Nation

Group Tasks S’ East Govs On IPOB Sit-At-Home Order

Published

3 years ago

September 17, 2021

Governors of the South-East States have been called upon to take immediate responsibility and joint action to stop parallel government leading to continuous sit-at-home in the zone.
Members of a South-East Group, Concerned Igbo Stakeholders Forum, who made the call in a conference held in Enugu on Wednesday also urged the governors to convene an emergency meeting within themselves in the next 48-hour and follow it up with a multi-stakeholder consultative forum, with intent to generate actionable ideas that would douse rising tensions in the zone.
The leader of the Forum, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, had during the conference entitled “Disruptive Nature of Sit–At-Home Order and its Socio-economic Impact on the People”, noted that the continued sit-at-home had dire economic consequences on businesses in the area.
He maintained that many Igbos that depend on daily earnings now have to go hungry for some days of the week because of shutdown on businesses.
It would be recalled that about a month ago, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued out a weekly Sit–at-Home order, which they christened: “Ghost Monday”.
The IPOB group, however, had allegedly said that it had suspended the order but hoodlums had already hijacked the situation terrorising the people with sporadic violence and fake/tailored viral social media posts.
He noted that coincidentally also the NECO Mathematics and the WAEC English language examinations fell on Mondays and these came at extra costs to the students and their parents/guardians.
According to him, most students have to trek over 10-kilometer to get to catch up with their examinations, because the commuters were unavailable.
Okenwa further regretted that a good number of candidates have to miss their examinations.
The positions of the forum are as follows: “The region cannot afford to lose out on its economic viability, which largely depends on the Internally Generated Revenues, in the face of present economic crisis.
“Continued compliance with the sit-at-home order will further stifle life out of the region’s economy. We cannot afford to lose out on the gains of the first day of economic activity in the region.
“What is even more worrisome is the fact that the collapse of economic activities on Mondays is gradually being extended to other days of the week.

“This is a terrible development and a threat that might lead to complete collapse of economic activities in our region, should nothing be done to stem the tide.

“We would love to observe that whilst some in the region comply with the sit-at-home order in solidarity with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of IPOB; others comply due to concerns for their safety.

“Though some of Ndi-Igbo, who fell within this category share some sentiments with the embattled IPOB leader, they are however more concerned with how the sit-at-home is fast diminishing their ability to take care of their families.
”We wish to observe with disappointment that the compliance of Ndi-Igbo to sit-at-home despite the assurances of some governors for indigenes to go about their businesses leaves us with the question:

“Is the sit-at-home instruction by the proscribed IPOB group more powerful than the go-to-work order by constituted authorities of the five states in the region?

“This indeed is suggestive of a leadership gap in the South-East and necessity is laid on the South-East governors to demonstrate to us that there is no parallel government in the zone,” he said.

He noted that some governors of the South-East i.e. Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra and Gov.Dave Umahi of Ebonyi have issued orders with corresponding threats of consequences of non-compliance.

“But, we wish to remind them that threat and the use of force cannot handle what dialogue is designed to handle.

“The level of low compliance to the governors’ directives despite threats confirms that a psychological operation to win back the hearts and confidence of the people will be far more reaching,” he added.

He said that the South-East governors must act fast to ensure that a region known for peace and economic progress does not descend further into anarchy.

“Dialogue and a possibly impressing on the Federal Government to consider amnesty for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB members in various cells across the country should be esteemed as an option”.

The forum have Nnenna Anozie as its Secretary; Mr Chiagozie Nwabuko (Abia State); Mr Wilfred Okeke (Anambra State); Prince Ozioma Ani (Enugu State); Mr Chima Vincent (Ebonyi State) and Mr Chidimma Ibemere (Imo State).

By: Canice Amadi, Enugu

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

15 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

15 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.