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Abia Seals Up 16 Table Water Firms
ABIA State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has sealed 16 table water industries in the state that did not meet the minimum hygienic standard.
The General Manager, Mr. Cosmos Ndukwe, said this on Monday in Umuahia while briefing newsmen on the efforts of the agency to get rid of sub-standard sachet water from the markets.
"Our end of year struggle is on table water production because so many people depend on that," he said.
The ASEPA boss said that out of the 16 industries sealed,two were situated in Umuahia, while fourteen were in Aba, adding that the two industries sealed in Umuahia had responded to instructions given to them.
Ndukwe expressed concern on the filthy environment where table water industries were sited, adding that manufacturers failed to put the health of the end users of their products into consideration.
He said that while some sited their production bases close to toilets in their respective compounds, others linked theirs directly to their bore holes.
Ndukwe said that many table water products also did not have production dates which would reveal the time which the product would become unhealthy for human consumption.
"The life span of table water is two months after which it loses its efficacy," he said, adding that ASEPA checks revealed that most industries faked NAFDAC registration numbers.
Ndukwe said that ASEPA and the commissioner of police had increased the number of policemen who would be on ASEPA monitoring teams, as the agency intended to raid the industries that were not complying with environmental standards.

Abia introduces standard measurement in markets
The Abia State Standard Indigenous Measures/Cups for sale of grains in markets have been launched as a way of sanitising business operations in the... state.
Speaking during the launch at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Governor Theodore Orji pointed out that the purpose of introducing the measures was to maintain uniformity of measure in the sale of grains and cereals and in line with Federal Government’s directives.
Orji, who spoke through his deputy, Comrade Chris Akomas, reiterated that his administration would always identify with efforts, programmes and projects that would encourage investors in the state as well as abide by the Weights and Measures Regulation of 1992 and other enabling laws in the country.
He said the protection of the consuming public and Abians would remain paramount in the list of his administration.
The governor warned that fraudulent and sharp practices would never be encouraged and advised the contractor producing the cups, Chief K. O. Kalu, to remain steadfast in keeping to the PPP initiative.
In his address, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Prince Emeka Okafor, said the cups would be the only measure used in the state and promised that the ministry would carry out its duties by ensuring the implementation and use of the cups by marketers.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr Emma Adaelu, said the launch of the Standard Indigenous Measures, apart from fulfilling part of the constitution of Nigeria relating to trade and commerce, was also in obedience to God’s injunction on the appropriate and acceptable means of measure.

PDP Vows to Take Over Orji's Seat
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State says it has sworn to "capture" the state in the 2011 general elections. The party stated this during a unity rally organised by the North Senatorial District of the party, held at Ahaba Imenyi Central School in Isiukwuato Local Government Area.
Abia PDP said it has the men and material to achieve the feat and has resolved to put its house in order to retake the state, come 2011.
In his message, the National Chairman of the Party, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, said PDP won most elective positions in the 2007 general elections in Abia except the governorship seat and vowed that the party would not repeat the mistake in 2011.
"Government House, Umuahia eluded us because we made a mistake. We have all elected representatives, except the Governor. Shall it elude us in 2011," he asked, to which the crowd responded 'no.' He enjoined them to cast their votes for the PDP at the appropriate time.
Mrs. Nkiru Onyejeocha, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency and Nnenna Ukeje, Bende Federal Constituency as well as Chief Mba Ukaha,Ohafia North State Constituency, said PDP has no reason to lose the governorship of Abia to another party in 2011.
"We don't have any reason not to take Abia by 2011. God has given us all we need to grab the governorship position in 2011," Onyejeocha said.
The rally witnessed the welcome back of some top Abia politicians, who either returned to or joined the PDP.
They were welcomed by the National Chairman, who commended the new party members for decamping to the PDP, saying "they have seen the light."
"We want people that will help us catch Government House in 2011. Obviously, God has written it and we are waiting for its fulfillment. All of you here are very important in this project. We need your votes. Don't waste it, but use it at the appropriate time, for us to make a better Abia for all of us," Ogbulafor said.
In his address, the state chairman of PDP, Chief Ndidi Okereke, told party supporters that PDP, despite being in opposition in the state, was growing in numerical strength as more people are joining it from other parties.

SEC Gets New Director-General
The Senate yesterday confirmed the appointment of Ms. Arunma Oteh from Abia State as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The confirmation came after senators considered the report of the screening exercise conducted by the Senate Committee on Capital Market.Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ganiyu Solomon (AC, Lagos) said after subjecting the nominee to thorough screening, she was found to poses requisite professional credentials and experience to occupy the position.
Solomon also confirmed to the Senate that Ms. Oteh has passed through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and has submitted her certificate to the committee.
Senate however dropped the nomination of Mr. Ahmed Makele as Executive Commissioner of SEC because it found that the position which he was nominated is not vacant at the moment. Ms. Oteh has over 16 years of experience in the Capital Market. She is presently the Vice-President (Corporate Services) of the African Development Bank Group (ADB).
Prior to her appointment, Oteh served as the Bank Group's Treasurer for five years between 2001 and 2006, with overall responsibility for the Bank's fund raising and investments in major international capital markets.
She also worked variously in ADB as Division Manager Investments and Trading Room from 1997 to 2001, as well as Senior Investment Officer/Senior Capital Markets Officer from 1993 to 1997.

