₦airaland Forum

FG blacklists firm, awards N1.79trn boats contracts

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem / September 4, 2014 / No Comments

Federal Government has blacklisted a contractor for allegedly abandoning an electricity project in Ebonyi State.

It has also concluded plans to retrieve the 15 percent contract sum already paid and ensure the directors of the company are not allowed to own businesses in Nigeria, in the future.

The contracting firm, whose name was given as Messrs Techno Electric and Engineering Company, had on the 1st of December 2010 collected a 15% mobilization fee from the federal government and later abandoned the project.

Speaking more on the abandoned power project, the Minister of State for Power, Mohamed Wakil said government has re-awarded the contract for the Engineering Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of 2X60MVA, 132/33KV at Amasiri and 2X132KV Line Bays Extension at Abakaliki for the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Council approved the re-award of the contract in favor of Messrs North China Power Engineering limited and NCEP (Nig) Limited in the sum of $5,835,368.47 (five million, eight hundre and thirty five thousand, three hundred and sixty eight United States Dollars and forty seven cents) payable at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment plus N505,788,083.58 (Five hundred and five million, seven hundred and eighty eight thousand, eighty three Naira, fifty eight kobo)

inclusive of N67,211,298.58 (sixty seven million, two hundred and eleven thousand, two hundred and ninety eight Naira, fifty eight kobo) for five percent contingency with a completion period of 24 months.

The project is designed to boost power supply to Ebonyi state and Parts of Cross River and enhance the socioeconomic development of the state. The funds are available under the Eurobond loan, 2014 appropriation and in the unutilized letter of credit earlier established for the terminated project to commence implementation of the project.

Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council ( FEC) has ratified the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, stating that it will need a total of $3.05 trillion (N485 trillion) over 30 years.

Briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil alongside the Ministers of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, National Planning, Abubakar Sulaiman, and the Transport, Idris Umar, recalled that Jonathan had in July 2012 approved that the National Planning Commission coordinate the preparation of the NIIMP for the country.

The plan, which will be implemented over a period of 30 years from 2014 to 2043, will be implemented in three phases. The first five years phase between now and 2018 will require $166.1 billion for implementation.

The plan will amongst others things, address the lack of linkages in the infrastructure sector. It focuses on core infrastructure, including energy (power and oil and gas), transport (roads, rail, ports and airports), housing, water and Information and Communication Technology.

Other infrastructure classes include: agriculture, mining, social infrastructure, vital registration and security.

Council also approved the award of contract for the design and construction of four 60 TON Bollard Pull Marine Tug Boats in favour of Messrs Depasa Marine International (Nigeria) limited in the sum of €42,968,864.70 ( forty two million, nine hundred and sixty eight thousand, eight hundred and sixty four euro, seventy cents) equivalent of N8,778,423,042.28 (eight billion, seven hundred and seventy eight million, four hundred and twenty three thousand, forty two Naira and twenty eight kobo) inclusive of all taxes with a completion period of 24 months.

The project is expected to generate 97 job opportunities for both professionals and non professionals during its execution and about 112 direct and indirect job opportunities when in full operation.
- See more at: http://nigerianpilot.com/fg-blacklists-firm-awards-n1-79trn-boats-contracts/#sthash.0JtxoSHq.dpuf

‘Early completion of Fed Secretariat in Anambra not likely’

Posted April 3, 2014 6:08 pm by admin with 0 comments

The prospect of early completion of the federal secretariat in Awka, the Anambra State capital, appears dim as the chief executive officer of the company handling the project, Hon. Cosmas Agagbo, has complained that the project is under-valued and is being threatened by paucity of fund.

Agagbo, the Managing Director of Cosco Investment Nigeria Limited, said that the project may suffer a major setback due to poor funding and under-valuation.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Awka, Agagbo said that the three wings secretariat complex awarded by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration through the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in October 2012 with a completion period of 52 weeks may not be completed as stipulated if it was not adequately funded.

Agagbo, who disclosed that the project was initially awarded for N2.56 billion, took another financial dimension when it was discovered that the project was under evaluated due to lack of some essential designs such as the basement.

He said that the design and approval of the basement took over six months to secure thereby elongating the projected completion period and complicated the financial cost already approved by the Federal Government.

Agagbo said: “You see the cost implication of the basement became yet another crucible to pass and this is making the completion of the project to prolong more than necessary.”

He claimed that while the federal secretariat for Anambra was awarded alongside others in the six geopolitical for over N2 billion, that of Enugu State was awarded for N13 billion.

http://www.yohaig.com/nigeria-news/national-mirror/early-completion-of-fed-secretariat-in-anambra-not-likely/

FG asks contractors to expedite action on N21bn Owerri-Elele road project

on September 11, 2014 / in News 9:27 pm / Comments
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By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA — The Federal Government has asked the contractor handling the N21.4 billion dualisation of Owerri-Elele road to speed up work on the project in order to deliver the 35.7-kilometre road to the people on time.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Stephen Oru, who gave the charge in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during the inspection of the project, being executed by the ministry in Imo and Rivers states, said the road was vital to communities in the state and the Niger Delta in general.

