₦airaland Forum

The Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan has said as the number three citizen of the country, he will do all within his capacity to ensure that the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company (ENASCO) survives and achieve the aims of its establishment.

The Senate President assured that the Senate will henceforth, will begin move to stop Federal Government Agencies from importing boots for their staff, ABN TV reports.

Lawan spoke on Thursday during the official commissioning of ENASCO in Aba.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt1dORBVH1s
According to Lawan for Nigeria to become a prosperous country, she must embark on a must import substitution and hailed Abia Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu for taking the issue of unemployment seriously.

The Senate President who was accompanied at the commissioning by the Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu, Senator Theodore Orji and other senators vowed to ensure that ENASCO becomes the hub of direct and indirect employment in the country.

ABN TV gathered that ENASCO has capacity to produce 5,000 pairs of shoes daily

At the moment, it has over 120 Abia youths directly employed as staff of the company.

"We cannot continue to import everything into Nigeria. We don't even have foreign reserves anymore. So, this project in addition to employing Abians directly, it'll indirectly provide jobs at the leather industries in other states.

"I believe that this project deserves the attention of every Federal agency more especially the ministry of industries itself and indeed the CBN must be looking at this direction so that it can expand.

"While we have 120 youths been employed here, I'm sure that two years after we should quadruple the rate of employment here and that will require improvement in all angles here. I'm sure that as one of you now, we'll push for more support for this particular industry.

"We have our agencies already making requests for boots and of course some garments by the time the garment industry takes off. I think we should do more than that. We must Nigerianize to create employment for our youths," he said.

Lawan said that as the Senate commence its budget defence, he will ask all senate committees that whenever they see agencies that require boots, they must make sure they come to Aba.

He said Nigeria cannot spend such monies outside anymore, adding that he believes that by the time the country stops importing what it can produce, the sky will be her limit.

Lawan added that If ENASCO is the only thing Gov Ikpeazu will leave behind, he must have left everything because unemployment is like a disease that must be tackled with seriousness.

He added, "Whatever you need to make this place work better, please call on me, I'll help whatever you think any Federal agency will do to enhance the capacity of this place, I'm waiting for you, your Excellency."

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said that ENASCO will help position Nigeria into the leather industry ecosystem globally and ensure Nigeria derive much revenue from it.

"ENASCO will push out 5000 pairs of shoes every day to launch Nigeria into the fast-growing shoe industry globally. We can become major players in the leather industry ecosystem if we're intentional about it.

"It is only through the patronizing of our products that we can revitalize our economy and be self-sufficient in all we want.

"We're a doing a similar factory that will have full automated garment factory. We're looking for a way to compete with Vietnam and Bangladesh in the supply chain of garments across the world.

"And I'm optimistic that with the success we've recorded, between now and the next six months machines would have arrived from Turkey and we'll return to Commission it.

"I thank Mr President Muhammadu Buhari for coming to Abia to Commission the Ariaria International Power Plant, we're also doing something to ensure Geometric Power kicks off."

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA says it has arrested a notorious drug dealer, Okoli Collins Ikenna, who is the mastermind of recent multiple attempts to export illicit drugs to London in the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, and some courier companies in Lagos, ABN TV reports.

According to NDLEA, Okoli has been on court bail following his arrest in November 2020 and subsequent arraignment before a Lagos Federal High Court for attempting to export 15.700kgs of Methamphetamine to Australia.

Femi Babafemi, the Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA in a statement obtained by ABN TV on Sunday says a series of investigations into recent multiple attempts to export illicit drugs to the UK led to the arrest of the drug dealer on Tuesday 2nd November when he was caught with 78 parcels of Cannabis, concealed in black soap packs labelled as Dudu Osun, with a total weight of 12.250 kilograms heading to United Kingdom.

Okoli Collins Ikenna

He said, "Further investigation also revealed that Okoli is the one behind the attempt to export 7.350kgs of Cannabis to the UK on Thursday 21st October, a consignment that was intercepted at NAHCO export shed of the MMIA.

"Curiously, a separate investigation by operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, of the Agency, attached to courier companies have equally traced two other attempts to export 47.7kgs of cannabis to the UK through courier firms, to Okoli after his agents arrested in the course of investigation named him as the owner of the consignments.

