News

Insecurity Tales: Between Reality and Toxic Hype in Anambra – Aburime

Published

3 years ago

July 3, 2023

431 Views

By Christian ABURIME

The Chief press Secretary to the Anambra state government, CHRISTIAN ABURIME has reacted to the insecurity Tales both in Anambra state and the country at large.

According to Aburime, the issue of insecurity is a global phenomenon, and today it is not the exclusive preserve of any society. Every nation has its share of security risks and breaches.

He said while responsible governments try their best to fulfill their constitutional primary responsibility of securing lives and property, no society in the world is ever totally safe.

His words: In fact, according to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, 6 in 7 people worldwide are plagued by feelings of insecurity. Also, the report further confirms that about 1.2 billion people live in conflict-affected areas, with almost half of them (560 million) in countries not usually considered to be fragile.

This means that, whether in the developed world or developing continents, vulnerability to insecurity is universal. Gun violence is an ever present threat in the US. Fatal stabbings are common in the UK. Terrorism abounds in the Middle East. Deadly crimes occur in Asia. South America has their drug cartel and mafia-related killings.

And most countries in Africa face diverse insecurity crises, including South Africa where crimes and killings are regular. But despite all the spate of insecurity across the developed societies, visitors, tourists and investors never cease travelling there; neither do their citizens badmouth their countries to the outside world.

This makes one wonder why when it comes to the case of Nigeria, some subversive elements are bent on disparaging their own state with exaggerated tales of insecurity, especially in Anambra State.

They have appointed themselves as town-criers of not good tidings, but of horror stories and pull-down-Anambra narratives just to make the government look bad. What a criminal indulgence!

Every day, insecurity rears its ugly head in different parts of Nigeria as daily reported in the news. For instance, banditry and kidnappings are daily tales in the North zone of the country. Weeks ago, five students of Federal University, Gusau in Zamfara State were kidnapped and yet to be released. Sectarian killings continue in Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Kogi and Benue.

Gallant Nigerian soldiers recently arrested some rail track vandals in Nasarawa, just as policemen lately engaged armed robbers in a gun battle in Gombe State. Abuja, the seat of power that should be supposedly most secure, is a theatre of kidnappings and stabbings.

Over the past weeks, there have been several reported incidents of fatal stabbings across Abuja, from Wuse II to Gwarimpa, Airport Road to Gwagwalada, and Utako to Jabi.

Coming down to the Southwest, the zone has its own share of insecurity crises. Armed robberies and ritual killings do occur in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and other states.

South-south and Southeast regions are not spared either.

In all of this, citizens of various states don’t indulge in mischievous hyping up of terrifying insecurity to discourage visitors and investors as some misguided few Anambra State’s own citizens do. And in spite of isolated incidents of violence and crime, Anambra State today can still be reckoned as one of the safest states in Nigeria.

The relative security in the state is not a mere coincidence, but rather the result of deliberate and concerted efforts by the Soludo-led government to continue to secure lives and protect property.

So, instead of campaign of calumny and pull-it-down syndrome by critics who never see anything good in their state, Anambra State government under the visionary leadership of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, deserves commendation for its unwavering dedication to ensuring the security of lives and property within its jurisdiction.

The government has made substantial investments in law enforcement agencies, equipped them with modern technology, and provided adequate incentives to enhance their effectiveness.

Furthermore, the government has created an enabling environment for the security agencies to operate optimally, fostering collaboration and intelligence sharing among them.

However, as citizens of this remarkable state, it is crucial to recognize the responsibility we bear in maintaining the positive strides that Anambra State has made in other aspects.

We must refrain from indulging in the temptation to badmouth our own state or spread exaggerated stories of insecurity. While it is natural to discuss and address any security issues that may arise, let conversations be constructive and tend towards improvement.

We must discuss our security situation with caution and accuracy, avoiding the trap of sensationalism in social media platforms that could unjustly scare away visitors and investors.

As it is a universally acknowledged fact that no society is ever totally free from insecurity, the Anambra State government will continue to do all things possible to strengthen the state’s security architecture. And with Ndi Anambra providing their goodwill and support, fostering a healthy environment of positivity, the state will surely flourish under the protective wings of a proactive government led by Governor Soludo.

By so doing, we will attract the much-need development investments that will ultimately help in making Anambra a secure, livable, progressive and prosperous state we can all be proud of.