The contract, which had reached 57 per cent completion, was awarded in 2010 with an initial completion period of 24 months.
He emphasised that the project he inspected were part of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dr. Oru assured the contractors of steady funding as the Federal Government “is determined to complete and deliver the road within the next few months for the benefit of Nigerians plying the route.”

The Minister was conducted round the premises of the company executing the project by the General Manager, Mr. Muhammed El-Edaros, who showed them construction materials stockpiled by the company for use on the project once the rainy season ceases in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the Minister and the Minister of State have expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of construction at the Elele Skills Acquisition Centre in Rivers State, where no contractor was active on the site during the inspection visit.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/fg-asks-contractors-expedite-action-n21bn-owerri-elele-road-project/#sthash.0lqDJZ7b.dpuf

FG asks contractors to expedite action on N21bn Owerri-Elele road project

on September 11, 2014 / in News 9:27 pm / Comments
Tweet

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA — The Federal Government has asked the contractor handling the N21.4 billion dualisation of Owerri-Elele road to speed up work on the project in order to deliver the 35.7-kilometre road to the people on time.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Stephen Oru, who gave the charge in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during the inspection of the project, being executed by the ministry in Imo and Rivers states, said the road was vital to communities in the state and the Niger Delta in general.

The contract, which had reached 57 per cent completion, was awarded in 2010 with an initial completion period of 24 months.
He emphasised that the project he inspected were part of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dr. Oru assured the contractors of steady funding as the Federal Government “is determined to complete and deliver the road within the next few months for the benefit of Nigerians plying the route.”

The Minister was conducted round the premises of the company executing the project by the General Manager, Mr. Muhammed El-Edaros, who showed them construction materials stockpiled by the company for use on the project once the rainy season ceases in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the Minister and the Minister of State have expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of construction at the Elele Skills Acquisition Centre in Rivers State, where no contractor was active on the site during the inspection visit.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/fg-asks-contractors-expedite-action-n21bn-owerri-elele-road-project/#sthash.0lqDJZ7b.dpuf

LasGidiOwner: CC: Chinazaekperem5, Generalscatter, Reborn, Scatter1, Alababoss, Mrojukwu, Generaladekunle, ebankole, tsolz400, OrlandoOwoh

If you think you and your co m0ronic travelers can derail this thread then think again. This thread have gone beyond that.

FG Sites Green City Project In The City Of Onitsha

THE Anambra State government has pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in developing an eco-friendly Green City Project of the corporation in the commercials city of Onitsha.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Anambra State, Chief Tony Onyima, gave the pledge when he led a 3-man delegation to NTDC secretariat in Abuja recently.

The Director-General of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, while addressing the delegation described the Green City Project as a differentiating platform for Nigeria’s Eco-tourism credentials with bio-fuel refinery for conversion of waste to wealth. Others facilities will include demonstration farms; botanical gardens; hotels; housing estate; sports facilities; industrial parks; solar farms; water parks and health malls.

Mbanefo explained that the project, when fully developed, would create 20,000 jobs in two years and bolster Nigeria as a preferred destination for the growing eco-tourism market.

She disclosed that the Green City Project, which was earlier scheduled to take off in Abuja, was cancelled due to Abuja Centenary project.

NTDC boss noted that the strategic imperative of the corporation was to rebuild the corporation through skills acquisition and capacity building for the staff, growing the tourism value chain for revenue generation and job creation via domestic tourism.

She said the reason for promoting domestic tourism is to empower the local government to create jobs. “We are here to support you and make sure that tourism in Anambra State is a huge success, generating revenue for the state and creating wealth for the people in the state.”

Mbanefo was optimistic that Nigeria would overcome the current security challenges saying, terrorism is not peculiar to Nigeria as other countries such as Israel, Egypt, Iran, United Kingdom are also affected by terrorism.

She assured that the corporation would create awareness for people to participate in tourism-related activities in Nigeria.

In response, Chief Onyima “For the green City project, Anambra State is the best place for the project. We are eager to see the project come home because that is where it belongs.”

He noted that the state government has a robust developmental programme in the area of agriculture and tourism, saying that plans were underway to amend an Act that would officially list Anambra as an oil producing State.

While disclosing the intent of the State government to build a refinery and airport, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism noted that the government has awarded a contract worth N4.5bn for the construction of road leading to the refinery, which would specialize in drilling Aviation fuel.

Onyima called on NTDC to assist the state government in the registration and classification of hotels, saying that the state would soon be agog with cultural activities like beauty pageantry by 1st October and Odenigbo Carnival in December, in collaboration with the private sector.

