Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Abia State Government has directed that all command promotions granted to public servants in the state between 2015 and the inception of the current administration in 2023 be reversed immediately. Non-compliance with civil service rules, seniority, and due diligence informed the reversal according to a circular by the Head of Service, Dr Mrs Queen Obioma. The circular copied to all Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the House of Assembly, Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Heads of non-Ministeral Agencies and Parastatals, is to take effect from July 1, 2024. It directed all the affected beneficiaries of the command promotions to revert…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has urged students to shun drug and screen abuse in order to be focused and become champions in their chosen careers and endeavours. The Executive Director of the global Foundation, Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, gave the advice during a “One-Day Awareness on Mental Health, Digital Literacy and Screen Addiction” to students of Mater Carmeli College, Akpuoga-Nike, Enugu. Nwachukwu noted that it was necessary to expose students to the dangers of drug abuse and harmful effects of screen addiction to their growth, health and maturity as well as their immediate social environment.…
By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu When I broke the world exclusive news of Nobel Laureate publishing his latest novel, Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth, one of my critics asked me: “When is that your teacher ever going to stop?” I simply replied: “There is no stopping!” Soyinka strikes 90 years of age on Saturday, July 13, 2024, and I cannot but put down some verbs and nouns to mark the feat. Nobody could have guessed that the man called Kongi could have reached the ripe age of 90 given the dangers he packed into his lifetime. I…
…As NBA defends FG Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The House of Representatives, Tuesday, asked the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the controversial Samoa Agreement signed by Nigeria on June 28, 2024. This is as the lawmakers resolved to launch investigation into the controversial agreement to ascertain the veracity of the claims and counter claims surrounding it. The agreement was named after the Pacific Island nation of Samoa, where it was signed on November 15, 2023, by the European Union and its member states and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. It serves as the new legal framework for the…
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Anambra State Government has served property owners and occupants on the right of way of the Amawbia-Agulu-Nanka-Ekwulobia-Uga road quite notice. Ikengaonline learnt that the notice was for them to relocate their properties as the state government readies to embark on the dualisation of the road. Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, who announced this said the notice was to minimise avoidable losses on the part of those that could be affected. It read: “Anambra State Government wishes to advise property owners along these routes to begin to relocate them somewhere else to avoid being adversely affected by the…
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Anambra State Government has refuted claims that its revenue officials were responsible for a tragic road accident that occurred in the state yesterday. Reports in social media had it that the accident which occurred along Ekwulobia-Awka road was caused by the activities of Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA). Ikengaoline learned that about five persons were confirmed dead and six injured when a BUA cement heavy-duty vehicle on course at the Eke Agwbu market in Orumba North Local Government Area, crashed into some other vehicles. In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Chris…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Senate has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly roll out measures to solve the problem of starvation and hyper inflation in the country, warning that Nigerians are losing patience over the excruciating hardship. The Senate warned that things might get out of control if there is no quick intervention by the Federal Government as many families are already finding it hard to feed. The Senate also warned that the patience of the people should not be taken for granted, noting that patience is elastic but its elasticity not everlasting. The Senate noted with serious concern,…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia A non-governmental organisation known as Oluebube. A Chukwu Foundation (OACF), has taken awareness campaign against drug abuse and human trafficking, to communities in Umunneochi Local Government Area of State, reinforcing the importance of prevention. The Community based initiative which is in commemoration of the 2024 United Nations Day Against Illicit Trafficking and Drug Abuse with the theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” saw the active participation of the NDLEA and various stakeholders. Speaking at the ceremony held at Nkwoagu Isuochi, Umunneochi LGA, founder of the OACF and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due…
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Resident doctors at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Awka, Anambra State, have threatened to embark on a strike if their outstanding allowances are not paid and poor working conditions persist. The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD)-COOUTH, led by its President, Dr. Onyebuchi Ichoku, gave the threat after an Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) following the expiration of a 21-working-day ultimatum issued to the State Government. The doctors had demanded the payment of hazard allowance, Medical Residency Training Fund, and the implementation of a 25% increase in basic salary, effective from July 2023. According to Dr…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Abia State Government said it had concluded arrangements to disburse N1 billion to 9,200 traders and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operators in the state to help boost their trades. Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Umuahia, said 50 persons from each of the 184 political wards in the state would benefit from the interest-free revolving loan scheme. He explained that the scheme which is an interventionist programme is a form of palliative as well as an empowerment programme that would help the beneficiaries turn their lives around for…