Abia CP Warns Officers Against Corruption
Commissioner of Police, Abia State, Mr. Jonathan Johnson, has urged officers and men of the state police command to shun corrupt practices or be shown the way out of the force.
Mr. Johnson who said this while addressing officers and men of the force as part of his familiarisation visit to all the divisions under his command, regretted action of some bad eggs in the force who refused to re-brand.
"We have been warning you against collecting N20 on the road. Some of you will lose their jobs unexpectedly. If you don't control your fingers from collecting N20, sorry for you. Shamelessly, some of you even give change to motorists on the road. Don't you have shame? I promise you, I will set example with some of you, and when you are dismissed and charged to court others will sit up", he said.
He also slammed police men who sell arms and ammunition and those who disclose the identity of police informants to criminals and said such people when caught would be treated as criminals.
"There is no difference between a robber and somebody who gives him information. There is no difference between a robber and somebody who has given two bullets to a robber. There is no difference between a robber and somebody who points out someone who has been helping the police fight crime. Nobody forced you to join the force, it was voluntary, and if you think you can't do without these vices, you had better resign, he said.
He said the ongoing reforms in the force would weed out all bad eggs in the system leaving only people with good character to enjoy the gains of the reform, and enjoined officers and men of the force not to compromise standards.
"Hold tight your uniform. Check your conducts and run away from crime to better our society. Be very clean both in character and in appearance. Only the finest of you will remain after the current reforms", he said.
Johnson also encouraged his men to up date their educational status as those with low academic qualification could no longer go far in the hierarchy under the current arrangement, adding that promotions can only come after passing promotion exams.
According to him, recruits who perform excellently after the first 18 months of training will go in for cadet courses and graduate as cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP with degrees in various fields, while those with poor results will pass out as constables and can only rise to the rank Chief Inspector of Police as their termination point.
He also harped on the need for the officers and men to enroll in the Police Health Insurance Scheme to enable then access free medical treatments in police clinics.
Similarly, he enjoined them to take advantage of for the Police Housing Scheme to own a house of their own with less stress as a two-bed room bungalow goes for only N3 Million which would be gradually deducted from the beneficiary's salary, and the balance upon retirement deducted from gratuity.
He expressed deep concern over the poor sanitary conditions of the living environments of some police officers and men, and encouraged them to maintain a healthy living assuring that the on going reforms will put similes on their faces.

Abia Varsity VC Bags Continental Award
The Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa has won this year's prestigious Africa's Most Distinguished Vice-Chancellor award by the All African Students Union (AASU), thus becoming the first Nigerian to bag such award.
This coveted laurel is coming barely a year the university was decorated with the Best Managed State University in West Africa award by the West African students Union (WASU).
In a world Press conference shortly after conferring the prestigious award on the Abiriba-born professor of Education, the Secretary General of the 37 year old student body, Comrade Ogunlana Oluwadare, said the award was on recognition of the various giant strides, monumental achievements and immense contributions of the VC in the education sector particularly his success-laced four years in office as ABSU VC.
According to him, Mkpa's towering records after pains taking stock of the performances of the Vice chancellors in the African continent earned him the honour which is in line with AASU tradition of celebrating excellence, maintaining it was not politically motivated.
"It is our tradition to identify and celebrate leaders of distinction especially those in the academics. The growth of every nation largely depends on the degree of the liberated minds of her citizens. Abia State University under the leadership of Professor Mkpa, has set the pace for progress with commendable constancy.
"Records available to us have shown that today's awardee, since his assumption of office has turned around the recreant nature of this university to an enviable level among its continental compeers. We were informed of Mkpa's leadership dexterity and we confirmed it. We were told of Mkpa's dedication to duties and responsibilities, and we confirmed it. We were told of Mkpa's responsiveness to the needs of students and staff and we confirmed it.
"We were told of Mkpa's passion for advancement and improvement in ABSU and we confirmed it. We were told of his environment friendliness and inclination towards environmental transformation and aesthetic, and we have also confirmed it. All these have indeed reinforced our decision, taxed our faith and questioned our conscience on the primacy of this deserved award of excellence on Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa".
The AASU scribe however blamed the poor condition of academic system in Africa on greed, incompetence and lack of vision on the part of those who run the affairs of the continent's academic institutions, and challenged other academic administrations in Africa to espouse the principle of dedication as exemplified by Mkpa, and place the value of honour above material acquisitions.
Responding, Professor Mkpa thanked the continental student body for the recognition and encouraged it not to relent efforts on its gospel of re-orientation of African continent for the purpose of revamping the deteriorating nature of Africa 's educational institutions for global excellence.
He extolled the cordial relationship that has existed between the University management and the students, and dedicated the award to members to his management team for commitment to duty, the students for their loyalty and cooperation and to the state government for its financial supports to the university.
He however, used the opportunity to clear the air on the rumour in certain quarters that the institution's funds were used to sponsor the ceremony more so when the staff are owned four months salary arrears.
Mkpa who dismissed such rumour as cheap blackmail and antics of the opposition said his friends donated money for the event as he was morally constrained from tampering with the university's founds considering the precarious economic situation in the state.
He further noted that the award would enhance the ranking of Nigeria universities among the global bests adding that ABSU has already signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with some Canadian universities for partnership in some key science and ITC courses.
Meanwhile, a US-based NGO, Nnazor education and Community Development Foundation, (NECODEF) has in appreciation of the VC's continental award presented him with a plaque.
Other features of the three day event included a football match between ABSU and their counterparts from the University of Cotonou which ended 1-0 in favour of ABSU; dancing competition ;and special lecture entitled "University Administration in Contemporary Times:The Nigerian experience, delivered by professor Michael Iloeje of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
The ceremony was witnessed by representatives of AASU from across Africa and a galaxy of eminent Nigerians including Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ezigbogburugburu) and former Senate president, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim ably represented by Senator Ben Collins Ndu.

