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Effective people’s management drives organisational excellence – CIPM

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Effective people’s management drives organisational excellence – CIPM

The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Ahmed Gobir, has reiterated the importance of people management in driving organisational excellence.

He said this during the CEO/CHRO/HRD Forum organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, themed “Strategic People Management: Leveraging Your Greatest for Business Success,” held recently in Lagos.

Gobir highlighted the significant role that effective people management plays in driving organisational excellence and achieving sustainable success.

According to the CIPM president, the forum is beyond being just an event, saying it is an essential platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and fostering collaborations, paving the way for innovative solutions in people management.

“HR management will provide in an era where the business landscape is constantly evolving. It is the strategic management of our most valuable asset – our people – that differentiates successful organisations from the rest. As Peter Drucker once said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ This profound insight reflects the essence of our gathering today: to explore how we can proactively shape the future of our organisations through strategic people management.

“According to recent studies by McKinsey & Company, companies with highly engaged employees experience 21 per cent higher profitability and 20 per cent higher productivity than their counterparts. These statistics highlight the undeniable impact of effective people management on business outcomes,” Gobir said.

A Good Work Index 2022 survey showed that managers who treat people fairly and provide effective feedback and support, while also developing their staff and helping employees to work together, are likely to have happier, healthier and higher-performing teams.

According to the report, managers must be equipped with the skills to manage and develop people effectively to support their health and well-being and to help boost employees’ performance and commitment.

Lagos hospital seeks regulation of IVF

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Lagos hospital seeks regulation of IVF

The Bridge Clinic, Lagos, has called for regulation of In vitro fertilisation in Nigeria.

Speaking during a walk to mark World IVF week, the Managing Director of the clinic, Sunny Ekhalume, said many fertility clinics in Nigeria did not meet the required standard.

A statement on Tuesday said the staff members of Bridge Clinic embarked on the awareness walk around the GRA in Ikeja.

The MD said, “Most important is the need for regulation. Currently, there is no serious regulation around fertility management in Nigeria, and implementing such regulations is very important.

“We have over 100 fertility clinics in Nigeria now, but many of them do not meet the required standards and do not adhere to the ethics and practices expected. For example, you will see some IVF clinics celebrating the birth of six babies at once. At Bridge Clinic, we will not transfer more than two embryos at a time, prioritising the health of the mother and the babies.

“In other parts of the world, clinics will not even transfer more than one embryo, and that is the standard we aim to achieve.”

He added that the government could help educate people and reduce the stigma surrounding fertility and IVF, saying there was a need for more investment in healthcare, not just fertility clinics but overall healthcare services.

Also speaking, one of the counsellors at the clinic, Umhor Akinselure, said the fertility walk was aimed at increasing awareness of IVF.

She said, “The IVF’s journey with assisted reproductive technology spans 46 years, though, in our country, we are pioneers, marking our 25th anniversary this year. It’s been 20 years since our first successful birth. It’s time to fully embrace this technology. Let’s encourage those struggling with infertility to seek assistance without hesitation. Around the world, people are increasingly seeking help sooner rather than later.

“Today, my call to everyone facing this challenge is clear: take the right steps, seek help, and if immediate access isn’t possible, start planning for it.”

Music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, dies at 72

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Music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, dies at 72

Legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has reportedly died at the age of 72.

She was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.

TheNiche reported that an eyewitness who was at the party confirmed the news.

“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the eyewitness said.

However, the deceased’s family has yet to announce her death as of press time.

Onwenu will be remembered for her music albums such as In The Morning Light and Dancing In The Sun.

She also featured in the Half of a Yellow Sun and Lions Heart, among others.

Tosin Oyediran

Tosin, with over six years’ experience, conducts incisive interviews, pens engaging features, subedits and delivers impactful stories for the digital sphere.

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PTAD pays N395m death benefits for 238 late pensioners

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PTAD pays N395m death benefits for 238 late pensioners

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has processed and paid N395,559,795.09 as death benefits and gratuity to 238 deceased and retired pensioners as of July 19, 2024.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Dr Chioma Ejikeme, during the inauguration of the Kwara State office of the agency in Ilorin, on Tuesday.

