The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • 40 years in Catholic vineyard

    40 years in Catholic vineyard

    They call him Melody and it is all the same to Rev. Fr. Dr. John Osinachi Amadi, who has celebrated his 40 years of priesthood in the Catholic Church.

    The event took place at his newly-built St. Jude Catholic Church, Amechi-Awkunanaw, Enugu State.

    Although, the church service to mark the occasion was billed for 10am, the hall was already filled at 8am with worshipers, relations, Catholic priests, friends, traditional rulers, nurses, students, and Egede people, the hometown of Rev. Fr. Amadi.

    At the sermon, a visiting priest, Rev. Fr. Prof. Augustine Akubuo, of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, said that anybody who lives to celebrate Silver Jubilee or 40 years should be thankful, considering the short lifespan in Africa.

    He said, “St. Paul has called on us  to celebrate Fr. Amadi. His choice was that of the lord while he was still in the womb, and so his ordination 40 years ago was by destiny. Fr. Prof Akubuo showered praises on Fr. Amadi’s parents and all those who helped him to reach this stage.

    Describing Fr. John Osinachi Amadi, as a priest with a sound credential, big masquerade, and God-gift to the parish, the catholic legend, further stated that “He that is mighty has done many things; 40 years ago, you were nothing, but now, you have so many things to bequeath to humanity and you have passed through breaking points without breaking down”.

    While attributing all his achievements to the power of the Lord, the clergy man, noted that the past 40 years was time of trying to keep company with Christ, adding that the Lord was also using the occasion to remind you that the struggle continues, providing another window of opportunity to serve God.

    According to him “ priesthood is challenging, tasking, spiritually, intellectually and time consuming, age will change, but these  virtues stand, remember God’s mandate to be the salt of the earth and to be the ambassador of the Lord”.

    Elder sister of Fr. Amadi, Rev. Sister Mary Ikechukwu Amadi of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, Anambra State, expressed joy that her brother had fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a catholic priest,and recalled that when they were kids, both of them had always said  they would wish to serve the Lord throughout their life time and described her brother as the light and pride of the family.

    Also speaking, Miss Sandra Amadi, the daughter of his late elder brother, Peter Amadi, who flew in from London, praised God for the huge successes achieved by her uncle, but regretted that her dear father, Peter Amadi, was not alive  to witness the celebration. She also prayed God to guide Fr. Amadi to his diamond jubilee in 2024.

    Earlier, the chief celebrant Rev. Fr. Dr. John Amadi, alias Melody, said the crowd in the church, was a practical demonstration that he was appreciated by his people, and prayed God to also guide him to his diamond jubilee in the next ten years.

    He re-affirmed his commitment to the service of God, and wept that his caring elder brother and mentor, Peter Amadi, was not alive to be a part of the history he helped to build, after training him.

    Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a KIA  caper car to Fr. Amadi by the St. Jude Parish as a token of appreciation. Managing director of Umuchinemere Pro-credit community bank, Enugu,Mrs. Ngozi,  Mr. Fela Ogbuke and wife of Enugu State Football Association, Mrs. Juliet Egbo of Anambra State Broadcasting service, Awka, students, nurses, and over twenty catholic priests and Rev. sisters were among personalities at the event, as well as a media icon, Ben Ilechukwu.

  • ‘How to build a science-driven nation’

    Starting from schools in Onitsha, Anambra State’s commercial hub, a science competition will soon spread to other parts of the state. NWANOSIKE ONU captures the award to high-flying contestants as well as the facilitator’s vision for homegrown scientists

    The cleric’s vision is clear. Science is not transferred but developed from within, and what better way to stimulate interest in it than encouraging pupils to compete for top prizes. In Anambra State, beginning from its commercial nerve Onitsha, the vision is catching on. Its schools have come alive with the Archbishop Valerian Okeke Science Competition (AVOSCO).

    Winners in the contest are picking up good cash and other prizes. So are their teachers and even the schools.

    The Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke initiated the competition to help secondary school students to excel, especially in science subjects with a view to building a nation grounded in science and technology.

    Now, only students in Onitsha metropolitan schools are competing but very soon, the contest will spread to every part of the state.

    The event which was held at Bishop Shanahan Hall in Onitsha brought together many students including their teachers. Various prizes were won by the students and the teachers.