Abia 2011 Sampler! PDP, PPA Members
The Main Hall of Aba Sports Club was temporarily transformed to a mini battle ground on the night of Friday, November 27, when members of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) exchanged blows, with the state secretary of the PDP, Engineer Solomon Ogunji, manhandled by some members of the PPA.
The incident, which took place in the full glare of the public, appeared to have given a glimpse of what to expect during the forthcoming campaigns for the 2011 general elections.
The occasion was the induction ceremony of some 26 new members of the club and it was a fun-filled night, or so it ought to be. However, the atmosphere got charged when it was time for award presentations and appreciation of individuals that had, in one way or the other, contributed towards the success story of the club for Year 2009.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South was a special guest and one of those to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the club.
Hon. Nnanna Uzor Kalu, representing Aba Federal Constituency in the House of Reps, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Victor Ubani, and the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency, were also guests for the night.
The inductees and their spouses had competed for the star prizes meant for the best dancing couple and the best dressed couple and both prizes were grabbed by Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Ugochukwu, while the second best dressed prize went to Lady Blessing Nwagba.
Then the president of the club, Sir Greg Esotu, took to the stage to inform those present of the decision of the management committee of the club to honour one of its stewardess, Miss Victoria Ukoha, 26, from Mkporo in Ohafia local government area of the state, who had, in the course of her duty, displayed honesty and integrity.
According to him, a member had left a huge sum of money at the club without realizing it was at the club that he left it and had searched every other place but did not find it. Four days later, he came to the club only for the stewardess, who had picked the money to come to him asking if he was looking for anything because she picked up a bag he left on the last day he visited.
The girl, Sir Esotu said, handed over the bag to the club member and the money was found complete.
He said the club had bought a 20-inch colour television for the stewardess to encourage her and also to inspire other staff to always be of good behaviour. He then called on Senator Abaribe to present the gift to the girl. The Senator, who was visibly impressed, urged the girl to uphold such rare virtue, adding, "What you did was the re-branding programme we have been talking about. It shows that Nigeria is not yet a failed state. In addition to what that club has given to you, I will give the sum of N100, 000 to encourage you more.
"Ladies and gentlemen, since we have this calibre of people in this state and I am sure we have them in abundance, just watch, with these honest people, we (PDP) are going to remove the non-performing government we have today in Umuahia come 2011."
There was a loud ovation, which did not go down well with some people in the hall, probably members of the PPA, who had turned up in large number to support some of their leaders that were at the event.
And before one could realise what was happening, a fight had ensued in the hall. There were arguments, pushing and all sorts of physical encounters among the politicians. A that point, the serving commissioner (names with held) and another hefty member of the PPA had grabbed the PDP state secretary, Ogunji, who had accompanied Senator Abaribe to the event, shoved and dragged him out of the hall.
However, as the politicians fought themselves, other members of the club led by their president, were busy with there programme, especially as none of them was molested or harassed by the fighting politicians.
But the question some people asked as the fight went on was, "Is this what we are going to see in 2011?"
Even Senator Abaribe was calm as all these happened. And as he got up to leave, other PDP members in the hall left the scene with him.
But before he left the club premises, Abaribe told abiastateonline.com reporter, especially in view of his escape from kidnappers few months back when he visited the state, that he would never be scared out of the state.
"I was not scared to come back to my state. PPA thought they would drive us away by sponsoring kidnapping against us. We are fully back to drive them away from the Government House, Umuahia, where they steal all the monies that come to the state.
"I was happy with the girl and I supported her because she demonstrated that while those in Umuahia steal, there are still honest people in Abia State, especially the younger ones who are the leaders of tomorrow. This shows that there is still hope for tomorrow in my state, Abia," he said.
On his part, Hon. Uzor Kalu quietly left the hall through the second main entrance, avoiding contact with any person.
Earlier that day, at the Ahaba Imenyi Central School, Isuikwuato, members of the PDP led by their national chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, had held a sensitization rally where they vowed to liberate the state from the poor leadership as being demonstrated by the PPA administration in the state.
According to Ogbulafor, "We have vowed to deliver Abia to PDP as PPA-led administration has failed to deliver good governance. PDP is perfecting strategies to have a smooth ride to Abia Government House in 2011."