She said the directorate was determined to address all legitimate complaints of non-payment of gratuities to some pensioners and death benefits to the next-of-kin of deceased pensioners across all the pension departments.

The PTAD boss also said that she inaugurated a Directorate-Wide Expanded NOK and Gratuity Project in December 2023, following complaints from next-of-kin of deceased pensioners and some pensioners concerning non-payment of inherited liabilities.

Ejikeme, who said the project was still ongoing, added that the rest of the NoK and gratuity benefit claims files were still undergoing checks and validation.

“Because, as I often say, any money that is wrongly paid to a NOK beneficiary is like money put in the belly of the tiger, as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to recover.

“Nevertheless, it is worthy to note that PTAD is working tirelessly with relevant stakeholders and respective high courts of justice across the federation to ensure that the Letters of Administration in favour of the NOK are validated within the shortest timeframe and other related checks completed to enable the remaining beneficiaries to receive their entitlements in the shortest possible time,” she said.

Ejikeme said PTAD had opened 11 state offices across the six geopolitical zones of the country since its inception in 2013, adding that the Kwara office made it the 12th PTAD state office, in addition to the FCT Abuja office, which is the headquarters.

“PTAD has offices in Yola, Awka, Maiduguri, Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Sokoto, Yobe, and now, Ilorin,” she said.

The PTAD boss encouraged pensioners who were yet to confirm their aliveness through the “I Am Alive” confirmation solution to do so.

“I continue to enjoin the pension union executives here to assist the directorate in spreading this information to their members.

“Our officers are also here and available to assist anyone who is having challenges confirming their aliveness. We have also come with a mobile team to visit infirm and bed-ridden pensioners to assist with their confirmation.

“To our prospective new enrollees, the legacy pensioners from the Federal Mortgage Finance Limited and the Federal Mortgage Bank whom we are presently verifying, I say welcome to PTAD. I want to assure and reassure you of PTAD’s commitment to your welfare.

“Finally, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his commitment to the welfare of our pensioners through the timely, prompt, continuous and uninterrupted release of funds for the payment of monthly pensions and the continued liquidation of inherited pension liabilities,” she said.

Check development commissions’ proliferation

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Check development commissions’ proliferation

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu’s recent assent to the North-West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the South-East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023, has further expanded development commissions in the country. Most of them have failed to live up to the laudable expectations for which they were established. That cannot continue.

Though the President cited the acceleration of development as one of the reasons for the new commissions, the chequered trajectories of the Niger Delta Development Commission and North-East Development Commission offer strong inclinations to anyone to be sceptical about the impact of similar interventionist agencies.

The NDDC was established in 2000 to fast-track infrastructure development of the Niger Delta, train youths and arrest growing restiveness fuelled by militancy, among others.

Established in 2017, the NEDC mandate includes ensuring sustainable growth, rebuilding the North-East, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, and rehabilitating and resettling displaced citizens.

Though the agencies have complained about insufficient funding by the Federal Government and member states under the enabling acts setting them up, the gross misappropriation of funds has become their major albatross, rendering them as development commissions without development.

They have become rackets for politicians and regional kingpins, and conduits used to funnel public funds into private pockets, leaving behind uncompleted projects and aborted development dreams.

Rather than catalyse rapid development of the oil-rich Niger Delta, the NDDC has become a cesspool of corruption and a centre for contract inflation, misappropriation of resources, awarding of non-existent contracts, and gross disregard for procurement laws amid poor accountability.

An NDDC forensic audit report, which former President Mohammadu Buhari failed to implement, found that the commission received over N6 trillion between 2001 and 2019. But not much is on the ground to show for it.

The agency’s former Acting MD, Daniel Pondei, fainted when a Reps committee asked him to account for over N1 billion questionable payments made to companies for alleged phoney contracts.

About 1,587 projects valued at N612.4 billion under the NDDC have been terminated or abandoned. A report by the NDDC-PPP Committee said 1,262 projects valued at N407.75 billion have been terminated, while 325 projects worth N204.64 billion have stalled or abandoned.

In addition to the NDDC, the Presidential Amnesty Programme and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, amid a 13 per cent derivation accruing to states in the region, have failed to bring reprieve to the Niger Delta people.