“Tourism is one of the enablers behind our developmental programmes and it cannot materialize without having a tourism framework. In terms of hotel registration and classification, we need expertise from NTDC to classify and register them.

“We are planning for cultural activities and by October 1, we will start major beauty pageant.

He further revealed that the government was constructing a five-star hotel at Agulu Lake and Ogbunike Cave Resort to boost tourism and attract tourists in the State even as he sought the collaboration of NTDC in achieving this laudable project.

“Apart from these, we have the biggest thing happening in tourism. We are putting a five-star hotel at Agulu Lake to be ready by December. Ogunike cave is a UNESCO Heritage site but we have acquired the land around it, which is about 100 hectares. We want to develop Ogbunike Cave Resort.

According to him, “The Nollywood started in Anambra, so we want to take the ownership back, but we cannot do it alone. That is why we are seeking NTDC’s collaboration. So, we call on you to open your doors because we will come back several times.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/saturday-magazine/travel-a-tourism/173320-green-city-project-anambra-govt-to-collaborate-with-ntdc

blished On: Fri, Jul 18th, 2014
Education | By

Imo Marine University comes on stream

A year ago, the Imo state government announced the establishment of the first ever Marine University in Africa situated at Ose-motto, Ogula local government area of the state, close to the federal government-funded seaport and naval base project sites. CHIDIEBERE IWUOHA takes a look at the challenges the young university may face

Governor Rochas Okorocha told the media during a visit to the proposed site that with the issue of land now settled, work would commence and the university which would be the first of its kind in Africa would be of benefit to the host community, Imo State and Nigeria.
The governor had revealed that the primary phase of the project would cost about N2.5 billion, comprising the construction of the perimeter fencing, landscaping of the administrative blocks, classrooms and hostels. He further disclosed that the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) would fund the project, stressing that the commission had sufficient resources to execute the project.

Okorocha had pledged that the university would be ready to admit its first set of students in the next two years, adding that the state Government was collaborating with the Korean Marine University after a visit by the ISOPADEC Board to the institution to understudy its programme.
He appreciated the efforts of the people of Ose-motto community in the donation of a parcel of land for the university’s project as well as the sitting of the federal government’s Sea Port and Naval base projects which he noted, would be of great advantage to the institution.
The Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Prince Dr. Henry Okafor, in his speech, said that the commission had the financial capacity to undertake the development of the first phase of the project. He expressed appreciation to the governor for approving the site and acknowledged that the Ose-moto people were anxious to witness the successful execution of the project. He further added that when completed, the project would guarantee them service in the oil companies.

Legal backing
It is no longer news that the necessary legal backing had been accorded the young university by the Imo state House of Assembly. The Majority Leader, Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma who also represents Aboh Mbaise in the lead debate on the law disclosed the economic and social benefits of the university if put in place, adding that the academic needs were enormous.
Hon. Ihuoma further stressed that advance learning in marine related areas would be a plus to the nation and beyond. After much deliberations on the desirability or otherwise to the establishment of the university, the speaker said the establishment of the institution would improve human lives..

More knocks against the varsity
The University has since then, started in earnest, with the first phase gone far. But there are still some Imolites who believe that the project should not have been midwifed in the first place or that the 13% oil derivation of the oil producing Local Government Areas of Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema should not have been touched or used for that kind of project which they regard as “uncalled for”.
One of them is erstwhile speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Goodluck Nanah Opiah. He queried, “Is the project for whom? Who is interested in going to a Marine University? In what ways would Marine University benefit the people who are poor, under developed, hungry? Who have suffered this age-long neglect of oil pollution and environmental degradation?”.

The ex-speaker, who hails from Ohaji Egbema L.G.A, had accused Okorocha of being interested in the business of acquiring cement and block as such contracts would be awarded to his brothers, in-laws and friends who by so doing would amass some wealth for themselves.
Also speaking the chairman of Awara Court Area Development Forum, Barr. Ikechukwu Ezekwe opined that the project was not well conceptualized; adding that such project should not have been sited just because of the presence of the Wonder Lake. He made it clear that there had to be the presence of maritime businesses or activities around there.
Ezekwe believed that several months after the sitting of the university, nothing could be seen as evidence for actual implementation, adding that the project initiators did not take into consideration the sensibilities of Ogula people in designing the project.
He was also sad that the whole 13% oil derivation was reserved for the construction of the institution, whereas it should have been divided into two, with state government keeping 60%, while the oil producing areas take 40% for the development of the basic infrastructure.

