NEWS
Abia, Imo Traders Count Their Losses over 2-day Sit-at-home
A cross-section of traders in Abia and Imo says the two-day sit-at-home crippled their businesses and caused them huge financial losses.
Report says that a middle-aged man had in a viral video about a fortnight ago warned South-East residents to remain indoors on October 21 and October 22 for their safety.
The unidentified man claimed that the proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) would launch its flag and Armoured Personnel Carriers in the five states of the region on the two days.
He feared that security agencies would attempt to counter the move with dire security consequences in the region.
The video caused panic amongst the people as markets, shops, bakns, business premises and schools in the region forcefully closed for the two days.
An Aba resident, Mr Chinaka Samuel, said that the sit-at-home, being imposed on residents, had become inimical to their economic survival.
Samuel appealed to the Federal Government “to dialogue with IPOB and release Nnamdi Kanu”, the leader of the group, in order to end the sit-at-home phenomenon.
He also urged IPOB to consider the consequent losses brought on the economy of the region by its incessant order.
A trader, Mrs Ijeoma Kelechukwu, said that her children had nothing to eat since Monday “because of the sit-at-home, which took us unawares”.
She said that she went for burial on Friday and learnt of the order upon her return in the evening.
She also said that as a Seventh Day Adventist faithful, she could not go to shop on Saturday.
“Now, since the sit-at-home started on Monday, my four children and I have had nothing in the house to eat.
“This sit-at-home should stop. Government should do whatever it can to stop it for us to return to our normal life again,” she said.
In Umuahia, a Community Health Worker, Mrs Ijeoma Eze, said that businesses in the region had suffered great losses, worth billions of naira, during the two-day sit-at-home.
Eze said that she runs a patent medicine shop but could not open for business for the two days.
“My stock has run down but I could not restock because the big pharmacies in town did not open.
“This sit-at-home has affected my daily income for these two days as the breadwinner of my family, she said.
Eze opined that the solution to the challenge faced in the South-East remained the unconditional release of Kanu.
The Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, Mr Nelson Nwafor, said that the issue of sit-at-home had become worrisome.
Nwafor said: “Sit-at-home has become a very serious concern because of its resultant negative outcome on the economy of the region.
“We are calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu because this will address the issue of sit-at-home.”
The streets of Aba and Umuahia were completely deserted for the two days as residents stayed back home for fear of being attacked.
In Imo, residents of Owerri, the capital, complied with the sit-at-home order, bringing socio-economic activities to a halt.
Report says that banks, schools and major markets, such as the popular Eke Onunwa Market and Relief Market, remained shut.
The roads were also deserted with no vehicles and security personnel in sight.
Also, motor parks and recreational spots, such as the Owerri Mall, were locked.
A school proprietor, Mrs Charity Udochukwu, said that she had to comply with the order “for the safety of our staff and students and to avoid being the scapegoat”.
Udochukwu said that the situation was likely to affect the school calendar and students academic programme, if left to continue.
A trader, Mr Emmanuel Nwokorie, said that he would endure the two-day order “as long as it guarantees my safety”, irrespective of the hunger from economic lockdown.
Also, a food vendor, Mrs Igoloma Nduka, said she had been out of business since Monday, in compliance with the directive.
Nduka wondered why security agencies were not seen on the streets to guarantee safety of lives and property of the residents.
According to her, the absence of security personnel from the streets contributed to the fear, leading to total compliance with the order.
A cleric, Mr Chisomaga Ononuju of the First Apostles Mission, Owerri, expressed dismay over the inability of the government to address the issues that led to the situation.
Ononuju argued that with serious government’s intervention, sit-at-home in the South-East would end.
He regretted that the directive was crippling businesses in the region and other parts of the country.
He said: “Almost every business, if not all, in the country has something to do with the South-East.
“So, this situation is definitely affecting other parts of the country, apart from the South-East.
“For instance, I learnt that some parts of the north did not get power supply because the Transmission Company of Nigeria could not activate supply from somewhere in Enugu as a result of the sit-at-home.
“This is serious. It is an issue of national concern and should be treated as such,” Ononuju said.
However, some hospitals and other health service providers, such as laboratories and pharmacies in Owerri Municipal, shunned the order.
On MCC/Uratta Road, Daily asset observed sketetal vehicular movements, while some small businesses, such as hair salons and mini shops, opened for business.
A hair dresser, Mrs Maria Ezeh, said she had to open when her customers kept calling, adding that the area was free from unrest.
Report says that petrol stations and big supermarkets were closed.
Meanwhile, the state Police Command has dismissed a viral video on the social media that alleged an attack on Okigwe Local Government building.
In a statement issued by the
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the command also dismissed reports that five vehicles were set ablaze in some parts of Imo during the sit-at-home.
“The Imo State Police Command is issuing this statement in response to a recent viral video showing vehicles set ablaze by individuals affiliated with IPOB/ESN enforcing an unlawful sit-at-home order in Okigwe.
“The command confirms that this video is misleading. The incident depicted actually occurred in 2022.
“Its re-circulation is a calculated attempt by mischief makers to instil unnecessary fear and anxiety in the people,” he noted.
Okoye urged residents of Okigwe and the state in general to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities without fear.