    Twenty science students were rewarded with cash prices and gifts alongside their teachers.

    The overall best science student in the senior category, Ezeilo John Paul from All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, scored 80 per cent to beat others and win N50,000.

    Ekwo Cynthia from Mater Christi Secondary School, Awada, came first in the junior category with 87 per cent, going home with N40,000.

    Others who took home different prizes included Obikwelu Kyrian and Okeke Oluebube, coming second and third respectively in the junior category.

    Also in the senior category, Nnamaga Kenechukwu of St. Charles College, Onitsha came second while Okafor Chioma of Dominican Sisters College, Abatete, came third. Each of them won N40,000.

    The teachers were not left out. The best teacher, Charles C. Okonkwo, of All Hallows Seminary Onitsha went home with N50,000 in the senior category. Mr Okonkwo shone brightly at the event, not just because he worked and deservedly earned the top prize but also because he is physically challenged. Many saw him as a role model.

    A gteacher from Queen of the Rosary College (QRC) was judged the best teacher in the junior category while her counterparts from All Hallows Seminary Onitsha and Mater Christi Secondary School Awada came second and third, respectively.

    In the senior category, Dominican Secondary School, Abatete, won the first price with St. Charles College Onitsha and All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, taking second and third positions.

    Consolation prices of N10,000 were given from the fourth to the tenth positions in both junior and senior categories.

    In addition to the awards to the students, teachers and their schools, there were other materials donated to the schools by the sponsors.

    These were giant interactive electronic boards valued at N200,000 for the schools to work harder which were for the first positioned schools, while photocopier machines were given to the second and third positions.

    Speaking with the Nation, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev Valerian Okeke said that the foundation is creating the opportunity for the young ones to discover their tomorrow.

    According to him, “today is not to bring out our mission and vision but to present awards; we are here to tell the young ones, you can be better”.

    The cleric commended the students for discovering their abilities and capabilities in science, while also hailing their parents for allowing their children to avail themselves of the opportunity offered to them.

    ”The teachers mould minds, form characters and help the students to discover their real selves,” he said.

    The education secretary of the Onitsha Diocese, Rev Basil Onwegbelu in his lecture titled, “Why science?” described science as the bedrock of education.

    He said that they would not allow any other country in the world to re-colonise Nigeria through science again; adding that denying the people the study of science is like another form of enslavement.

    For Rev. Dr. Patrick Omuta, it is good to dream dreams because without it, there would not be any reality, adding that the Archbishop has demonstrated his love for science.

    Omuta who was the chairman of the ceremony described the cleric as the beacon of hope for the children in the state.

    He said that 76 Catholic secondary schools competed in the Onitsha province which he said was the regional level, adding that the competition would soon go round the state.

    “We are here to celebrate the students who stunned the entire state and the people with their brilliance, life is about competition; the aim is to have competition among the students”

    “So many people have been under the scholarship of the Archbishop in all the cadres of education and he has been celebrating his birthday and Christmas with the prisoners in this state.

    Mr. Charles Okonkwo, the physically challenged Chemistry teacher at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha who won the best teacher, said the exercise opened the eyes of the students and their teachers.

    He commended the Archbishop for creating such environment in the state and his vision in building the Holy Family Youth Village in Awka where students live.

    Cynthia Ekwo and Ezeilo John Paul, the two best students in both junior  and senior categories, told The Nation that the awards would spur them the more to put more efforts in their studies.

    The students thanked Archbishop Okeke for establishing such awards in the state.

     

  • A foretaste of Christmas

    A foretaste of Christmas

    Widows, children and the less privileged in Ebonyi State have had a foretaste of Christmas, especially its sharing aspect.

    Wife of the state governor, Mrs Josephine Elechi ate, drank and danced with them, sharing jokes and lightening the atmosphere.

    Wives of top government officials attended the event which took place at Government House, Abakaliki, the state capital.

    Addressing the women, Mrs Elechi appealed to the women to pray for the peace and unity of the state during and after the forthcoming elections.

    She emphasised that leadership comes from God and advised women not to allow their children to be used as political thugs during the polls.

    She further called on well-meaning individuals to always remember widows and the less privileged especially during the festive periods.

    She also commended wives of local government chairmen and coordinators for taking her humanitarian programmes to the grassroots.

    A Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Raymond Eselu urged the widows to give thanks to God in every situation, adding that thanksgiving brings  testimonies.

