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Students desert hostels in Imo over alleged police crackdown, extortion

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BY: Ikenna Oluka

A relentless police crackdown on students residing in hostels at Umuoma, Umuerim and Umuokomochi communities, near Owerri, Imo State capital, is forcing students to flee their hostels.

The three communities are in the Owerri West Local Government Area of the state, which is home to several tertiary institutions.

The police are said to have turned the hostels into goldmines, allegedly extorting money from ‘captured’ students and owners of students’ hostels after each raid.

The development is said to have been affecting businesses adversely in the communities with many students seeking abode elsewhere to avoid being arrested by the rampaging police operatives, “who always come in mufti attires’’.

NAN learnt that students of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, are planning to embark on a peaceful demonstration to get government to rein in on the police authorities in Nekede communities.

Speaking in an interview with NAN at Nekede on Sunday, a cross-section of the students said that policemen had made life unbearable for students residing in hostels in the town.

A final-year student in the Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Mr. Nkem Ubani, lamented “incessant harassment of students in the communities.’’

He said that the situation had become increasingly unbearable.

“We are worried over incessant police arrests at our various hostels without reason. Each time the policemen arrest students, they take money from them and set them free.

“The police authorities should look into the activities of their men in Nekede to prevent an imminent breakdown of law and order because it has reached crisis point.

“They are extorting students, hurting them and ruining businesses of innocent people making their living in the communities.

“I don’t want to mention the name of my hostel. I live in Umuoma and I have been a victim of police arrest severally. Each time they arrested me, they demanded money for me to secure my release.

“Nekede is not the only community having students’ hostels in Nigeria.

“Why have the police descended on this community over the years? Are they saying that every student in Nekede is a criminal?

“How many of such criminals have they tried over the years and for what offences? Let them make their findings public.’’

Ubani affirmed that students in the communities were planning to stage a protest to the office of the rector of the polytechnic and to the Police Divisional Headquarters at Ihiagwa, to voice their frustrations.

Another student, Mr. Kelvin Osondu, lamented also that policemen in the Ihiagwa division had turned students into their `ATM` with allegations each time that the students were suspected criminals.

“Yes we have some bad boys around but our problem is that each time the police want to arrest anyone, they will take the opportunity to raid the area and arrest innocent students.

“Why I get worried is that for all the arrests they make, they have never prosecuted any student because most of the arrests are unjust and illegal.

“So we are mobilising for a peaceful demonstration,’’ he stated.

A caretaker at one of the hostels in Umuerim community, Mrs. Blessing Iweajunwa, confirmed the incessant arrests of students in Nekede communities.

She, however, told the police not to victimize innocent students in their bid to arrest suspected criminals.

“I am the lawyer, managing Fairland Hostel in Umuerim community. Since I took over management of the hostel, policemen have been coming to make unwarranted arrests.

“I think the police authorities should caution their men,” she said.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Security of Nekede Polytechnic, Mr. Kunle Ade, told NAN that the rector and other management staff had earlier met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area on the issue.

“He said that authorities of the institution would be on the alert on the planned protest of the students over extortions by the police.

“Bbut the issue is that we have a lot of bad boys, who claim to be students but they are not.

“Remember that when police want to arrest such people they will raid the area.

“But the good thing now is that we have a new DPO who does not detain or collect money from any student proven to be innocent after arrest,” Ade said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Orlando Ikeoku, told NAN that students were entitle to peaceful demonstrations.

He, however, described the allegations of extortion and incessant harassment by policemen in Nekede communities as baseless.

Ikeoku conceded, however, that innocent people could be arrested during police raids, explaining that “when such people are identified they will be released unconditionally while offenders will be prosecuted’’.

The spokesman said that the new Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr. Rabiu Ladodo, would never shade erring officers.

He advised students to report cases of extortions, harassments and unlawful arrests to the police authorities in the state. (NAN)

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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How To Identify Someone’s True Personality

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There are times when you begin to observe somebody in your neighborhood, office, church or place of business. It might be someone you are beginning to like or someone you have interest in. 

If it is any those reasons then you are likely to observe and decipher the person’s personality. However, here are some of the clues or things you need to look out for: 

Observe the way they treat common people out there, e.g. Beggars, homeless people, waitress, cleaners etc. You can use this to measure their level of sympathy and empathy.

How do they talk about other people, do they mock, belittle and gossip about them? Such people cannot be trusted.

During difficulties and challenges in life, observe their behaviour. Are they calm or do they let their emotion overwhelm them? It’s either the person has the confidence or lacks confidence.

Anytime you are having a conversation with them: can they maintain eye contact or do they avoid eye contact?

Do you have a friend that remembers you only anytime he or she needs your assistance? It is a sign that the person doesn’t value a deep relationship and he or she is just using you.


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Meet 19-year old Ebube Rebecca Okeke UniLokoja Best Graduating Student – Economics

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  • In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give?  – Ebube

BY: Sandra Ani

Nineteen year-old (19) Ebube Rebecca Okeke has emerged the Best Graduating Students (Department of Economic) and Best Graduating Student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with a CGPA of 4:71, at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.

She attributed the feat to the mentorship by her mother, hard-work and prayers, stressing that she learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment.

GrassRoots.ng has a chat with Ebube…enjoy the dialogue

Ebube Rebecca Okeke on her graduation day

Can we meet you

My name is Ebube Rebecca Okeke, a graduate of Economics from Federal University Lokoja. I am 19 years old and I hail from Enugu State; Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to be precise.