Meanwhile, the NEDC is shopping for N31 trillion to actualise its North-East master plan, but it has been trailed by poor accountability for the over N3 trillion it has received since 2017.

The agency has been lampooned for budgeting N126 billion as personnel costs in a region with the highest number of IDPs, a serious humanitarian crisis and an unquenchable thirst for development.

There is no guarantee that the new commissions being pushed for the South-West and South-East will drive any development; rather, they will become new cost centres and conduits to channel public funds to political patrons and cronies of the people in the corridors of power.

The Federal Government should embrace and deliver National Development Plans through the MDAs and ensure proper monitoring. The NDDC forensic audit report should be revisited, and appropriate actions taken.

The N1 trillion loan given to the NEDC should be properly utilised; the government should ensure this.

Tinubu should scrap non-performing development commissions and subsume them under the appropriate ministries for optimum development. This will remove duplication of duties and reduce waste.

The Steve Oronsaye Report should be fast-tracked. Through proper fiscal federalism and restructuring, the local government system should work and bring development closer to the people faster than the development commissions without development.

Anambra sand mining ban threatening 8,500 jobs, state revenue – Miners

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Anambra sand mining ban threatening 8,500 jobs, state revenue – Miners

Unless the Anambra State Government urgently rescinds its decision, there are fears that over 8,500 river sand miners and their workers may have been displaced, while the state loses over N21 million weekly, following the banning of sand mining and sealing of all sandpits by the state government.

South-East According findings also showed that no fewer than 500 tipper drivers in Anambra State, working with river sand miners in the state, have transferred their services to other neighbouring states where sand is mined, following the Anambra State government’s ban on river sand mining activities.

The Anambra State government, had through a public notice, jointly signed by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Anthony Ifeanya; Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu; Managing Director, Anambra State Solid Mineral Development Company Limited, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Sylvia Chika Ifemeje, directed sand miners in the state to stop all sand mining activities, pending their clearance by the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals Resources and Ministry of Environment.

The notice also directed all the sand miners to register with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, together with their dredging/mining equipment.

The government claimed in the public notice that the sand miners are involved in illegal operations and other sundry offences that harm their host communities’ environment.

However, the sand miners denied and dismissed all the allegations levelled against them by the state government as not holding water, saying that all their operations and activities were approved and operational licenses issued to them.

They insisted that their activities were supervised daily by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals Development, together with the National Inland Waterway Authority.

They rather accused the state government of making frantic efforts since 2015 without success to take control of the Federal Government’s duty over them.

The sand miners also presented to journalists all their operational licenses and receipts of all the payments they made to the Federal Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals Development, and NIWA which authorised their sand mining activities.

Addressing journalists through their Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sir Christopher Mbaegbu, during their meeting in Onitsha, members of the Sand Miners Association of Anambra State, said they couldn’t have been operating in the state without approval from the Federal Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals Development, and NIWA.

Mbaegbu described the ‘illegal operation’ allegation against them as an attempt to divert attention, intimidate and blackmail them, to take their job or cow them into submission by the state authorities for extortion of money from them.

He described the banning of all sand mining activities in the state and the sealing of their sand pits as counterproductive action that benefits neither the state government nor the sand miners.

He said, “We are losing money, the state government is also losing millions of naira, it should be getting from us on a daily and weekly basis to the governments of neighbouring states, where sand mining activities are ongoing.

“We pay the Anambra State government N1,000 for every six cubics of tipper loaded with sand, while the state also gets N4,000 from each 10 tyres tipper that lifts sand in the state. More than 3,000 trips of sand are lifted daily from the sealed sand pits and beaches and the state is currently losing over N21 million per week for the ban it placed on sand mining and sealing of our sand pits in the state.

“The action of the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals Resources and Ministry of Environment, banning our activities amounts to working against the government of Anambra State. We, therefore, urge Governor Charles Soludo to lift the ban without further delay, as it is not only against us and the state government but also has a chain reaction effect of halting all building activities by individuals and groups in the state.

He added, “Traders of building materials are also suffering a decline in their sales due to the halt in building construction because of the ban placed on sand mining activities in the state.

“We think that if the state government wants us to assist in any way, which we have been doing through paying taxes, levies and other government-imposed duties, the wise step is not banning our activities. We can be operating while negotiating with the government on areas to

contribute and assist the state.

