₦airaland Forum

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

As the People's Democratic Party (PDP) goes to primary poll to elect its gubernatorial candidate for Anambra State 2021 poll, a leading aspirant, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, has described the super delegates list resolved to be used in the selection holding today (Saturday) as apt.



Ezeemo, who said the list would make it easier for the party to elect a quality candidate, implored that criteria to be used to ensure transparency and equity on the poll should be based on aspirant who have remained consistent with the party decisions.

"It should aspirant who had stayed long with the party no matter the cost, supported the growth and developmet of the pary both at ward and state levels. It should be aspirant who knows the heartbeat of the party and had given in to sustain it" he added.

"If super delegates consider these principles no doubt i will be the party"s
Candidates because i have remained in PDP since I joined. I have maintained over 40 PDP offices across the state. I procured PDP party Indentification cards and donated to the state party. I was the first to donate vehicles worth over 20million to suport the logistics activities of the party even before the election," he further maintained.


Ezeemo said he have creative ideas others do not have to fix Anambra right, because he is a grass root person, who has felt the pain and worries of people, and would surely address them if elected.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

A governorship aspirant of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Godwin Ezeemo, has called for a visible sustainable developmental projects in Anambra as a way to chase poverty and bring in even growth .

Ezeemo, Chairman of Orient Group of Companies, urged the PDP delegates to vote aspirant who has lived with the party policies and worked hard to build sustainable party structures not money bags who flies into party for elections purposes.


“ Vote buying should be discouraged, it is the delegates that can change the narrative, vote for someone who is grass root based , who is very accessible, shun money politics.

“ I am the only aspirant in PDP who has maintained over 40 PDP offices across the state, I had donated party card to build up the strength of the party members and donated vehicles worth 20 million naira.

“ I have also assisted in economic development of the party over the years and partnered the party to maintain a working offices ,amongst others,” he said

Ezeemo appealed to the delegate not to be swayed by empty promises but should vote for him as PDP member who has sacrificed a lot for substance of its structures over years.

“ I have mapped out modalities to use to harness the natural and human resources available in the state for optimal growth and development of the state.



He said that the party should encourage internal democracy through a transparent leadership skill where aspirants should be treated based on their efforts to develop the party structures and compliance of the party rules.

Ezeemo urged the party leadership to see this electioneering period as a moment of refurnishing the party with solid political ideology that would build a manifesto to be reckoned with in areas of good governance.


On the zoning, he urged PDP to make known it's stand "If the PDP say we are going to South the crisis in the party would be half solved and other internal issues would be addressed, we need to set the record clear where we are going first."

Ok. Ok

As Anambrarians across many Political parties jottle for who will emerge as the next Governor of the state, a frontline aspirant under the umbrella of PDP and chairman Orient group Mr Godwin Ezemo yesterday made a case on what Anambrarians should demand from who ever should emerge as the next Governor of the state amidst the poor situation the state is currently hanging on.

He said " It's worthy to note that Anambra state is strategic in Nigeria and powered by hardworking families from every parts of the state, we are creative, passionate and determined.

“I am running to be the people’s governor who represents our entire state and my plans for our economy will reflect this. The government system I seek to operate within its axis will invest in infrastructure, education, economy, power, security Agriculture, Environment and affordable healthcare.

“Whilst driving job creation by providing low-interest credit facilities and support for small business to make Anambra State an attractive place to do business, work and live”, he said.

Mr Ezeemo further explained that his administration would invest in the education system from primary to secondary and tertiary level across the state and relive the burden of high school fees placed upon the students, parents and guardians.

He added that plans are already layed out make the state’s educational institutions where youths and students in Nigeria aspire to study.

While he was taking on the root for his high profile Industrial Revolutionary movement in the state he opined that “Employment is one of the best ways to fight rising crime rates, keep families together and build a stable society.

“One of the main priorities as your governor will be to provide an enabling environment for business so that more jobs can be created, ensure that workers salaries are paid as at when due and their rights are protected", He added.

The PDP governorship aspirant assured that an effective feedback system would be put in place “so that I am informed about the governance, challenges faced by students, youths, market men and women, artisans, aged adults and the vulnerable people among us”.

He added “together we will build a new Anambra State where everyone is an important stakeholder. My promise is to focus on sundry problems. Every person in Anambra State has a value and for us to transform our state for better, we must do it together."

It’s time we return Anambra State to a place where we treat each other with humility, dignity only by doing this can Anambra State be better.

"Ndi bayi, we are dying gradually, our life is not good, no security, no food, no health care services, no good schools, no basic infrastructure, no functioning utility and no hope of having them, one is not even free to move around unmolested or unabused, despite attaining 60 years of independence. Our colonial masters aren’t coming back to do it for us. It is you and I that must fix them. Therefore we need a clean, hard working, sincere, good/strong willed with pleasant character snd hi proven love for humanity to do this job. Depending on peanut gifts, one off cash gifts by emergency philanthropists and desperate commercial leaders and politicians who are out to exploit the the weak and vulnerable man caused hungry citizens occasioned by fraudulent constitution and practices of very wicked leaders of our state and nation. Be proactive to elect a sincere selfless aspirant with good intentions and willingness to serve the people whose past deeds speak volume and shows consistency and true sacrifice made on his personal volition to serve anambrarians about a decade now. It is imperative, with God, you and Godwin EZEEMO Anambra can be better. Believe this! - EZEEMO GODWIN

WHY PDP SHOULD BANK ON MR. GODWIN EZEEMO TO WIN ANAMBRA GUBER ELECTION.


By Ok Oko


The upcoming Anambra governorship election will be one of the toughest Governorship election in the state. The pointer to this is evidence to the fact that Anambrarians are keen to witness a fresh start from the shackles of what the current handlers of the state has left the state with.


With PDP currently posing with the best possible hands that will transform the state and bring back good governance,  nevertheless, this dream of getting Anambra working again can only be a reality with a candidate that have a good trace of leadership and Development Antecedents.


Importantly, Mr Godwin Ezeemo stands out among other aspirants as he remains aloof with most existing and active individual projects, ranging from his Philanthropic works, Social Entrepreneurial projects, his established businesses in the state that has created over 20,000 direct and indirect Jobs within the state.


Hence popularity will be a huge factor at the poll come November, Anambrarians will surely throw their support for Mr Godwin Ezeemo whose Philanthropic footprint can be seen in almost all the Communities in the state. It is obvious that with Mr Godwin Ezeemo as the PDP flag bearer the task of winning the election is already 50% secured months before the election,this is owing to his wide acceptability and his realistic manifesto that is specifically anchored on human capital Development.


PDP delegates should think towards Aguata as the next destination that will challenge and rescue the mandate from the underperforming APGA led Government in the state.


It is obvious that no aspirant across all the Political parties in the state has visited all the Communities in Anambra as Mr Godwin Ezeemo has done. This is an indication that marketing a known product will be much easier than a new product.


The clock is ticking and Anambrarians are keen to strike the transition of power from APGA to PDP by November, therefore one thing that will ease this mission is the candidature of Mr Godwin Ezeemo as the PDP flag bearer.

Nkiru Nwagbo

Former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy governor Prof Kingsley Moghalu yesterday announced that the country's debt profile has reached the sum of 7.8 trillion dollars in the last three years.

Moghalu who disclosed this at Nnamdi Azikiwe University during the Kwechiri Political summit lamented that the level at which the federal government goes at borrowing is one that has heightened the inflation rate in the country.

According to him "It is sad and very unfortunate that our government is neck deep into borrowing from the Central Bank without generating revenue and this has affected the inflation rate in our country.

"We witnessed economic stability during my five years as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria between 2009 and 2014 and we tried as much as possible to maintain stability in our banking system.

Continuing Moghalu lamented the Insecurity state of the country calling for the scrapping of security votes for the country and the states of the federation.

His words "When you understudy the level of Insecurity in the country one begin to wonder what our government is doing with the huge sum of money budgeted as security vote.

