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Tag: Imo state

  • Imo NDLEA seizes 2000kg of hard drugs, secures 30 convictions

    Drugs
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Imo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it seized 2,639.27kg of hard drugs, arrested 192 suspects and had 30 convictions from July 2023 to June.

    The State Commander of the agency, Mr Abdullahi Saeed, said this at a news briefing in Owerri on Thursday to mark this year’s UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

    Saeed said that of the 192 drug offenders arrested, 171 were males while 21 were females.

    He further said that the seizures made by the command included various types of drugs, such as cocaine, cannabis and marijuana, amongst others.

    The state NDLEA boss also said that the command rehabilitated 40 drug users and handed them over to their families and reintegrated into society.

    He expressed regret that a good number of youths in the country, particularly students, find abuse of drugs fashionable and embrace it without hesitation.

    This, he said, was creating a huge problem for society, considering that drugs share a common nexus with other crimes, such as banditry, kidnapping, murder, suicide and rape.

    “It pays more to prevent the abuse of drugs than to struggle to treat those already afflicted with drug-related problems.

    “The issue of drug abuse must not be handled by the NDLEA alone, strong collaboration with other agencies of government as well as civil society organisations is required.

    “The sustenance of war on drug abuse is the right and appropriate course of action to undertake now for more immediate good and the security of our future,’’ Saeed said.

    He called for a collective sustenance of the war on drug abuse and illicit trafficking to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and secured nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    VIN/OIF/USO
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

     

     

  • Imo hoteliers hail FG’s ban on patronage of hotels by underage girls

    Imo hoteliers hail FG’s ban on patronage of hotels by underage girls

    Ban
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Imo chapter of the Nigeria Hotel Association has hailed the Federal Government’s ban on patronage of hotels, brothels and motels by underage girls.
     The Chief Servant of the association in Imo, Mr Chima Chukwunyere, said this while speaking with newsmen in Owerri on Wednesday.
    Chukwunyere was reacting to a decision of the Federal Ministry of Woman Affairs, conveyed by the Minister, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, in a meeting held with the national leadership and state Chairmen of the association in Abuja, last Thursday.
    Chukwunyere said the minister frowned at the lodging, bullying and abuse of underage girls in hotels and placed a ban on their use of such facilities.
    He added that hoteliers are advised  to display a notice of prohibition of underage females from using their facilities and present the Federal Government Age Declaration form to suspected underage females to ascertain their real age before they check into hotels.
    He called on all hoteliers in Imo to abide by the decision as serious sanctions would be imposed on defaulters by a mobile court established across the states of the federation by the minister.
     “ The minister, while addressing us, harped on the need for holistic partnership with hoteliers across the country to shutdown brothels and checkmate the spate of abuse of underage girls in hotels and motels.
     “ To this end, hoteliers must put their eyes to the ground to ascertain the actual activities of customers and device means of protecting young girls from perpetrators of child trafficking, drug abuse, sex for grades and other vices.
     “ On no condition should any student in school uniform be found in an hotel or similar facility where alcohol is sold, as such outfits, when found, shall be shut down and be made to face the mobile court “, he said.
    Chukwunyere however added that though times were tough, hoteliers must synergise with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure that lives of children are saved and their morals preserved. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    VIN /VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Imo: NYCN hails appointment of  “youth-friendly” Ukaegbu as commissioner

    New Imo Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr Mandela  Ukaegbu.

    Appointment
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has lauded Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo for appointing Mr Mandela Ukaegbu as a commissioner in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ukaegbu, widely known for being youth-friendly, was appointed the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt.

    The commendation is contained in a statement signed by the group’s South East Organising Secretary, Mr Izunna Agwuncha, and made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.

    He was one of the five new commissioners inaugurated on Wednesday by the governor.

    Others were Mr Rex Anunobi, Dr Henry Okafor, Prof. Victor Nwachukwu and Prof. Michael Ubaka.

