Home Blog Page 1819

Uzodimma Flags-off ‘Skill-up Imo Project’, Urges Youths To Tap Into Digital Economy

December 10, 2022

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has flagged-off the ‘Skill-up Imo Project’ organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government and targeted at training more than 100,000 Imo youths in digital skills on entry and advance levels.

The ceremony which took place on Friday at the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government office (former ICAPs) on Egbu Road, Owerri was used to enlighten the youths on the need to imbibe digital skills as the future economy goes digital.

Addressing the mammoth audience which comprised mainly Imo youths, the Governor said the future of Imo State depends on the youths who registered for the training.

He highlighted that the “world economy is changing very fast and 95 percent of the world economy is now digital and the only market available today for any business to thrive is digital market.”

He said that his interest as Governor of Imo State and in the future development of the State rests on the youths, asserting that his belief is dependent on the fact that “when you develop and prepare the youths you have developed the State and if you jettison the youths then you have jettisoned the State.”

There is ‘’no government infrastructure that is as important as development of the youths.”

He reiterated that the major ideas that rule the world today are digital economy, climate change, or carbon-credit, hence the “need to re-align ourselves so that we can get to the global destination.”,

Governor Uzodimma told the youths to understand that the digital programme they are getting into is a road to the digital world and a form of finishing school notwithstanding once profession.

He then advised them to choose among the several programmes and master them as an opportunity to key into the digital world economy.

Governor Uzodimma promised the participants that once they graduate they will have equipment from the State Government to start live.

“This is because our government is already working with international companies such as Apple, Zinox Computers and others to partner the State Government in getting the graduate youths engaged on the acquired skills.”

He assured them that there are ready made jobs out there that will promptly engage some of them who learnt technical skills such as: repair of telephones, IPADs and others on graduation.

The Governor further noted that “the primary objective include; reduction in crime, criminality and idleness and making the youths to be more focused.”

He emphasized and also warned that the Skill-up programme is not about politics.

His words: “It is for the development of the youths, the development of their lives, the lives of their families and that of the State in general. When the State achieves this laudable programme Imo will be peaceful and the youths of Imo State will come up to be role models in Nigeria and Africa in general.”

In his address of welcome, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E- Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi explained that ‘Skill-up Imo Project’ is a programne conceived by Governor Uzodimma which is specially designed to provide free training and support to 100,000 Imolites, particularly the youths, in new, innovative, and economically viable skills needed for them to be productively employed or self- employed.

He noted that the first set of 5,000 learners will be engaged for training for 12 weeks in various areas of application which include – Web Development, Business Innovation, Mobile App Development, Cyber Security and Forensics, Networking and Hardware, and Engineering. Others include; Robotics and Mechatronics, 3D Technology, Drone Technology, Social Media and Digital Marketing and Animation and Multimedia among others.

He therefore thanked the Governor for thinking it wise to establish the Ministry as the first of its kind in any State of the federation with the objective of reducing crime and criminality, improving economy and connecting Imo State to the outside world.

Imo: Gunmen Kidnap Expatriate Contractor, Kill Two Escort Mobile Police Officers, Two Civilians

The Source

December 10, 2022

By Charles Igbo

It was a bloody day in Umuna, Onuimo Local Government Area, Imo State, when gunmen struck.

In order to kidnap an expatriate contractor, they gunned down the two Mobile Policemen attached to him on escort duties. And kidnapped the expatriate. Then, they killed two other men at the Imo River Bridge axis, headed to Okigwe.

A video in circulation showed the bodies of the two men, soaked in their own blood, and sprawled on the road.

The abducted expatriate, this medium gathered, was incharge of the construction of the Owerri-Okigwe road project, one of the signature projects of the Governor Hope Uzodinma.

9th December, 2022, was particularly bad in Imo. Earlier in the day, at Ubomiri in the Mbaitoli LGA, gunmen had shot and killed an elder brother of renowned Nollywood Actor, Osita Iheme, popular as Paw-paw. The Ihemes are from Ubomiri.