"The rate of Killings and blood letting in Nigeria goes to question the responsiveness of government in ensuring the security of lives and property in the country.

"Against this backdrop we call for the scrapping of security votes becomes they are not being use for the purposes of securing lives and property of Nigerians" he added.

Also speaking the Anambra South Coordinator of "Kwechiri n' ogabiru Anambra" Mr Uzodima Nzeribe said that the body had to start the process of public discuss to sensitize and stimulate the polity for good governance and true democracy.

He said that the group has 8 point agenda which include advocacy for consistent local government election, cancellation of security votes, no oversea trip for elected and appointed office holders among other things.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Anambra State Commissioner of Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mezue, has called on the public to develop the habit of showing care to Alzheimer’s disease person.

Mezue, who made the call at Amawbia ,Awka South Council Area, in commemoration of the 2021 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day orgainsed by Alzheimer’s disease Foundation(ADF), said the elder have verse knowledge.

Mezu, repressed by Special Assistant to Gov.Willie Obiano, Mr. Onyeka Ebenebe, described the celebration as apt considering the importance of the elderly to the nation, even as he appreciated the ADF for its quest in caring and enlightening the people.

He said that the ministry is always ready to partner and adopt new ideas and initiatives that will better the life of the populace and improve the living standards from any group.

Ebenebe further stressed the need for more sensitisation of the citizenry for improved health, economic and social wellbeing of the elderly in the state.

He commended the Alzheimer’s disease Foundation for its enlightenment and called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to imbibe the attitude of caring for the elderly to help them live better lives.

Earlier, the convener, Iyom Josephine Anenih, the former minister of Women Affairs said Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills causing a general decline in cognitive ability.

Anenih, said that government cannot do everything alone, hence the need for people to invest in the upkeep of elderly people and pointed out that Alzheimer’s disease.

“Alzheimer’s disease affects five to eight percent of people above sixty years of age, it has no current cure but treatment for symptoms," she noted.

She said that a day Policy Dialogue was held with State Government Agencies and Relevant Stakeholders on Health, Social Well-being and Protection Policy for the Elderly in the State and expressed positive actions from the peopel.

Anenih said that Alzheimer’s disease Foundation, (ADF)is a non-governmental, non-political, charitable organisation founded in 2016,with a view to create awareness about the prevalence, prevention and possible cure of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in Nigerian communities.



Dr. Daniel Ezeanwu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, , defined the event as an eye opener to brainstorm on the prevalence and prevention of diseases that exist among the elderly.

“ We can leverage on the knowledge gained in the seminar to plan with proper care and statistics to save our elderly from biter death,” Ezeanwu said.

Dr. Henry Duru who presented a paper titled, Policy framework for Advancing the Health, Social Wellbeing and Protection of the Elderly, called for change of strategy towards caring for the elderly.

He said that health, economic and social wellbeing are major parts of the lives of the elderly that need concentrated attention and demand that such role need be filled.

Mr. Gab Okpalaeze , Director News and Current Affairs Department of Anambra Broadcasting Service, said that there are urgent needs to educate the populace of diseases associated with old age.

Okpalaeze, said that people should be well informed on what to know regarding old age and to disabuse their mind from attributing every disease to witchcraft.

Mr Charles Nworji, Director National Orientation Agency and Mr. Emma Elekwa, respectively commended the organizer for the good health exposure given to the public and assured to act on it.

Nwa Umuoji Okodu


Following the continued Igweship tussle in Umuoji ancient kingdom where two illustrious sons are laying claim to the traditional stool of the town, concerned indigenes of the community have prevailed on Governor Willie Obiano's led administration to allow the town to exhaust the processes provided by the constitution of the town before issuing certificate to any of contestants.

According to them, it behoves on the Central Executive Council (CEC) to ratify the selection of Igwe and subsequently present to Ndi Umuoji their next traditional ruler, even as they described issuance of certificate to any of the contestants without CEC/Special Assembly ratification as recipe for disaster.

They submitted that failure to allow the CEC which is regarded as the highest decision making body in Umuoji to carry out the task assigned to them by the constitution would distort the peace and progress of the community as well as pit brothers against brothers. They argued that such denial would usher in break down of law and order in the community.

The concerned indigenes had recently at Government House, Awka through a peaceful protest demanded that Chief Sir Kanayo Okoye of Umuechem Village who scored the highest number of votes in May 8th 2021 election organized by Umuoji Improvement Union Nigeria (UIUN) and supervised by Anambra State Government be declared as the authentic winner as the new traditional ruler of Umuoji community, in Idemili North Council Area of Anambra State.

The peaceful protesters who were from the twenty-three villages that make up Umuoji, accompanied by community leaders, village Heads and members of Igwe-In-Council demanded for the issuance of certificate of recognition to Chief Kanayo Okoye who scored the highest number of votes during the Igweship election organized by the State government for the town on eighth May 2021.

During the exercise, the protesters were seen with placards with inscriptions like; “Igwe Umuoji is not for sale”, ” Umuoji want Chief Kanayo Okoye”,” Umuoji demands Kanayo as the Traditional Ruler, among others.

Chief Tochukwu Mmodu who spoke on behalf of others said that during the May eighth election in the community, majority of Umuoji people voted for Chief Kanayo Okoye, which he said made him to win the election.

He expressed displeasure with the shape the event had taken, noting that few individuals were trying to so hard to create unnecessary tension in the community by organizing what he described as a shambolic and kangaroo jamboree in the name of run-off election on June 8th 2021.

Chief Mmodu who described the action as unacceptable by the people of Umuoji community, appealed for immediate intervention of Anambra state government on the matter.

Contributing, the former President General of Umuoji community, Chief Gab Mbanefo and another stakeholder in the town, Chief Ifeanyi Efobi said that Umuoji Traditional stool is not for sale, described imposition of traditional ruler on communities as a taboo in Igbo land, pointing out that Umuoji community is too big to be so treated.

While receiving the peaceful protesters
at the Government House, Awka, Governor Willie Obiano called on various communities across the State to make communal living and peaceful coexistence their watchword.

The governor who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu promised to look into their matter.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka

As Nigeria marks democracy day, a foremost philanthropist, Mr Godwin Ezeemo has identified bad governance and electoral malpractice as among factors militating the country growth.

Ezeemo, who is contesting for the Anambra State 2021 governorship poll under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), regretted that the country was still not where she should be despite been in democracy for 22 years.

“We are celebrating 22 years of democracy but a lot is still left behind when talk about the dividends on ground. If you look at the level of achievements, you will discover that we have failed to live up to expectations. Most, if not all elections are still far from being credible, the security situation is bad, the rate of killings continue to gain momentum, the economy is not buoyant, the roads are bad, poor electricity supply is there unchecked, the rate of poverty and unemployment are on the high side, water is not running and so on, so I would rather say that we still have a long way to go and the way to go is to allow credible elections for people to chose their leaders,” he maintained.

The Umuchu-Agauata LGA born, however, congratulated Nigeria at 22, even as he celebrated erstwhile governor of Peter Obi of Anambra and former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing them as two top leading heroes of democracy in Nigeria since the return of democratic leadership in the country in 1999.

To him, Obi remains hero of democracy especially in the Southeast due to his steering performance as governor, while Jonathan is national having conceded defeat to the Presidential candidate of other political party in the person of Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 election, thereby saving lives and property of many.

He further called for immediate implementation of the Electoral Reform as gazetted by the National Assembly to put irregularities in proper checks and allow the choice of the electorates to prevail, evena as he noted that if allowed to lead Anambra as governor, he deliver the dividends of democracy as Peter Obi did.

By Ok Ok


The Biological Science Students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, has lauded the Centre for Psychic and Herbal Administration (CPHA), owned by Dr. Flora Ilonzo (Anyafulugo) as a gift to society.


The students made the remark when they made a field trip to the psychic centre located in Awka, the state capital. For setting up the natural herbal centre, they described Ilonzo as a herbal guru who has contributed immensely to the socioeconomic, research and overall life of the society.


