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Enugu Reps member empowers 150 constituents in hospitality management
The three weeks empowerment program sponsored by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu came to an end on Saturday the 27th of November with all participants numbering 150 filled with a sense of gladness over having learned a skill that can lift them from poverty and serve them a life time.
The empowerment program which was held in Awgu for the first week, Aniniri the second week and Oji-River the third week where the grand finale was also held saw a total number of 50 participants from each center.
The empowerment program which was themed ‘skill gap improvement’ was organized to teach the participant cooking and hospitality management was powered by the National Institute For Hospitality And Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and also saw an ensemble of teachers from the institute as they taught the participants all they needed to know.
Ibrahim Baba who was representing Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, the Director General of NIHOTOUR who was unavoidably absent in the event expressed his gladness over the success of the program, saying “We’ve run this program in Aninri, Awgu and Oji river and am happy that over 70% component of this training program was hands on, and we have successfully delivered skills in the areas of cooking, baking, confectionaries and a list of others.
“I am confident to say that more than 80% of those we trained can prepare different local dishes”, he said.
Commending Okechukwu for his good work for his people and also advising them to put into practice what they have learned, Ibrahim said “Alhaji greets you and sends congratulation for a successful running of this program. The honorable have done a lot of things for you; therefore my advice to you is to take advantage of this opportunity.
“We usually work round the country, but we have never seen a constituency that prepares a marathon training and empowerment program sponsored by one person. Therefore am sure that the honorable will be proud to see most of you setting up your small scale businesses and running it successfully”, he added.
The program which is a continuation of the excellent service of Okechukwu to his people having already sponsored a free medical outreach for over 5000 patients, paying WAEC fees for over sixty public schools, delivering science kits and giving schools in his constituency desks and seats for the students, renovating and building classroom blocks for students, construction of roads, 7 days training of teachers from his constituency and a lot more.
Addressing the happy participants at the grand finale of the program, Okechukwu expressed his gladness for their willing participation to get trained for in a skill that will open a lot of opportunities for them.
“Am happy that you all were patient enough to learn it. There are places you will go and this training is not important, but here this can make all the difference in our lives. Our local delicacies like achicha, abacha, ugba and the others when sold in open societies and places like Abuja you will see that you can get a large sum of money for it but most people don’t know.
“So am urging you people today that when you get home, apart from the one you will cook for your family, try and open a little joint where you can use this skills to make money. Its from the little we are doing that we can be able to support the economy of enugu state”, he said.
Assuring his people of his unalloyed service to them, the lawmaker said “What is most important is remembrance. We may not have all we want now but anything that falls out I will make sure you all have it too whether it comes in form of medical outreach or any other things make sure to try your best to partake in it”.
The CEO of Best Western Hotel, one of the leading hotels in the state, Sir Isaac who graced the event with his presence spoke to the participants at length over the importance of the skill they just acquired.
“I have worked in the hotel industry for about 20 years now, and to get good chefs at times is always difficult. And this causes chefs to get paid a higher amount of money than most managers in a hotel”.
Commending their food he said “Eating what most of you just made now I believe we have a lot of chefs here. From the way you all are dressed to your manner of food hygiene I can say that you all can work in a hotel so that it’s not only calabar people that are employed to cook in our hotels all the time in Igbo land”.
Lauding the Honorable over a job well done, he said “Toby Okechukwu is really doing well. It’s not easy to host this empowerment programs he does all the time but he keeps doing it, and am promising you people that more is still coming from him”.
Former commissioner for Information, Doctor Godwin Uduehele revealed to UGAMATV that the program was organized by Okechukwu with an aim of assisting families in the increasing their menu and alleviating the sufferings of the families of the people participating.
“At the end of it they will be in the position of preparing different types of soups, both the ones they can eat and the ones they can sell, by so doing they will want to learn how to fish and not just get the fish.
Speaking about Okechukwu’s reason for holding the program in three different local governments, he said “The primary purpose of hosting it in 3 different places is because if you bring all of them together the tendency is that the means of all of them coming together from the 3 different local government for 3 days will be difficult.