    The cleric noted that some widows find it diffficult to stay without a man after the death of their husbands, and therefore advised such women to remarry legally  instead of going after men.

    He maintained that men read women like a book and when a woman fails to respect herself, men will take her for granted.

    “Because of that, widows should be upright, maintain their dignity, their womanhood and God will not fail them”, he added.

    The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Maryjoy Umoke challenged the widows to avoid promiscuity which she warned could lead to untimely death and contraction of HIV/AIDS.

    Mrs Umoke enjoined the women to use their life to work for God, adding that those children they get after the death of their husbands are likely to become a menace to the society as they may lack good parental upbringing.

    The over 2,000 widows drawn from the 13 local government areas in the state went home with many gift items which included foodstuff, toiletries, wrappers and cash, among others.

    Also, a medical team led by the state Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mrs Collete Elechi treated was on hand to offer free check up and treatment to the widows

    Mrs Elechi also held another party for children in the state.

    She called on the children to imbibe the virtue of giving to the less priviledged in the society.

    She also urged them to be good ambassadors of the state by being serious with their academics.

    “Try to discover your talents and develop skills that will make you stand out from others and in doing so God will uplift you”.

    Various dance goups, music bands and drama troupes added collier to the events.

     

  • 2015: Police sensitise Abia communities as Enugu boosts health

    2015: Police sensitise Abia communities as Enugu boosts health

    2015 is inspiring a flurry of activities. In Abia, SUNNY NWANKWO reports that the police have started a state-wide community tour with a message of credible polls. In Enugu, CHRIS OJI reports that the Chime administration is winding down with focus on primary health

    The word is already out from the Abia State police command. The election year is at hand. Take no chances. Meet the people from one community to another and keep talking with them. Every effort must be made to ensure a smooth election.

    That was what the state Commissioner of Police Mr Adamu Ibrahim told his divisional officers and other personnel at a seminar in the capital Umuahia.

    Soon after the state police chief’s directive, it fell to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Titus Anayo Ugwoke, Ohuru Isimiri divisional head, to kick off the campaign with a meeting with residents of Obingwa Local Government Area.

    Other divisions in the state command will take a cue and replicate what the DSP has done in fulfilment of the directive.

    In Enugu State, Governor Sullivan Chime flagged off the second Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week. Women turned up with their newborns, getting medications and inoculations as well as a good dose of health orientation. But one thing that stood out at the health week was Chime’s pledge to stock all the health facilities in the 17 local governments of the state for effective primary health delivery before handing over in 2015.

    At Obinwa in Abia , the seminar whose theme was “Ensuring a Hitch-Free 2015 General Election” attracted youths from the council area, the local government Transition Committee (TC) Chairman Prince Obinna Nwabiaraije, members of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Aba Chapel, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) personnel among others.

    The forum provided the opportunity for NOA’s Chief Organisation and Mobilisation Officer, Mrs. Kalu Ojingwa, INEC Electoral Officer for Obingwa Local Government Area, Mr. Peter Okorie and the police to interact with the participants. They shared ideas on how to achieve a violence-free and fair election in the Ohuru Isimiri Police Division.

    Nwabiaraije, in his speech, said, “Any election that is not free and fair cannot be adjudged as a credible one”.

    He challenged all the security agencies to live up to their statutory responsibility of ensuring that elections were conducted in 2015 under a peaceful atmosphere.

    The Transition Chairman said, “To ensure a peaceful and successful election in 2015 in the country security agencies, the electoral umpire, INEC, including other relevant agencies, should avoid indulging in any form of sharp practices that could lead to the breach of the conduct of the elections in 2015. Youths should not  be used for electoral violence that would hinder the smooth conduct of the election.”

    He thanked the police for bringing experts to educate the people and to enlighten the people on the essence of a free and credible election.

    Mrs. Kalu Ojingwa, Chief Organization and Mobilization Officer National Orientation Agency (NOA), and Electoral Officer, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obingwa Local Government Area, Mr. Peter Okorie in their separate lectures stated that the two agencies were already prepared to ensure that the coming election in the local government would be peaceful.

    They urged individuals who were yet to get their voters card to do so to enable them participate actively in choosing who their leaders become in 2015.