The students, on their visit, were shown the medicinal herbs used by the centre, their medicinal values and modes of application to cure ailments prevalent in the society including corona virus, cancer, kidney, bleeding, mental disorder, among others.

Recounting his experience, a student named Robinson Nnamekwe said: " the centre is underappreciated gift to the society. I came to the centre and felt natural. Hearing the teachings, I came close to nature. I got information on things that are so common but still very useful in the society.


"I discovered that nature has the solution to everything we wanted but we are a little bit far from the truth. We are now getting closer to the truth now. I desired to be a botanist and my coming here is like coming to my home. The knowledge I have gotten here will help me actualize my dream.


Contributing, Ugochukwu Mmesoma said she learnt benefits of different leafs and how they can be used to heal ailments and disorders relating to health. She said the knowledge would be helpful as her course, Botany, specifies on plants and their benefits daily activities. She said she will take the knowledge not only to the school but to her families and friends.


Sub Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof Chukwuemeka Nwosu, who led the 300 level students to the centre said it was a field trip for practical study of what the students were taught in the classroom.


Nwosu who described the centre as a herbal reservoir, said the place of the herbal medicine cannot be ruled out having served the past generation hence the need to draw the student's attention to nature.


Also, the Head of the Biological Science Department, Prof Nkiruka M. Orji said the field trip is part of their students' course programme and the school's effort at bridging the gap between theory and practice.


While she recalled the challenges associated with unorthodox medicines in the area of dosage as compared to mainstream medicines, She assured that the exercise will enable students have holistic knowledge of both the Orthodox and unorthodox medicines in the field before they leave school.


Speaking to Orient Daily shortly, Dr. Ilonzo said her Centre for Psychic and Herbal Administration is not only a research center but also a specialist hospital. "I have a strong desire to transfer my knowledge of herbal medicine to the younger generation. The sickness that defy Orthodox medicine are being treated here.


"I derive joy in the herbal medicine because in every herb, God has fixed the part of the human body it takes care of. Even those ones that are poisonous, we have some parts of it that are good."

Ilonzo, a graduate of Fine and Applied Art at IMT Enugu, faulted the belief of some people who often see herbal medical practitioners as native doctors stressing that there is a big difference between the traditional medicine and herbal medicine.


Ilonzo, now 75, said the centre is in need of grants for facilities that will elevate the center into a research institute where other counties of the world would visit for research. She said, that alone will not only attract researchers but aid in the transfer of pure knowledge of herbal medicine to the younger generation.


She pleaded to governments and lovers of nature to assist the centre in herbal farming, adding that government can find a way to organize people with herbal lineage who goes about treating people with herbs to teach the younger ones what they need to know about herbs.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu


A People’s Democratic Party (PDP), governorship aspirant for Anambra State 2021 poll, Dr Godwin Maduka, has said he was the most qualified and positioned to govern the state if given the opportunity due to his wealth of experiences and ‘contacts.’

Maduka, who disclosed this in a press conference, explained that if presented with the PDP ticket, he would go ahead to defeat candidates of other political parties owing to his popularity and wealth to execute the electoral processes.

He added that his administration has several revenue windows from overseas and as such, would not be dependent on the federal allocations and internally generated revenues (IGR) to develop the state.

"I have travelled to almost all countries of the world. I don't need visa to enter such countries any more. What I'm just asking is for the PDP to give me ticket. I have great plans for Anambra State. I want you to understand that 50 percent of the resources I will use to run this state will come from abroad. Abuja allocation and our internally generated revenue won't be enough for my development plans for Anambra State .

"All that PDP needs to do is to obey the zoning arrangement, conduct a free, fair and credible primary on the 26th of June, I'm confident of clinching the ticket. PDP is a big party and my fellow aspirants know that I have what it takes to win the election for the party. I'm a billionaire in any currency.

"I'm well educated if not the most educated amongst aspirants. I'm a triple professor and a triple PhD holder. I've the capacity to prosecute the election and I have the connections. Our party delegates are with me. They know what I can do to develop the state," he maintained.

Ezeemo Hails Anambra Child On Chrilden's Day


...Promises Better Days For Anambra Children



Frontline governorship aspirant ahead of the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State Mr Godwin Ezeemo has joined millions of Ndi Anambra State to celebrate Children in State in particular and the world in general promising to accord Anambra Children better days when elected as Govenor

This was contained in a Goodwill Message he made available to Journalists in Umuchu. According to the Umuchu born businessman who wishes to be Goveenor of Anambra under the platform of PDP, the Anambra Child is worth celebrating because he is not doing badly in all facet of human endeavor.

"By all standards the Anambra Child is doing marvelously well" he wrote rhetorically adding "Considering the achievements of the Ndi Anambra in business of buying and selling, in educatio commanding high academic ranking,.in Nigeria, and acquisition of wealth with giants firms mostly in trade and commerce one would rather say that the Anambra Child is above board"

Admitting that a lot of factors are militating against coherent development of the child these days with some children being despaired to criminal act of cultism, cybercrime and other vices, he advised the children to always embrace the culture of hardworking which Ndi Anambra are known for and not succumb to pressure from hard times to patronise evil machinations.

He repeatedly assured the children that he will accelerate the pace for quality education and social welfare like the days of former Govenor Peter Obi when elected as Govenor, praying that God will continue to guide, protect and bless the children.




©Ezeemo Media Office
27th May, 2021

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The leading contender for Anambra State November 6 governorship election, Dr Godwin Maduka, Friday, said he has begun voters education to enlighten and empower electorate in the state on the “power” of voting.

Maduka, who is aspiring for the governorship ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), averred that when the citizens were well informed of their rights and shun any inducements to vote, society would witness speedy development, good governance, and others.

“ Electorate need to know that with their votes they can change the political narratives of the state where they people they elected into office refused to be accountable to them. There is nothing like god-fatherism in politics only when the electors allows such to exist because they can say enough is enough through the power of a vote,

“ The delegates need to know that the growth and development of the state lies in their power and not the other way round, if they are equipped with these basic information they will without fear of intimidation elects sound aspirants,” he said

Maduka urged delegates to know that political inducements, violence or threats from anyone is against electoral law, and that such acts is an enemy of progress.

He said that they should stand against such act and reports the person to security agents and Independent National Electoral Commission officers.

“ No to vote buying or unwholesome acts, change the narrative and be a political tool to change electoral fraud and make politician answerable to their actions, do not fear them, they should fear you instead, this is power of vote” he said

Maduka said that he has spoken and enlightened delegates from all political wards and held serious revival meeting with stakeholders to talk to politician to have a new page of politicking.

“ At a time one person must man the affairs of the state, but let not use electoral inducement ot confuse the masses, persons with verified personality need be voted in to serve. I know what service to humanity is all about, I am a medical doctor and have feelings for people’s welfare, growth and development, my developmental projects and philanthropic gestures over the years are enough to proof my capability in governance and human and resources management,” he said

Ozigbo calls for consecutive efforts to address insecurity in Anambra

By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka

The immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Wednesday, called for a collaborative efforts with the government, security and the populace to address the insecurity bedevilling Anambra State.

Ozigbo, a governorship aspirant under the platform of People's Democratic Party (PDP), on Anambra 2021 poll, in a virtual media chat, adviced the government and the security to intensify investigation towards unravelling those behind the dastardly act so as to find best approach to addressing them.

He also enjoined the masses not to hesitate from helping the police with useful information, because according to him, the ugly incidents have affected the state negatively.

On Anambra 2021 gubernatorial poll, Ozigbo scored himself as the 'topmost' contender in the race, adding that his victory was assured both in securing ticket of PDP and winning the main election whether zoning or not.

According to him, PDP would surely allow the Anambra South Senatorial district to produce the next governor but even if zoning is not followed, he was more positioned to clinch victory on the party due to credibility and popularity.