“Even if you have it at Aninri, Awgu people will go there 3 times and it will affect the number of people who are participating due to distance. So, we did it this way to ensure they don’t spend much coming from their place to the training ground and so that they dont have any reason not to attend and so today is the grand finale which is aimed at bringing the 3 local governments together.
Adding that Okechukwu has made provisions for those who just learned the skills to kick start their business, he said “We are giving them starters pack which include electric cooker, cooking spoons, fry pan and some amount of money so that they can buy things which they learned and practice it”.
Ebele iloaku who was one of the organizers of the program expressed her gladness that the event was a success stating how difficult it was organizing the program.
“It was not easy organizing the program, but thank God for everything. With the help of God I is was able to monitor everything and there hasn’t been anything like argument or fight.
“Also Dr. Uduehele because he has also been making it very easy for me too because before he leaves the program he always talk to them to work with me. And am happy for their cooperation so far”, she said.
Advising the participants she said “I will advise them to take the program serious because last year we did the same program but it was based on making liquid soap, disinfectants, Vaseline and many other things. I pleasantly surprised when I went to Gariki market one day and saw one of our students who was selling Vaseline and liquid soap and I was happy because it proves what we are doing have not been a waste. So my advice to this set of students is that they start up something with what they have been given today and not to go back to start staying idle”, she said.
Mrs Kelechi who took the participants on baking and cooking classes have commended the honorable and other organizers for their efforts in making the three weeks training go smoothly.
Speaking with UGAMATV, she said “I’ve been teaching them on both cooking and pastries for three weeks and I’ve had 150 students for the 3 centers. Each center is 50 people”.
Adding that she was very impressed with the performance of the participants so far, she said “Most of them are really ready to work. Even after their class is over some of them at Awgu have been calling me and am very happy because even their parents are also encouraging them.
Commending the efforts of Okechukwu for his people she said “I pray God should bless Toby. If we have people like Toby and Ekweremadu who have been really working in the state then Nigeria will be great.
Advising the students not to just attend the workshop due to the packages the honorable promised them, she said “they should put into practice what they have learned here and they should always pray for Toby, because as he is going forward we are also going forward with him”.
One of the participants of the program from Awgu, Cecilia Udeh have thanked Toby Okechukwu for providing the opportunity for them, stating that “its not easy for him to come from the federal to the east just to do this for us so I pray for more upliftment in his life.
“This program have enlightened so many people that partook in it. I decided to participate in the program because I knew I will learn a lot of things from it like how to make certain pastries and local delicacies. I believe that with all I have learned so far by January I will start a business with them”, she said.
Tony from Aninri who was also one of the male participants of the workshop was filled with nothing but words of praises for the Honorable. “Toby Okechukwu brought people from National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism to teach us how to make cake, meatpie, fish roll, cooking and other things”, he said.
At the end of the program, Okechukwu who had eaten a lot of the food and pastries prepared by the participants was impressed with what they had done. In an exclusive interview with UGAMATV, he revealed that his motivation for organizing programs like that every year was to prevent them from being idle.
“An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. The only thing you can do for your people is to get them skillfully engaged. This training on local cuisine and pastries is meant to enable them to have the skills and capacity to earn a living and have the opportunity of working in a restaurant as a chef and they can open up their own businesses.
“We are creating opportunities for people to have skills, so that when they get money by any means they can multiply that money and then raise their own capital.
“My assurance is that I will do my best to ensure that anything that is being shared to the citizens by the federal government gets to my people and they don’t lag behind, I will always do my best to represent them”, he said.
When asked how long he had been running programs like that he said “This has been running for a long time now. We have supplied science kits to all the secondary schools in my area,we trained teachers for one week at SEDI on how to use this kits.
Emphasizing that people needed to stop expecting the government to give them works, he said “Sometimes you expect government to give you employment but most times it better you employ yourself. 99% of employment is self employment, so that is why we try to bring these skills to sustain them.
“We have trained engineers at SEDI, we have trained people on agriculture like snail farming, fish farming and the rest. (speaking on his next training) These are areas they can also find a niche. Going forward we are going to teach our constituents on how to make gas from waste, because gas is now very expensive”, he concluded.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reshuffle is part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.
The statement added that the postings affected field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
It noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment of senior officers, saying the move was aimed at enhancing the Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
The statement also announced the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
Major General O Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Other appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle further saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
The statement added, “The COAS charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.”