"In the same vein, desperate bids by traffickers to export over 2 kilograms of Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Cannabis hidden inside containers of body cream, tea bags, vehicle oil and air filters to London, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirate and New Zealand through two major courier firms in Lagos have been scuttled by narcotic officers of the Agency."

Similarly, in Kano, NDLEA says a controlled delivery of an illicit consignment on Friday 5th November led to the arrest of two suspects; Ibrahim Sulaiman and Muhammad Sani Alhassan with 23kgs of Diazepam tablets; 2kgs of Codeine syrup and 32kgs of Exol 5 tablets, bringing the total weight to 57kgs.

The agency further says earlier on Wednesday 3rd November, operatives of the Kano command of the Agency had arrested one Mizambilu Tijjani, with 64kgs of Cannabis sativa and Victor Nsodikwa Chu-chu, with 34 cartons of Pentazocine injection and one carton of Diazepam injection in Sabongari area of the city.

"In Kogi State, operatives also seized a consignment containing 28.251kgs of Exol- 5; 6.6kgs of Barcadin Codeine Syrup; over 38.532kgs of Tramadol, bringing the total drugs seized to 73.808kgs. In a related development, operatives of the Osun state command have seized 130.518kgs of cannabis and 18grams of Cocaine in Modakeke area of Ile-Ife.

"Impressed by the outcome of investigations that led to the dismantling of the drug syndicate led by Okoli in Lagos, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA command, DOGI, and their counterparts in Kano, Kogi, and Osun for sustaining the heat on the cartels across the country. He urged them and their compatriots in other commands to intensify the offensive action against all merchants of death in Nigeria."

Crisis has rocked the Imo State House of Assembly as 19 members on Monday impeached the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Paul Emeziem during the House plenary session, ABNTV reports.

His impeachment follows several allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, ABN TV learnt.

The former Speaker was impeached following the unanimous decision of the 19 members out of 27 lawmakers in a signed letter read on the floor of the house which accused the former Speaker of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh who is the member representing Obowo State Constituency has been sworn in immediately as the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly.

Recall that over the past weeks, the former Speaker Paul Emeziem has been called out to resign and several groups in the state calling on his colleagues to suspend him over what they described as unconstitutional and undemocratic activities of the former Speaker in the State Assembly ranging from Anti-party activities, withholding of members allowances, illegal suspension of 6 members, amongst many other things.

The total monetary loss recorded by Benkama filling station located at Amaekpu Ohafia, Abia State has finally been ascertained by ABN TV following the invasion of the station by gunmen who identified themselves as Biafran National Guard, BNG.

It is estimated at about N26,300 only.

They were said to have besieged the business premises with a convoy of five cars suspected to have been snatched from their owners along the highway around 8:30am.

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Manager of the filling station, Mr. Chibuike Stanley who spoke with ABN TV, said he had mistaken the heavily armed men who appeared in military camouflage as security details of a VIP.

He said they had demanded a refill of their car tanks from the eager station attendants who duly served as they demanded.

The manager said he however became suspicious of their transaction when they demanded for additional fuel in their tank when no payment had been made.

"They asked her to add more. It was in the process of asking her to add more that I asked if they have paid and she said no.

"I no asked her to go and demand payment. She then asked who is in charge to pay. One of them warned her to keep quiet. It dawned on me that these are not customers", he said.

According to the station manager, while he was watching, one of the BNG members went into the supermarket in the station of came out with five packets of biscuits valued at N1,000 only each.

This is in addition to the total amount of fuel dispensed to them worth N21,300 only.

The BNG members also attacked members of Abia state vigilante group who provided guard duty at the filling station and took their two pump action rifles and their ammunition.

Management of the filling station said apart from being harsh to the petrol pump attendants, the BNG members did not shoot or launch any physical attacks in the process.

ABN TV reported that the group which threatened to declare a Biafra Republic on October 30, 2021 were later intercepted by a joint security forces in Ohiafia.

About three of them were said to have been killed while about four of the suspected stolen vehicles were recovered from them.

Abia state police command has since called for calm among residents, insisting that they would provide adequate security to members of the public.

No fewer than three persons have been shot dead at Neokeisima junction Umulogho in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, ABN TV reports.