Ozigbo anchored his political manifesto entitled Ka Anambra Chawapu (For brighter Anambra), on openness and accountability, partnerships and collaboration, social impact investment, building economic, competitiveness and rule of law.

Earlier, a research commissioned by Council on African World Affairs, a Washington DC based think tank, which same Ozigbo as candidate to beat on PDP primary was read.

In the research whose result was released by its Executive Director, JP Afam Ifedi, Ozigbo came tops with 50% of votes cast by 981 PDP delegates surveyed, while Senator Uche Ekwunife came a distant second place with 16%, and Dr Obiora Okonkwo came third with 13%.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Wednesday, adviced corps members to choose entrepreneurship to salaried jobs.

The State Coordinator, NYSC Anambra State, Mr. Kehinde Aremu-cole , who gave the advice at the permanent orientation camp, Mbaukwu/Umuawulu, Awka South LGA, while declaring open the Batch A Stream ll 2021 Skill acquisition and entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training, averred that entrepreneurs were great achievers with several opportunities.

According to Aremu-Cole, SAED classes were highly beneficial not only to corps members but the nation at large, especially this period the federal government has made provision through various credit facilities for interested Corps members to access the needed startup capital.

He affirmed that certified and experienced trainers would groom corps members on the vocation of their choice, adding that vocation sessions in camp were only introductory sessions which would continue after the camp.

The State Coordinator said he was optimistic that at the end of the NYSC year, there would be more corps members growing and progressing in their respective businesses, thereby creating eradicating unemployment and poverty in the country.

2021: I will make PDP delegates super rich if I emerge guber candidate—Maduka

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Dr Godwin Maduka, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant on Anambra State 2021 governorship poll, has vowed to empower all the delegates of his party if voted as PDP candidate on their forthcoming primary.

Maduka, who said his interest on the PDP primary was to see a credible, free and fair primary, even as he implored the party delegates to shun inducement in any form it may come as “it is a distraction that can ruin the future generation of this great State.

“ In my honor if the PDP delegates plays a right wing politics by shunning shady process and vote candidates with open evident of developmental projects in the state, I will engage in all my gigantic investment to man.

“ If I am elected PDP flag bearer I promise you all in this state a new lease of life, all the senatorial zones would be given a fast face lift, I will pull all my foreign contact to come rebuild Anambra, I have lived ,schooled , worked in America m I have got my taste and am an employer of labour in the Us, what will happen here is going to be a child’s play’ , please give me your votes to serve for better,” he appeals.

Maduka who had on May 20, concluded tour of the 21 LGAs of the state where he had direct interactions with the electors of the party flag bearer, urged the electors to vote on conviction of the candidate who more qualified to win the governorship election and guarantee equal developments in all 21 LGA of the state without preferences .

Maduka said that he was touched to go into politics to write lot of political wrongs ongoing in the state and promised that he was ready to transform Anambra with the types investment he has made outside the country in United states of America.

He said that before venturing into politics he had tried on personal strength to give back to the society that gave life to him, a visit to Umuchukwu will convince you that am a brand developer .

Maduka who is a triple professor and Okosisi of Orumba a name communally given him based his outstanding service to humanity and mostly known as Lion Of Africa based on his developmental projects that transcends Nigeria.

He enjoins PDP delegates not disappoint Ndi Anambra by giving their votes to wrong candidate. Umuchukwu and its environs are evidential of self made man but with your votes the ideas are in built, it would be on higher level with the help of expert in all sector of the economy Anambra will bounce again.

Anambra: Obiano urges Corps members to use entrepreneurship skills taught in camp to create wealth

By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka

The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Friday, advised the 2021 Batch A stream 2 corps members on Orientation Course in the state to take advantage of the entrepreneurship skills being taught to them during the orientation programme to advance their career.

Obiano, who gave the advice at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2021 Batch A Stream 2 corps members held at the state National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South LGA, maintained that the corps members who equip selves with the training modules would become self employed and employers of labour.

The Governor, represented by the Anambra State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Kehinde Aremu lauded the scheme for successfully mitigating the challenges confronting the nation in critical areas of national needs like education, health, agriculture and infrastructure, and urged them to sustain the tempo.

Earlier in an introductory speech, the state coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Kehinde Aremu, whose address was read by Mrs Anuli Molokwu, assistant director and head of press &publicity, enjoined the Corps members to make selves available for the orientation course as it would enhance their leadership skills.

The state Coordinator also urged the Corps members to be of their best behavior and portray a good national value while discharging their duties to the nation.

He, however, appealed to governor Willie Obiano to expedite actions on completing the Camp landscaping to prevent gully and other environmental degradation.

By Mimi O.

A Not-for Profit Organisation, Gist AGRICA in partnership with Medical Honey Bees Farm Nigeria has orgainse a 3 day workshop on honey bee keeping to create jobs for unemployed and awareness of the importance of pollinators.

Princess Ekwi Ajide, the founder of Gist AGRICA said that the workshop ogainsed in Awka on Thursday was to commemorate 2021 World Bee Day with theme “Bee engaged – Build Back Better for Bees”.

Ajide said that world bee day started in 2016 by the United Nation as a crucial model to cultivating the world's favorite fruit and vegetables.

She said that the workshop targets to create awareness of the importance of the pollinators with interest of its contributions to sustainable development and of human living

Ajide said that the workshop will also handle the threats pollinators face as a results of human activities and proffer ways to ensure that that pollinators are protected .

“ These pollinators contributes immensely to the development and sustainability of the system which would ensure support for the role of pollinators, it grantees food security to chase hunger away.” She said

Ajide said that pollinators is a very fundamental to the survival of the ecosystem and is a reason UN designated May 20 annually as world bee day.

She said that the importance of bee keeping its economic values demands for all hands to be on deck to counter the threats by COVID-19 Pandemic to food security and agricultural livelihoods.

Ajide said that it is expected that after the training participants would be exposed to importance of bee keeping, other uses of honey and bee products.

She said it also improve their standard of living and make them to contribute to over all economic development of the state and Nigeria at large.

Earlier , Mr Emeka Okafor , Chief Executive Officer Majestic Honey Farm who thought the participant on benefit and cost of commercial bee keeping urged individual and government to invest in bee keeping.

Okafor said that bee keeping would solve the problem of unemployment and wealth creation and if when harnessed will boost both financial level of the people and IGR of the state.

He said that the need to protect bee and other pollinators such as butterflies, bat,and humming birds against human activities

Okafor said many bee species are under threat due to pesticides, climate change, intensive agriculture, and changes in land use.

Mrs Ijeoma Uche a participant commended the convener and described the work shop as an eye opener as she never knew that bee has such poentials.

Mr Chibuzo Okoye a participant collaborated Uche’s claim and promised to try out the business .as he is aware that pollinators are good for survival of the ecosystem.

The workshop will end on May 22 and it is hoped that the participant would utilize the gains of the workshop to better the society.

By Mimi O

The Federal Government (FG) has been called to rescue Achina Community and other communities of Anambra over erosion menace which has threaten their existence beyond word.

Chief Modestus Umenzekwe, a chieftain in Achina community, made the call during the burial mass of his late mother, Mrs Felicia Umenzekwe ,in Achina, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra on Thursday .

He said that erosion has threaten the community that they now live in fears of what would happen when the raining season set in in full, urged the federal government to run to their aid.

“Erosion menace has cut off most roads that links Achina to its neighboring communities ,it has hindered inter community trade and other business relationships that existed for long.

“Most living houses had been submerged and residents sort help from relatives, most houses ,markets, Churches are submerged,Achina town hall, remaining churches and other buildings are about to be submerged,” he said.

Umenzekwe said that the community are total disarray over erosion menace adding roads that leads to some homes are broken and people do park their cars off their compound, there no easy accessibility.

According to him, the community had before now, petitioned the State government and FG over the devastating effect of erosion in Achina, but all to no avail.