“Banning our activities when we have two Federal Government agencies that supervised our activities, and at the same time calling us for negotiation and giving us conditions to meet before we could be allowed to operate in the state is infringing on our federal government given right. It is also placing the cart before the horse, the governor should call those behind this action to order.”

It was also gathered that the state government has given the sand miners conditions for clearance before they can operate, such conditions include registration with the state government through the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex Phase II, Awka.

Other conditions are submission of completed form to the Mining Reforms Committee Desk at the Government House Awka,  providing registered operational office in Anambra; evidence of company registration (CAC) documents; documented operation staff in Anambra State; valid title (Small Scale Mining Lease) or Mining Lease Quarry Lease, (Sand Quarry Lease) Title Grant; evidence of lease application to the Nigerian Mining Cadastra Office Abuja (where applicable).

They are also to provide detailed geological reports with reserve estimation; mine design and production rate; EIA or Environmental Audit Report and EMP; and community development agreement; evidence of implementation of CDA and evidence of payment of mineral royalties to the Federal Government from where the state is paid 13 per cent derivation fund, as other requirements to meet before they would be allowed to operate in the state.

Earlier, the sand miners had through their lawyer, Ben Chuks Udoh, written to the Minister of Environment and Solid Minerals Development in Abuja, demanding clarification.

Udoh’s letter is also seeking clarification on whether there is any law that has divested the ministry of her authority in dealing with solid minerals development and the granting of mining leases, just as to know, following the directive of the Anambra State government to sand miners in the state, will in any way undermine the authority and position of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Solid  Mineral Development.

The letter also wanted clarification on whether the Federal Ministry of Environmental and Solid Mineral Development was put on notice by the Anambra State government in connection with the letter/circular from the Anambra State Ministry of Information, banning all sand mining activities in the state.

Udoh also wanted to know the official position of the Federal Ministry of Environment and  Solid Mineral Development in connection with the directive of the Anambra State government.

He reminded the minister that the Anambra State government by its action deprived and denied the sand miners the capacity to be able to pay royalties due payable to the Federal Government, just as the ability to take care of their families in the face of economic realities.

The sand miners on their part wrote to the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterway Authority, complaining that the state government had entered into the Right of Way Permit it gave them, and kept harassing them through arrests of their members and have started collecting tolls on the Right of Way NIWA gave them, claiming that it is state land and not Federal Government’s land.

The letter which was signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sand Miners Association of Anambra State, Sir Christopher Mbaegbu and the Secretary, Obiora Chukwuma, was copied to the NIWA Area Manager,  the three senators representing Anambra state, the members representing Onitsha North/South federal constituency and his Ogbaru counterpart, also questioned if the Right of Way given to sand miners in the state still falls within the authority of NIWA, which is within the control of the Federal government.

The letter further added, “It is on this note that we have to notify you that the very Right of Way permit that NIWA has continually been issuing to us and our members have completely been taken over by the Anambra State government and we urged NIWA to act fast.

“We wish to categorically state that the allegation that we are causing erosion is not true because we operate with River Craft Boat and Dredgers. The two pieces of equipment are movable, we can move from Anambra to Delta and Kogi State to bring sand into Anambra State. So the claim that our activities were causing erosion is a lie from the pit of hell.

“Our problem started on March 11, 2024, when Onitsha South Local Government Transition Chairman, Mr Emeka Orji, came with men of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State, OCHA Brigade, invaded Ose Ogbe Ijaw sand dumping site along Niger Street and after that, they continued invasion of other sites and then started destruction of the beaches and machines, claiming to be acting on the instruction of the governor.

“We have made several efforts to meet the governor through written applications and direct contacts but we have not been allowed to see him, All efforts we made to see the governor were blocked.

“We are using this medium to appeal to Governor Soludo to lift the ban on sand mining in the state and call the river sand miners to a meeting. We are helping the state to stop crime in the state with thousands of unemployed youth who have been removed from the streets. Returning them to the streets with this ban on our activities is dangerous to the state.”