ISOPADEC factor
What could be regarded as the real situation report on the Imo Marine University was tendered by the Managing Director of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Prince. Dr Henry Okafor, also an indigene of Ose-moto, the host community of the university, sounded it loud and clear that construction work was on-going and that anybody who wanted to verify was free to visit the site. He however blamed heavy rains for the slow pace of work in the institution as no contractor would do a serious job during rainy season.
He said that the 1.8 kilometers dual carriage access road to the institution was being hampered by the rainy season, adding that only 1
Governor Rocha Okorocha of Imo state

Governor Rocha Okorocha of Imo state

kilometer had successfully been stone-based with tones of stone base heaped all over the place.
Okafor disclosed that a hostel of about 78 to 90 rooms, two classroom blocks, and Administrative blocks, a workshop and gate house were being constructed at the site, while thousands of blocks, irons, and rods were waiting to be used for construction.
He expressed optimism that by December this year, three or four blocks would be completed to ensure the first phase of its construction, while further construction could go on while learning commenced. But he was quick to mention that it was subject to the mercy of the rains.
On the need to have other maritime activities around the university, the ISOPADEC managing director said that a contract was awarded by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to construct an Inland Port and that it had reached 70% completion, adding that the project was situated 2 kilometers away from the Maritime University just like the one he saw in South Korea when he went to understudy the one in Pusam. He was hopeful that the students of the Imo State Maritime University would use the inland port for training.

http://www.blueprint.ng/2014/07/18/as-imo-marine-varsity-comes-on-stream/

Peace returns to troubled border towns of Benue, Ebonyi

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10.Sep.2014 DISQUS_COMMENTS Johnson Babajide –Makurdi
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Peace may soon return to the warring councils of Agila and Ngbo of Benue and Ebonyi states, respectively, following the mutual agreement by the two states to honour the controversial legal notice.

Agila council chairman, Mr Alex Okpokwu Ogaba, who spoke to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday, expressed optimism that the boundary dispute between Benue and Ebonyi states might soon become thing of the past.

Ogaba said that the people of Agila and Ngbo had agreed to respect the agreement reached between the two states, in December last year.

He noted that the controversial legal notice number 126 of 1954 had been resolved so as not to disrupt farming activities.

The chairman stated that the people were only waiting for the National Boundary Commission to start the demarcation exercise, earlier slated for March this year but which had been put off indefinitely.

According to him: “the two communities have agreed to stop fighting in order not to disrupt farming activities, what we are waiting for now is the demarcation exercise by National Boundary Commission.”

“May I use this opportunity to call on National Boundary Commission to carry out the exercise, it was earlier slated for March this year but for one reason or the other, it was put off so we are waiting for them.”

He said sufficient number of mobile police men had been stationed at the boundary, adding that the agreement signed by the deputy governors of the two states last year, had helped in dousing tension.

He appealed to the two state governments not to relent in their efforts until the demarcation exercise was carried out, and urged the National Boundary Commission to hasten the process since the two sides had agreed to observe the said agreement.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/15633-peace-returns-to-troubled-border-towns-of-benue-ebonyi/15633-peace-returns-to-troubled-border-towns-of-benue-ebonyi

londoner: It's a good job we have these pics, so we can show the future generation how the SE used to look. What we see now is just the foundation for what's coming. SE will likely be physically transformed over the next 10 years.

Hold on to your hats!

I pray for increase funding, good leadership, cooperative/wise citizens and peace for Igboland as God is moving Ndi Igbo to greater heights. There should also be peace in the country because Igboland would have long exceeded this level if not for the civil war. GOD BLESS NDI IGBO. AMEN !!!

To God be the Glory !!! Ala Igbo Amaka !!!!

Imo, investors to build Heartland market, estate
June 2, 2014 by Maureen Azuh

[print]


Investors, including the Imo State Government and Graceland Channels Limited, a real estate company, are set to offer commercial and residential opportunities to the people of the state through a joint venture to build an ultra-modern market and a housing estate.

At a consultative forum and unveiling of the market to the Imo State Towns Development Association, Lagos branch, the investors said the market was a home call for the Igbo all over the country and beyond.

The market, which will be known as Heartland Gateway International Market, will be located along the Okwelis-Oguta junction, Mgbidi in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, on approximately 28.097 hectares of land.

It will also have 8,000 lock-up shops and 2,000 open shades, while the residential estate will deliver 3,000 housing units of various types.

The Principal Partner, M. I. Okoro and Associates, the project marketing firm, Dr. Meckson Okoro, said the market would serve as a wake-up call to the Igbo to invest in their homeland.

He said, “After 44 years of living and investing outside Igboland, Ndigbo, under the platform of Ohaneze Ndigbo and Imo Towns development Association, has agreed that there is a need to go back home to open our Igboland so that as some of us are getting older, we can now do our business from Igboland and leave our businesses in Lagos and other parts of the country to our younger ones, and by so doing, we can now participate in the governance of our respective states in Igboland.

“Time is now for us to have presence back home; we have invested so much in ‘foreign lands’ and the time has come for us to go home to invest in the development of our own communities, because no amount of investment in any other part of this country will qualify you as an indigene of wherever you find yourself.”

[b]According to him, the Heartland Gateway International Market is envisaged as a multi-purpose commercial and business services centre, which will serve as a key destination for Imo State, adding that it would be the most ambitious market to be built east of the Niger.