They, also, invaded a market, Afor Uruala, and set ablaze shops and vehicles.

Finland-based Simon Ekpa, self proclaimed disciple of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, had declared a shut-down of the South-east and ordered people to sit-at-home for five days, beginning from Friday, 9th December.

Many people are attributing the attacks to Ekpa’s order.

IPOB distanced the organization from Ekpa’s order, and promised it would as much as it can, provide security for South-easterners, and markets.

Sir Sam Iheagwam, Bishop Iheagwam’s Elder Brother, Dies, Buried

The Source

December 10, 2022

By George Best Okoroh

The late Sir Iheagwam, a Knight of St. Christopher, was elder brother to the Pioneer Bishop of Egbu Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam.

In his speech at the funeral service which took place at Christ Anglican Church, Emeabiam, the Bishop of Egbu Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, recalled that the deceased, Sir Iheagwam, accompanied by his wife, Lady Irene, attended the 2022 Synod of the Diocese which was held in the first week of November, 2022.

He noted that in the midst of life, man is a walking corpse, likening Sir Sam Iheagwam’s passage to Simeon in the Bible, who after seeing Christ said: “Now let your servant depart in peace”.

Bishop Okorafor urged Christians to always be prepared for their last days on earth by living a Godly life, as death is inevitable for every mortal. He described the deceased as a man of many parts, being a dedicated knight, layreader and Christian Men’s Fellowship member.

Okorafor charged the deceased’s children to emulate the good legacies left behind by their father.

Earlier in his sermon, the Rev. Ugochukwu Amaefula of St. Michael’s Church, Umuocham, Ntu Parish, Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State enjoined Nigerians to eschew corruption and live a blameless life. He noted that God created man in His own image and likeness, regretting that the same man opted to disappoint God.

Rev. Amaefula observed that the result of that disappointment was God’s decision to wipe out mankind with the exception of Noah and his family who were obedient to God.

Also in their remarks, the Venerables Taiwo Olupitan and Akin Omoyajowo both from the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, said they were in Emeabiam to console and sympathise with the Iheagwams, noting that the deceased’s first son, Mr. Ikechukwu Iheagwam and his wife, Tina, are functional members of the Diocese of Lagos West.

Mr. Ikechukwu Iheagwam in his eulogy described his late father as Godfearing, honest and committed to all that he was engaged in. He, on behalf of his siblings, promised that God being their helper, they would sustain their late father’s attributes.

Late Sir Samuel Nnadiebulam Iheagwam died at the age of 86 years and is survived by his wife Lady Irene Nkechi Iheagwam ,four sons, their wives, grandchildren and other family members including His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. Professor Emmanuel Iheagwam, immediate past Bishop of Egbu Diocese.

Imo: Gunmen Attack Market, Set Shops, Cars Ablaze

The Source

December 10, 2022

By Charles Igbo

Tragedy has hit the Uruala Community, Imo State.

In a tragic incident, said to be attributable to the sit-at-home order clamped on the South-east by Simon Ekpa, the self proclaimed Disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, gunmen on Friday, December 9, 2022, invaded the Afor Uruala Market.

During the invasion, they set ablaze vehicles and razed down shops. Goods worth hundreds of thousands of Naira were lost. The loss runs into millions of Naira if vehicles set on fire are added.

Nobody could confirm where the gunmen came from, but Ekpa had, a couple of days earlier, issued a five-day sit-at-home order in the South-east beginning from December 9, 2022.

His order attracted outrage in the Region from individuals and organisations, including IPOB.

In two separate statements signed by IPOB’s Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the Organisation distanced itself from the order proclaiming any sit-at-home. It said it never gave such order and it was not approved by Kanu.

The order from Finland-based Ekpa is thought to be aimed at stopping people in the region from going to pick their Permanent Voters Card, PVC.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had dedicated the days to those who have not picked their PVC’s to do so.