Our correspondent gathered that gunmen invaded the community on Friday and started shooting sporadically at passersby at Neokeisima junction, killing the three victims on the spot.

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The shooting, which took place around 7.50pm, caused pandemonium as residents and passersby scampered for safety.

An eyewitness said the assailants immediately zoomed towards the Umuahia axis of the road in Abia State in the car after committing the atrocious act while the victims were soaked with blood.

Contacted, Imo Police spokesman CSP Michael Abattam said the Command was yet to get a report of the incident.

“I will investigate the incident and get back to you,’ he said.

However, as at the time of filing this report, the PPRO was yet to get back to us.

Member representing Bende federal constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has called for the creation of additional one state in the South East region of the country to be at per with other regions of the state that have at least six states each.

This is his submission during the weekly radio programme, Ben Kalu Mandate monitored by ABN TV on Tuesday.

While calling on South East leaders to lend a voice to this call, Hon. Kalu who is spokesperson of the House of Representative called on the Constitution Review Committee to give this request the needed thought.

While maintaining that the region has the capacity to shoulder additional one state, the federal lawmaker noted that the opportunity of the Constitution review is the most veritable one to allow South East have the same number of states with other geopolitical zones.

He said, "We are being shortchanged in the South East in the sense that other geo-political zones in the country have six states in each of the zones. It is only in the South East that we have five states.

"As a member of the parliament, if I don’t address it now, I wonder when I will address it. My call to the Constitution Review Committee is that they consider it because it is from this process that states would be created.

"They should consider the possibility of increasing the number of states from five to six. I say so because it affects the distribution of democracy in a very significant way.

"Why should some regions get above the others? These are the reasons for some of these agitations, talking about equity and justice. It is time to balance the equation and I believe that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will give that to the South East as a gift.

"This is my way of raising a call through this program that South East cannot remain as five states, The South East is bigger enough to contain 6 states so that when we go for our federal allocation and other dividends of democracy, we will not have less while others have more.

"I am calling on all leaders in the South East irrespective of party affiliation to rise up and ask for six states in the South East so that the equation will be balanced.

"We are not representing our people well if we cannot push this request. Let us all join our voices to this, it is not about carrying placards, however following the legislative process. It is the right thing to do, and leaving the right thing undone when it ought to be done, is in itself an injustice.’

Following the invasion of home of Justice Mary Odili, Justice of the Supreme Court on Friday by security agents, former governor of Abia State has expressed disappointment over the act, saying it is cruel, undemocratic and uncivil.

Kalu, Chief Whip of the Senate, who said the Gestapo raid on the house of the judge sends a wrong signal further called on the federal government to commence full scale investigation into the ugly incident.

Kalu, who made this call on Saturday, while reacting to raid further urged the federal government to bring the perpetrators of the act to book.

The lawmaker remarked that the unwarranted invasion of the house of the Judge is capable of causing tension in the country.

He stressed that in a democratic set-up, the rule of law must be strictly adhered to for the sake of national progress and development.

The former Governor while condemning the sad incident, urged appropriate government agencies to discharge their duties and responsibilities in tandem with the constitution, noting that violation of human rights will set the country backward.

Sen. Kalu emphasized that the unlawful invasion of a citizen's residence is a breach of the constitution of Nigeria and tenets of democracy.

He said, " the invasion of the residence of Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court in a gestapo manner is totally condemnable and unacceptable in a democratic dispensation.

"The country's democracy is gradually growing and as such, acts that are not in tandem with the constitution of Nigeria and democratic process must not tolerated.

"The federal government should commence robust  investigation into the sad development to save the face of the country in the comity of nations and to bring the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident to book.

" The rule of law must not be undermined in a democratic regime.

"The law must be respected by the government and the governed".

Kalu called on the federal government and the citizenry to embrace the tenets of democracy in all pursuits, adding that no country can progress in an atmosphere of lawlessness.

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, arrested seven internet fraud suspects, ABN TV reports.

Among them is one Peter Ugochukwu, businessman who claims he deals on shoes and clothes, at Umuahia.

Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media & Publicity in a release obtained by ABN TV gave the names of other six suspects as George Izuchukwu, Okeke Desmond, Ekwonna Wisdom, Ejikeme Godspower, Nwachukwu Samuel and Justin Tochi.