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has come under criticism on social media after encouraging Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, saying they require little capital to start.
Tinubu spoke while addressing State House Correspondents after the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors, held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.
She stated this while highlighting the efforts of the Renewed Hope Initiative to support vulnerable Nigerians through grants and other interventions.
According to her, beneficiaries of the initiative were given grants, not loans, to enable them to start businesses.
“We’re trying to give hope, and to start Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant.
“So we’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given, and I keep giving,” she said.
The First Lady said the initiative had also supported interventions in healthcare, agriculture, education and social investment.
She said she donated N2bn to tackle tuberculosis, N1bn for breast cancer interventions and N500m to address malnutrition.
“I remember giving for TB. When I heard there were so many TB cases, I gave N2 billion. To breast cancer, I gave a billion. For food malnutrition, I gave half a billion.
“So those are the things we’ve been doing and making sure we can make sure that whatever this government is trying to do, it will see the light of day,” she stated.
Tinubu added that the initiative had also provided scholarships, ICT training and support for agriculture and social investment programmes.
She urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s economic challenges.
“The narrative has really changed, has changed to challenge the average man, whereas the average man is supposed to have hope. So I like the idea that Mr President say this is the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have to renew our hope, and that’s how we renew our hope, you know, and that’s what I have to tell Nigerians,” she said.
The remarks, however, triggered swift backlash on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the First Lady of trivialising the economic hardship facing ordinary citizens.
A user on X, @ADCVanguard_, said the video showed “exactly how disconnected Nigeria’s ruling class has become from the reality of ordinary citizens.”
Another user, @ireteeh, contrasted the initiative with private-sector efforts, saying, “The First Lady is empowering people with akara, corn, and kuli-kuli, while an ordinary citizen with limited resources is equipping people to build thriving careers in cybersecurity.”
A user identified as Nefertiti (@firstladyship) said, “Nigerians are in big trouble. There is fire on the mountain but the people are tired of running.”
See also Fire guts Anambra timber market
However, some social media users, especially on X, defended the First Lady, insisting there was nothing wrong with encouraging Nigerians towards such businesses.
A user, @Akikanju1568901, said akara is “one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria,” with a low startup cost and high profit margin, adding that “akara sellers sent many kids… to universities, built houses, bought cars.”
Another user, @PemiOladapo, said, “There’s dignity in labour… these are our local snacks! People should start it and scale it!”
A user, @TossynBankz_, however, argued that the criticism was not about the businesses themselves but about timing.
“Nobody is mocking akara, roasted corn, or kuli-kuli. Those are honest businesses. The problem is that Nigerians are asking for a better economy, more jobs, and lower prices. Telling people to start selling akara in this situation just feels like the government doesn’t understand what people are going through,” the user wrote.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Scores of buildings obstructing natural waterways in Onitsha and Ogidi are facing demolition as the Anambra State Government steps up efforts to permanently tackle flooding and erosion in the affected communities.
The affected areas are located in Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Idemili North Local Government Areas, where authorities say illegal developments have worsened recurring flood disasters.
The state government also warned land grabbers and property speculators to desist from activities that contribute to environmental degradation and undermine approved urban development plans.
The warning came during a joint inspection of flood- and erosion-prone communities in Ogidi and Onitsha by the Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure, Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Environment.
The inspection team visited several vulnerable locations, including Ogidi Market, Building Materials Market, Opi Stream, the Marine Area and Trans-Nkisi Layout, to assess the extent of damage and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.
Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said Phases Two and Three of the Ogidi Flood Control Project had been completed, while the design for Phase One was ready. He assured residents that the government was committed to providing a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the area.
Ezeobi blamed much of the erosion damage on land grabbing, unregulated developments and alterations to approved master plans. He urged property owners to preserve designated drainage corridors and support ongoing government remediation efforts.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, disclosed that investigations revealed that some traders at the Building Materials Market in Ogidi had erected plazas and shops on designated drainage channels, obstructing the natural flow of stormwater and worsening flooding.
He warned that all structures encroaching on waterways would be removed to enable the government reclaim and restore critical drainage networks in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of building clean, orderly and sustainable communities.