    Agwuncha described Ukaegbu’s appointment as the pioneer commissioner for the expanded ministry “as one of the best decisions of the governor, which would uplift the young people of the state “.

    He also described the commissioner as a passionate young leader with clear vision, especially in human capital development.

    “We have no doubt that he will inject his transformational leadership skills to recover, redefine and reposition Imo youths.

    “The entire youth constituency is happy with the governor and pray for God’s wisdom and guidance on the commissioner,” Agwuncha stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    VIN/OJI/USO
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Eid-el Kabir: Military committed to making sacrifice for greater Nigeria – Army Commander

    Men and officers of Operation Udo Ka during a lunch to mark the Eid-el Kabir in Owerri, on Monday

    Eid-el Kabir: Military committed to making sacrifice for greater Nigeria – Army Commander

    Commitment
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Udo Ka, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, says the military remains committed to making sacrifice for Nigeria to attain greatness.

    Dada, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said this at a Sallah lunch organised for troops of the operation in Owerri on Monday.

    He thanked God for a successful celebration and described the event as a further reminder of the self sacrifice of troops of the operation in the past year.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unalloyed support for all members of the country’s armed forces and pledged to restore and maintain peace across the South-East, irrespective of the deep sacrifices involved.

    He also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and all the defence chiefs for their continued support which, he said, had seen to the success of the JTF’s operations.

    “We remain resolute in winning all land, air and maritime battles, especially in the area of operation in the South-East.

    “In the spirit of the celebration, we remain committed as JTF to the restoration and maintenance of peace across the South-East, irrespective of the sacrifices involved,“ Dada said.

    Also speaking, the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Brig.-Gen. Usman Lawal, commended the untiring efforts and generosity of the GOC and hailed the leadership acumen of the respective component commanders which, he said, resulted in a greatly improved security situation.

    He thanked the officers and men of the operation for diligently carrying out their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property, while enduring sleepless nights, among other sacrifices.

    The Commander, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Idorenyin Bassey, urged the troops to reflect on the values of respect, loyalty, duty, integrity, personal sacrifice and comradery which, he said, kept them going as they carry out their duties.

    He commiserated with the families of the nation’s fallen heroes and urged the troops never to relent in the discharge of their constitutional duties. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    VIN/VIV/USO

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Sam Oditah

  • Relegation: We’ll bounce back, Heartland FC coach assures fans

     

    Relegation
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Head Coach of the Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Mr Christian Obi, has assured fans of the club that his team will bounce back in spite being relegated from the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
    Obi said this while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Monday as the team prepared for a final match of the 2023/2024 season away to their Ilorin counterparts.
    Obi, who hailed the fans for their unflinching support for the club assured them that their continued love and loyalty would eventually pay off.
    He hailed the players for their dedication, determination and hardwork, and urged them to keep faith with the club.
     “ I want to tell the fans that we lost it in the first round of the season and we apologise and promise that we will bounce back and do better.
     “ We salute our fans for the love they have shown to the team and we assure that tomorrow will be better. We love you all,” he said.
    In a reaction, the Chairman, Imo Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Cosmos Chukwuemeka, described the relegation as “ a huge disappointment to all Imo people especially football lovers”.
     He, however, urged the team’s management to correct any mistakes so as to bounce back to the NPFL.
    According to the Imo SWAN chairman, only two teams will represent the state in the 2024/2025 Nigerian National League (NNL), hence an opportunity for Heartland to take advantage of.
    Speaking, a football enthusiast, Mr Uche Nnaoma, expressed regret that the club which only returned to the NPFL had quickly returned to relegation.
    He urged the club’s management to carry out internal rejigging for a better performance in the coming season.
    Also, another enthusiast, Mr Edward Chilaka, a fitness trainer, urged the team to justify the resources expended on it by the state government and recommit to a better season.
    He expressed hope that with the right management strategies, the team would come back stronger. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
     VIN / VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 723 operatives, 12 patrol vehicles in Imo

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 723 operatives, 12 patrol vehicles in Imo