Okoro said the 3,000-unit estate would cater for the housing needs of those that would use the market and would be located about two minutes’ drive away from the market.

The Chief Executive Officer, Graceland Channels, Mr. Nat Omoruyi, said the estate would comprise of detached, semi-detached, terrace houses and flats, while the market would have more than 80 units of warehouses, each measuring 68 square metres for the storage of goods.

He added that services and infrastructural facilities within the market would include banking halls, parking spaces for cars and articulated vehicles, clinic, good road network, fire station, police station, school, mini waterworks, sewage treatment plants, electrical installations, waste management systems, security arrangements, international hotels and medium class hotels.

The President, ISTDAL, Mr. Okey Anorue, said the association would set up a committee to handle issues and fast-track all activities for the realisation of the project.[/b]

“We will do the necessary mobilisation, sensitisation and create awareness for Imo people in particular and Igbo in general to move down home to acquire shops/stalls in the proposed market, which will give them a proper base at home,” he said.

http://www.punchng.com/business/homes-property/imo-investors-to-build-heartland-market-estate/

FKO81: Wrong it can be first we have to here in Anambra.

I think his has to do with a medical center dedicated for heart related issues, while yours has to do with a heart unit in a general hospital

FKO81: Upper Iweka and Awka

Governor Obiano seems to be on fire now !!! I hope he increases or maintains the current tempo.

CaptainOjemba: 

First heart centre in S\East berths in Enugu

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By PETRUS OBI, Enugu on October 1, 2014 · 

Oriental News

For many years, Prof Ernest Madu, an internationally acclaimed Cardiologist, has not been happy over the deteriorating healthcare standards and devastating impact of heart diseases in the country.

And to help end this, he recently established the DOCS VIP Clinic and Heart Centre in Enugu.

His aim apparently was to bring to the doorstep of the people of the South East a centre that would take care of this deadly ailment of the heart, which hitherto had seen the people running to India and other countries abroad for treatment.

Madu who is well known all over the world has lectured to world leaders and Cardiology opinion leaders in many countries.

He had encouraged a US-based international company, IHS Group, who helped in huge financial investment required to establish the DOCS VIP Clinic and Heart Centre, which is of international standard.

In a chat with Oriental News, Madu identified heart disease as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country and around the world.

“In fact, hypertension, one of the leading promoters of heart disease is so rampant in Nigeria and can be found present in some communities in as many as half of the adult population.

“Most times, it is unrecognized and inadequately treated, leading to severe complications like heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. These complications can only be better prevented or controlled when healthcare workers are provided with appropriate diagnostic equipment and treatment tools,” he said.

He disclosed that the centre which cost him over N200 million to establish offers comprehensive cardiac care with health professionals at the top of their field in medicine, cardiology, hypertension and diabetes available at the centre.

The centre, he said, also offers comprehensive medical and diagnostic services, including routine consultations in heart care, hypertension, diabetes and general medical services.

“There is also modern equipment for rapid and accurate diagnosis of medical problems. There is an echocardiogram which assesses the function, flow and structure of the heart in real time as well as a 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor for a 24 hour assessment of blood pressure profile,” he said.

According to Prof. Madu, “Our investigations revealed that this is the most accurate and reliable way to assess and treat hypertension and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is so accurate that in developed countries of the world, a diagnosis of hypertension cannot be made and treatment cannot continue, unless a 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor is done.

“More significantly, it is easy and painless to do. Another monitor, Holter is available and used to monitor for irregular heartbeats that may lead to sudden death. And the best part is that this technology is now here in the South East and only available at DOCS. There is also a Stress Test Machine that is used to assess the function of the heart under stress and determine who is at risk for heart attack or to evaluate symptoms that may indicate a blockage of one or more of the heart vessels. Both the 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor and the stress test machine at DOCS are the only ones that can be found anywhere in the South East or South-South.

“One of the most exciting innovations offered at DOCS is that the facility is linked to international centres of excellence via the Internet. This has given Nigerians the ability to obtain real time telemedicine consultation with international experts and panel of physicians at the clinic in Enugu without the need to travel overseas.

“In Nigeria and the sub-Saharan Africa, deaths attributable to heart diseases are projected to more than double by 2020. There is definitely a need for a centre like this. Heart disease has been the number one cause of death in the region for quite a while… it is a major cause of death and disability, a leading cause of hospitalization …. Despite that there has been no properly equipped centre in the South East; the people who can afford to go abroad do and then the other people suffer silently,” he said.

He disclosed that his Enugu clinic has reached out to teaching hospitals in the zone to take advantage of the facility in training young doctors and treating the patients.

Speaking about the potential opportunity and impact of the clinic, Prof Ernest Onwasigwe, provost of the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria said: “Investments like this in healthcare infrastructure greatly improve our ability to deliver world class health care and furthermore train the young doctors in relevant skills that are needed to effectively deliver care in the 21st Century.