Ojukwu also expressed concern over the growing threat of gully erosion in Trans-Nkisi GRA, Onitsha, describing environmental degradation as a major challenge requiring urgent intervention and strict compliance with planning regulations.
The Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Clem Aguiyi, identified illegal construction, indiscriminate waste disposal and the destruction of vegetation that naturally controls erosion as major factors worsening flooding and erosion across the state.
He called on residents to take collective responsibility by planting erosion-control trees, protecting drainage infrastructure and supporting government initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable environmental management.
The International Human Right Protection Service (IHRPS), Anambra State Chapter, has raised concern over the plight of Nigerians allegedly stranded in South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks, urging the Federal Government to urgently evacuate affected citizens and provide each returnee with a N5 million resettlement package.
The group claimed that since the first evacuation flight, no further arrangements have been made to bring more Nigerians home, leaving many stranded despite continued attacks and growing fears for their safety.
It also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, to intensify efforts to protect Nigerian citizens in South Africa and facilitate their safe return.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its Anambra State Chairman, Hon. Dr. Amb. Prince Ekwunife, and Director of Special Duties, Mr. Ikenna-Daniel Okonkwo, said many Nigerians had lost their livelihoods, sold their properties, and were living in fear following recurring xenophobic attacks. It urged the Federal Government to provide a N5 million starter package for each returnee to help them rebuild their lives.
Recent criticisms of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over the oil spill in Bille Kingdom have generated considerable public debate. While concerns about environmental degradation and the welfare of affected communities are valid and deserve attention, it is important that public discourse on the matter is guided by facts, a clear understanding of institutional responsibilities, and the realities of environmental remediation in the Niger Delta.
Bille Kingdom, like many communities in the Niger Delta, has faced the devastating consequences of oil spills over the years. These incidents have impacted livelihoods, fishing activities, farmlands, and the overall ecosystem upon which residents depend. Understandably, community members and stakeholders expect swift interventions from government agencies and development institutions.
However, attributing sole responsibility for responding to oil spills to the NDDC overlooks the specific mandates assigned to various agencies within Nigeria’s environmental and petroleum sectors.
The NDDC was established primarily as an interventionist agency tasked with facilitating sustainable development in the Niger Delta through infrastructure projects, social programmes, economic empowerment initiatives, and regional development planning. While environmental sustainability forms part of its developmental agenda, the direct containment, investigation, and cleanup of oil spills are responsibilities that largely fall under regulatory agencies and oil operators, in accordance with existing laws and environmental regulations.
This distinction is crucial. Oil spill response typically involves technical assessments, environmental impact studies, joint investigation visits, remediation procedures, and regulatory approvals. These processes are often coordinated by specialised environmental agencies in collaboration with oil companies operating in the affected areas. The NDDC’s involvement is generally complementary, focusing on long-term development interventions, community support programmes, and, where applicable, environmental restoration initiatives.
Furthermore, it is important to recognise that the NDDC has invested significant resources over the years in projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the Niger Delta communities. Across the region, the Commission has undertaken road construction, educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, skills acquisition schemes, and various environmental projects designed to address the developmental deficits that have historically plagued oil-producing communities.
Critics are right to demand accountability and effective action whenever environmental disasters occur. Public institutions must remain responsive to citizens’ concerns, and affected communities deserve transparency in efforts to address ecological damage. Nevertheless, constructive criticism should be based on an accurate understanding of each institution’s statutory role.
Holding the NDDC responsible for functions outside its primary mandate risks diverting attention from those entities legally obligated to prevent, manage, and remediate oil spills.
Rather than assigning blame without a full appreciation of institutional responsibilities, stakeholders should encourage greater collaboration among oil companies, environmental regulators, state and federal authorities, community leaders, and development agencies, including the NDDC. Such collaboration offers the most practical pathway toward lasting environmental restoration and sustainable development in Bille Kingdom and the wider Niger Delta.
The people of Bille Kingdom deserve solutions, not confusion over mandates. As discussions continue, it is essential that all parties focus on facts, accountability, and coordinated action that delivers meaningful relief and long-term environmental recovery for affected communities.
Martins Ogolo
Public Affairs Analyst
martins.ogolo@yahoo.com
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