However, IPOB has directed the people to go and pick their PVC’s, promising to provide adequate security in the Region for the five days Ekpa shut down the South-east.

Sadly, Ekpa’s Group, allegedly, began their operations as earlier scheduled. There was no challenge by anybody at the market. The gunmen had their way in the presence of shocked and helpless citizens.

This Group insists there will be no election in the South-east come 2023. IPOB disagrees.

Group Lashes FG Over Continued Detention Of IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

Akinwale Kasali

December 9, 2022

By Akinwale Kasali

The continued incarceration of Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has been condemned by a Human Rights Group, Legal Advocacy Centre, PLAC. The condemnation came on Friday, December 9th, 2022, in Abuja.

The Human Rights Advocacy Group slammed the Federal Government for flouting the Court of Appeal judgement that frowned at the continued detention of Kanu.

Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of the Group faulted the FG for not respecting the Rule of Law, stressing that the Federal Court of Appeal in Abuja had ruled that the FG breached all local and international laws in its forceful rendition of Kanu to Nigeria, an action that nullified the charges of terrorism charges against him.

Nwankwo made this assertion at a Press Briefing in commemoration of the Global Human Rights Day.

It would be recalled that following the Appeal Court Ruling on the release of Kanu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, said that that the IPOB leader was only freed of one charge and not acquitted, insisting that the FG would pursue other charges against him.

Querying the decision of the FG not to respect the Appeal Court Ruling, the Group said it is an abuse of Kanu’s Fundamental Human Rights, expressing concerns that Nigeria was gradually drifting away from its responsibilities as enshrined in the Country’s Constitution and various International Human Rights Treaty obligations.

Nwankwo added that not only has the Country failed to protect its citizens from the erosion of their basic and fundamental rights, the Government was often found complicit in actions that deny rather than enhance those rights.

He said: “For instance, an October 13 ruling by the Court of Appeal specifically reprimanded the Government for its role in abducting a wanted citizen from a foreign country without due process in order to bring him for trial.

“Such an illegal action by the government in the terrorism and treasonable felony trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, nullified the government’s case, making it ‘untriable’ in Nigeria, the court said in its landmark ruling.

“But the Government has persisted in its ways by disregarding the court ruling and seeking an appeal at the same time. Both the federal and state governments have also demonstrated a lack of tolerance for criticism.

“They have often chosen to clamp down on critics by deploying regulatory powers, citing bogus laws and using security forces. Examples include the ban of Twitter and the numerous occasions where government officials, including the president’s wife, unlawfully arrest and detain critics and journalists.”

He recommended a change in attitude where the Government sees itself as the prime defender of human rights rather than their prime violator.

Speaking further, Nwankwo also stated that there was an urgent need to tackle the grazing conflict sweeping the country as it’s directly implicated in food shortages and their rising costs.

“The Government should redouble efforts to tackle pervasive insecurity in the country and reassert its control over the country’s territory, the report said.

“PLAC calls on the authorities to launch investigations into allegations that some members of the security forces are showing partisanship to some sides in the grazing conflict, to nip such practices in the bud, if true, and boost the citizens’ trust in the armed forces,” he said.

Labour Party, Sacks National Publicity Secretary; Dissolves Ogun State Chapter Exco

Akinwale Kasali

December 9, 2022

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Labour Party, LP, has continued to escalate with few months to the 2023 General Elections.

The leadership of the Party has announced the sack of Abayomi Arabambi, as the Party’s Acting National Publicity Secretary and also dissolved the Ogun State Executives of the Party.

It was gathered that the reason behind the decision of the Party’s National Working Committee to terminate the appointment of Arabambi, and dissolve the Ogun chapter of the party was because of the role they played in the alleged expulsion of the Director General of Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Doyin Okupe.

Both men had accused both Okupe and the National Chairman of the Party of monumental fraud, without any documented proof.

An emergency meeting was held in Abuja by the NWC, after which the National Secretary, Umar Farouk, announced the dissolution of the Ogun State Exco and Arabambi sack.