Governor's Wife Leads Cancer Awareness Campaign
Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Mercy Odochi Orji, has kicked-off a state wide cancer awareness and prevention campaign, declaring that "a cancer free society should be the dream of all."
The campaign, which lasted two days at first instance commenced with a rally and walk against cancer with Mrs. Orji leading hundreds of women walking from Bende Road to Okpara Auditorium on Library Avenue where a seminar and screening of women and men were conducted by experts.
In her address the governor's wife said that she was moved to embark on the campaign because of the alarming rate at which cancer related ailments was decimating the population and the need to save Abia women, men and even children from the deadly disease by providing them with information on cancer preventive measures and how to live healthy lifestyles.
"Our mission is to create the much needed awareness that cancer indeed is a threat to human existence," she said, adding, "I am charging all Abia women to present yourselves for breast screening, at least once a month (and) report any unusual growth or lump around your breast to your doctor."
Quoting from available medical statistics, Mrs. Orji noted with sadness that cancer was emerging as one of the most dreaded pandemics threatening the existence of human race as breast and cervical cancer are devouring our women while prostate cancer is equally killing our men hence the need "to stop cancer before it stops us."
Commissioner for women affairs and social development, Mrs. Nwada Igwe, described the anti-cancer campaign as very timely more so as "we now know that there are early signs and symptoms, preventive habits and lifestyles".
She therefore charged Abians not to die in ignorance because "by the grace of God and medical research has shown that a lot can be done to avert this tragedy".
Professor of radiology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Professor Ifeoma Okoye who delivered a lecture on cancer prevention and cure stressing the need for people to live healthy lifestyles and for women to cultivate the habit of presenting themselves for screening for early detection of cancer.
Professor Okoye, who is also the president of Breast Without Spot (BWS) a non-governmental organisation, called for the provision of mammography machines in Abia state mobile clinic in order to enable women in the rural areas to avail themselves of the opportunity to get screened for breast and cervical cancer.

