hausa in Enugu, among others.
Members of the panel, who are also mandated to look into the related destruction of properties of private citizens and security infrastructure in Enugu State, were Professor Frank Ezugwu (Provost, ESUTH College of Medicine) – Member; Professor Agozie Ogbodo (Dean, Faculty of Law, Godfrey Okoye University) – Member; H.R.H. Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu(Traditional Ruler of Ibagwa Nike) – Member; Professor Ngozi Ejionueme (Head, Department of Marketing, ESUT) – Member.
Others are Rev. Emmanuel Edeh (CAN Chairman in Enugu State) –Member; Chief Frank Maluze (Chartered Estate Surveyor and Valuer) – Member; Comrade Modester Onwuha (Vice-President, SUG, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus) – Member; Barrister Ben. Chinedu Oloko (Private Legal Practitioner representing the Youths) – Member and Mr. Charles Abugu (Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service) – Secretary.
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