Responding to the call, the Minister of Works and Power, Mr Babatunde Fashola appealed to the people of Achina community to exercise patience as their problem would be looked into.

The Minister's response, followed the alarm raised by the community that erosion menace was submerging their houses, Churches and hindering inter community trading amongst others
Fashola, was represented by Mr Adeyemo Ajani, the federal Controller in charge of Anambra, he said that the road was not a federal project, and advised the community to inform FG on writing.

He said that the issues would be captured through ecological fund if the request is properly challenged and advised the leadership of the community to put the government on notice.

He assured that there was no cause for alarm, as the current leadership in Nigeria was aware of many erosion problems in the society and is working hard to attend to all if challenged well.

Earlier In a homily, Bishop Peter Okpaleke, of Ekwulobia Diocese enjoined the family not to derail from following the footsteps of their late Mother who lived a life of emulation and was called at a ripe age of 85 years.

Umenzekwe is a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and that the burial attracted some APC stalwarts and governorship aspirants of the People's Democratic Party PDP, including, Mr Godwin Ezeemo.

Also, a Catholic Bishops Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Diocese, led over 20 priests to bid APC chieftain's mother

By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka

At least 29,214 poor and vulnerable households across nine Local Government Areas in Anambra state have been selected to benefit from COVID-19 Rapid Response Register (RRR) Cash Transfer.

The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, Hon. Mark Okoye, who disclosed this in a press conference, said the beneficiaries would receive an undisclosed amount of money through thier respective bank details for a period of six months.

Okoye, represented by a permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Dan Ezeanwu, explained that RRR is a federal government intervention programme under Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in partnership with the World Bank.

"The selection is based on scientific method of Satellite Remote Sensing Technology, Machine Learning Algorithm and Big Data Analysis, which provided the basis for ranking the wards according to poverty index and availability of resources. This is followed by digital identification using the unstructurised supplementary service data link of TELCOMs facility by dailing a unique code to access the application portal,” he maintained.

According to him, qualified households from the benefitting Council Areas including Awka North, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Onistha South, Ogbaru, Oyi and Orumba North, would start receiving short message services (SMS) for enrollment into the programme from May 24 to 31, 2021.

Earlier speaking, Engr. Bede Okoli, the State Coordinator, State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU), implored applicants to be quick to respond to the SMS as they come in so as to enable enumerators to meet them respectively at their residence for proper identification and documentations.

Rev Jerry Nwachukwu is the Senior Pastor of the Bible Base Miracle Assembly, No. 19 Ezendu Street, off Mesedez Avenue, Nkpor-Agu, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. In this interview with Okechukwu Onuegbu, he speaks political developments in Nigeria, insecurity, among other things.


Considering the level of insecurity in Nigeria under this present government, coupled with lopsided appointments and ethnicity, do you think that church leaders that supported this administration into power did well?
I believe that those that facilitated the coming of the present administration by pulling down the previous government and prayed for the emergence of the present government did so out of selfishness. Selfishness and ethnicity can blind the eyes of a prophet to give prophesies that are not from God, but from the flesh. I believe their intentions were to go to Aso Rock whenever they want. We are not interested in those of them that benefit from the present government. Our worries are the thousands of innocent souls that perish everyday under the insecurity in this administration. If the church leaders, who supposed to be the shepherds of the sheep, are the ones that open the gate for devourers to get access to the sheep, then, we must approach God in repentance and seek for forgiveness. Our country must go back to God in prayers, and in repentance. We must ask God for forgiveness. When there was clamour from every quarter that this government should come into being, there were yet other little voices, which were not well known in the platform of the church, but had continued to say that Nigeria was getting it wrong; but they were not heard. There were many pastors and men of God, who met the man in power one on one, and they prayed for him. There are many of them still praying for him today. Are they praying for him to succeed or to govern well? Are they praying for him to change? If they’re praying for him to change and do things better, what stops them from open rebuke, just as Fr. Mbaka did? He actually prayed for and supported the present government, but when he realized the present government was deviating, he withdrew his support and told the executive to govern well or be impeached by the legislature. As it stands, we can only get out of the wood if we knelt down and seek the face of God.

What is your reaction on the present travail of Fr. Ejike Mbaka?
I don’t know what transpired between Mbaka and the presidency behind the scene. If the allegation that Mbaka come to see Mr. President with some contractors were true, he missed it; but if he never demanded for anything, and they are laying allegations against him, that is their business.

Mbaka said he only introduced the security contractors to the presidency, but had no personal interest in whatever contract they were looking for. What is your view?
Is Mbaka a contractor? Is he a security consultant? For me, if I were not any of the above, I did not have any right to introduce such people to anybody who I prayed into office. For instance, when Uma Ukpai prayed for Orji Uzor Kalu, and prophesied that he would be Abia governor, Uzor Kalu said he had no money to contest governorship election in the first place. But he prayed for Kalu, and he was able to do oil business that boosted his finance, and he was able to finance his guber election. When he won the election, he drove to Uma Ukpai’s house and asked him what contract he would like to execute for the state government. Ukpai said he did not want any contract. Ukpai only told him that if he would execute contract, if his government would be probed, they would also come after him (Ukpai). He rather told Kalu to tar a road from Umuahia to the last point of his (Ukpai’s) local government, which Kalu did. It is wrong for a prophet to pray for the success of a politician, because wants to demand favour whenever he wants.

What is your advice to Rev. Fr. Mbaka and the Federal Government on their present loggerhead?
First, I will advise Fr. Mbaka that he should subject himself to the Catholic doctrine. The Catholic Church, which he serves under as a priest, has its own way of doing things. So, Mbaka should obey the rules and regulations of the Catholic Church, and stop where they tell him to stop. To the federal government, I will ask them to make amends based on the realities Fr. Mbaka presented. Mr. President has short time to stay in office; let him use the time at his disposal to offer quality governance that will promote the welfare of the generality of Nigerians, instead of going after Fr. Mbaka for telling the bitter truth. The reaction of the federal government towards Fr. Mbaka is not answer to the problem. If they killed Fr. Mbaka today for telling them the reality on ground, another Mbaka will rise up to still speak the truth.

For you, what is the way forward for Nigeria?
The way forward is for those in government to stop divide and rule. Nigeria must stop nepotism, favouritism, and ethnicity. Then, we must also look at what we call federal character principle in Nigeria; which is a very terrible thing. The Federal Character Principle makes people to be in office which, ordinarily, they ought not to be. When somebody with the capacity of a clerk is made manager of a company, because of what they call federal character, the capacity he will apply in running the company is the capacity of a clerk, and certainly, the company will collapse. The managers of different departments and components of this country called Nigeria are misfits. Until we put the right people at the right positions, this country cannot move forward.

Based on the security situation of Nigeria presently, do you see the country disintegrating soon?
Nigeria is already disintegrated. That we answer one name does not make us one people. Honestly, we have different ideologies, different focus. We have different motivations, and our strategies are not the same. Our strengths and weaknesses are not the same. There is no ethnic group in Nigeria that is not under one form of agitation or the other; yet, treatment meted on agitators from different ethnic groups are not the same. If Niger Delta militants and the murderous Fulani cattle husbandmen were not proscribed based on their activities, why IPOB? Without mincing words, the idea of proscribing IPOB came from the South East governors, and they should be ready to face the music; because, after being governors for eight years, the immunity will no longer be there; unless they would decide to fly to other countries. What matters before do not matter anymore, because, nothing lasts forever. Internet fraudsters did move with convoy before now, but such thing does not happen anymore in Nigeria. So, I’m calling on the church to be on their knees and beg for God’s forgiveness; so that He will tamper justice with mercy. Our condition as a country calls for prayers.