    His Royal Highness, Eze Nwabeke and the President National Youth Council Obingwa chapter, Ihuoma Gideon promised that the people and youths of the area were peaceful and would do everything possible to ensure that they sensitize those absent from the programme, promising that election in the area in 2015 without recording any form of violence.

    Earlier Ugwoke in his address at the event said that the problem Nigeria witnessed in the past is that the electorates made bad choices during elections because they were influenced or been induced with money which translates to the quality of leaders that were produced at the end of every election.

    “However, the quality of government in a country is to a great extent determined by the quality of elections through which the legislative and executive organs of government that are constituted. If citizens elect or allow corrupt and violent persons to get into power and exercise legislative and executive powers, they cannot expect to reap peace, freedom, security, development and prosperity”.

    The convener said that the essence of the seminar was to discuss major factors that engender violence during elections and to proffer recommendations that could lead to a credible 2015 elections in Obingwa Local Government Area.

    He suggested among many other factors that political parties should establish and maintain a fair and effective system for redressing grievances and solving conflicts among their members, eschew political violence, fraud and corruption as way of ensuring a free, fair and credible poll in 2015 and beyond.

    At Uwani Health Centre in Enugu South Local Government Area, where the programme was launched in collaboration with United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, Governor Chime said his administration would continue to partner with stakeholders in the sector to ensure an improved health system in the state’s rural communities.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health George Eze, commended UNICEF for its support and collaboration with the state Ministry of Health in making sure that health issues are effectively tackled in the state.

    On the theme of the MNCH Week which is (Effective Hnad-washing), the governor said it was in line with the programme of combating the scourge of the Ebola virus and also thanked UNICEF for their intensive effort in using effective hand washing against the virus.

    He further stated that his administration has released 12 brand new vehicles to the ministry of health for monitoring and supervision of activities and will keep supporting the ministry of Health in the provision of funds and other interventions to ensure that health programmes are implemented everywhere in the state.

    In his remarks the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Moses Otiji who represented the ministry thanked the labour leaders in the state who despite their strike granted his one-week request for the programme for the benefit of children and mothers.

    He also expressed joy at the large turnout of the mothers and advice them to tell others to go to health centres close to them to access the vaccines and drugs free of charge.

    Speaking on behalf of the National Health Center development agency Dorothy Nwodo said that the agency supported Enugu state with the distribution of Mama Kits which is a kit given to every woman that gave birth in the health center having attended ante-natal care.

    She said that the agency is also supporting with the refurbishing of the modern health center and the Sure-P centers including monitoring of the programme.

    The UNICEF programme consultant Joy Oji who demonstrated the way hands should be washed, advised the mothers to spread the message to other mothers.

    She also said that UNICEF has trained health workers and provided adequate vaccines and vitamine A for all the children including financial support for the MNCH week.

    Some other activities were distribution of treated nets as well as soaps to the women for prevention of mosquito bites and general sanitary practices.

     

  • Ebonyi commuters lament poor federal roads

    Ebonyi commuters lament poor federal roads

    More than any other season, the roads get busier at Yuletide but those travelling to Ebonyi State are in for quite an ordeal. Many are already lamenting the poor roads, especially those of the federal government. Abakaliki-Afikpo Expressway is probably the worst.

    Although both state and federal roads in the state have been receiving attention since the coming on board of the Governor Martin Elechi-led administration in 2007, much still has to be done.

    One of the most critical of them all which requires the attention of the Federal Ministry of Works is the Abakaliki-Afikpo Expressway. It is being reconstructed and rehabilitated but at a very slow pace.

    Despite the efforts of contractors like Chinese Civil Engeneering Construction Company (CCECC) and UNI GLOBE, among others, which have done have helped to upgrade it, a section of the road is still in a deplorable state. This development has instigated lots of complains from both road users and communities residing within the road network.

    A few years back, contracts were awarded for the construction of the road by the Federal Ministry of Works to two companies.

    While the Chinese Civil Engeneering Construction Company (CCECC) was awarded the portion from Afikpo to Abaomege, an indigenous company UNIGLOBE was awarded the stretch from Abakaliki to Onueke.

    Both sections have since been completed.

    Curiously and disappointingly, the middle section from Onueke to Abaomege has been abandoned by the federal government.

    The section has since become a death trap to road users.

    At the height of the rainy season, that section was impassable as many trucks usually break down on the road, blocking the road and trapping road users who are forced to navigate dangerous pathways though the villages.