Abia Communities at The Brink of Extinction
During the retreat by the Senate in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State last November, the South-east governors were unanimous in their call on the federal government to declare the eastern zone as an emergency for erosion intervention measures.
The governors of the five eastern states who spoke at the second day of the Senate retreat, specifically proposed massive forestation projects in the zone to provide for sustainable land as well as comprehensive water channelisation master plan to cater for future channelisation.
In addition, the governors called for massive infrastructure development of the area, construction of roads, control of floods and assistance for displaced communities. They asked the Senate to ensure that budgetary provisions are made forthwith, especially in the 2010 federal budget, to enable government provide the remedial projects.
For example, in his presentation, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, said gully erosion had devastated a good percentage of the population, stressing, "the Southeast is perching precariously on the mercy of gully erosion." He added that "individual governments in the zone have taken many bold steps to prevent it but our dwindling finances could not match the enormous funds needed to fight the menace." He told the Senate-in retreat that no fewer than 317 erosion sites had been identified in Enugu alone for urgent and sustainable intervention.
His Anambra State counterpart, Mr. Peter Obi said the southeast zone had already been declared a disaster zone, but lamented that nothing concrete had so far been done to mitigate the rampaging disaster. He shocked the Senators when he claimed that the federal government had awarded contracts for 16 non-existing erosion sites in the state. Obi explained that "villages are being washed away while lives are being lost due to the menace of erosion. The entire water system in Onitsha, for example, he said has also been washed away leading to scarcity of water in the area."
Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State underscored the imperative of a focused national attention on the erosion problem in the zone, insisting that "the trend must not be allowed to impoverish our people." He said that 460 erosion sites had been identified in the state and the state government had awarded contracts for eleven sites. He said the government had planted one million trees as a temporary measure to address the lingering problem.
Abia State Governor, Mr. Theodore Orji, lamented that lives had been lost in all the local governments in the state on account of the gully erosion menace. Orji, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Chris Akomas, said, "the Senate should do something very fast to save the state from the impending disaster which will attract global attention when it happens."
His Ebonyi State counterpart, Mr. Martin Elechi, did not attend the session neither did he send a representation, but one of the syndicate groups led by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, visited the state to assess agriculture facilities there. Other syndicate groups visited the Aba Independent Power Plant (IPP) and other industrial projects; erosion sites in Imo State and Nnewi auto-industrial projects and erosion sites in Anambra State.
Senate President, David Mark led the group to Aba, Abia State while the Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin and Senate Chief Whip, Kanti Bello led the groups to Imo and Anambra States respectively. While the effort made by the Senators to visit some of the erosion sites is commendable, some experts and analysts believe that the magnitude of the danger caused by erosion as seen by the law makers will spur them to make sure that government tackle the problem of erosion in the eastern part of the country urgently.
For several decades since after the civil war, the people of the South East have been shouting to whoever cared to listen that the area was gradually being eaten up by erosion. Several representations had been made to successive administrations at the centre for their decisive intervention but little or nothing has been done.
Till date, the only federal administration that made some efforts to address the problem was the Alhaji Shehu Shagari (1979-1983). Shagari, according to abiastateonline.com investigation visited the major erosion sites in Imo and Anambra States. Some of the sites he visited included Amucha in Imo and Nanka in Anambra. Touched by the magnitude of the havoc to human lives and settlements in those areas, Shagari wept profusely. He resolved to bring in the federal might to mitigate the problem. He awarded contracts to address the problems.
When Shagari left office, the criminal neglect of the erosion problems by succeeding administrations became monumental environmental disaster which presently stares the entire geographical landscape of the five South Eastern States in the face without any exceptions. It is against this backdrop, some experts appreciate the concern expressed by the Senate to give the erosion threats in the South East the national attention it deserves.
In Anambra, the active erosion sites are more than a thousand. The Nanka-Oko-Ekwulobia sites can melt the most hardened of hearts. In this axis alone, many lives have been lost and several homes including ancestral places of worship swept away by frightening and rampaging erosion. In Abia, virtually every community is affected. The worst affected areas include Umuezeukwu and other surrounding villages like Umuodeche, Umuogu, Ikputu and Agburuike in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. Others are Umuahia, Ikwuano, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Abiriba, Igbere, Nkporo and parts of Arochuku. It is the same story in these places and others.
Though the Senators did not get to see the erosion sites in Umuezeukwu and other neighbouring communities, which would have been a miracle because the communities have since Nigeria's independence been forgotten without any government presence there or paid host to any government official-be it local, state or federal in their history.
Umuezeukwu is a small community sandwiched between Nbawsi and Ikputu near the old Umuahia/Aba road. For the community whose people are mainly peasant farmers, they cannot transport their agricultural produce to Umuahia main market or Ntigha Market for sale because the only road in the area has been bifurcated by rampaging erosion. It's more pathetic now because the erosion has started to eat up houses and farmlands. For some families like Pastor Chimankpam Benson and Ebere Okamgba, the only road leading to their houses has been long cut off by the erosion, while other families are being seriously threatened.
Early this year, the community alerted the local and state governments on the danger of the erosion when they protested governments' neglect of their plight. The protest which was aired on the state television-ABC television, the Umuezeukwu community called on the federal and state governments to come to their rescue before they are eaten up by the erosion. The community regretted its neglect by subsequent governments in Abia State, especially the Theodore .A Orji Administration.
According to one of the community elders, Ezeji Emmanuel Nwaogwugwu, Umuezeukwu has not benefited in any way from any government right from the then Imo to present Abia State. "At times I begin to wonder whether this community is in the state and Nigerian map. The pipe borne water we had in the past, which is moribund now was through community effort. Even the electricity we have now is through the same community effort, except the local government chairman, who made sure a transformer was provided. The only dilapidating primary school structure in the community was also built by the community, so what can we actually point at and say government at any level did for us.
"If the fight against erosion is what the community can shoulder by itself, we would have done it long time ago. It's because we cannot shoulder it because of the financial outlay that we are calling on the federal government through its appropriate agencies and ministry to come to our aid. We want Governor Orji to visit this community and see the devastation for himself so that he will appreciate our predicament and also make our case known when he is also presenting others case. We deserve it because we are part of this state. This is our position," Nwaogwugwu said.
A woman leader in the community, Mrs. Mercy Orji regretted that women now carry their agricultural produce on the head to neighbouring communities before they can get any means of transportation to the market in the city-Umuahia-because of no road as available ones have been eaten up by erosion. As a result, she said there is a limit to which one person can carry on the head, which results to farm produce being damaged at home before they get to the market. Because one cannot sell and make enough money to sustain their lives, she said, the circle of poverty continues to ravage the people.
"We can't take our goods to the city because no vehicles can come to Umuezeukwu as there is no road," a former community councilor, Blessing Ibeneme told abiastateonline.com recently. "The roads have been destroyed by erosion. And we cannot carry the farm produce on our heads to the town, located some 20 kilometres." Bicycles and motorbikes have to be pushed across areas that have been cut off by erosion, he said.
In all, about 500 erosion sites have been identified in Abia State. Other communities affected by flood, landslide and gully erosion include Ozoabam, Ikwuano and Osuagon. A state with a population of 2.3 million, Abia State is one of the smallest in Nigeria's 36 states. In Abia State, more than 10 villages - with a combined population of more than 20,000 - have been cut off from the rest of the state by gully erosion since 1998. Floods have also destroyed the house of Emma Nwaka, a Senator from 1979 to 1983. The landslide, which caused a deep gully, severed the only major road in the area.
In neighbouring Imo State erosion has also been devasitating. There are serious flooding and a lot of newly created gullies emerging especially during the peak period of rains between July and September in Ekwusigo local government in Imo State. A study commissioned by the local government on the impact of the ecological disaster and how to control it some few years ago, showed that about 1.030 billion Naira (about 10 million US dollars) was needed to control the disaster.
Imo State is said to have more than 34 gully-erosion sites, a menace, which the authorities say was too much for the local government to handle alone. Fighting environmental degradation in Anambra State, alone will cost over 200 billion Naira (about two billion dollars), according to a study by Michak Umenweke, a geologist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Stanley Ojigbo, who was once in-charge of Environment and Solid Minerals Development in Abia, said in one of the reports that the state government has embarked on tree planting exercise. As well as educating the people. He agreed that erosion control is capital intensive and considering the lean financial resources at its disposal, the state government cannot carry it alone. Erosion problem, some states, if not all need special attention.
It will be recalled that during a state visit to Abia, former president Olusegun Obasanjo expressed worries at the level of ecological disaster in the region. Since after the visit, more serious efforts were put in place by the local and state governments in the affected eastern states to control the ecological degradation there.
Environmental degradation in Nigeria's southeast has led to floods devastating several villages. In some villages, graveyards and ancestral shrines have been washed off. Bones of the dead, long laid to rest, are no longer resting in peace at graveyards as they lay exhumed, swept to the surface of the earth by devastating perennial erosion, which ravages parts of the region. The narrow unpaved roads, linking most communities in the hinterland to the cities, have been swept off in several locations making it impossible for villagers to transport farm produce to the cities.
The control of these erosion sites is beyond the individual communities, governments in the South East. It will require huge financial resource outlay to put the menace in total check. And it is only the federal government that has the financial muscle to address the problem on a permanent basis. Any intervention on an ad-hoc basis cannot endure. What is required is a marshal plan to tackle the problem frontally and holistically. To implement the plan, federal government must seriously consider the setting up of a South East Erosion Control Commission (SEECC), which many experts have suggested, with direct funding from the federation account. Umuezeukwu and other neighbouring communities said they are shouting for attention so that they would not be forgotten in the scheme of things if such a commission is considered.
Now, some environmental experts say now the Senators have gone to the East and seen for themselves the devastations that erosions have wrought on the various communities in the zone, they are, apparently in a better position to give these proposed measures the desired push. They say the ball is now in the court of the lawmakers from the South East to pick up this challenge because there is no doubt that they will get good support from their colleagues from other geo-political zones who now appreciate that the danger of gully and sheet erosion is real.
And like the communities and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu stated at the Enugu retreat, "if nothing urgent was done to address the development, the zone (South East) might be highly vulnerable to higher environmental degradation". In as much as the Senate deserves commendation for taking the retreat to East, and going beyond holding their deliberations there and moving to the affected erosion sites to see things for themselves, observers say it's the way it should be.
By this action, the Senators have proven to be an activist lawmakers. "It is not just enough to sit in Abuja and pretend to be legislating for the good governance of the federation without being acquainted with the problems of the people that elected you into power. There is wisdom in going beyond oversight duties in the ministries and parastatals and engaging the electorates in their natural habitat and knowing their problems," an analyst, Emeka Nwosu said recently. "It is only through such initiatives that our lawmakers will be in a better position to make laws that have direct and positive bearing to the lives of the people they represent."