According to the Commission, they were arrested in a sting operation at the Government College and Okwuta areas of Umuahia following verified intelligence on their alleged internet fraud-related activities.

Item recovered from them include four vehicles (RX 350 Lexus Jeep, Toyota Camry Muscle, EX 35 Lexus and Toyota Camry 2008 model) , four laptops and twelve mobile phones.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed.

Callers on Flo FM 94.9 programme, Ben Kalu's Mandate on Tuesday urged the member representing Bende Federal Constituency Abia State, Hon. Benjamin Kalu to join in the race for the governorship seat of the state in 2023, assuring him that they would offer their support to ensure his victory.

The programme Ben Kalu's Mandate also streamed live on ABN TV And ABN Radio.

The callers applauded the federal lawmaker for his purposeful representation of the people of his constituency since 2019 when he won election to represent the constituency.

One of the callers and the Chairman of the Physically Challenged Persons in Bende LGA, Mr Bathlome Okoronkwo, commended Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his love for the physically challenged.

He expressed gratitude to him for donating Wheel Chairs to some of their members and called for more collaboration with their members in the scheme of things.

A regular caller on the programme openly urged the House of Representatives spokesman to join in the race to succeed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2023.

They said the experience he has garnered in his years of political experience prepares him to successfully lead the state.

They also cited his success at the House of Representatives whereas a first timer he has risen to become one of the prominent members in the Green chamber of Nigeria's National Assembly.

The Youths called on him to declare for Governor in 2023 assuring him that with their support, he will certainly win the election.

Responding, Rep. Benjamin Kalu emphasized that his present focus is on his assignment to continue to work for the Mandate which the people of Bende Federal Constituency gave him.

While appreciating their support, he agreed that as much as he is eminently qualified to be Governor but that it is only God who makes The King.

Emphasizing that he is presently focused on his present assignment and will not like to be distracted.

Earlier, he had hinted that he is undertaking inspection of the various project sites he is doing and will be visiting Nkpa today.

Abia State Executive Council under the Chairmanship of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the sum of N150m (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) support to traders that have been relocated from Ariaria International Market and Ahia Ohuru Market both in Aba through Abia SME Bank, ABN TV reports.

The Exco also reviewed and approved further release of funds for the new Government House project in Umuahia to ensure realization as scheduled.

In addition, the Council also approved funding for fortifications, remodeling, and completion of work at the Mother & Child Specialist Hospital, Umuahia.

These were part of resolutions reached at the State Executive Council Meeting held at the Exco Chambers of Government House, Umuahia, on 26th October, 2021, a minute of meeting obtained by ABN TV reveals.

The meeting was also attended by the 27 newly appointed Commissioners in the State who were sworn in on Tuesday at Micheal Okpara auditorium in Umuahia by the Governor.

The resolutions are subject to approval of the state House of Assembly.

Abia State Executive Council under the Chairmanship of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the renaming of Abia State Polytechnic to Abia State University of Science and Technology, Aba, ABN TV reports.

The Council also approved the remaining of Abia State College of Education Arochukwu to Abia State University of Education, Arochukwu and Abia state College of Health Sciences and Management Studies to Abia State University of Health Science and Management Studies, Aba

In addition, the Council also approved expedition of work at Ntigha Dry Port and partnership with existing port concessionaire

These were part of resolutions reached at the State Executive Council Meeting held at the Exco Chambers of Government House, Umuahia, on 26th October, 2021, a minute of meeting obtained by ABN TV reveals.

The meeting was also attended by the 27 newly appointed Commissioners in the State who were sworn in on Tuesday at Micheal Okpara auditorium in Umuahia by the Governor.

Among other resolutions, the council also approved the sum of N150m (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) support to traders that have been relocated from Ariaria International Market and Ahia Ohuru Market both in Aba through Abia SME Bank

The resolutions are subject to approval of the state House of Assembly.

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has said the 27 new Commissioners in the state were carefully selected to support the administration's drive of enhancing the life of Abians, ABN TV reports.

The governor had on Tuesday sworn in the new Commissioners with a charge on them to work for the socio-political and economic renaissance of Abia.

Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu disclosed that his administration is on its final lap, adding that the desire of the Government to complete ongoing projects and possibly embark on new ones and charged the new appointees to be active players in the socio-political and economic renaissance of the state, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka said in a statement.

The release partly reads, "While warning that there is nothing juicy in the appointments, the Governor cautioned those whose agenda is to line their pockets that they will be disappointed and challenged them to see their appointments as calls to duty.

"He assured that Government will substantially provide them with the resources to work with, but also admonished them to leverage their connections and wealth of experience in moving their various ministries forward.

"Governor Ikpeazu advised them to remain loyal to the Government as those found wanting will be shown the way out.

"He also implored them to keep in touch with their localities as Government will be relying on them to galvanize support from the grassroot.

"Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the new Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barrister Eze Chikamnayo thanked the Governor for the privilege to be part of the State Executive Council and assured that they will not let the Government and Abians down.

"The new Commissioners and their portfolios are;
Mazi Donatus Okorie - Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural development,
Mr Ndom Godwin -Boundary Matters,
Chief Okezie Erondu, Ministry of Science and Technology, Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji, Ministry of Agriculture, Pascal Karibe Ojigwe, Ministry of Sports, Mrs Uwaoma Olewengwa, Ministry of Industry, Promotions and Development, Prince Christopher Enweremadu, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Barr.Charles Esonu - Ministry of Youth Development,
Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa, Ministry of Housing, Hon. Monday Ejiegbu - Parastatals,
Deaconess Rose Urenta- Ministry of Women Affairs, Chief Kingsley Imaga, Ministry of Public Utilities, Chidiebere Uwagwu Kalu - Establishment and Training, Barr. Chijioke Mark, Post-Basic Education,

The governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu on Tuesday swore in 27 new Commissioners with a charge on them to work for the socio-political and economic renaissance of Abia, ABN TV reports.

The Commissioners were appointed several months after the state ran in a slim cabinet.

The new Commissioners and their portfolios are;
Mazi Donatus Okorie - Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development,
Mr Ndom Godwin -Boundary Matters,
Chief Okezie Erondu - Ministry of Science and Technology,
Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji - Ministry of Agriculture,
Pascal Karibe Ojigwe - Ministry of Sports,
Mrs Uwaoma Olewengwa -  Ministry of Industry, Promotions, and Development,
Prince Christopher Enweremadu -  Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Barr.Charles Esonu - Ministry of Youth Development,
Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa - Ministry of Housing,
Hon. Monday Ejiegbu - Parastatals,
Deaconess Rose Urenta - Ministry of Women Affairs,
Chief Kingsley Imaga - Ministry of Public Utilities,
Chidiebere Uwagwu Kalu - Establishment and Training,
Barr. Chijioke Mark - Post-Basic Education,
Chief Chisom Nwachukwu -  Ministry of Special duties/Vulnerable groups,
Mr. Sopuruchi Bekee - Ministry of Homeland Security,
Chief Eze Nwanganga - Ministry of Petroleum and Energy Development,
Barr Tony Nwanmuo - Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
Barr. Sam Nwogu - Ministry of Environment.
The rest are Dr Chidi Onwuchuruba -  Ministry of Lands and Survey,
Mr Ugochukwu Emezue - Documentation and Strategic Communications,
Mrs Adaku Uwaoma Onusiriuka Oseiza - Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and New Businesses Development,
Barr. Eze Chikamnayo -  Ministry of Information and Strategy,
Chief Godswill Uche Nwanoruo - Ministry of Transport,
Prince Obinna Okey - Inter-Governmental Affairs,
Chief Ukwu Rocks Emma - Ministry of Basic Education
Barr Chinenye Emelogu - Joint Projects Implementations

The immediate past Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu is to serve as the new Commissioner for Trade and Commerce.

Bishops of the Anglican Province of the Niger have called on the Federal Government to listen to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and establish a dialogue with their leader Nnamdi Kanu rather than criminalising him and his group to ensure “lasting peace”.

In his sermon during the Anglican Prayer Rally Anambra State (APRAS) in Awka, Bishop of Niger West, Rt Rev Johnson Ekwe also called on the Federal Government to address the problems of system failure, marginalisation, insecurity, maladministration, discrimination, and unemployment

“Kanu did not commit the offences being levelled against him,” the bishops claimed. “He is just being framed up because he is trying to liberate his people from marginalisation, discrimination, and insecurity caused by invasion of their land. The government should dialogue with him and his group to ensure a lasting peace.