    The villagers also capitalise on this to erect emergency toll gates and extract charges of between N200 to N1000 from the drivers before they are allowed pass.

    This section of Abomege in Onicha Local Government Area to Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state is causing lots of pains, hardship and discomfort to both road users and commuters who ply the trans-Africa Mombazzer Highway.

    The road is very strategic, as it leads to Cameroon, Cross River, Lagos, and other Southeast states, among other parts of the country.

    A bus driver of Imo State Transport Company, ITC, who gave his name as Okey Emmanuel, complained bitterly on the deplorable state of the road.

    “My brother, that portion is very bad; it slows us down each time we are driving to our destination. The federal government should quickly award that road if they have not done so, because it is posing serious threat to road users.

    “Each time, I am driving through that spot at night, I hold my heart in my hands; armed robbers can easily attack and rob any vehicle without any restriction from security operatives in the area. That spot is very bad”.

    He wondered why the federal government will award contracts for both ends of the road and leavethe middle section unattended.

    “Their action defeats the purpose of the road construction as one can’t get the maximum satisfaction of plying the road”

    The gullies on the roads are so deep that most cars which ply the road are sent to the mechanics after plying the road for repairs from these deep gullies.

    A community leader, James Nweke, who lives within the axis of the road, complained how commuters would leave the bad spot and navigate through family compounds because of the state of the road.

    He called on the federal government to expedite action adding that the completion of the road would add aesthetic value to it and further give commuters confidence to ply the road.

    The Federal Controller of Works in the state who did want his name in print said the road was still awaiting procurement and will soon be awarded to a notable contractor.

    A commuter, Ikenna Orji said the federal government is not sincere about awarding that road.

    “That is what they have been saying for over a year now, we wonder when this their procurement will end. Is that how long procurements usually take?”

    Meanwhile, the section from Afikpo to Abaomege which was the first section completed about two years ago has started started failing as portholes have sprang up in almost all parts of the road.

    The contractor was seen patching up the roads recently perhaps to make the roads passable for commuter during the Yuletide period.

  • Champion celebrates 25th anniversary

    Champion celebrates 25th anniversary

    It was a gathering of who is who in the media industry as the Champion Newspaper marked its 25th anniversary with fanfare in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    Old friends in the pen profession shared fond memories and plotted new strategies that will move the industry forward, especially under a democratic era.

    For the younger journalists, the occasion provided the opportunity to rob minds with veterans in the industry.

    The publisher of the Champion titles, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, could not hide his emotion as he recounted the experience of the last 25 years in the life of the newspaper.

    He attributed the success recorded by Champion Newspaper, which dominated the newsstands in the 90s, to the commitment and dedication of the staff and the editorial independence of the paper.

    Iwuanyanwu disclosed that the newspaper derived its name from  the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Footbal Club after winning a championship.

    “We were thinking of a name to give to the Newspaper when my football club won the FA Cup and we just decided that since we are the champions, the newspaper that we were about to float should be called Champion; that was how the Champion Newspaper was born 25 years ago”.

    He recalled the glorious days of the publication, saying that made great impact in the 90s in the media industry, a formidable tool for mass education, awareness and entertainment.

    The publisher added that, “at 25, we have every reason to be happy because the Champion has delivered on its mandate of building an informed and virile society”.

    He attributed the current challenges the newspaper is grappling with to his inability to finance the company as he was doing in the past, but assured that plans were on the way to refinance the company to reclaim its leading position in the industry.

    In their goodwill messages, some  former editors of the newspaper described it as the mouthpiece of Ndigbo, which they said fought relentlessly against all forms of perceived injustice against the Igbo.

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, who was represented by former Managing Director of the Sun Newspaper and Commissioner for Information, Tony Onyima, congratulated the management of the Champion Newspapers for promoting the Igbo agenda.

    Delivering the Champion Better Society Lecture, titled “the Legislature as an instrument of social change”,  the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha lauded the performance of the legislature, saying that the amendment of Section 25 of the 1999 Constitution was a landmark achievement.

    He stated that Section 25 of the 1999 Constitution, which addresses the indigene andsettler conflict, has continued to plague Nigeria because of its heterogeneous composition, adding that its amendment would foster unity among Nigerians.