How would you score the Buhari administration, and in which areas would you want the government to improve?
As it stands presently, Nigeria is at cross-roads. I can only score Buhari’s government any point if they amended the Electoral Act. If they failed to amend the Electoral Act, to me, the government has not achieved anything in its lifetime; because, good changes and good government will come if the Electoral Act is amended. If the Electoral Act is not amended, it means that when you vote in a particular polling unit, the result of your vote will move from the booth to the collation center, down to the local government, then, to the state level. They may even carry the result to Abuja before declaring it. At that point, there will be duplication of result sheets, so that the result sheet the polling agent is holding becomes useless. On the area of Electoral Act amendment, I will score Buhari’s government zero. They should amend it so that our votes will count. I was in Israel during one of their parliamentary elections. People were going about their businesses. Everyone would vote and go back to his business. If you were a visitor to the country, you go about your business, while they go to the polls. During election, you won’t even see any security personnel holding stick, let alone guns. There is nothing like restriction of movement. So, something should be done about Electoral Act amendment in Nigeria. I want government of the day to amend the Electoral Act and introduce the electronic voting system, where somebody can even vote at the comfort of his office. This system can hardly be manipulated. Electronic voting will reduce electoral fraud to a large extent. With this, all the people voting ten times will find it difficult doing so; thumb printing will end; cow voting, under-age voting, animal voting, using palm cannel to vote, all of them will end. They will no longer work. Electronic voting will also help cut down the cost of any election. Manual voting has been the bane of our democracy. In the area of health, I will also score this administration zero. In the area of judiciary, I will also score them zero. I will also criticize this government when it comes to cost of governance. Because, the money they use in servicing themselves is more than what they use in servicing infrastructure in the entire country. Roads belonging to the federal government are depleted. For the past 22 years, from the administration of Obasanjo to the present day government of Buhari, we are still talking about constructing the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, and other major roads in the country. Is there any pass mark there?

What is your take on the calls in some quarters for the country to be restructured?
The present administration has already restructured the country? We have six geo-political zones in Nigeria. But vital government positions in this present government are controlled by Northern elements. What the North is telling us is that they are the owners of government of Nigeria; then, other regions are foreigners. That is how they have restructured the country. Meanwhile, in the actual sense of it, resource control is needed. True restructuring is needed in Nigeria. Those states that cannot survive on their own could be collapsed into some other states. When this is done, whatever you generate as a state will determine your pace of development. This is where respect comes in. This is when we know who is helping who. The way we operate today as a country is not good. This is a situation where a state governor will fly into Abuja at the end of every month and come back with money, share it and wait for another month end. Once a governor is elected in Nigeria, in few months, he will develop pot belly; because, he is not thinking anything. What he knows is that at the end of every month, money will come to him. Then, he will meet some powerful members of the House of Assembly to help him amend the laws to increase his security votes, or to enable him receive lifetime pension. If a governor in Nigeria is thinking of how to manage say, six corporations that are giving his state money, he won’t have time to drink Champaign, and will hardly sleep at night. In the olden days, during the time of administrators like Mbonu Ejike, Jim Nwobodo, Akpabi Asika, Michael Okpala, and others, did they attend funeral ceremonies? Did they have such time? Today, our governors go for night vigil, and drink from 10pm to 4am; then, they will drive home, get prepared for 10am service for the burial proper.

What is your view on the Ebubeagu security outfit proposed by the Southeast governors?
What I understand about Ebubeagu is that governors will go back to their states to recruit their followers into the outfit. Most of these people are jobless men that they want to give guns! Ebubeagu will create more insecurity in the region; because, politicians in power will recruit those that will help them during their elections. After the election, members of the outfit will phase out with the government that recruits them, and incoming government will recruit their own people. Then, how do you retrieve such guns from the men who have been using such guns as means to an end? Ebubeagu is primarily a political security outfit. Any law made now to form them will be quashed by any incoming government, because, they will recruit those that helped them win their own election. They will not allow those who fought on the side of their opponent to still hold the gun in the name of state security. For instance, if new governor comes into office, it will be difficult for him to retain the ADC of former governor. So, Ebubeagu is already dead on arrival; because, their life span may not go beyond the governments that recruit them. Again, who told you that Ebubeagu can confront faceless gunmen disturbing the peace of this region presently? Ebubeagu will be wearing their uniforms, exposing their identities, when the people they are fighting are faceless people; how can they perform?

In your own view, what is the way out of insecurity in the country?
Those in government should find where the whole thing went wrong, then, seek for dialogue. If they put eyes on the ground, they would know how the insecurity started. They may know those behind the insecurity, then, seek dialogue and amicable settlement. Nigeria cannot afford to go into another war. Let it be paper war, ideological war, not war with gun and bullet.

Do you think that president of southeast extraction come 2023 will solve the present state of insecurity in the sin the region?
People who are not good in opposition cannot produce a leader. The southeast is not good in opposition. If Igbo people cannot adopt one political party and develop it, stay in it, and build it to a level that if you’re not in the platform, you cannot be governor within the region, we will remain were we are. People should stop talking about Igbo presidency in 2023; to me, it is not coming; unless Igbo will get it in a Platter of gold.

A Civil Society group under the aegis of Advocates For Good Governance on Monday protested alleged poor service delivery at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra.

The group who gathered at the entrance of the hospital gate with varying placards also alleged cases of job racketeering and financial in propriety by the management.
In a letter entitled “Abuse Of Due Process, Racketeering, Extortion, Graft And Celebration Of Corruption At Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi”, the group faulted the Chief Medical Director selection process.

According to the group which claimed anonymity, we, the patients , patients’ relations, staff of NAUTH and residents of Anambra and we have poor service rendered by hospital.

“There is lack of drugs in the hospital , most painful include absence of drugs in emergency and theatre , leading to patients being frequently asked to go outside the hospital to procure drugs.
“Surgical operations are being frequently postponed due to lack of materials in the theatre, this frequently leads to patients death in emergency situations and wounds unattended to for days due to lack of materials for dressing
“As members of Advocates for Good Governance and interested parties, we were quite concerned and alarmed to discover that Jobs are racketeered and sold, this leads to recruitment of unqualified personnel.
“We have decided to carry out a peaceful protest to sensitize the public on what is happening in NAUTH, the only Federal medical institution in Anambra and demand the cancellation of the whole CMD selection process and new one started
“Dissolution of the present hospital management board because they can never oversee a free , fair and transparent process , they are already compromised and are part of the on going corruption
“Dr Ugboaja should step aside as Acting CMD and participate with others on a level playing ground,” they stated.

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Anambra State born philanthropist, Dr Godwin Maduka, Monday, bagged Outstanding Personality Award in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of judiciary in the State and Nigeria at large.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the Award Night, Sir Anene Ubah, commended Maduka for building Magistrate court, a High court, and well furnished Judges quarters for the use of the state judiciary which he handed over to the judiciary years back.

Ubah also commended the zeal and synergy that exist in Awka Branch of NBA, affirming that Anambra lawyers are making waves in the country.

Responding, Maduka, a frontline politician and governorship aspirant in Anambra November 6 election under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said he would not relent in supporting the judiciary as it was last hope of the voiceless.

He urged the NBA to quicken dispensing justice to all no matter their social status, adding that he would give a face lift to the judiciary by providing enabling environments to aid speedy dispensation of justice, as well grant financial autonomy to judiciary.

Earlier, Mr Ekene Okonkwo, the Awka Branch Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) reassured the branch commitment to ensure that legal practitioner’s in the branch acts professionally at all times as a voice to the voiceless.

The occasion was graced by famous Nigerian human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome , Professor of law, Omari Omaka, and Senate minority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, among others.

