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Aba 1st rainfall causes havoc

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Eniola Olayemi

 

First rainfall of 2019 in Abia State has left many residents of Aba, the commercial nerve center of the state to groan in pains following the damage it had on the property.

While many residents of the business-minded city had gone out to their respective offices and business centers without anticipating any rain with the city having 20 percent chance of rainfall according to an early morning weather forecast, they were shocked when the rain unannounced hit the streets of the city.

The city which had most of its drainage blocked was flooded within few minutes of the rain, causing gridlock on major streets and roads as vehicle owners and commuters struggle for space on the road.

Some of the residents whose houses were submerged as a result of the rain have sent out appeal to the state Governor; Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu following the damage they suffered in the rainfall that lasted for about two hours.

They feared that if there would be any rain this month, the situation could become terrible.

Our reporter who visited several places within the metropolis and its environs report that a lot of residents suffered so much damage and has worsened the deplorable nature of roads leading to their residents.

Residents living in some of the areas where reconstruction of road projects have been abandoned by the respective contractors want government to order the contractors back to site and feared that if the works linger till the rainy season sets, it could force them out of their residential quarters.

Ndiegoro, Uratta, the Over-Rail, Port Harcourt road and among other places suffered the heaviest casualty within the axis of the commercial city that was hit by the rain.

Some of the residents who spoke to our reporter said that the last two months of 2018 were more of a miracle to them as they did their businesses smoothly with the dry season helping to dry up their roads.

Speaking to our reporter, Mr. Maxwell Mbagwu, a landlord at Obohia Road, off Nkwo-Ngwa Market in Ndiegoro axis of Aba South Local Government Area of the state said he is afraid because he knows that him and his tenants are about to see the painful part of 2019 faster than expected.

He said: “To be honest with you, I don’t hate rain. But I now fear rainy season because of where I found myself. The weather is too hot, yet people like me are afraid of seeing rain. Do you think that’s normal?

“You came here by yourself and you can see why we are afraid. We are about to begin a new phase of our suffering for this year so so early. I was thinking that it will be by February, but it took us all by surprise yesterday.

“I pity my tenants and myself as well. They’ll pay rents in pains and I will be collecting with remorse. Most of them who have cars do park along the good portions of the road or even as far as other adjoining street.

“For me I can’t drive again because it’s more cost effective to enter Keke than to destroy your car. The truth and nothing but the truth is that Abia State Government has abandoned us. We plead that they remember that we are humans and still alive.”

A resident of Igbere Road off Ohazu Road, within the same Ndiegoro axis who simply gave her name as Mrs. Celine pleaded with the governor Ikpeazu to instruct the contractors handling the Igbere road to come back to site.

Celine said that the abandoned drainage from Ngwa Road to Igbere Road, channeled all storm water from yesterday’s rain into their residents thereby making them homeless.

“Our homes were like river yesterday. Those who went out couldn’t return while those of us at home had to endure the whole problem. We don’t know if they have stopped the construction, but the drainage stopped that place you’re seeing there.

“We are suffering and we plead with the governor to save us before we perish. The smell of the storm water is what no one should wish his enemy to perceive. We are pleading for mercy and help please.

“For some years now, our children contract different disease and we waste money that could have been used for other things on hospital bills. We the adults get injured on daily basis. We only enter our homes by climbing blocks and planks placed on the roads which often lead to injury.

“Just few days to the New year, we are back to it again. The contractors have all disappeared. We are now leaving like pigs in the midst of debris and mosquitoes. Aside the state of our finance, we cannot be in this kind of place, “she lamented.

Kelechi Onuigbo, a commercial motorcyclist in Amaukwu Road along Uratta axis of Aba told New Telegraph that he fears a drop of rain more than the sound of a gun as the rain is more of an enemy to his welfare than any other thing.

“I’m nothing before God to tell Him what to do. But if I have power to suggest to the Almighty God, I’ll plead that He restricts rain from touching Uratta Road and its environs because what ought to be a blessing is now a curse to us here. Our government is wicked and most of our political office holders are inhuman.

“They often tell us how the rain disturbed construction works, but what did they do with the space provided by the dry season? One of them brought people from Abuja to Uratta Road with the claim that they are going to flag of the construction of the road just few days after their visit, but as you can see with your eyes, nothing is happening and our sufferings is about to get worst,” he said.

Also at the Over-Rail axis of the commercial city, the story is the same as most residents see the coming back of the rain as more of the biblical returning to Egypt.

The panic of the looming dangers the rain is coming with was residents of Osusu Road, Omuma Road and Cemetery Road all in Over-Rail lamented about the bad state of their roads and called on the state government to do the needful.

The worst hit in the Over-Rail axis is the Osusu Road where Abia State Government demolished buildings, created new waterways for the construction of drainage, but has since several months back left the road untouched.

 

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Union Bank Rewards Customers with Motorcycles, Cash Prizes in 3rd Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Monthly Draw

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

Union Bank Rewards Customers with Motorcycles, Cash Prizes in 3rd Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Monthly Draw

Union Bank of Nigeria has rewarded another set of customers in the ongoing Save and Win Palli Promo 4 campaign. Six lucky customers each won a brand-new motorcycle, and 120 additional winners won cash prizes.


The third monthly hybrid live draws were transparently conducted at the Bank’s Sabo, Yaba Branch in Lagos under the supervision of relevant regulatory institutions.