    The Deputy Speaker, opined that, “this amendment will foster cooperation and unity among Nigerians to a point where Nigerians are considered based on who they are and their contribution to the society, rather than where they come from”.

    He said that the transfer of two items: Right to free Primary and Maternal Health Care Services and Right to free Basic Education from Chapter 2 of the Constitution on the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy to Chapter 4 on Fundamental Human Rights was another landmark achievement, which he said when eventually enacted, would boost the Human Development Index of Nigeria by ensuring that citizens are granted access to basic Health and Education facilities.

    On security, Ihedioha said that in responding to security which has remained a major challenge in the country, the National Assembly passed numerous resolutions and initiated many bills to address the problem, citing the Terrorism (Prevention) Act Amendment Bill 2012, the State of Emergency Proclamation and its three extensions.

    In addition, he disclosed that in the current proposed Constitution Amendment pending in the State Houses of Assembly, some Security Agencies and the Nigeria Police Force have been placed on first line Charge in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

    According to him, Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution was also amended to strengthen the Local Government Councils, adding that this tier of government had suffered considerable setback over the years as a result of persistent interference by the State government.

    He appealed to Nigerians to prevail on the state governors and state Houses of Assembly to pass the Local Government Reforms on the proposed constitution amendment proposals as it would lead to revolutionary changes in the governance structure of Nigeria. “This will bring governance closer to the people and work to preserve the heritage and common interest of the people.”

    The Deputy Speaker, who is also the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, promised free and qualitative education if he is elected governor in 2015.

    He assured that he would not only make education free but the poor performance of the citizens in examinations would be reversed, “If I am elected Governor of Imo State, education will be qualitative. We will reverse the poor result of Imo indigenes in WAEC and NECO Examinations.”

    Ihedioha noted that in the 2013 WAEC examination, Imo State scored an average of 46%, “whereas our neighboring states of Anambra and Abia scored 67% and 65% respectively. This is unacceptable and must be reversed for the sake of the future of our children.”

    As a legislator, he noted that the only way to make free education irreversible in the country is to anchor it on legislation, “this will move it from a mere government policy measure to a legal commitment by the State. The proposed Constitution Amendment now makes basic education not just free and compulsory but Constitutional right. We believe that free education should not be a political gimmick”.

     

  • Kidnapped The Nation man relives ordeal at thanksgiving

    Kidnapped The Nation man relives ordeal at thanksgiving

    After those five horrible days in captivity, Mr Ugochukwu Ugorji-Eke, The Nation’s Umuahia correspondent, was happy to be alive and back to his family. The Ugorji-Ekes and relatives were at the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Aba, Abia State, to give thanks.

    The joy of life and freedom contrasted with the agony of flashback. The freed man and his family were dressed to capture the happy moment, Ugorji-Eke in his jacket, his wife Patience in her sky-blue traditional gear while their children were not outdone in the sartorial department by their parents. When the memories came flushing back, it was quite a different picture.

    Those five days of his kidnap took away the usual smiles from the Ugorji-Eke home. The bungalow was converted into a prayer and fasting centre.

    Mrs. Ugorji-Eke, her siblings, family members, close friends and even Chi-Chi and her little brother, Chimdi lost sleep as they were seeking God’s face for the safe and immediate release their father, husband, brother, friend and breadwinner who was abruptly snatched away from them by yet to be identified gunmen.

    Journalists practicing in Abia were shaken to the marrow by the news that one of their colleagues had been whisked away to an unknown destination by unidentified gunmen. It was November 16.

    How these guys could have outsmarted security checkpoints along the Opobo Road beat everybody’s imagination.

    It was N20million ransom at the initial contact with the family, the kidnappers choosing to speak only with the wife, warning her not to involve security agencies or risk losing her husband. Ugorji-Eke was blindfolded for as long as his abductors held him. He said he would not wish even his enemies what he went through.

    On November 19 he emerged from the kidnappers’ lair after his family paid the ransom.

    The thanksgiving, which coincided with his son’s birthday, was witnessed by close friends and associates.

    Speaking at the end of the event, Mr. Ugorji-Eke said, “I came here with my family to thank God for His mercies. For making me to be alive in the land of the living after spending five nights and five days in kidnappers’ den in late November this year. So, I said that since God has kept me alive that I have to thank Him.