He assured them that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, was committed to combating misinformation and ensuring a safe environment for all and sundry in the state. (NAN)
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, has announced the fund’s commitment to disbursing 90 billion naira for tuition fees and stipends.
Sawyerr said this at a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing on Wednesday in Abuja.
He noted that the fund has received over 350,000 applications and has so far disbursed more than N10 billion.
According to him, the fund is inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve.
Sawyerr emphasised that NELFUND is an institution designed to provide relief, particularly in these challenging economic times, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that the fund offers not just immediate palliative relief but a long-term solution aimed at fostering stability and growth in Nigeria.
“Applications are coming in at an average of over 1,000 per day, and we are making special provisions for students with disabilities.
“We are also focused on addressing barriers to girl-child education, recognising that denying girls the opportunity for further education denies the nation the chance to benefit from their leadership potential.
“With 70 per cent of our population under the age of 35, failing to provide education for this segment exposes Nigeria to a future fraught with instability and violence, this intervention by President Tinubu could not have come at a better time”.
Sawyerr further stated that deliberate efforts are being made to proactively reach out to regions that feel left behind, particularly the South East.
He noted that following multiple rounds of sensitisation in local communities, there has been significant progress with a surge in applications.
He reiterated NELFUND’s commitment to working closely with the committee to achieve its goals.
“This collaboration is crucial in shaping a student loan system that truly serves the interests of all Nigerians.
“As we continue to work together, let us remember that our collective goal is the betterment of Nigeria and its youth.
“By ensuring education remains accessible and equitable, we are securing the future of millions of young Nigerians and building a stronger, more prosperous nation”.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Gboyega Isiaka (APC-Oyo), described NELFUND as a critical agency.
He noted that the fund is about creating a future where every Nigerian youth has the opportunity to realise their potential and contribute to national development.
Isiaka expressed concerns about the management’s capacity to handle the fund, given its potential.
“As we proceed with proper oversight of this institution, we will focus on several key issues. For instance, we need to be able to ask ourselves: Where will NELFUND be in the next three to five years?
“How will it achieve its goals, and what challenges need to be addressed to get there?” he said.
Isiaka reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency, pledging to work within the law to meet the aspirations of Nigerians, especially the youth. (NAN)
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says his administration has so far disbursed N2 billion grant to 19,023 beneficiaries, mostly unemployed youths and vulnerable persons in the state.
Aiyedatiwa said that the money was disbursed under the government’s Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) programme.
He said this on Wednesday in Akure during the launch of the orientation and disbursement under the OD-CARES social transfer and LIPW.
He said the essence was to reduce poverty and enhance local economy with further instruction for the enrolment of additional 1,000 beneficiaries to empower more unemployed youths in the state.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the Federal Government has also paid N2 billion to 77,000 persons under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Ondo State Conditional Cash Transfer Unit has assisted over 7,500 persons across the state through the OD-CARES programme.
“Over N2 billion has been disbursed to support the aged and chronically-ill adults with a total of 2,870 beneficiaries receiving bi-monthly stipends of N20,000 each.
“Furthermore, preparations for the enrolment of additional 5,000 new beneficiaries are in top gear.
“Our resolve to transform lives is a continuous exercise.
“We assure you that our administration would work tirelessly to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens receive the support they deserve,” he said.
The governor also said that his administration was committed to the welfare of the poor and vulnerable and every individual that deserved a safety net.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programme, Mr Felix Alonge, commended the administration for prioritising the needs of young people and vulnerable groups.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to reducing unemployment and fostering social inclusion.
“It is a testament to the governor’s vision of a fair and prosperous state, where every citizen can access the support they need to improve their lives,” Alonge said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Enuiyin Oluwafunmilayo, said she was thankful to the State Government for providing her a lifeline.
“These funds will help me meet my essential needs and ease the financial burden I have been facing,” Oluwafunmilayo said. (NAN)
The Senate has passed a bill for the establishment of National Eye Centre Doma in Nasarawa state.
This followed the adoption of report of Committee on Health, on the National Eye Centre Doma, Nasarawa State establishment bill 2024 at plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Sen.
Banigo Harry (PDP-Rivers), said the bill sought to establish the national eye centre to cater for eye challenges of host communities, other citizens in the area and the neighboring communities.She said the committee in consideration of the bill, adopted due methodology, conducted a public hearing, captured the views and opinions of stakeholders and the general public.
“The bill received an overwhelming support from the stakeholders, as the committee had a clause by clause consideration of the items.
“It is on record that cataract is one of the common causes of severe visual impairment and glaucoma, hence the call for establishment of National Eye Centre for easy access for members of the community.
“The National Eye Centre when fully established in Doma will help to prevent, diagnose and treat eye conditions and coordinate research on eye disease.
“The Centre will also help train specialists, eye care handlers and professionals in eye diseases and related fields,’’ she explained.
She urged the senate to approve recommendations of the committee on the bill.
Sen. Dicket Plang (APC-Plateau), said establishment of more eye centres in Nigeria would provide services to citizens.
He said the Centre would provide access to eye service resulting in improved sight for citizens.
Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), said establishment of the Centre would help take care of the eye needs of the people and reduce the influx of eye care seekers to Kano Eye Centre.
He said more eye care institutions should be established across the country, saying that more citizens should have access to eye care to reduce visual impairment. (NAN)
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