The clergymen frowned at what they called “satanic denominational politics”, saying the promoters have succeeded in spreading hatred and warned them to retrace their steps before they invoke the wrath of God. The bishops also urged other South-East states not to participate in such malicious practices.

“What I saw in Anambra today is anomalous and that nonsense must stop for the state to develop,” said Ekwe. “You don’t have to belong to my church to be treated well or discriminated against. This is not what our Bible is preaching.”

A former Director (Operations) in the Department Of State Services, DSS, Chief Raymond Nkemdirim has said remembering his contributions during his years of service in breaking the backbone of terrorism gives him joy, ABN TV reports.

While noting that such actions, which he said fall under his oath of secrecy with the Service helped in saving the country from totally being overtaken by terrorists, he added that they are being expanded upon.


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Speaking on Saturday at his Abuja home when he hosted the management team of Igbere TV who were at his home to formally inform him of his nomination and voting for award of Outstanding Security Achievement, Nkemdirim who retired as an Assistant Director-General in the Service after 35 years of meritorious service said terrorists were given a bloody nose during his years of service in states like Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi and others, leading to them to flee to Borno where they made a stronghold.

While noting that a lot more could be done to totally wipe the terrorists out of existence in the country, he said new frontiers in technology will be of assistance in ending the insurgency war.

On how he rose through the ranks to the peak of his career in the country's secret police service, Nkemdirim a philanthropist and a stakeholder in the hospitality industry said his skill in diplomacy, mind control among other things may have helped him.

"A lot of times, my colleagues who are even still in the service would come to me and ask 'oga how did you do it. We never saw you shout for one day but everything moved well. A lot of times we shout but you, even if you are told a whole building is engulfed in flames, you always take it calmly and forge ahead'.

"It means that people should be able to appreciate situations. They should not overreact or react to situations on the spot at the moment.

"Whatever comes your way, take time and appraise it. That is what an intelligence officer is trained to do. When you get information, for instance, information does not become intelligence unless it is processed" he said.

He also cited proactiveness in nipping potential security threats in bud as the then Director of Operations as high points of his career.

Nkemdirim is among the 30 Nigerians who will be awarded at various categories of national service in the Igbere TV Leadership Excellence award scheduled to take place on November 2, 2021 at Sheraton Hotel Abuja.

No fewer than three suspected members of the proscribed members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were on Thursday killed by soldiers on guard at First Bank Arochukwu.

This is according to the Abia State police command in a statement made available to ABN TV by Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Janet Agbede.

She said members of the proscribed group numbering about 50 had attacked the solders with guns and machetes.

The statement partly reads, "The soldiers made a counter attack and three of the hoodlums were neutralized during the exchange of firing.

"The superior firing power of the soldiers made the hoodlums to disperse. As at now, effort has been intensified to track down the fleeing hoodlums."

The police boss therefore urged members of the public to report anyone seen with bullet wound to the nearest Police station or any law enforcement agent.

ABN TV had reported that the detained leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu after many months of speculation on his state of health was brought to court in Thursday by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Former Governor of Abia state and Pillar of Sports in Africa, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has described the victory of Enyimba Football Club at the Confederation of Africa (CAF) competition as well-deserved and commendable, ABN TV reports.

The former Governor, under whose administration Enyimba FC won the CAF competition in 2003 and 2004, stressed that sports is a unifying game, adding that government at all levels must support grassroots sports development for the sake of national development.

While applauding the Enyimba team for their show of professionalism and dexterity, called for the sustenance of the performance of the football team in future competitions.

In a goodwill message to the football team, the soccer enthusiast noted that the players and officials of the team deserve commendation for their outstanding performance in the competition.

He said, "I join football lovers across Abia state and Nigeria in general to celebrate the well deserved victory of Enyimba Football Club against Diambars FC in the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) competition.

"The team had an outstanding performance in the football competition.

"I salute the Enyimba FC for the display of skills.

"In future competitions, I have no doubt in the capacity of the players and officials to sustain the feat".

Kalu conveyed his best wishes to Enyimba football team and sports stakeholders across the country.