    “What happened is already in the past in my life. They are gone and I don’t want to remember them. The important thing is being thankful to God and hoping for brighter days ahead. I want to thank those who stood by my family all through the harrowing process; my establishment (Vintage Press), colleagues and others too numerous to mention. Their prayers and text messages were inspiring and I can say that God should repay them accordingly and as we end this to enter into another year, all they couldn’t achieve this year, they will achieve them next year.

    “I have a wonderful wife who stood strong throughout my absence. People were calling to encourage her and the encouragement that comes from God she was able to stay focused throughout the period. I pray that God will bless her more for me. She was a pillar of support to my children and my family members.

    “We initially wanted to make it an elaborate thing but later decided to celebrate it in a low key with children of God to show God that we appreciate Him for what He has done for us. That was why we did it here”.

    His wife Patience Nnnena Ugochukwu Ugorji-Eke in a separate interview, said, “I am very elated, so happy and full of praise to God. I did make a vow to God and told him that I will give him thanks and come in his presence to give Him thanks and that is what I just did today.

    “It was a divine co-incidence. It wasn’t planned but God made it to be so and we are happy about that my son’s birthday also coincided with his father’s thanksgiving. It was horrific, terrific and bitter experience that is the way I will describe it. We were praying, my colleagues were praying, his colleagues were also praying, our pastor friends across the states were praying. My house was in fact turned into a praying house where we all prayed and fasted till he came back.

    “It has made me to be closer to God and to be stronger in the things of God because if man and woman cannot help what else is better than to hold onto Go?

    “It has made me to give all and trust all and then embrace God. It has made me to be much stronger in the Lord than before and to the kidnappers, I would ask them to repent and change and turn a new leaf”.

    Said Mrs. Ebere Alaezi Offia, sister-in-law to Ugochukwu who came all the way from Lagos to witness the thanksgiving “to say that I was devastated is an understatement. It was really bad. The news was shocking it was painful because my mind was just going up and down thinking what he could do that would warrant his kidnap.

    “I have come to know him over the years as a quiet person who doesn’t look for someone’s trouble. It was painful but I thank God for today, because it is now a different story. I was in Lagos with my family where we reside.

    “At the time of his [kidnap], as a child of God, I was taught what to do when the unexpected happened and that was exactly what I did. Initially, I cried, then I remembered that worrying or crying was not going to bring him back, that while we hoped for God to do something, we also had a role to play and our own role was to pray. We were doing the underground work. I couldn’t reach him physically wherever he was but I know that I could reach him through prayers and one of my prayer points was that God should sustain him. I didn’t know where he was, what he going through but I just prayed that knew the best way that He could keep him until physical help could come his way. The news about his release was expected because as we were praying, we were hoping that he would be released and so, when the news came, we were all excited and there was joy all over. If this thanksgiving were to be in the UK, I would have made it because he is worth it. I give God all the praise for all He has done and I know that such a thing will never occur again.

     

  • Enugu crisis: Court summons PDP, INEC

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to appear before in to answer to a suit over the dispute resulting from the governorship primary conducted by the party in Enugu State.

    Justice Evoh Chukwu also gave them 24 hours within which to file their responses to the suit instituted by an aspirant, Samuel Maduka Onyishi (owner of Peace Mass Transit Limited) following his dissatisfaction with   the outcome of the party’s gubernatorial primary election held on December 8.

    The judge abridged time for the defendants to respond to the suit in view of the application of urgency made by plaintiff’s lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN).

    He ordered PDP and INEC to appear before the court on Thursday to show cause why the reliefs sought by Onyishi should not be granted.

    The plaintiff, who raised some questions for the court’s determination, is seeking, among other things, a declaration that the primary election conducted by the PDP in Enugu state was in total disregard and contempt of a subsisting suit challenging the election of delegates for that primary election.

    He wants the court to nullify that primary election for being in breach of sections 87(4)(b)(I) of the Electoral Act and for non-compliance with the electoral guidelines for primary elections 2014 of the PDP and and its constitution.

    Justice Chukwu had, prior to the primary election, held in a suit marked: FHC/Abj/CS/830/2014 filed by Orji Chinenye Godwin and two others against the PDP and 4 others, that the legitimate list of delegates for the primary election should be that  of all the delegates duly elected as delegates at the party’s ward congress held for the state.