According to him, the party can no longer condone such anti-party activities among its rank and file.

He said, “The Acting National Publicity Secretary has been relieved of his appointment by the National Working Committee. A disciplinary committee has also been constituted to investigate his anti-party activities as a member of the Labour Party.

“The Ogun State Chapter of the party has also been dissolved and the chairman and its exco suspended. A caretaker will be appointed to take care for the party’s activities in the state. They will also be investigated by the disciplinary committee for anti-party activities.

“The NWC has also unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the National Chairman, Julius Abure. Consequently, we call on the party members to adhere strictly to the provision of the Constitution and Code of Conduct of the party. We also call on the general public to have more confidence in the party as the leadership of the party is working very hard to ensure that we are not distracted. The bad elements and the Judas among us will be fished out gradually and punished in accordance with the Constitution of the party.

“We also call on Nigerians to disregard any negative information spread by some miscreants as the party’s loyalists, whereas we have found out they are acting out the script of our opposition.”

It would be recalled that the Ogun State Chapter of the Party had announced the expulsion of Okupe last week without notifying the NWC and the leadership of the Party, which was debunked.

Okupe and 11 members of the party were removed by the leadership of the Ogun State chapter of LP over alleged “non-financial membership status, political rascality and misappropriation of funds.”

The affected members were deputy State Chairman II East, Jagun Lookman; state Women Leader, Oluwabukola Soyoye, ex-state Treasurer, Gbadebo Fesomade; state Publicity Secretary, Jide Amusan; state Youth Leader, Abdulmalik Olaleye; Assistant State Youth Leader, Adeshina Shojobi; Senatorial Women Leader Ogun East, Deborah Adewale; Assistant State Secretary, Olatunde Abolade, Abel Olaleye and Abayomi Collins.

The Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, said having reviewed all the corruption allegations levelled against him and found him not culpable, Obi’s DG sacking is “fake news.”

ICPC Releases D’Banj On Self Recognition

Akinwale Kasali

December 9, 2022

By Akinwale Kasali

After spending three days in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, popular international musician, Daniel Oladapo, known as D’Banj, has been released on self recognition.

Making the disclosure on the release of the ‘Koko Master’ as he is fondly called by fans was his Counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the artiste was released on self recognition.

Olajengbesi had earlier called for the immediate release of his Client by the ICPC, stressing that the musician was innocent of the allegations of fund diversion trailing him regarding the social empowerment programme ‘N-Power Scheme.’

His Counsel had also demanded that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs make public the names of Government officials allegedly involved with D’Banj in the alleged fraud.

But sharing the news of the singer’s release on his Facebook page in a statement on Friday, Olajengbesi explained that nothing incriminating was found on D’banj.

The statement read, “After 72 hours of unfair detention and false allegation against Mr. Daniel Oladapo (D’banj), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Friday afternoon released the popular singer.”

“It would be recalled that the musician was arrested and detained on Tuesday by the ICPC over alleged fraud, having, according to ICPC, ignored multiple invitations to explain his role in the alleged diversion of funds earmarked the N-Power project.

“N-power is part of the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) set up by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to tackle unemployment and increase social development.

“It was alleged that D’Banj had allegedly conspired with some government officials to engage ghost beneficiaries in the N-Power payment scheme with funds meant for beneficiaries being traced to accounts linked to D’banj.

“It is instructive to note that the ICPC released D’banj) on self-recognition after the agency could not find anything incriminating on him.

“Nigerians must be told the truth that D’banj) is clean and have no criminal or fraud record. It, however, an embarrassment to the entire country that such a huge allegation of N900m fraud against a public figure without any evidence.

“The ICPC Chairman, Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN) and the entire officers of the ICPC must be deeply sad and embarrassed also that their decent organization was used for such a shameful publicity against an innocent man. Only few organizations and persons stood and waited to verify the claims. This form of media trial is evil.