Tell us about this big win of yours

To the glory of God; I emerged the Best graduating student from the Department of Economics and the Best graduating student from the Faculty of Arts and Social sciences with a CGPA of 4:71.

I particularly want to thank God for the grace, wisdom and strength. I also want to specially appreciate my mom; my best friend, mentor, role model and teacher. She thought me the value of hard-work, goal setting and goal getting. I’m grateful mom. To all of my lecturers, the entire staff of federal university Lokoja, my friends and family, Thank you for the support

I started this journey in the year 2015 and made straight A’s with a GP of 5.00 during my first semester in the university. That semester was tough and amazing. I learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment I found myself and how to make proper and beneficial decisions. I learnt the importance of relationships and diligence too.  I made some pretty amazing friends, not just with students alone but with lecturers too and I’m grateful.

Every success story has bumps, but with the help of God, my family and friends I overcame. To everyone reading this, in which ever field you might be in you’ll definitely encounter challenges but don’t let it stop you, keep pushing.

Ebube Rebecca Okeke – brain + beauty

To every student, read like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God and get a skill or develop your passion. Improve yourself mentally and other wise.  The world’s changing, you should too.

How was it like growing up

I had an amazing child hood; went to the best primary and secondary schools; Spring Nursery and Primary school and Harmony Secondary school. Mom was very strict about the kind of movies and TV shows I watched; my social media activities and all that. It was annoying then, but now I’m grateful

Was there a time when teachers or mom had to force you to read?

Teachers; No.  Mom; No. She basically just encouraged me, advised me and helped me through it. She was my lesson teacher. We did all my assignments together. During my undergraduate days, there were courses I didn’t really understand like Philosophy, Mom would read them and make notes/summaries for me.

In this era, some students believe it’s all about sorting, how can one stand out?

In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? Be diligent, don’t give the lecturers to put a negative tab on you. Attend classes, write all of your tests and assignments and submit on due dates

Reward for working hard

What’s your next plan?

To begin the real journey towards greatness. To start living and working towards my dreams and make impacts.

Congratulation, Ebube.

Thank you so much for this great opportunity and the feature.

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Reps member donates 200-seater e-library to UNN

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BY: Ikenna Oluka

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated a 200-seater e-library furnished and donated to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) by the member, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu.

Inaugurating the e-library, Gov. Ugwuanyi commended Hon. Asadu for the bold initiative aimed at improving the standard of education in the university.

The e-library, which is located at Professor Paul Akubue Building, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, comprises 200 computers fully installed with internet facilities and office furniture.

Speaking at the event, the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. A.A Attamah described the donation as “marvelous” and “unexpected”, adding the gesture has uplifted the university’s quest for educational excellence.

Governor Ugwuanyi commissioned the e-library

In his remark, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Patrick Uchenna Okpoko, thanked the parliamentarian for “the wonderful gesture”, commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for his good works in the state.

Shortly after the event, Hon. Asadu was honoured with a grand reception by his community, Ovoko in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area alongside the member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency, Hon. Emeka Madu.

The reception, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi and other dignitaries, according to the people of Ovoko, was in recognition of the numerous contributions of their two illustrious sons towards the development of their community, the state and the country.

The community also honoured Gov. Ugwuanyi for his support and participations of their sons in active politics and further to confer on him a chieftaincy title of “Ebubedike of Ovoko”.

Speaking, Dr. Pat Asadu, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a worthy leader and great achiever with human-milk of kindness, whose positive disposition cuts across all segments of humanity.

A section of the e-libary

He said the governor has “done so well in office and has positively transformed politics in this state”, uniting people and communities that have had issues in the past, such as Ovoko and Ibagwa-Aka after many years of enmity, “courtesy of your humility and forthrightness”.

He assured Ugwuanyi of the continued loyalty and support of his people even after he leaves office as the governor and prayed for God’s unflinching protection for him and his family.

Also speaking, Hon. Madu who extolled Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership qualities and the fatherly role he has played in his life stated that the governor has brought smiles to the people of the area through his infrastructural development and human empowerment programme, stressing that “today’s ceremony is a clear manifestation of His Excellency’s noble achievements.

“You have brought smiles to the people of Ovoko in particular and Igbo-Eze South in general. Without you we wouldn’t have been here. Your humility, Godly devotion, peace and infrastructural development are unprecedented and worthy of commendation”, Hon. Madu said.

In his speech, Bishop of Enugu North Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Sosthenes Eze, applauded the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in the state, maintaining that his peace initiative and paradigm shift in developing the rural areas are commendable and unprecedented.

“Your Excellency, your approach to peace and security and your massive infrastructural developments especially in the rural areas, speak volume. We pray God to continue to bless you and your unrelenting efforts to take Enugu State to greater heights.

Earlier, the council chairman, Hon. Dr. Fidelis Odo, disclosed that the governor’s recruitment of forest guards and members of the neighbourhood watch groups has given succor to many families and provided security to the people of the state.

He thanked the governor for making it possible for two of their illustrious sons to represent them at both National and State Assemblies, pointing out that many of their people have been appointed into government by the present administration in the state.

Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked them for the reception and reiterated his unalloyed commitment towards serving the people of the state irrespective of political, religious or social affiliation.

He solicited their continued prayers and thanked them for honouring him with a chieftaincy title.

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