Headlines

Idoma Stakeholders Devise Strategies to Combat Insecurity and Foster Regional Growth at USA Convention

Published

4 months ago

August 10, 2024

The Idoma Association USA, a prominent socio-cultural organization of Idoma natives residing in the United States, recently convened for its 28th annual convention in New Jersey. The event, held from August 1 to August 3, 2024, centered on the theme, “The Effect of Security on the Economic Development of Idomaland,” drawing a large gathering of Idoma sons and daughters.

Throughout the three-day convention, participants underscored the importance of promoting economic and educational advancement within Idoma communities in Nigeria, while also emphasizing unity among Idoma people in the United States.

Dr. Edwin Ochai, President of the association, delivered a poignant welcome address in which he lamented the persistent violence in parts of Idomaland, particularly in areas like Apa and Agatu. He described the situation as “deeply troubling,” stating, “These senseless acts of violence not only claim precious lives but also sow fear and instability among our people.

“We cannot ignore the toll that insecurity takes on our communities, and it is imperative that we address this issue with the urgency and seriousness it demands. Without security, our dreams of economic prosperity and social progress remain out of reach. A secure environment is the foundation upon which we can build a thriving economy. Investors, both local and foreign, are deterred by the threat of violence and instability. Businesses cannot flourish in an environment where safety is not guaranteed. It is clear that if we are to attract investment, create jobs, and drive economic growth, we must first ensure the safety of our people and property.”

Dr. Ochai also expressed concern over the increasing involvement of Idoma youths in cultism and other social vices, emphasizing, “We cannot afford to lose our young generation to these destructive paths. It is our responsibility to engage them meaningfully, providing them with opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth. By investing in our youth, we are investing in the future of Idomaland. Let us create programs and initiatives that will empower our young people, steering them away from negative influences and towards a brighter, more productive future.”

He further announced that a comprehensive blueprint outlining strategies to tackle insecurity and promote economic development in Idomaland would soon be available for implementation.

HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo (Och’Idoma V) joined the convention virtually, commending the association for upholding Idoma cultural identity on an international stage. He remarked, “I commend the consistency and tenacity of the group in organizing and hosting the Idoma Annual Convention in the United States of America for a record of 28 unbroken years. This not only shows your love and appreciation for your cultural heritage but also highlights the reason you all keep excelling in your chosen careers.”

The royal father lamented the ongoing attacks on the Idoma kingdom by criminal elements, which have resulted in numerous casualties and displaced thousands. He acknowledged the association’s financial support for the victims, noting, “This relief went a long way in alleviating the pains of affected people across almost all local government areas in Idoma kingdom. Though you have left home, the home has not left you.”

Addressing the theme of the event, Och’Idoma stressed the detrimental impact of insecurity on the region, stating, “Insecurity discourages investment as investors seek a stable environment for their businesses. Without investment, economic growth is stifled. Security threats disrupt agricultural activities, leading to food shortages and economic losses for farmers. Insecurity hinders the construction and maintenance of essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, hospitals, and also affects markets, trade, and commerce.”

He urged the community to explore pathways to peace and security, emphasizing, “It is incumbent upon us to explore possible pathways to peace and security to foster a conducive environment for growth and progress. Through enhanced collaboration with law enforcement agencies, community empowerment initiatives, and proactive measures, we can reclaim the promise of a safe and thriving Idoma land. I insist and must continue to emphasize that our strength and growth lie in unity. In resilience and determination lies the power to effect positive change. Let us heed the call to action. Let us stand in the guidance of our heritage, and let us strive together to build a kingdom where security and prosperity go hand in hand.”

In a video message, Dr. Sam Odeh, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, who could not attend the convention due to ongoing protests in Nigeria, reassured the audience that the state government, led by Rev. Fr. Hycainth Alia, has not neglected the Benue South Senatorial District. Addressing concerns about project distribution, Odeh affirmed that several projects are planned for the district, which will soon be initiated.

Odeh highlighted the state’s focus on infrastructure, stating, “We understand that infrastructure is critical to both security and economic growth. The state government has therefore embarked on several road construction and rehabilitation projects to improve access and connectivity within our communities.”

He also noted the establishment of a Bureau for Homeland Security by the Benue State government to address insecurity, adding, “This specialized unit will work alongside the existing security agencies to provide a robust security framework, ensuring that our communities are rid of herders’ attacks and other criminal practices so that economic activities can flourish without fear of disruption.”

Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, represented by Mr. Sylvanus Edache Ocheme, lauded the association for its contributions to the socioeconomic development of Idomaland. He urged the group to maintain and strengthen the bonds that have united them for years, describing the convention as a testament to the enduring spirit, unity, and resilience of the Idoma people, both at home and in the diaspora.

Lady Blessing Onuh, representing Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency, expressed gratitude to Idomas in the diaspora for their unwavering connection to their homeland. She revealed that her office had established a diaspora help desk to facilitate communication and collaboration with Idoma sons and daughters abroad.

Rt. Hon. Anthony Agom, a member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Okpokwu, praised the association’s unity and dedication, urging those in Nigeria to emulate the spirit of determination exhibited by the Idoma diaspora. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Idoma Association USA for their exemplary unity of purpose in supporting the Idoma nation. Their commitment is commendable and sets a standard for all of us,” he said.

The convention concluded with the presentation of recognition awards to twelve association members for their dedicated service over the past 28 years. Among the awardees was Engr. Cletus Agbo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Idoma Association USA, who appealed to the Benue State government and other stakeholders to emulate the collaborative spirit of the association. He stressed the importance of collective commitment to building a stronger nation, transcending religious, tribal, and political divides.

Africa

Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

Published

1 day ago

November 22, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.

Economy

Customs intercepts N30m worth of PMS in Operation Whirlwind

Published

1 day ago

November 22, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Friday said that it had intercepted 849 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth over N30 million in retail price from Operation Whirlwind.

The Comptroller of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, made this known during a news conference in Ikeja.

“Today, we have another seizure of 849 kegs of PMS containing 25 litres each. This translates to 30,225 litres with duty paid value at N30.225 million only at the NNPCL retail price.

“Today marks yet another success recorded by the operatives of Operation Whirlwind, Zone “A” Lagos/Ogun Axis.

“About five weeks ago, same PMS products were displayed before you here on the parade ground of the college where several seizures were made,” Ejibunu said.

“On this note, we wish to thank the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their unwavering support,” Ejibunu said.

The coordinator of the Operation Whirlwind said that two vehicles of means of conveyance were intercepted along with the seizures.

Ejibunu said that they evacuated 80 Jerry Cans each from a vehicle.

He assured the public that Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its efforts to clamp down on PMS smugglers, ensuring no room for their illegal activities nationwide.

Africa

Ann-Kio Briggs Faults Tinubu for Scrapping Niger Delta Ministry

Published

1 day ago

November 22, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Prominent Niger Delta human rights activist and environmentalist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta, describing it as ill-advised and detrimental to the oil-rich region.

Briggs expressed her concerns during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television.

“The Ministry of Niger Delta was created by the late (President Umaru) Yar’Adua. There was a reason for the creation. So, just removing it because the president was advised. I want to believe that he was advised because if he did it by himself, that would be terribly wrong,” she stated.

President Tinubu, in October, dissolved the Ministry of Niger Delta and replaced it with the Ministry of Regional Development, which is tasked with overseeing all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North-West Development Commission, and North-East Development Commission.

Briggs questioned the rationale behind the restructuring, expressing concerns about its feasibility and implications. “But that’s not going to be the solution because who is going to fund the commissions? Is it the regions because it is called the Regional Development Ministry? Is it the states in the regions? What are the regions because we don’t work with regions right now; we are working with geopolitical zones,” she remarked.

She added, “Are we going back to regionalism? If we are, we have to discuss it. The president can’t decide on his own to restructure Nigeria. If we are restructuring Nigeria, the president alone can’t restructure Nigeria, he has to take my opinion and your opinion into consideration.”

Briggs also decried the longstanding neglect of the Niger Delta despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy since 1958. “The Niger Delta has been developing Nigeria since 1958. We want to use our resources to develop our region; let regions use their resources to develop themselves,” she asserted.

Reflecting on the various bodies established to address the region’s development, Briggs lamented their failure to deliver meaningful progress. She highlighted the Niger Delta Basin Authority, the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), and the NDDC as examples of ineffective interventions.

“NDDC was created by Olusegun Obasanjo…There was OMPADEC before NDDC. OMPADEC was an agency. Before OMPADEC, there was the Basin Authority…These authorities were created to help us. Were we helped by those authorities? No, we were not,” she said.

Briggs further described the NDDC as an “ATM for failed politicians, disgruntled politicians, and politicians that have had their electoral wins taken away from them and given to somebody else.”

Her remarks underscore the deep-seated frustrations in the Niger Delta, where residents continue to advocate for greater control over their resources and improved governance.