Author: Editor
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One, ATASP-1, Adani-Omor Zone has called on states and local governments plus organised private sector to support farmers for increased agriculture productivity. The group said the support can come through policies, investments, and innovations that enhance productivity, conserve natural resources, and create environment for the Nigerian farmer to thrive. Zonal Program Coordinator, Dr. Romanus Egba, in a statement on Wednesday argued that the success of Nigerian agriculture is not only key to national food security but to broader economic and social development. He reassured of the group’s commitment to preparing farmers…
By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu Nothing divides Nigerians like religion, but I have it on good account that Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka who prefers Orisha to Christianity and Islam turned out the saving grace of Pastor Chuzzy Udenwa in the United States. Soyinka, the humanist who taught me Humanism at Great Ife, preferably delves into Orisha rather than Christian and Islamic worship but this did not stop him from penning attestation for the born-again Christian pastor Chuzzy Udenwa in America. It was in the dark days of the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha and Chuzzy was in America asking Christian…
By Promise Adiele Barrister Jubril Salami is my good friend. Our friendship started at Henry Carr Hall, University of Lagos. I cannot immediately remember how our friendship started but we became friends and shared ideas about different things including Nigeria’s political situation. Then, the maximum dictator Sanni Abacha was in charge. Although older, Salami is humble and always punctuates every request with a ‘sir.’ He is a man of modest accomplishments, completely detribalised, and kind to a fault. But we disagree on one thing – football. While he thinks the red side of London is a better and bigger club, I…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu As the World marks the 2024 Global Hand-washing day, Stakeholders in the South-East zone of Nigeria have suggested renewed efforts to improve the habit to reduce diseases associated with hand-washing. The resolution was taken at a one-day zonal press briefing on Global Hand-washing day 2024 held in Enugu. The briefing was organised by the UNICEF in conjunction with the Broadcast Corporation of Abia State (BCA) and the Enugu State Government. The theme of this year’s event is: “Why is hand-washing still important?” In her goodwill message, Mrs Maureen Zubi-Okolo, Specialist, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF Field Office Enugu,…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia UNICEF has expressed worry over the high percentage of feaces-contaminated water consumed in Abia State. This is coming on the heels of a survey by Water Sanitation and Hygiene Natural Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM), which has revealed that 73% of Abia residents drink water contaminated with ‘E. coli’ (feaces). According to the survey, two per cent of people living in Abia still practice open defecation. WASHNORM survey was a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the National Bureau of Statistics, with support from UNICEF, World Bank, the World Health Organisation and other development partners.…
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has signed the Local Government Administration Law despite strong opposition from various stakeholders in the state. The stakeholders had, at different fora, criticised the legislation as a violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Local Government Autonomy, labeling it as anti-people and deeming it unconstitutional, illegal, null and void. However, signing the Bill into law at Governor’s Lodge Amawbia on Tuesday, Soludo said a joint responsibility between the State and Local Government administration is much necessary for grassroots development in Nigeria. He said the synergy will create a stronger relationship between…
By Owei Lakemfa The world is in turmoil. Various peoples are planning, strategising and re-strategising. The Middle East is meeting, especially as war is being brought to its doorsteps. The Americans want their November elections quickly out of the way so they can focus on their domination the world, irrespective of who wins the elections. Their European first cousins are quite busy with the same agenda, but also how to handle their domineering first cousin in the North. Some ask: should Europeans not abandon the unwinnable war in Ukraine just as Benjamin Netanyahu has abandoned the Israeli hostages in Gaza…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Enugu State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation has organised a workshop on nutrition security for farmers as part of its modernisation initiative. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Patrick Ubru, while speaking at the event said the initiative was aimed at increasing production efficiency, promoting sustainable farming practices, and boosting overall food and nutrition security which would transform the State into a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria. The capacity building workshop involved extension agents, women and young farmers and it was centered on food processing and packaging of grain crops. Ubru, reiterated the government’s commitment to making…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu State Council has condemned in strongest terms, the invasion of a private Radio Station in Enugu State by the operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Enugu office. It would be recalled that on Monday, October 14, 2024, operatives of EFCC Enugu office raided Urban radio 94.5FM; disrupting a live broadcast and whisked away a broadcaster, Favour Ekoh, in the process. The members of staff of the station were subsequently forced to sit on the floor during the invasion and some of their broadcasting equipment tampered with. Mr Sam Udekwe, Chairman…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Governor Peter Mbah-led Administration in Enugu State has approved the relocation of Agu-Owa and Ugbo-Lawrence slums in Enugu metropolis to enable the administration develop the areas under his urban renewal agenda. The government also approved the development of relocation sites at Akpuoga Nike Estate to resettle the occupants of the slums. This was part of the resolutions by the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mbah at the weekend. It noted that each of the relocated families would get a two-bedroom flat and a Certificate-of-Occupancy to the property. Briefing newsmen after the…