Eze Aro calls for true federalism, Kanu’s release at coronation

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Eze Aro calls for true federalism, Kanu’s release at coronation

The paramount ruler of Arochukwu kingdom, and Eze Aro the 9th, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Eberechukwu Kanu Oji on Saturday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to embrace true federalism and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

The Eze Aro made this call during his coronation ceremony in Arochukwu, stating, “To the Nigerian federal authorities, I extend the respectful call for a genuine embrace of true federalism. Marginalization and exclusion must give way to inclusion, fairness, and justice.

The monarch noted, “The Igbo people, with their remarkable contributions and rich cultural heritage, deserve a central place at the heart of our nation’s development. Let us build a Nigeria where every ethnic group, including the Igbos, can thrive and contribute to a truly united, progressive and sustainable nationhood, thereby fostering a peaceful environment, where every citizen feels a sense of belonging.”

The royal father also pleaded, “Along these lines, I seize this opportunity to lend my voice to the concerted calls on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the release of our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from his command detention. His release, already sanctioned by court injunctions, is overdue and will be in the interest of promoting peace and justice in Nigeria.”

Speaking on the contested throne, the Eze Aro assured, “I am committed to bringing utmost dignity and attracting the highest respect to the throne of Eze Aro. I promise to lead with the fear of God and respect for everyone.”

I pledge before you today to lead this renaissance with steadfast dedication, harnessing the strength, resilience and ingenuity of our people.

“Going forward, I will continue to engage in regional and national efforts that align with my agenda of elevating the Arochukwu kingdom to new hands of glory and development by putting God first, upholding our age-long cultural ideals and abiding by our kingdom’s motto, ‘Ako bu ije’.

“Our unity and progress are inexplicable ways to the broader aspirations of the Igbo people. By fostering collaboration and mutual support across the Eastern Nigeria land, we can unlock the potential that lies within every Igbo and indeed Aro community. Our shared history, our shared values and our shared ambitions must guide us towards a future where the Igbo nation stands tall, contributing significantly to the Nigerian federation’s growth and prosperity.”

Speaking during the coronation ceremony, the governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, commended the Aro people for making the right and best choice in choosing His Royal Majesty Dr Oji as the 9th Eze Aro of Aro Kingdom, stating, “I do not doubt that majority of Aro people are very happy with what is happening here today. There may be one or two people that are not happy, but is not our business to make everybody happy.

“Let me make one point clear; any society that does not have leadership is cursed. And, leadership comes neither from the East, West, North or South. The Bible recorded that power comes from God. And in His own time, He makes things beautiful. So, I would like to use what happened in Aro and reconnect it to other societies. Why do I say so? Gone are the days when people choose the worst rather than the best as leaders.

“I want to say without any fear of contradiction, that the Aro people made the best choice. From what I have seen, from what I have read, from what I have heard about the Eze Aro the 9th, he is the best in his class.

“He is the type of leader which every society should aim to have. A leader who will invest in the community rather than stealing from the community, a leader who will show the light rather than initiating people into darkness, and a leader who has a second address (a profession).

“This is because, if you don’t have a second address, then where you are becomes your second address and the tendency is for people who don’t have a second address to begin to dip their hands in the till.

“I can see that the Eze Aro of Arochukwu will not deep his hands into the till, but on the other hand, contribute his resources to the development of the Aro community.”

Ogbako Ndigbo distributes fertilisers to farmers in S’East

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Ogbako Ndigbo distributes fertilisers to farmers in S’East

The National President of Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, Azunna Akpelu, on Monday, distributed free fertilisers to farmers to boost agriculture production and end poverty in the South-East region.

The fertiliser distribution was an initiative of the group in collaboration with Ebonyi Fertilizer and Chemical Compan Limited, led by Eni Uduma Chima.

Akpelu said: “We have brought a fertilisers company from Ebonyi to Imo State, to come and bring about improved yields. This is because of the complaints of our people that when they plant they get poor harvests because of adulterated fertilisers.

“We heard their cry as a result of which we moved and attracted the Ebonyi State Fertilisers Company to end their sufferings as well as to support our own. At this point, we are calling on our Igbo brothers and sisters to support us to make sure that there is food in Imo State, the South-East and the entire Igboland. We are a welfare organisation working for our people. Igbos should come out and support their own because Ebonyi fertiliser is one of the best.