For integrity purposes, some of the winners were contacted to congratulate and remind them that the Bank will never call to request or confirm their confidential banking details such as BVN, date of birth, pins, or passwords.


Save & Win Palli Promo 4 is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes and other exciting gifts worth N131,000,000.

This initiative aims to support them in achieving their savings goals while getting rewarded at the same time.


To stand a chance to win, customers can continue to top up their savings in multiples of N10,000 or more and perform a minimum of five transactions a month to increase their chances of winning in the draws.

This promo is open to new and existing savings and current account holders.
Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch. Returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or visit any Union Bank branch nationwide to reactivate dormant accounts.

About Union Bank Plc:
Established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. is a household name and one of Nigeria’s long-standing and most respected financial institutions.

The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria.

The Bank currently offers a variety of banking services to both individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance.

The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.


More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com
Media Enquiries:
Favour Ayeni
+234 0201 2716800
Email: mediarelations@unionbankng.com

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Zuriel Oduwole, Sterling One Foundation, Sanwo-Olu Harp on Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment

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Zuriel Oduwole, Sterling One Foundation, Sanwo-Olu Harp on Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole and Sterling One Foundation have emphasized the need for gender equality and youth empowerment during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office, where discussions focused on sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders.

L-R: Moyo Akinyosoye, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank; Zuriel Oduwole, Youth Envoy/Nobel Peace Prize Nominee; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; and Ifeoluwa Elegbede, Communication Lead, Sterling One Foundation, during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office to discuss youth empowerment, gender equality, and the need for sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders.

At just 22 years old, Oduwole is the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the first to be recognized in this category. Her global advocacy in education, gender equality, and youth inclusion has influenced policies and engaged key decision-makers across multiple countries.

Sterling One Foundation, through its investment in social impact across critical sectors, has mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment across all its initiatives, ensuring that young women and girls have access to the resources, platforms, and opportunities needed to thrive.

Speaking on the Foundation’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, highlighted the importance of telling African stories and driving impact through intentional programming, while also reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action.
“At Sterling One Foundation, we are intentional about telling African stories that reflect the strength and potential of our people. This is evident in our focus areas and programming, where we have deliberately mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This aligns with the call to ‘Accelerate Action’ this International Women’s Day, reinforcing the urgency of breaking barriers for women and girls.

We are proud of Zuriel Oduwole for amplifying these values on the global stage, and we remain committed to creating an environment where young changemakers, especially women and girls, have the support and opportunities they need to lead and succeed.”

During the visit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognized Oduwole’s contributions and her historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination, describing it as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.

“This achievement reflects the resilience and determination of our people. In the past five years, we have faced COVID-19, economic challenges, and instability, yet we have continued to create opportunities for young Nigerians in technology, finance, and entertainment.

The THEMES Plus agenda reinforces our commitment to inclusion and youth empowerment. Lagos is proud to support Zuriel’s journey and work with the Sterling One Foundation to expand opportunities for the next generation.”

Oduwole also emphasized the power of storytelling in driving social change:
“I have seen the power of storytelling in changing perceptions and opening doors for young people. When we share our stories, we inspire action. I am grateful to our partners for amplifying young voices and creating opportunities that make a real difference.”

Her remarks highlight the role of storytelling in influencing narratives that drive meaningful change. By amplifying diverse voices and ensuring that young people, especially women and girls, have platforms to be heard, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for influencing policies, shifting mindsets, and creating lasting impact in communities. The need for sustained efforts to support and invest in these platforms has never been more critical.

The Sterling One Foundation remains committed to driving sustainable change through strategic interventions that create lasting impact in gender equality, youth empowerment, and About Sterling One Foundation.
Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a registered non-profit focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria, and Africa through interventions and social impact programmes across five critical sectors namely: climate action, health, education and youth development, gender equality and empowerment, and food security. The Foundation’s programmes adopt a central theme of prioritizing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information visit onefoundation.ng

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Nigeria Takes Bold Steps to Bridge the Gender Digital Divide at the United Nations CSW69

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

n a resounding commitment to bridging gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step toward closing the gender digital divide by presenting the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).

  1. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis – President of UN CEDAW
  2. ⁠Iklima Musa – Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA
  3. ⁠Noimot Salako – Deputy Governor Ogun state
  4. ⁠Maryam Ciroma – former minster of women affairs
  5. ⁠Imaan Sulaiman- Minister of Women Affairs
  6. ⁠Josephine Anenih – former Minister of women affairs
  7. ⁠Dr Maryam Keshinro – Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Women Affairs

Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.

Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy, emphasizing NITDA’s role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the digital economy. The NGDIS, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls. The Director General of NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE as represented by the SA, in his special remarks reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable, highlighting NGDIS as a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space. He noted that the framework prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

DG, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, represented by Mrs Iklima Musa Salihu, SA to the DG on Strategic Partnerships

The NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital ecosystem. It seeks to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training initiatives. Recognizing the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, the strategy emphasizes access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem. With 58% of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritizes online safety and cybersecurity awareness.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access. She revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria, highlighting that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities. She stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.

She called for the swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027, which seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy. She emphasized the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries. She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind. She urged all stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.

As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey. The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action, providing a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children. The side event at CSW69 ended with a resounding call to action, urging stakeholders to work collectively to bridge the gender digital divide, expand opportunities for women in technology, and create a safe, inclusive, and thriving digital ecosystem for

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