HIV/Aids - Orji's Wife Preaches Abstinence
WIFE of Abia State governor, Mrs. Odochi Orji, has advocated total abstinence and mutual fidelity to partners as the best option to control the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic.
She made the call in Umuahia during the 2009 World AIDS Day Celebration and appealed to the general public to stop stigmatisation and discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS.
According to her, stigmatization alone, accounts for more death of HIV/AIDS patients than the scourge actually kills, hence the theme of this year's campaign "Universal Access and Human Rights".
She said as a stakeholder in the fight against the scourge, the Abia State government through the assistance of some development partners, has established 33 HIV/AIDS Counseling and testing (HCT) outlets and seven comprehensive Anti-Retroviral Therapy ( ART ) centres in the three senatorial zones of the state.
Mrs. Orji said the recent discovery in Thailand , of a new vaccine capable of preventing uninfected persons from contacting HIV/AIDS virus to at least 40 percent is a major breakthrough in the fight against the scourge.
She therefore, called on employers of labour to empower HIV/AIDS patients through job provisions as a way of giving them a sense of belonging.
The governor's wife also said out of 42 million people living with HIV/AIDS virus worldwide, Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for about 70 -75 percent or 30 million of the population affected with the pandemic.
She expressed concern over the increase in HIV/AIDS cases from 3 percent in 1999 to 4.6 percent in 2005 but noted that with the vigorous campaign embarked upon by her office, the scourge can be put on the check.
Highlight of the day was a street walk led by the wife of the governor as the procession marched round the major streets of Umuahia the State Capital.