“The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, who claimed to have instructed the ICPC to detain D’banj must now be ready to explain to world the money traced to his account and the amount.

“We still demand that the minister provide the details of the government authority D’banj allegedly collaborated with and provide the account and N-power funds allegedly traced to Dbanj’s account.

“This is injustice and upon the instruction of our client, we may head to court to seek redress, a public apology and compensation from the ICPC. The detention of D’banj is an injustice having that the ICPC found nothing incriminating traced to his innocent personality.

“This is to say a big thank you to Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and my Learned Senior Barr. Babs Akinwumi for the leadership.”

Mike Durueke, Nollywood Actor, Dies Of Pancreas Cancer; Colleagues Mourn, Pay Tribute

Akinwale Kasali

December 9, 2022

By Akinwale Kasali

It came as a shock to members of the ‘Make Believe Industry’, Nollywood when the news of the demise of Mike Durueke, popularly known as Mike D, was broken.

Many thought it was a rumour, waiting anxiously for it to be debunked by the deceased, his families and close friends.

Sadly, the Owerri, Imo State Born Actor succumbed to the cold hands of death having battled with Diabetes which was at the deadly stage.

Born on October 15, 1967, Durueke was a popular face in the Nollywood industry. He, also, worked as a production personnel in several films.

It was gathered that the late Actor was misdiagnosed by medical personnel which worsened his health situation.

Firstly, he was diagnosed to have suffered from Ulcer, to Pancreas Cancer, which metamorphosed into him battling for his lives, before it was discovered that he was at the deadly stage.

Following his failure to respond to treatment, with his health worsening, the family had to rely on a Miracle, by taking him to a prayer house in Ngwa, Abia State, where he finally gave up the ghost.

The Actor will be buried at his hometown in Mbieri, Imo State on December 23, 2022.

Tributes have been pouring in from colleagues and fans who are yet to come to terms with the sudden demise of the gifted actor.

Chima Samuel, a fellow actor said it is a big blow to the Nollywood industry to have lost such a talented actor at a time his wealth of experience is needed.

Also, fans of the deceased has taken to social media to pay tribute to the late Durueke, lamenting that he would be solely missed in the industry.

Sixteen FUOYE Students Get FG Scholarship

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2022

By Ayodele Oni

Sixteen undergraduate students of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE) are among beneficiaries of scholarship awards by the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB).

The Board, a Department in the Federal Ministry of Education, has granted N2.4m scholarship at N150, 000.00 each per session to the beneficiaries, following their excellent performance at the Federal Government’s prescribed Computer Based Test (CBT).

A representative of the Scholarship Board, Mallam Abdulkareem Gaminana, at the presentation ceremony, said the students secured the scholarship after passing the prescribed Computer Based Test organized by the Board.

“The qualification for the annual scholarship entry is a minimum CGPA of 4.00. The beneficiaries would continue to enjoy the scheme throughout the period of their studies.

“The Board would be doing continuous verification of the student status of the beneficiaries on yearly basis, before the benefit for each session could be released.”

Gaminana added that the Nigerian scholarship was opened to Postgraduate students, with Masters students entitled to N300, 000.00, while PhD students, receive N380,000.00 per session for a maximum of two sessions.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof Abayomi Fasina, congratulated the students for doing the University proud, stressing that the award was a reflection of their assiduousness and commitment to studies.

He also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Ministry of Education for providing the scholarship opportunity and stressed the determination of the University to continue to nurture young talents that will do the nation proud.

The VC, however, appealed to the Scholarship Board to extend the same gesture to other spheres of education, innovative students across faculties, saying the scholarship should not be for Education students only.

The Vice-Chancellor further appealed that the number of FUOYE students for the scholarship award should be increased as the university is the fifth most sought-after by admission seekers in Nigeria.

Prof Fasina further urged the beneficiaries to continue to do the University proud by showing excellent commitment to their studies as the University would continue to provide enabling environment for students to excel.