“Let us promote agriculture and support each other. We believe that the level of insecurity will be resolved and with this, the love we used to have for ourselves will return.

“You know when people are committing crimes most cases the reason is hunger. When somebody is hungry he does not think well. Part of what we should do is to make sure people have enough food.”

Earlier, the chairman of Ebonyi Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited, Uduma

said, “We have come to Imo in partnership with Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, to bring a solution to their agricultural challenges because we are interested in food security and to give our people fertilizers to boost agriculture in the state, as well as address the issue of adulteration. Ebonyi State governor and entire government are fighting seriously to eradicate hunger and poverty in our state through various programs we initiated, which included agriculture and food production.”

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NAUTH CMD hails minister, seeks more collaborations on healthcare

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NAUTH CMD hails minister, seeks more collaborations on healthcare

The Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, has hailed the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, for his visit to the hospital, describing it as a gainful and impactful venture.

Recall that Pate had, two weeks ago, paid a working visit to the hospital for its final inauguration and the first anniversary of its permanent site.

During the visit, the minister joined the management and staff of the hospital to celebrate the first anniversary of the project inauguration by the Presidency at the permanent site and also honoured the hospital’s founding fathers and critical stakeholders.

The minister also inaugurated several projects, including a 2,000-bed space facility, two oxygen plants, and the groundbreaking of the regional ultra-modern radio diagnostic centre for the South-East region, among others.

Ugboaja, while reacting to the maiden minister’s visit during a press conference at the hospital over the weekend, said the impact of the minister’s working visit to the permanent site was “unquantifiable and strategic.”

The CMD said it was a strategic framework carried out through collaborative efforts between the critical stakeholders, the Federal Ministry of Health, the state government and the doggedness of the management of the health institution.

He averred that the achievements and successes made by NAUTH so far are closely aligned with the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he noted was built on four pillars.

He mentioned the four pillars as improving governance of the health sector, enhancing population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain and ensuring health security.

He said, “The Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Initiative, through the compact and the sector-wide approach, emphasises coordinated efforts between federal and state governments, development partners and private sector entities.

“The integration ensures that resources are effectively utilised and that there is a unified approach to tackling healthcare challenges. The development of NAUTH exemplifies these principles, showcasing the power of strategic thinking and partnership through a 10-year development plan aimed at positioning the health institution to be among the top three health facilities in Nigeria by 2030.

“The remarkable progress at NAUTH has been significantly catalysed by the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the coordinating ministries. Their unwavering support and strategic direction have been instrumental in fostering an environment where ambitious projects like the NAUTH permanent site can flourish.

“The commitment to healthcare excellence, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, has provided the necessary impetus for transformative initiatives.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge. This philosophy resonates deeply with the leadership shown by President Tinubu and Pate, whose guidance has empowered institutions like NAUTH to strive for excellence.

“The government’s whole-of-society approach has fostered an environment where private and public sectors collaborate effectively to achieve common goals.

“The improvements at NAUTH are equivalent to boosting quality healthcare through collaborative funding and insurance coverage as well as being part of a broader strategy to boost quality healthcare across Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Health, along with its partners, is ramping up funding and extending health insurance coverage through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.”

He explained that the final commissioning of the NAUTH permanent site is not just a celebration of past achievements, but a reaffirmation of its commitment to a brighter future for healthcare in Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

Ugboaja, therefore commended President Tinubu, Pate, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, former Director-General of Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, SSA to Tinubu on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the mass media, NAUTH management team, Sir Emeka Offor, Chief Cletus Ibeto and the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who have contributed immensely towards repositioning NAUTH as it stands today.

Father faults drowning claim, says son poisoned

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Father faults drowning claim, says son poisoned

The father of the late Air Force cadet officer, Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereneche, Mr. Ephraim Onyeomereneche, has made shocking revelations about his son’s death.

Contrary to the police report that Chidiebere drowned in a swimming pool at Hotel Royal Damgrate in Abia State on April 9, 2024, Onyeomereneche claimed that his son was murdered by poisoning. An autopsy conducted on June 29 revealed the cause of death, which he believes was orchestrated by Cadet Officer Valentine Ucheji Obeji, his son’s colleague and supposed friend, along with his brother, police officer Eric Obeji.