Poly Partners Students
It was a harvest of human capacities and infrastructural development at the sixth convocation of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, as the institution turned out 4,000 graduates and showcased four projects it executed at a total cost of N183.5 million.
The projects, which have enhanced the infrastructural landscape of Abiapoly, include School of Business and Management building that cost N122 million, ICT Complex N45 million, SUG Government House, N13 million and Mobile Clinic, acquired at a cost of N3.5 million.
Rector of Abiapoly, Elder Allwell Onukaogu, said that some of the projects were executed partly through the internally generated revenue of the institution, citing the ICT Complex funded by the Education Trust fund (ETF) at a cost of N45 million but the original design to expanded with the additional cost borne by the IGR.
He specifically commended the students of the institution for their efforts in contributing to the infrastructural development of their institution by funding two important projects.
According to him, the SUG Government House was "funded almost entirely by the students themselves" through the successive leaderships of Ogbuewu 2006/2007, Osondu 2007/2008 and Umahi 2008/2009 while the Mobile Clinic containing basic medical facilities was fully funded by the Umahi-led student union government.
"I am proud of these students put under my trust for development," the Rector enthused, adding, "The students have demonstrated that, given the right leadership and support, they can apply themselves to productive ventures."
Onukaogu explained that Abiapoly students have distinguished themselves to become partners in progress to the school management, noting that "where other students are engaged in the destruction of government property and cause incessant cosier or disruption of schools, our own students partner with us in the provision of infrastructure that endure and which are put to use by the immediate as well as other outside institutions."
However the Rector said that the institution still faced with crying need of more infrastructures and appealed to the state government and the institution's Fellowship awardees to come to the assistance of Abiapoly to enable it retain its accredited courses.
Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Chris Akomas, who represented the Visitor and State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, commended the Onukaogu administration for their efforts in making Abiapoly among the best in the country and pledged that the state government would continue to party its part in funding he institution.
Earlier the chairman of the governing council, Chief Mba Ukariwo, appealed to the state government to look to the issue of comparative remuneration of staff as obtained in other sister institutions at federal and state levels to enhance productivity and take Abiapoly to greater heights.

IG to Commission Police Patrol Vans
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, will soon commission 40 new patrol vehicles procured for the Abia Police Command by the state government.
Abia Police Commissioner, Mr. Jonathan Johnson, made the disclosure while taking delivery of brand new Hilux Patrol vans donated to the Command by the Chairman of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere.
A happy Jonathan noted that the gestures received from the government of the state and the support from Agbazuere would propel the command to do more in fighting crime.
"I will say that I am a very lucky man. I have seen love, I have seen commendations and I have seen encouragement since I came here. This is one thing that will normally propel us to do better," Johnson said.
He called on other council chairmen in Abia to emulate Agbazuere, saying that if all the 17 council chairmen should provide vehicles to the police "it would go along way in providing equipment for the police to fight crime."

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VC Calls for Establishment of Science Foundation
THE Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Professor Ikenna Onyido has called for the establishment of a National Science Foundation as a way of moving Nigeria forward in its quest for technological development.
According to Professor Onyido, who spoke at the 2009 African University Day, the foundation would encourage research works in the universities to enhance the development of the nation.
Onyido identified lack of trust and suspicion between university and the industry as a major factor hindering effective collaboration between them.
The Vice Chancellor explained that there was the need for strong linkage and collaboration between university and the industry, which he said will contribute to the economic and technological development of the country.
In a paper presented by Professor Christian Onyenweaku, to mark the day, he stressed the need for university and the industry to establish linkage. He also suggested strategies for improving university/industry linkage, which include the establishment of a coordinating centre for university/industry linkages, incorporation of university-industry linkage in the mission of universities, among others.

Kidnapping, Economic Woes Attributed to Bad Governance

An economist and former governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Abia State, Chief Ikechi Emenike, has said that the high rate of kidnapping and economic woes in the country are symptoms of bad governance and leadership failure.Emenike disclosed this while addressing newsmen at his country home in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. "Kidnapping is a two way traffic they all flow from bad governance and failure of leadership. That is what anybody familiar with economics will say."Without building blocs of development, establishing economic structures, there will never be development, noting that society has a way of degenerating which leads to a lot of ills in the society. "Much of what you see is the symptom of bad governance, bad leadership and not doing what is right. It is a collective thing, when you say bad leadership some people will tend to think it is the present government.He disclosed that; "it is not a personal thing. It is collective because a society gets the leadership they deserve." If you go around Abia every body is crying, but when it comes to contributing to good governance, people will recoil into their shells.