“We at the university are excited to partner with DOCS VIP Clinic and Heart Centre and certainly do encourage our students, medical residents and consultants to take full advantage of the equipment and facility to advance knowledge and improve the care of our patients,” he said.

Reacting to the establishment of the centre, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, Enugu State chapter, Dr. Obinna Onodugo, said that the NMA has been a partner with DOCS from the concept stage to actual implementation, having executed a partnership agreement early on how to ensure the smooth take off of the innovative clinic.

Also, Dr Peter Chime, a cardiologist and head of Medicine, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, disclosed that the Department of Medicine, ESUTH, has an existing Memorandum of Understanding with DOCS and uses the clinic for the training of their residents and students, as well as for diagnostic evaluation of their patients to improve quality of care.

This is wonderful !!! It is high time Igbo leaders took steps to trap and attract foreign exchange that would have been lost to medical tourism to India, UK, America and other countries. Please keep it coming !!!

Pictures of Assumpta Cathedral, Bars and New Hospital all in Owerri

FKO81: Industries are not left-out in Anambra

This is really nice !!!! Where in Onitsha are these industries located ?

Imo State is beautiful with green parks and luxury houses.

Below are pictures of Owerri

Obiano offers Land for World Bank-assisted 500 Housing Units Project in Anambra
By James Eze

The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has pledged to provide land for the immediate take off of the proposed 500 units of housing being promoted by the federal government in select states of the federation.

Anambra State is a mong the states that have been selected as pilot states to benefit from a special World Bank-funded urban housing scheme which is being handled in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company.

The scheme involves the construction of 10,000 housing units across the country to be funded by the World Bank through the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company to the tune of $300m with a retention rate of 40 years. Each of the pilot states will have a maximum of 500 units of housing and each house will carry a 20-year mortgage facility.

In a visit to the Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Mrs Akon Etim Eyakenyi on Wednesday, Governor Obiano pledged to offer serviced land with title in a matter of weeks to facilitate the immediate take off of the project in Anambra State.

The governor who fielded questions from the press immediately after the visit further explained that housing was a vital enabler to the major policy thrusts of his administration and that he was determined to pursue a vigorous housing policy that would change the landscape of the three leading cities in the state, Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi.

According to him, his administration had set up an ambitious plan that would transform Awka, the state capital into one of the perfectly planned and organized cities in the federation with a special attention to aesthetics and functionality.

'I have inaugurated a special Awka Capital Territory Development Board with a clear mandate to give Ndi Anambra an ultra-modern city with all the functional and aesthetic balance that any city in the 21st Century should have. We are determined to achieve that,' he explained.

Speaking on the feasibility of the take off of the housing scheme in Anambra State, a renowned architect and foremost housing consultant, Arc Ezekiel Nya Etok revealed that going by the governor's enthusiasm, the contractors who are expected to handle the project would be mobilizing to the site in July this year.

'The contractors may move to site in July. The governor has demonstrated a great deal of interest,' he explained and further pointed out that Anambra would most likely be the first state in the federation to benefit from this all important scheme.

Following the countdown to the commemoration of his first 100-Days in Office, Governor Obiano has been upbeat in his quest to seal up every agreement and pact that will stand the state in good stead to experience a momentous growth in infrastructural and socio-economic terms.

On Tuesday this week, the governor had paid a courtesy call on the Federal Minster of the Environment, Honourable Laurentia Mallam, in Abuja, to iron out environmental issues that constitute a source of concern in Anambra State.

To give fillip to the federal government's initiative on the war against soil erosion, governor Obiano had also pledged to provide the N500m counterpart funding to ensure that Anambra State is given a priority attention.

http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/150054/1/obiano-offers-land-for-world-bank-assisted-500-hou.html

FKO81: Don't worry I will create thread of Anambra state with current pictures these are old pictures.

You can as well help in updating this thread because this thread is for Ndi Igbo in general to showcase development efforts around Ala Igbo and boost unity.

Aba is a big cosmopolitan city. Ala Igbo Amaka !!!

Pictures of Aba

Pictures of Awka and Onitsha

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140925005275/en/Shares-ENTRADE-Energiesysteme-AG-oversubscribed

September 25, 2014 04:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time

DAHLEM-SCHMIDTHEIM & DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The shares of ENTRADE Energiesysteme AG, which were offered to private and institutional investors ahead of the initial public offering on the NASDAQ OMX, have been oversubscribed. The company will not be offering any further shares during the IPO. As the institutional investors no longer have any shares available it will only be possible to acquire these after the company's successful listing on the stock exchange.

The company has 6,325,000 bearer stocks with a share of one euro each in the company's nominal capital, and these can be traded after the stock market listing. The company's prospectus was approved by Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in October 2013.

As ENTRADE is the first German company to be listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm, a number of technical aspects are currently being clarified between the clearing institutions before trading in the shares can begin.