He said that Valentine, who came to his house on that fateful day to pick up his son, Chidiebere, had never reached out to him or any of his family members after the murder of his son to date, showing the intention.

Onyeomereneche, who spoke with our correspondent in an interview, suspects that Valentine’s motive was to eliminate his son, who was a top performer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, to increase his chances of becoming an Air Force pilot after graduation as they were told that only one person would be taken as a pilot from each geopolitical zone.

He alleged that Valentine and his brother used the hotel’s facilities to carry out the crime and are now trying to cover it up with the help of the Abia State Police, who are truncating the investigation.

Onyeomereneche, who is seeking justice for his son’s murder, narrated, “Cadet Officer Valentine Ucheji Obeji, who came to my house to pick and drive him (Chidiebere) to the hotel pool told me that on seeing the dirty nature of the pool after removing his shirt and trousers, said to him that he wouldn’t be swimming again, but rather will watch him (Valentine) swim. Valentine then handed the car keys, his phone, shirt and trousers to Chidiebere. Alongside Chidiebere’s two ATM cards, his phones and clothes were on top of the swimming pool slab, but Chidiebere was nowhere to be found.

“Obeji claimed that when he raised his head from the water and looked towards where Chidiebere was sitting and saw the phones, the ATMs, the clothes and caps, but couldn’t see Chidiebere, he suspected that he may have gone to buy drinks, or gone to the toilet or for strolling. What? Leaving car keys, ATM’s and phones to the care of no one? It is impossible for a responsible soldier who passed out from Nigeria Military School, Zaria, and, is in the final year of Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna. No now !!!.

“After Valentine’s assumed search at the toilets for Chidiebere, why did he run away from the hotel throughout search and rescue? From when I came to the hotel till 12:03 a.m. the next day when I left Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia where was Valentine? Valentine came to the house to pick up Chidiebere for swimming but forgot the parents’ house address to date. He held onto his phone and clothing, refusing to pick up my calls nor call me back.”

Onyeomereneche questioned if Valentine didn’t know what killed his colleague, “Why did the divers at the poolside refuse to do anything to save the life of a supposed drowning swimmer? Was it only Valentine Ucheji Obeji who was in the pool as of then? What happened to other swimmers in the same pool? The information said that there were four other ladies and others at the pool. How come nobody noticed when Chidiebere who said he was not swimming again because the water was dirty entered the pool?

“How come Mr Eric Obeji asked his ‘brother’ to leave the crime scene as narrated by Valentine Ucheji Obeji if Chidiebere was treated as a friend?”

He narrated further that Chidiebere’s stomach did not exhibit all the indices associated with someone who got drowned in either a pool or a river.

He asked, “Why did they retain his property, phones among others for over 24 hours and even wash his (Chidiebere’s) clothes? Why did Mr Eric not introduce himself as an officer and brother of Valentine Obeji and why did he demand custody of the mortuary tally before reneging on my refusal?”

Demanding justice for his late son, the grieving father unequivocally stated, “I suspect that Valentine couldn’t match Chidiebere’s intelligence and skills at the academy and then connived with some people and resorted to eliminating him and using the facilities of Hotel Royal Damgrate.

He added, “Valentine Ucheji Obeji know full well that whenever he’s outside the NDA Kaduna premises, and anything happens to him or any other cadet, he should contact the closest army formation. Why didn’t he do that, instead of resorting to police formation?

“I suspect and I believe that Valentine Ucheji Obeji has a hand in what killed my son, Chidiebere. From the above facts and circumstances, it is obvious he connived with some people and eliminated my son, using the facilities of Hotel Royal Damgrate, who are in the know.

“We only want justice to unravel the mysterious death of drowning as Chidiebere is a first-class swimmer, at least by the declaration of his school trainers who refused to believe this cooked story.”

Meanwhile, the Abia State Police Command has described the allegations as untrue.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, who denied the allegations when reached out, however, noted that she would get back later for details, but insisted “this allegation is untrue.”

She said, “I remembered that when the incident happened I went to the hotel when we got there the deed had been done. The incident happened within the jurisdiction of the Central Police Station, and they were the first to attend to the matter when it was reported. So the allegations are untrue.”

