₦airaland Forum

FG Honors Exemplary School Administrator, Mrs. Dorothy Ukachukwu.

The Federal Ministry of Education has recognized Mrs. Dorothy Ukachukwu, Principal of Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma, Rivers State, as an exemplary school leader.

The special recognition was during the World Teachers' Day celebrations held on October 5, 2024 at Eagle Square in Abuja which brought together educators, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the nation.

Mrs Ukachukwu was presented award as the Best School Leader and Principal at the occasion.

According to a release by the Federal Ministry of Education sighted by our correspondent, the renowned Principal was recognized "for her transformative leadership that has set new standards in School administration and student achievement".

Continuing the release said, "Under her visionary leadership, Federal Government College Abuloma has become a model of educational innovation and excellence. Her ability to inspire both staff and students has reflected in the school's exceptional performance, particularly in science, technology and innovation.

"With an empathetic and inclusive leadership style,she has created an environment where creativity flourishes, each student to reach their full potential".

Presenting the Presidential Award for Execellence in School Leadership, the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman SAN praised Mrs.Ukachukwu's commitment,
excellence and her ability to motivate both students and teachers.

He said "The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of the children we educate today.

"Through the dedication of outstanding leaders like Mrs. Ukachukwu, we will cultivate the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

"Her passion,
perseverance, and commitment to excellence should inspire us all,"

Mrs. Dorothy Ukachukwu is a seasoned educationist with over three decades of experience in teaching. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a Master's degree in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Benin.

She is currently a Director in the Federal Ministry of Education, where she serves as Principal of Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma, Rivers State.

She's a member of several professional organizations, including:
Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria,African Principals Conference Initiative (APCI), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TCRN),Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) and Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON).

In a related development, the Federal Ministry of Education also awarded Federal Government Girls College, Akwa lbom State, as Best Unity School of 2024 for its outstanding academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and community engagement.

Nigeria's Funeral Industry can Create 1 Million Jobs annually- Apams

Dr Kevin Chukwumobi is the CEO of Apams Funeral Ltd- West Africa's biggest funeral brand.

He Marks his 54th birthday recently and had a chat with the media. Excerpts

How Evolved is the Funeral Industry in Nigeria?

The funeral industry is still developing in Nigeria. It is not as big as what you have in UK and US. Funeral services is a $20 billion industry in the US, and the industry in the UK is worth £3 billion. Most of the funeral companies are multinational, and some like Service Corporation International and Dignity PLC are even quoted. The largest funeral company in the US is worth over $10 billion and has more than 2,000 locations across the country. In the UK, the largest company is worth £283 million and has more than 800 offices. In comparison, Nigeria is far behind this level of industry development.

What would you attribute this to?

I think it can be attributed to the wrong perception Nigerians have about the funeral industry. It is shocking that in the 21st century, people still believe that the funeral industry is driven more by superstition than by innovation. Unfortunately, this has deterred professionals from entering the funeral industry like they do in other sectors. Our industry does not attract the best professionals, and this is coupled with the negative societal perception of the industry.

What is being done to change this perception?

We have worked to glamorize the industry. In Apams, The way we have positioned our company has continued to attract young and talented Nigerians, and we offer competitive salaries that are comparable to what is obtainable in other industries. I believe we are among the few companies that are trying to operate the funeral business as a corporate organization. We have offices in almost all southern states in Nigeria. We equally have offices in Abuja and Lagos and our corporate headquarters is located in Onitsha, with employees across various departments and a well-organized organizational structure, equipped with the latest technology.

You have mentioned the worth of the industry in the UK and US. What is it worth in Nigeria?

We don't have specific statistics on the Nigerian funeral industry, but it is growing rapidly. It may not be as large as the industries in the US and UK, but I believe we will get there. Some of our cultural and religious practices do place limitations on the industry, but overall, we are making good progress.
For instance, APAMS has about 18 offices scattered all over Nigeria with direct and indirect staff working with us .I don't think there is any other funeral company in Nigeria that is as large as this.

What do you think could be done to make our funeral industry begin to measure up to the ones abroad?

Rome wasn't built in a day. Some African countries, like South Africa, are doing very well in this industry already. I think the level of civilization contributes to how people perceive the industry. The more civilized the society, the more they understand that this is a service industry and nothing more. As the larger society begins to appreciate the industry, it will become more appealing to the working class and young Nigerians. Eventually, schools will start offering courses in funeral services, as is the case in some Ivy League universities abroad.

One of the major arguments against funeral companies is that it appears these companies pray for people to die to get patronage.

That's a misconception. Doctors do not pray for people to get sick? Soldiers do no pray for war, or do the police pray for crime in the society so they can be working? In our case, as funeral service providers, we don't pray for people to die. Funeral services are not the only service providers at a funeral. Whether we pray or not, people must die, and people must get these services. It is our wish that people live and die at a good old age so their children can give them befitting burial.

People have also criticized the expensive burials and the superstitious practices in the industry.

There will always be an expensive side and a cheap side to almost everything in the world, whether they are weddings, clothes, education, or burials. The expensive and cheap options exist.

Another argument is that people allow their loved ones to suffer while they are alive but then provide them with lavish burials when they die.

In most families where people engage in expensive burials, they are often just celebrating the legacies of their deceased loved ones. They have taken good care of these persons while they were alive, and because they know they won't see them again, they decide to pay their last respects in a way that will help them cope with the pain of losing their loved one.

What do you say about the call to stop expensive burials?

I have said this before, in some cultures, burials have become an industry that even drives tourism. In Igboland, for example, burials drive a lot of economic activities, including catering, the textile industry, photography, event planning, hospitality, and printing, among others.

What do you suggest can help practitioners in your industry grow?

The only thing that can help practitioners in the business grow is innovation. You must keep innovating until you stop running the business.In my case, I keep improving, and I keep telling my workers that I have not even scratched the surface compared to what is obtainable elsewhere.

Are you proud of what you do?

I am very proud of my work. Being proud of what I do is an understatement. I am adding value to society in a legitimate and responsible way. I would want to do this business again and again.It has given me a lot of exposure to train across the world and many opportunities to meet influential people.

How do you think the industry has impacted the Nigerian economy?

The funeral industry has provided jobs to many Nigerians. It can provide over 1 million jobs to Nigerians annually. It also helps to ease the burden of the bereaved, thereby contributing to people's well-being and mental health.

https://youtube.com/shorts/uNIkAujVzLk?si=Fyj9IHAwK6V1--rY

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Apams Expands Tentacle, Unveils 18th Office in Uyo

Nigeria's funeral Mogul, and CEO Apams Funeral Ltd, Dr. Kevin Chukwumobi, has unveiled the company's newest office and contact centre in the
city of Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.

The State-of-the-Art office located on the ever busy Akah Road in the heart of the city is the 18th of such offices in Nigeria.

The event had the presence of Reverend Fathers Livinus Chidi Ibekwe and Emmanuel Ime Umoh of Catholic Diocese of Uyo who prayed and conveyed their blessings.

Addressing a gathering of members of Ukpor Improvement Union in Akwa Ibom State, who graced the occasion in large numbers, Dr. Chukwumobi thanked them for squeezing out time of busy schedule to honour his invitation at a very short notice, adding that the event which coincided with his birthday would have been a bigger outing but for the death of his immediate elder sister who was buried recently.

He went down memory lane and recounted how it was during Akuluno United Brothers Association meetings, at Four Points By Sheraton hotel,Ikot Ekpene,Akwa-Ibom State that he was convinced to expand into the city.
The business mogul used the occasion to thank one of the stakeholders of Ukpor Improvement Union ,Akwa Ibom branch, Chief Christian Chukwubuike(Nkeonyeneme na Ukpor) for his efforts towards making the dream come true.

Dr Chukwumobi equally noted that the presence of members of his community in Akwa Ibom has energized him and served as a morale booster to him.

Speaking at the event the Community youth Leader of Uyo Village, Mr Enobong Ekong commended Dr Kevin Chukwumobi for carrying them along at every stage of the project and confirmed it was the reason majority of them attended the event to show him solidarity. He praised him for his business insight and assured him they would continue to give him the needed support to succeed in Uyo.

While commending Apams boss for his bold business move in Uyo, Chairman of Ukpor Improvement Union, Akwaibom branch ,Mr Marcel Ugwumba expressed joy over extending his business presence in the City.

" We are happy that you're now here in Uyo. That is why we have come out en masse to join in this celebration. We can only continue to encourage you to continue to soar to greater height in business because you're our own.

"As you can see ,we are not just happy that you now have your business presence here but are equally happy that you are also with us",Mr Ugwumba said.

Supporting the Chairman, the Chairlady of Ukpor Improvement Union, Akwa Ibom branch, Mrs Grace Egeonu also praised Apams for his giant strides in business.

High point of the event was unveiling of the Complex by a prominent Anambrarian , Chief Tobechi Ejezie(Dike Igbo) Former President, Onitsha Sports Club and CEO, Club Euphoria, Port Harcourt.

Also an automatic membership of Ukpor Improvement Union,Akwa Ibom branch was granted to Dr Kevin Chukwumobi and Wife, Lady Nkem Chukwumobi (Ugosimba). There was also generous donations to support the activites of the union by Dr Chukwumobi.

The event featured choreography and other performances by Apams brass band.
The unveiling which was planned to be a low key event was attended by few friends of Dr Kevin Chukwumobi, Family Members, Senior Management Staff of Apams Funeral Ltd, Ukpor Community in Akwa Ibom, and representatives of the host Community.

Dr Chukwumobi has always made it customary to open a new office during his birthday every 22nd of September.

Apams funeral Ltd is the biggest funeral brand in West Africa with locations in over 18 cities in Nigeria including Abuja and Lagos with Uyo branch as the 18th Contact center in Nigeria.