Major order from Nigeria

In mid-August the company received a major order from the government of Imo State in Nigeria to set up a state-wide energy and waste management system. Under the agreement ENTRADE will initially set up 200 energy and recycling centres in the state capital Owerri. This part of the project is to be completed by the end of 2015, followed by the optional construction of up to 2,300 further regional supply centres throughout the entire state, which lies in southern Nigeria. ENTRADE will operate these centres itself, both processing waste and selling the electricity generated. Further projects of this type are currently being evaluated.

Worldwide ENTRADE Energiesysteme AG develops, constructs, operates and sells innovative power stations for the production of electricity, heating and cooling from unused biomass and waste materials - from small turnkey installations right across to complex industrial facilities. Founded in 2009, the company currently employs a staff of 40 and is among the fastest-growing enterprises in Germany's energy industry. At this year's annual general assembly the shareholders present unanimously approved the actions of the management and supervisory board, and welcomed the strategic course adopted by the company.

The NASDAQ OMX Nordic market, on which around 750 listed companies are traded on seven Scandinavian and Baltic stock exchanges, is the European subsidiary of the NASDAQ US technology exchange based in New York. One of the advantages of the listing is the possibility of extending it to the US market in future.

ENTRADE's securities identification number is ENTR86.

For further details please see www.entrade.de.

World Bank to invest $50m in Anambra
June 10, 2014 by Agency Reporter

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The World Bank says it will invest $50m for the revamping of technical and vocational colleges in Anambra State.

A Senior Education Specialist with the bank, Dr Tunde Adekola, made the disclosure when he visited the State Governor, Willie Obiano, at the Government House, Awka, on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the visit by the bank delegation followed an inspection of facilities at Government Technical College, Ontisha, by the team.

Adekola, who noted that the role of the bank was to support and accelerate governments’ development efforts, said Ekiti and Bauchi would also benefit from similar grants.

He said the funds would help to improve the State Education Programme Investment Project of benefiting states by improving on quality of technical and vocational studies.

He expressed delight with the innovations made by the students despite the constraints they were facing in the school.

“With more support for these children from relevant donor agencies and governments, we are sure that their future is better,” he said.

Adekola also stressed the need to involve the private sector, especially in the demand for technical and vocational skills.

According to him, professional associations in technical and vocational skills must be involved for the programme to succeed.

“The essence is to link Nigeria with international best practice standard,” Adekola said.

Responding, Obiano said that three standard vocational and technical schools would soon be established in the state.

According to him, government is working assiduously to jump-start water transportation to reach difficult areas where education was lagging behind.

Obiano said that his administration was working out a structure to assist teachers in the state with car loans.

He also said the state government was working to improve the industrial, agriculture and oil and gas sectors to complement the efforts made in the education sector.

The governor assured the bank delegation of proper utilisation of all World Bank-assisted grants.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha, said the assistance was geared toward creating self-employment opportunities for technical and vocational students.

Omenugha said the support would also be channeled into teacher deployment as well as retention of teachers in rural areas.

She said the Obiano-administration had approved the payment of 20 per cent of basic salary as allowance to teachers deployed to rural areas.

According to her, teachers who teach science, mathematics and English subjects are to receive three thousand naira extra as incentives.

http://www.punchng.com/business/capital-market/world-bank-to-invest-50m-in-anambra/

FKO81: Clarion calls for our great men
They are investing massively in Anambra. Those that are involved in new Anambra projects are:
1. Neimeth pharmaceuticals pls investing #6billion, building the biggest pharmaceuticals complex in Amaobia. The man behind the project is Dr. ABC Orjiakor Owner of Seplat energy.
2. Century power gerneration currently developing 150MW gas fired power plant in Okija-$700million, man behind the project Engr. Ernest Azudialu owner of Nestoil and Smile 4G network.
3. Coched farm investing $100million in rice processing plant in Omor, man behind the project is Mr. Cos Maduka owner of Coscharies motors.
4. Distell botting plant investing #8.5billion in Ozubulu industrial estate inconjuction with Ekulo group, Owner Mr. Emma Bishop Okonknwo. Eze na Ukpo is also contributing . The future is promising for our people. Alaigbo is colletive projects, so my people think home.

The good news is that more private sector investors are coming to Ala Igbo. Igboland is blessed

FG grants N251m import duty waiver to salt Mining company in Ebonyi State
September 30, 2014 | Filed under: main story | Author: HARRISON EDEH, Abuja
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Determined to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and develop the country’s minerals and metals sector, the Federal Government has granted over $250 million worth of import duty waiver to Royal Salt Limited.

Mohammed Musa Sada, minister of mines and steel development, who was represented by the director, mines inspectorate department in the ministry, Dauda Awojobi, announced this during his inspection visit to the company in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

“According to the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act of 2007, any equipment that is brought in for the purpose of mining starting with mining exploration, exploitation and processing will be brought into the country duty free.