BOOK REVIEW
Name of Book: In His Days -The Legacy of Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo
Authors: Samuel Ezekwo & Ejiofo Umegbogu
Year of Publication: 2020
Publishers: SilverWood Books Ltd (United Kingdom)
Reviewer: Kate Azuka Omenugha

In His Days, the Legacy of Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo is a 222 paged book that explores the life trajectories of an Umuchu born teacher, evangelist, Catechist and social crusader Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo. As the title suggests, these trajectories are legacies which only a book of this nature can capture as often people like Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo who gave their all, making and creating impact within the Christian world remains largely unsung. The book written by the duo of Samuel Ezekwo (the son of Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo) and Ejiofo Umegbogu (a veteran investigative journalist) seeks to change the narrative and to portray Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo as an "unsung hero." He was a man who by 1929 had successfully completed his teachers' training programme and became a certified church teacher and catechist (p. 73).
He acquired what could be described as "double honours" as a Grade III teacher and third-class catechist from the teachers' higher elementary certificate examination he took in 1929 and became the "first indigene of Umuchu to receive that level of education at the time" (Pp. 73-74). Here was a man whose career in teaching and evangelization which took him and his household to many communities in the former Eastern Nigeria span over 50 years. The authors capture this fact thus:

His giant strides in the education system of the CMS of Nigeria, diocese on the Niger are still visible, many years after his transition to the great beyond. He traversed the length and breadth of the old Eastern Nigeria like a Colossus, planting churches, evangelizing to people, establishing schools, teaching children and gathering men and women for the development of their towns, as well as lighting up many rural communities with his torch of liberty, which is the freedom (from primordialism) that comes with education and enlightenment (P.74)

Samuel Ezekwo and Ejiofo Umegbogu can be considered neophytes in biography writings, yet they have approached this book with a touch of mastery of the subject. It is not surprising as the book is a product of deep research and painstaking study seen in the eyes for details within the book and the re-writing of history. The authors admit that “it took about two years of spine-breaking research to really retrace the footsteps and chronicle the legacies of Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo from the areas he served". (p. 50).
This research has paid off in the production of a book that is not just a biography, but history, religion, culture, anthropology and sociology all rolled into one. In tracing the life of Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo the authors equally bring to bare the rich cultural heritage of the lgbo community -the rites, festivals, the ceremonies and their spiritual implication.
What I find interesting is the audacity with which the authors take a swipe at modern-day pastors and ministers who covet wealth and eulogizes the likes of Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo of the early days for their selflessness, commitment to duty as they took the gospel of Jesus Christ to the remotest parts of the land.
The book is packaged in a manner that makes it easy to read and understand. The Foreword written by the Anglican Bishop of Diocese of Enugu North Rt Rev. Sosthenes I. Eze sees the book as a "historical record (that) is full of inspiration that one can draw from to create a more impactful ministry in our time" (P.19) This sets the tone for the book and gives it a stamp of authority.
The book has six chapters each with its title. Chapter one "The Man and His Environment"', explores the times and environment in which Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo was born and lived. Here the authors, give the genealogy and historical antecedents of Umuchu exploring their cultural heritage. This chapter is an asset for those who study anthropology and sociology. It is of course a must-read for every Umuchu person -male or female.
Chapter 2- "In Search of Golden Fleece" explores the growing up of Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo amidst the challenges of being an orphan early in life. It traces his various adventures into Christianity and education and how he utilizes the various opportunities that present themselves for both educational and spiritual upliftment.
Chapter three "Ready to work in the God's vineyard" shows clearly the inter-relatedness between education and evangelical work as Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo is prepared to be "armed with the torch of liberty that is elementary education and the Apostles' battleaxe, which is the Christian Bible" to evangelize. The great strength and virtues of the early evangelizers are clearly shown in this chapter, their zeal, their commitment to duty (even when unrewarded or unappreciated) and their enthusiasm to bring converts to Christ. These are virtues that are worthy of emulation by the modern-day church.
Chapter four - "Retracing his Giant Footsteps" showcases the legacies of Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo; his indelible footsteps as he traversed the landscape of old Eastern Nigeria, preaching the gospel to heathens and educating those that believed. In the historical archives, he is mentioned in some places and unmentioned in others. But what came out clearly in this chapter is that Yes, Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo was an itinerant evangelist/teacher. This chapter is liberally spread with pictures, recorded letters, etc. that give credence to the life and times of Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo, as amidst the challenges of family life, he won souls for Christ. With the archival records, no one can doubt the authenticity of the legacies of Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo as recorded by the authors in the book.
In chapter five "Harvest of Legacies", the authors recount the testimonies of various people about the prowess of Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo. Account in details is many of his exploits in the church building, creating community harmony and union as well as community development. His escapades at fostering development, unity, progress and peace for all humanity earned him the name "a holy man of peace".
In all these, he was simple and humble, eschewing flamboyance of any kind. With similar humility, he reluctantly accepted the title "lde 1", bestowed on him by the Igwe -in -council, Isiobi-in- council, Umuchu Improvement Union (UIU) (home and abroad) together with the leadership of all existing age grades in Umuchu. This chapter is equally liberally spiced with pictures showing Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo in his hay days as a husband, father, grandfather, and traditional titleholder. One's legacy is equally the family he leaves behind. This chapter also showcases Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo's greatest legacy -leaving behind a family that is prosperous, closely knit and further immortalizing his name through Ide Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo Memorial Foundation.
Chapter six "Anglican Evangelism in the Twenty-first Century" compares the present church with the olden ones of Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo. There appears to be a romanticisation of the "old ways", yet ends on a hopeful note that despite the huge challenges of the "new church especially the increasing rate of moral decadence "the Christian foundation is still intact". (P. 186). This is one of the greatest strengths of the book that, in X-raying the life and times of Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo, there is a lot to be learnt that have much relevance today.
The appendices are like the icing on the cake especially the memoir written by one of Pa Ezekwo's daughter- Mrs Ozioma Ezeakunne. She gives a personal account of the habits of her father from the eyes of a loving daughter.
This book is written in a very enchanting language with wise sayings spread sporadically across the text. This technique makes the book a pleasure to read. It is recommended for everyone interested in history, religion, anthropology, sociology and community development. In writing this book the authors have proved as true the old long saying that "when there is a will, there is a way" while interrogating the one that says that"history does not remember the soldiers who fought in the battlefield, but kings who ruled in the palaces".
Pa Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo was a soldier of Christ who fought many battles and today posterity has remembered him in singing his songs of conquests as captured in the book In His Days - The Legacy of late Gabriel Nnolim Ezekwo.

The book is a must-read.
Please go for it!

Mrs Kate Azuka Omenugha
Professor of Mass Communication.
Commissioner for Basic Education, Anambra State.

Response to Campaign of Calumny Against the Principal of FGC Nise By Concerned Alumni

Date May 12, 2021

We, the Concerned Alumni of Federal Government College (FGC) Nise, received with utter shock the story of campaign of calumny against our Alma Mater and it's management under the Leadership of Dr. Mrs Ekumankama Ijeoma L as principal

We are deeply worried about the damage the publication entitled "Save The Soul Of Our Children." would do not only to the management but the institution which has nurtured great minds for 26 years now and still counting, hence it becomes imperative for us to make some clarifications as critical stakeholders of the school.

The publication sponsored by one Kenenna Obiatuegwu, raised a number of allegations including fraud, poor infrastructure, unhealthy environment, malnutrition and intimidation.

We wish to state that just as the case in most government owned institutions, FGC Nise, has its own infrastructural challenges which to the best of our knowledge are being genuinely addressed but we will not allow anyone to malign and ridicule the school or its management in the name of pursuing personal vendetta.

We therefore state as follows:

That the current Principal assumed duty in the school on 14th December, 2018 (barely 2years)

That the infrastructure and amenities in the school were inherited by the current management and based on our findings, the management has demonstrated genuine efforts and commitment towards making them better than she met it.

That the pictures and videos used in depicting the state of affairs were taken at a time the facility was undergoing maintenance and so, no longer valid as the facilities have been fixed.

Though we are not here to respond to the allegations, most of which are spurious, from our findings, we make bold to say that in the last two to three years, the following developments have taken place under the current administration .

i. Reconstruction of collapsed school e-library

ii. Tiling and painting of JS1 boys and girls hostels

iii. Installation of celling fans in 12 classes comprising JS3 and SS3 installed with ceilings and painted.
iv. Construction of embankment on 5 block of classes to check erosion on the structures

IV. A new Principals house building was built, and a modern gate house was constructed
Vi. The dining hall was tiled and painted

Vii. School toilet seats and bathrooms were also changed and rebuilt while new ones are being constructed.