When contacted for reaction, Eric Obeji denied having a hand in the death of Chidiebere and did not believe that his brother had in hand with the death of his friend. He strongly believed that he drowned in the swimming pool.

He said, “Valentine is my younger brother and came on holiday when the incident happened. I know about the allegation, but they are supposed to tell you that the police are investigating that case. The matter is under investigation and I have made my statement and I may not be able to speak further. I did not go with him to the swimming pool, I was in my office when he called me that there was an issue at the swimming pool.

“I went there and met the unfortunate incident. So that is it, I don’t have any hand in it and my brother I don’t think he has any hand in, rather the swimming pool in question should be looked into. That area should be looked into. Whatever that happened, happened in that swimming pool. I can send you pictures of the swimming pool they said was not under maintenance and how dirty the swimming pool is.

“There’s no CCTV covering the swimming pool. I don’t see any other place that’s more sensitive than a swimming pool in a hotel and there’s no camera covering it. Whatever they are hiding in the swimming pool I don’t know. The swimming pool was as dirty as anything. The shallowest part of the swimming pool you can’t even see the bottom, unlike other swimming pools. As at the time this incident happened there was no floater, there was no timer, pool attendant or diver in attendance at the pool that day. Everybody was busy at his comfort.

“I don’t know what had happened at the pool, but whatever that happened to that boy happened at that swimming pool. It was when my brother called me that I ran to that place. When I got there every other person was sitting, he was the one diving. Some other people were swimming while every other person around was busy doing their things, nobody cared and we were looking for somebody. You people should find out from the management of the hotel what happened to the boy.

“Why should that swimming pool be in that condition? If there was an attendant whatever happened in that swimming pool, he would have seen it but there was no attendant. It was when I got there that I went out to hire a pumping machine that I used and started pumping water by myself. I called two divers from other hotels to come with me and help that boy. There was no help.”

On the fact that the autopsy result points out that he was poisoned and not by the purported drowning, and also that the police are doing everything to compromise the investigation because he is a police officer, he denied it.

He said “Valentine is my brother, there’s no way he will have issues he will not call me. He came back and was staying in my house, I don’t know if it is a crime now to be a police officer. He called me and when I got there to assess the situation I called my boss, I called other teams that were in operation that came to the scene. After the incident, the corpse was deposited at the FMC.

“I was not the one that investigated that case. We don’t do that, that issue has something stronger to do with me because my brother was involved. So, I can’t be the one to investigate. So they should check their facts very well. I was not even the one that investigated. I am the DCO two, not the DCO one. I was petitioned and I was called to make a statement and I have stated what I know.

“There’s nothing like anybody wanting to cover, cover for what? What are we covering for? The soldiers came and took my brother from me. Since then they have been screening and drilling him to find out what he knows about the matter. So I don’t see anything that is trying to cover. Cover for what?”

On the allegation, that Valentine disappeared and did not call to inform Chidiebere’s parents when the incident happened and had not visited to date, Eric said, “No, Val has been his classmate and coursemate. Any time they are on holiday they hang around. They’re about three or four that usually come home to Umuahia and they hang around and they go anywhere they want to go together.

“That incident happened in the evening, from the PoS payment, Chidiebere was the one who paid for the swimming for both of them. He paid around 4 pm for the swimming. Val said that it was Chidiebere who called him to come for them to go and swim, and he came to their house. His father was the one who called Chidiebere that his friend was around. And they told his father that they were going to Damgrate Hotel to swim and they left for Damgrate, they didn’t go to any other place.

“It was that same Damgrate that they said they were going to swim that they went to, and when that incident happened I was the one that collected the father’s phone from Val and started calling him. These calls were around 6:30 pm to 7 pm. My brother called me around 5:30 pm to 6 pm. They paid by 4 pm and this thing was happening around 5:30 pm to 6 pm. It was my DPO that broke the news to him.”

When asked if he believes that Chidiebere died as a result of drowning, he said, “I think so, but the autopsy has to prove further.”

Meanwhile, Valentine Obeji, when contacted told our correspondent that he is under authority and wouldn’t say anything until authorized to talk to the media.

He said, “Please I am under authority and I think I shouldn’t be talking to the press on this matter until clearance is given to me. You can also find a way to reach my boss.”

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