“The government through the Federal Ministry of Finance has granted a total of N251,047,049.60k as waiver on import duty on equipment to Royal Salt Limited”, he said.

Sada, according to a statement by the deputy director of press in the ministry, Ambrose Momoh, explained that the Federal Government was committed to providing incentives like waiver on import duty on mining equipment and expatriate quota system, among others, to mining investors for the minerals and metals sector to thrive in the country.

He said the inspection visit to Royal Salt Limited was necessary in order to get a first hand information on their mining operations and assess the level of progress of its project in line with its minimum work programme as stipulated by the law.

The minister expressed joy over the level of work done by the company which started with the exploration work to mining development which would eventually lead to beneficiation whereby value would be added to the minerals mined in line with the minimum work programme the company submitted to the ministry.

“We are pleased as a ministry because they submitted minimum work programme which has highlighted the various programmes they are going to embark on from exploration”, he said.

Sada said the company had recorded tremendous success with the establishment of a resource of 750,000 metric tons of ore which would enable them to commence mining operation in the country.

Earlier, the director of the Royal Salt Limited, Obi Alio, thanked the Federal Government for creating an enabling environment for their mining business to thrive in the country.

Mr. Obi said the project was also community based because of its value addition to the nation’s economy as well as its local content policy.

He disclosed that fifty percent of the job to be created would come from the host communities, adding that, the company was established to mine Lead, Zinc, Brine (salt) which would feed the company’s two processing plants in Lagos and Portharcourt for the production of edible salt.

The Director solicited for more support and cooperation from governments for the company to achieve its goal of growing the country’s minerals and metals sector for economic advancement.

While presenting the company’s progress report to the Minister, the General Manager of the company,Mr. Chandra Mantri explained that Royal Salt Limited is the current owner and operator of the mineral property number ML188( mining lease) for the development of Lead, Zinc and salt.

The General Manger said the mining lease (ML188) was transferred to the Royal Salt Limited in the year 2010 by the Federal government and the total lease area is 21.8 square km and it is covered under the three local government areas of Abakaliki,Ezza south and Ikwo.

He said the company had put in place community development activities which include employment for youths in host communities, grading of the village roads, provision of clean drinking water and establishment of health clinics for the benefit of host communities.

He noted that the project was expected to employ more than three hundred (300) workforce on full production capacity.

Mr. Mantri disclosed that the company had invested Thirty million dollar so far on the development of ML188 and was committed to developing the nation’s minerals and metals sector so as to boost revenue generation in the non-oil sector.

He added that the company has all the required infrastructural facilities and high quality manpower to develop a world class commercial Lead and Zinc mining and beneficiation plant that would provide value addition to the ore.

The General Manager who noted that the company had fully equipped facilities for the beneficiation plant but with limited mineral resources solicited the support of the ministry in the acquisition of other mineral titles that would boost the company’s mineral resource base.

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/09/fg-grants-250m-import-duty-waiver-to-salt-coy/#.VCr5vhYjIdU

http://worldstagegroup.com/index.php?active=news&newscid=18057&catid=30

Okorocha Gives Reasons Why He is Considering Running for Presidency.
by ADMIN on Sep 6, 2014 • 4:21 PM

Governor Rochas Okorocha disclosed that he was considering the option of taking a shot at the Presidency, following pressure from indigenes of the state.
Okorocha, who stated this while fielding questions from journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, equally boasted that he was sure to record victory for the All Progressives Congress, APC, if he is chosen as the party’s flag bearer ahead of the 2015 general elections.
The governor described the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as an embodiment of unprogressive minds who have taken the country several years backward because of what he called poverty of vision.
“I am considering taking a shot at the Presidency because the pressure is too high and I believe I have the capacity to transform our country for the better”, Okorocha said.
He gave a graphic account of monies accruing to some states from the federation account in the past three years pointing out that “only N179 billion had so far accrued to Imo State”.
Continuing, Okorocha described it as “a sharp contrast to the intimidating and unbelievable figures that accrued to such states as Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Lagos States”, adding that over 60 to 70 percent of the federal allocation to Imo, went into recurrent expenditure.
After brandishing “the score card” of his administration, Okorocha insisted that he had through effective and judicious use of the lean resources, salvaged the state from stagnation.
He, however, denied allegations that his administration had no respect for rule of law and due process in the award of contracts and pleaded with Imo people to shun unwarranted criticism of his administration.

- See more at: http://www.imostateblog.com/2014/09/06/okorocha-gives-reasons-why-he-is-considering-running-for-presidency/#sthash.ai3oSXGH.dpuf

iwonbaoko: Don't vex but the truth is bitter.The land is cursed and that is why the people leave.Any young person who makes money cannot live to be old in SE
FACT!! So There is NO QUESTION of exporting food or ANYTHING from that accursed land

Once again South East Land is not cursed