Viii. Construction of drainages in the hostels

IX. Installation of Solar powered street lights on strategic areas in the School

There are also a number of ongoing projects;

1. Construction of School Pavilion in the Field
2. Completion of Home Economics Department
3. Completion of a four unit 3 bedroom apartment
4. Completion of collapsed school hall is ongoing

Like we stated earlier, this malicious petitions is a product of vendetta because the petitioner, Kenenna Obiatuegwu does not have a child or ward in FGC Nise, rather he is fighting the battle of his sister who made failed attempt to have the school adopt her hospital as a referral centre.

The petitioner's niece was admitted without paying anything even when she did not meet the cut off mark, this makes his claim of admission sale surprising.

Our rejoinder was prompted by the desire to protect the image of our dear school and not to defend anybody.

While we appreciate the Federal Government For the capital projects and intervention projects funded through the annual national budgets , we want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to increase funding for FGC Nise to enable the management meet the educational and facility needs of the school.

Thank you

Signed

Mr Chinedu Aniagboso

By Okeke Okenta

Old students of Federal Government College (FGC) Nise, Anambra under the aegis of Concerned Alumni of FGC, Nise have condemned what is termed campaign of calumny against their alma mater and the Principal Mrs Ijeoma Ekumankama.
The alumni which spoke in a statement made available in Awka on Thursday said they received with utter shock the publication on petition entitled “Save The Soul of Our Children” sponsored by one Kenenna Obiatuegwu.
The petition raised a number of allegations including fraud, poor infrastructure, unhealthy environment, malnutrition and intimidation of parents by Ekumankama.
The statement which was signed by Mr. Chinedu Aniagboso said the poor state of infrastructure and amenities in the school did not start with the current principal who had spent just about two and half years.
They said they were worried about the damage the publication would do not only to the management but the institution which has nurtured great minds for 26 years now and still counting.
According to them, the malicious petitions is a product of vendetta because the petitioner does not have a child or ward in FGC Nise, rather he is fighting the battle of his sister who made failed attempt to have the school adopt her hospital as a referral centre.
“We wish to state that just as the case in most government owned institutions, FGC Nise, has its own infrastructural challenges which to the best of our knowledge are being genuinely addressed.
“We will not allow anyone to malign and ridicule the school or its management in the name of pursuing personal vendetta.
“Therefore we clarify that the infrastructure and amenities in the school were inherited by the current management and based on our findings, the management has demonstrated genuine efforts and commitment towards making them better.
“That the pictures and videos used in depicting the state of affairs were taken at a time the facility was undergoing maintenance and so, no longer valid as the facilities have been fixed.
“Under the current administration, collapsed e-Lib was reconstructed, JS1 boys and girls hostels was tiled and painted, 12 classes comprising JS3 and SS3 installed with ceiling, fans and painted.
“Embankment was constructed on five block of classes to check erosion on the structures, a new principals house building was built, and a modern gate house was constructed, the dining hall was tiled and painted while the school toilet seats and bathrooms were repaired and new ones built.
“A number of other projects were also executed including construction of drainages in the hostels, installation of solar powered street lights on strategic areas, construction of school pavilion, completion of Home Economics Department among others.
“The petitioner's niece was admitted without paying a dime even when she did not meet the cut off mark, this makes his claim of admission sale surprising,” it stated.
The group called in the Federal Government to increase funding to the school to enable management meet the educational and facility needs of the school, while appreciating it the capital projects and intervention projects funded through the annual national budgets.

By Oke On


Federal Government of Nigeria has been asked to declare bandits and Fulani herdsmen terrorists to show their seriousness in combating insecurity in the country.

The Human Right Liberty Access and Defender's (HURIDE) which stated this in a press conference in the FCT ABUJA also issued a seven-day ultimatum from the day of publication of this story to declare the murderous groups terrorists or face the wrath of already aggrieved Nigerians.

The Executive Director of HURIDE , Dede Uzor A, Uzor, who read the text of the conference said if Federal Government fails to declare the two blood letting groups terrorists, it will be a clear confirmation that they are behind insecurity in the country.

He lamented that insecurity is fast consuming the country with many states and communities losing their citizens and farmland to the killer groups with their wives raped with qualm.

Dede Uzor said in Niger State, many local Governments and communities have fallen into the hands of bandits with their women taken over from them by the bandits. Many people , he said, were equally said to be kidnapped and houses burnt down.

In Kaduna, he said, students of Greenfield University and School of Forestry, were kidnapped with some killed and others still being held.

"Infact, many states in the North have been taken over by these murderous groups.

This is serious because if not checked it can lead to disintegration of the country", said Dede Uzor.

The Executive Director said the sympathetic disposition of the Federal Government to these gangsters has been the major booster to their murderous activities.

" The president has not shown any sign of seriousness in challenging these bloodletting groups, who are mostly mercenaries chased out from Libya, Mali, and other African countries who were given rousing welcome in Nigeria to help them win election" he said.

Continuing Dede Uzor said " since then they have seen in Nigeria an opportunity to unleash terror on indigenous people of the country".

HURIDE called for national security summit of the political zones and ethnic groups immediately to discuss the security situation in the country and take extensive decision the matter.

He said that after the meeting a state of emergency should be declared on the security of the country, lamenting that an average of 67 persons are being killed on daily basis in the country.
9th May 2021

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Mr Godwin Ezeemo, a frontline Governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has promised to end erosion in the state.

Ezeemo made the promise in an interview with the Newsmen in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.

He said priority attention would be given toward providing lasting solution to the lingering Erosion menace in the state, if elected as governor on Nov. 6.

He said that erosion challenges being faced in the state were manmade, noting that the menace resulted due to the poor attitude of the people while planning to build their houses.

“Effective check on erosion menace that has made life difficult for many people in Anambra state would be one of the priorities of my administration, if given the mandate to govern the state.

Ezeemo promised to checkmate people planning to build houses by making them to provide drainages to avoid flood.

“This will be done effectively through environmental legislation that will be firm in its implication,’’ he said.

Ezeemo added that he would make environmental policies that would make people build with catchment pit in their buildings to trap all waters into a desired point.

“Unchecked water flow is what aggregate to erode our roads. If laws are made to encourage people to comply to build catchment pits in their structures, water would be channeled right and erosion becomes old story,” he added.

The gubernatorial aspirant also said that serene environments would not be toyed with in his administration.

According to him, no leader worth his or her salt would neglect erosion menace in the state.

He added that such should be top in the list of “a good leader who knows how to mix variables of ideas and creativity to suit all time challenges in the society to build a better living condition for all.

Ezeemo said that he knew the vital role stable environment played in the development of any society, adding that as such, he would ensure that human friendly environment laws are made to guide the people aright.

“With good environment laws partying to excavation of the soil, tree felling, among others variables would be put in place to ensure safe environment for all and sundry to thrive in.

“Residents would be made to understand and appreciate the need to comply with green life and environment safety compliance by all, to grow the economy of the state,’’ he said.

Ezeemo said that with his entrepreneurial ability, he would bring to fore great regulators in all sectors of the economy, through his wealth of knowledge to change the narrative of the state in the positive.

“I have been with my people for over 10 years, I really know the yearnings and aspirations more than any one all I ask for is vote of confidence on me,” he said

He said that gender-based participation would be key to his model of leadership, adding that even in his business empire many women were employed and given equal and greater hand with their men counter parts to prove their mettle to demonstrate his love for gender sensitivity.

According to him, his practical sense gender sensitivity had given him the opportunity to see the worth of many women in manning his business because with great sense of commitment and reliability.

“If i am given the privilege to serve at the apex of the state I would make women to occupy 50 per cent of the positions because of my conviction of their capability, creativity and transparency,” he said.

Ezeemo said that women were more sincere in attitude to service and humanity, adding that when given opportunity to serve, they usually perform creditably.