    Deployment
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 14, 2024 (NAN)  The Federal Safety Corps (FRSC)  in Imo says the command has deployed 723 operatives and 12 patrol vehicles to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
    Corps Commander of the FRSC in Imo, Mr Evaristus Ebeniro, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.
    Ebeniro, who thanked the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, for logistics and other support, said the operatives consisted of 369 regular officers and 354 special marshals.
    He said that in addition to the  patrol vehicles, three ambulances and two tow trucks had been dispatched to various locations in the state for use by the operatives.
    These, he said, would help to achieve a reduction in road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries as well as aid prompt response to road traffic emergencies and unhindered engagement with road users.
     “ We expect a slight increase in vehicular traffic across the state especially in the interstate roads such as the Owerri-Port Harcourt, Owerri-Umuahia and other traffic hotspots such as the Douglas road and Control post.
     “ At the headquarters, there is a situation room that monitors road situation and shares information with relevant state commands,” he said.
    He advised drivers to be civil, courteous and realise that family, friends and loved ones await them and the commuters, hence the need to avoid over speeding and reckless driving.
    He noted that mobile courts had been set up in close collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association to checkmate the excesses of reckless drivers and urged commuters to report reckless drivers to the authorities for appropriate sanctions.
     “ The 2024 Eid-el-Kabir patrol will begin today, June 14 and end on June 21, to showcase our level of preparedness as well as our commitment to safety of road users during and after the festivities.
     “ To reduce road accidents, trucks should not be used to convey passengers,  drink-driving must be avoided at all cost and drivers must show a high level of respect for life by being safety conscious “, he said.
     “ In the event of an emergency, the general public should please call the following phone numbers : 112 and 122 which are toll free as well as the Commander’s official phone number 08077690904,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
     VIN /VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Export: Afreximbank begins development of quality assurance centre in Imo

     

    Centre
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Ngor-Okpala (Imo), June 3, 2024 (NAN) The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has begun the development of its African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) in Imo to ensure quality of export products.
    Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of the bank’s board of directors, said this at the official launch of the AQAC, in the Ngor Okpala council area of Imo, on Monday.
    Oramah, represented by the bank’s Executive Vice-President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Mrs Kanayo Awani, said that the centre was the second of its kind in Nigeria.
    The president explained that the AQAC would promote African trade in line with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
    According to him, although Africa’s export products represent only 30 per cent of exports in Europe and America, the products can hardly meet global standards, and have, therefore, suffered inhibited access to the global market.
    “With a cargo airport and abundant export products such as agricultural, textile, pharmaceutical and automotive, among others, Imo has the potential to become a major international export hub in Nigeria,” he said.
    He thanked the bank’s technical partners, the Bureau Veritas; the African Organisation for Standardisation, and the Imo government for their support and collaboration which saw the project to fruition.
    “Africa loses an estimated $700m yearly at the export market due to inability to meet global standards, but the Afreximbank is working on accredited facilities for quality assurance and promotion of export trade.
    “This gathering is a testament that our strong political will backed by capital from Africa, represent a powerful force and our best chance as a people to achieve economic emancipation.
    “We are, therefore, pleased at the Afreximbank to announce the commencement of the AQAC project development in Imo to serve the people of Imo, Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
    Also, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, thanked the bank for choosing Imo as a ground for “providing home grown solutions to the challenges of export business confronting the African continent “.
    He added that the project aligned with the Nigerian National Development Plan, and pledged his commitment to job creation through stimulation of the economy for a more productive life for Imo people.
    “We thank you for including Imo in the global map.
    “We assure you that with 64 nautical miles to the high sea, your decision to site this project in Imo will be justified through a viable Return on Investment (ROI), and our necessary support for your seamless operation“, he said.
    Earlier, the bank’s Director of Export Development, Mrs Dorothy Oluwaji, restated the bank’s commitment to the strategic initiative, and thanked Uzodinma for his tenacity, drive, support and vision to make Imo an international export hub.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the project module. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    VIN/AYO/VIV
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    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Vivian Ihechu