    Onyishi stated, in a supporting affidavit, that the state’s  Electoral Panel, allegedly acting in breach of the court’s decision, discarded that list of elected delegates approved by the court, and utilized a different  list of delegates, which they claimed was handed over to them by the leadership of the party.

    He further averred that no valid election took place in the state because  no votes or results could have been recorded from the flawed election.

    The plaintiff said as a result of the confusion created with the substitution of the actual delegate list, some delegates conducted different primaries leading to a situation where the state now parades three persons laying claims to being winners of the gubernatorial primary election of the PDP in the state.

    Justice Chukwu has adjourned to December 18.

     

  • Yuletide joy for the needy

    IT has put the needy in a jolly mood for the season. In the run-up to Christmas, a non-governmental organis-ation (NGO) in Ebonyi State, the Chinedu Ogah Foundation, has distributed various materials to widows and the less privileged in the state.

    At the event, the foundation gave out bags of rice, cash, sewing machines, wrappers and foodstuff to the over 750 widows, less privileged and disabled men and women in the state. Not every needy person may have got the largesse but it was a huge relief for for those who did as well as their dependants.

    The occasion which took place at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki witnessed a large turnout of women who came to grace the ceremony and celebrate with the recipients.

    The recipients included aged men and women, the blind and other physically challenged and widows who cannot cater for themselves but needed all forms of assistance to survive.

    The distribution exercise took several hours as the Chief Executive of the foundation, Comrade Chinedu Ogah personally distributed the items to ensure that they went to only those it was meant for.

    Responding to the gesture, a disabled from Ebonyi Local Government Area, Mr. Michael Nwankwegu who expressed happiness at the exercise, prayed God to bless the family of the Chief Executive of the Foundation for remembering him at this time.

    “I am very grateful to God for the gesture; who are mine to benefit from these largese; to God be the glory. May God continuously bless him and all his workers”.

    In his remarks, the founder of the NGO, Comrade Chinedu Ogah stated that his greatest motivation in life was to see the less privileged smile and supported to achieve their aim in life.

    According to him, politicians and the wealthy individual in society are suppose to support the less privileged in different areas of life and not abandoned them as if they do not matter.

    “I enjoy seeing the less privileged smile; our foundation is committed to cartering for the needs of all and sundry; this whole exercise costed the foundation about N7 million”.

    The Foundation also gave financial support and other items to policemen, soldiers and members of the society.

  • Philanthropist lifts Anambra community

    Philanthropist lifts Anambra community

    One man has enlivened a community in Anambra State. Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state has come alive, thanks to the philanthropy of Mr. Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo.

    What did he do? Ezeemo built and donated a church to the town. The gesture lifted the spirits of the residents.

    That is the story of Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, otherwise known as Zion City in Umuchu.

    It started as a kindergarten, with little children taught there. In time, the community worshippers pitched the church and someone found another location for the children’s school.

    Still, the church looked too small and uncomfortable for the woshippers. Attempts were made from several quarters to provide a better temple. It did not quite work out.

    Then came Ezeemo who announced to the community that he would build them a befitting temple if God provided the means. His prayer has since been answered and the man who made the vow has since paid it.

    The Anglican Primate, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh is scheduled to open it on January 2 before its hand-over to the community.

    The dedication service will be conducted by Most Rev. Christian Efobi, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Aguata Diocese.

    Some of the pioneer members of the church are Theophilus Ezekwo, Jeremiah Onuizugbe, Chief Gab Ezekwo, Ven C.A. Mbonu, Richard Okpalajiaku, Christopher Uzoamaka, Ernest Ajelo, Joseph Okoli, Samuel Ezenwa, Japhet Orjiakor, Jacob Utta, David Umeasiegbu, Elder Godwin Ezeemo among others.

    They nurtured and maintained the school and helped to organise occasional services in the vicinity.

    The inspiration came from Mr. Philip Ezekwo in 1991 who donated a piece of land close to his compound in Umuojogwo where St. Peter’s Church (Zion city) stands today.

    The late Mr James Ezeabasili also donated another parcel of land to St. Peter’s zone for a kindergarten school.

    However, to everybody’s delight, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo asked the members to pray that the Almighty God would grant him and his family the grace to erect a temple for Him.

    Now, the  man has fulfilled his pledge, and the community is grateful not just to him but also to several other kind-hearted people who donated cash and other resources for the church project.