NSCDC Rescues 17 Women From Illegal Maternity Home
ABIA State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), said it has rescued about 17 young ladies said to be held against their will, in an alleged illegal maternity home located at Amarorji-Ukwu village in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state. 14 of them are pregnant while four had recently delivered their babies.
The young ladies were said to have been kept behind closed doors in the maternity until they conceive and deliver babies, who are eventually put up for adoption to unsuspecting members of the public. And in some cases, the babies would be outrightly sold. They were arrested at the Daughters of Zion Rehabilitation Centre.
According to sources at the NSCDC, the proprietress of the Maternity Home is said to have claimed to be a pastor of a pentecostal church in the area, a cover she allegedly used to carry out the said illegal business.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Mr. Soji Alabi, the proprietress of the home, one Pastor Ngo Michael was alleged to have been earlier fingered in child trafficking, illegal adoption and sale of babies business.
Alabi explained that several attempts had been made to bring her to book, which proved abortive until recent information was provided, which led to her apprehension.
But Michael claimed that her maternity home, named Daughters of Zion Rehabilitation Centre was registered with the Welfare Association and not the State Ministry of Women Affairs.
Alabi noted that cases of child trafficking and illegal adoption of children perpetrated through such maternity and rehabilitation homes have become rampant in Abia State. According to him, many of such illegal homes had been raided in the past. He explained that the proprietress was later arrested and that she had confessed that she had been in the business for three years.
Alabi announced that 17 young ladies, aged between 14 and 24 were eventually arrested, and that 13 of them are pregnant while the other four had delivered through caesarian operation.

Benue Assembly Backs Creation of Aba State
The Benue State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the agitation for the creation of Aba State out of the present Abia state.
Speaking while receiving a high powered delegation from Abia State in his office yesterday, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Terseer Tsumba described the agitation for the creation of Aba State as genuine and meritorious, which deserved the support of Benue State Assembly.
Tsumba, who described Aba as the commercial heartbeat of the of the South East zone, noted that creating Aba State out of the present Abia State would not only be viable but laudable.
He assured that the Benue State House of Assembly would not hesitate to endorse the referendum for the creation of the state, whenever the need arises.
The Benue State Assembly Speaker also intimated his guests of the agitation for the creation of a state out of the present Benue State.
He urged the Abia State delegation to reciprocate the support of the Benue State Assembly by supporting the demand for the creation of an additional state out of the present Benue State.
Tsuma emphasized that the agitations for states creation in the country was a welcome development, asserting that the creation of more states in the country would take development closer to the people.

PDP Will Reclaim Abia in 2011 - Ogbulafor
National Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, has vowed to deliver Abia state to the PDP, as the Progressive People's Alliance , PPA-led administration in the state has failed to deliver or good governances.
Chief Ogbulafor who stated this during the weekend at PDP Abia North senatorial district sensitization rally held in Isuikwuato, said the party was perfecting strategies to have a smooth ride into the Abia Government House in 2011.
Accordingly to him the party only lost the governorship position in 2007 poll because of some mistakes but all loopholes have been tightened towards total victory in 2011.
"The Government House Umuahia has been eluding us because of our mistakes but now we are working hard to walk into Government House come 2011", he declared.
Chief Ogbulafor also used the opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the Federal Government to generate 6000 mega watts (MW) of electricity for Nigeria before the end of the year, and applauded the efforts of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua towards actualizing the 7- Point Agenda.
Chairman PDP Abia North Senatorial District, Chief Emelike Nwachukwu, said the party had already inaugurated a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to reconcile and unite all aggrieved party members in the state as part of efforts and strategies towards repositioning the party for a landslide victory in the 2011 poll.
He, however, noted that due process would be applied in selecting the party's flag bearer and appealed to aspirants who might not be favoured in the process to accept their defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship.
Highlight of the historic event chaired by the National Chairman, PDP Peace and Reconciliation Committee Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) was the defection of some notable members of PPA into the PDP family.
Chief among the decampees include: former Commissioner for Works and Transport, Chief Ukwu Rocks Emma; Navy Captain Ogbonna (rtd); Cheif Pedro Madukwe among others.
Some of the PDP big wigs who were at the event which literally transformed into a carnival of sorts included: the South-East National Vice Chairman, chief. Olisa Metuh; 2007 PDP Abia Governorship candidate, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; pioneer PDP member, Chief Tony Ukasoanya Former governorship candidates of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and recent returnee to PDP, Chief Ikechi Emenike, his All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) counterpart, Chief Uzodimma Okpara as well as former PPA governorship aspirant in 2007, Chief Henry Ikoh, and a host of others.

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