News

From 10-16 to 8-hour Workday, The Story of Worker’s Day May 1

Nigeria adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980

Published

10 hours ago

May 1, 2026

OCHEFA

16 Views

Called International Workers’ Day, Labour Day, or May Day , the origin traces back to the 19th-century labour movement and one key event that shaped the development was the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, 1886.

The 2026 theme according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), is “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment” – focusing on mental health, stress, and work-life balance .

Nigeria adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980.

Industrial Revolution conditions

At that time, factory workers often worked 10-16 hour days in unsafe conditions for low pay.

As a result, Labour unions began pushing for an 8-hour workday.

The 8-hour movement

On April 21, 1856, Australian workers in Victoria did a mass stoppage for the 8-hour day .

In the US, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions declared May 1, 1886 as the day the 8-hour workday would start

May 1, 1886 strikes

Between 300,000-500,000 US workers went on strike across the country. Chicago was the centre, with about 40,000 protesters.

Haymarket Affair, May 3-4, 1886

May 3: Police fired on striking workers at McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, killing at least two

May 4: At a protest in Haymarket Square, someone threw a bomb at police. It killed 7 officers and at least 4 civilians. Eight anarchists were arrested and convicted. Four were hanged.

May 1 becomes International Workers’ Day

In 1889, the International Socialist Congress in Paris chose May 1 to commemorate Haymarket and call for annual demonstrations for the 8-hour day.

By 1904, it was made mandatory for workers’ groups to stop work on May 1.

Why May 1 spread globally

Europe

Traditional spring festival of May Day merged with labour demonstrations-

India

First celebrated in Chennai in 1923. May 1 became a national holiday to recognise workers’ rights.

It’s also Maharashtra Day & Gujarat Day-

Nigeria Adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980

Philippines

First Labour Day was May 1, 1903, when the first workers’ union protested

Purpose

Honours workers’ contributions and pushes for fair wages, safe conditions, and the 8-hour day-

Public holiday

Not everywhere

The US & Canada celebrate Labour Day on the first Monday in September instead.

How Workers’ Day Is Celebrated in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Workers’ Day is more than a ceremonial gathering. It serves as a structured platform for engagement between labour unions and the government authorities.

Each year, workers use the occasion to highlight issues affecting their welfare, including wages, working conditions, unemployment and the rising cost of living.

Organised labour bodies such as the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress coordinate nationwide activities.

Their addresses during May Day celebrations often reflect the economic realities of the time, making the event a barometer for the state of the workforce.

Beyond formal speeches, the day reinforces the relevance of collective bargaining.

It reminds both workers and policymakers that labour rights are not static but require continuous negotiation and protection.

News

Contractor Dies in Egbin Power Plant ‘s Accident

It was learned that the contractor, a diver engaged for underwater work inside the plant’s lagoon-based pump house, died after an accident during maintenance activities.

Published

11 hours ago

May 1, 2026

OCHEFA

22 Views

Image: Egbin Power Plc

The board and management of Egbin Power Plc expressed deep sorrow for the loss of a contractor following an industrial accident during underwater maintenance operations at the plant in Lagos State.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, led to the shutdown of operations at parts of the facility and the disconnection of the plant from the national grid.

It was learned that the contractor, a diver engaged for underwater work inside the plant’s lagoon-based pump house, died after an accident during maintenance activities.

The diver was working inside the lagoon water pump system when a pump reportedly came on unexpectedly, trapping him in the impeller and leading to his death.

Following the incident, operations in the affected section of the plant were suspended as safety protocols were activated, eventually resulting in a broader shutdown of the plant.

The management of the company confirmed the incident, expressing sadness over the demise of the contractor.

Egbin Power Plc is Nigeria’s largest electricity generation plant with an installed capacity of 1,320MW.

News

President Tinubu Designates Joseph Tegbe New Minister of Power

Mr Tegbe’s experience includes significant engagements within the power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reform involving agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET).

Published

23 hours ago

April 30, 2026

OCHEFA

26 Views

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution.

The nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office.

Mr Tegbe, from Oyo State, is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led wide-ranging initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance.

He has also advised key government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring.

He is at present the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he is responsible for strengthening bilateral development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

The NCSP also coordinates engagements with public sector stakeholders to advance economic and social development in line with FOCAC objectives.

His nomination is expected to strengthen further ongoing efforts to reform the power sector, enhance grid stability, and attract sustainable investment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President expects the Minister-Designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector.