The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

Foundation graduates 150 youths

The lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Ogene has empowered 150 youths who graduated from the Fidelis Ogene Memorial Foundation.

The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Ogene, has empowered 150 youths from his constituency as part of efforts to make them self-reliant.

The youths graduated from the Skill Acquisition Programme of the Fidelis Ogene Memorial Foundation at Atani, Anambra State which was instituted in memory of Ogene’s father. The training programme was in conjunction with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

At the event attended by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, as the Special Guest of Honour, all the graduates in the different fields which include Computer Application, Fashion and Designing, Electrical Installation, Barbing, Hairdressing, Catering and GSM repair, were given tools relevant to their trade.

The items included 250 sewing machines, 100 grinding machines, 25 hair dryers, 25 gas cookers, 50 laptop computers, 15 wheelchairs, 20 electricity generating sets, clippers, 20 tool boxes containing components for GSM repair, 25 tool boxes for electrical installation, and additional 10 motorcycles, apart from 80 pieces he had donated earlier, and five block-moulding machines.

Also, over 350 men, women and the physically-challenged, benefitted from the lawmaker’s generosity, as they went home with various items of empowerment.

Many at the event praised Ogene’s achievements as the representative of the people. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh and the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and members of his constituency, endorsed him for a second term.

Ihedioha noted that Ogene has been a key figure in the House of Representatives since 2011, despite that he is both a first-timer and member of a minority party.

The Deputy Speaker said this was possible due to Ogene’s commitment, dedication, loyalty and remarkable wisdom in discharging his duties as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, adding that he is also a good team player.

Chief Umeh also praised Ogene’s impressive achievements both as a legislator and an emerging leader in Anambra State. He urged Ogbaru people to continue to support him, declaring that his performance has made him the number one choice for the 2015 House of Representatives election in Ogbaru Federal Constituency.

His emergence on the political turf took many by surprise, given his background as a journalist. But Ogene has shown remarkable presence in the National Assembly since 2011 when he won election to represent the people of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Although a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a minority political party, Ogene has not allowed that minority status to diminish his passion to always stand up in defence of the voiceless, or limit his efforts in contributing positively to the process of reshaping the society through people-oriented legislation.

His position as the deputy spokesman of the House obviously makes him a key figure in the parliament, as it brings him into close contact with every segment of the House and its leaders as they strive to make laws for the good of the people and also engender quality representation of their different constituencies.

Currently on his first tenure as a lawmaker, Ogene has shown remarkable legislative astuteness to the admiration of not only his colleagues, constituents or home state Anambra, but Nigerians in general.

To his credit, Hon. Ogene has, in the past two years, solely sponsored and presented eight people-oriented motions at the floor of the House in line with his philosophy of being the “voice of the voiceless”. And in protecting the interest of his constituency, Anambra and Ndigbo in general, he has also co-sponsored several other motions.

Motions he had personally sponsored are: “Urgent Need to Correct the Imbalance in the Nation’s Geo-Political Zones “, “Stop Hospitals from Demanding Police Report Before Treating Gunshot Wound Victims “, “Urgent Need for Government Intervention in Ogbaru Flood Disaster”, “Urgent Need for a Pedestrian Bridge at Uga Junction “, “Blatant Disregard of Government Directive on JAMB Cut-off Mark for Federal Universities : Need to Call Defaulting Universities to Order “, “Unmasking Unknown Gunmen and Bring them to Justice “, “Alleged N59 Trillion Shady Oil Deal Involving the Petroleum Minister, SPDC Limited and Others” and “Urgent Need to Reverse the Discriminatory Government Policy on Admission in Nigeria Unity Schools.”

One remarkable thing about Ogene’s motions is that they all received full endorsement of the House. This in itself, many believe, shows the wealth of wisdom and depth of logic embedded in the motions.

For instance, after the motion on JAMB cut-off marks, the House, in its resolution “urged the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently call the defaulting federal institutions to order, so as not to deny innocent candidates who met the government approved cut-off points the opportunity to write post – UTME exams.”

The House also resolved, after hearing Ogene’s motion on the discriminatory admission policy into Unity Schools, to “ Mandate the House Committee on Education to, within two weeks, invite both the Ministry of Education and the National Examinations Council, in order to review the policy in such a way that would guarantee fairness and accord the Nigerian educational system more credibility and general acceptance.”

Ogene had, in that particular motion, drew the attention of the House to the fact that while Unity School candidates from Anambra State were expected to score 139 marks and above to secure admission, candidates from some Northern states were required to score less than 10 marks for the same admission.

Aside the motions, Hon. Ogene has also presented three Bills which are currently being processed for first reading by the Rules and Business Committee of the House.

The Bills include: “A Bill For An Act to Authorise the Provision of Free Pre / Post – Natal Health Services to Every Nigerian Woman Pregnant with Child In Government Hospitals”, “A Bill For An Act to Repeal the Traffic Warden Decree 1975 and to Provide For the Establishment of the Traffic Warden Service and for Other Matters Connected Therewith and also A Bill For An Act For the Protection of Widows from Exploitative, Barbaric and Dehumanising Cultural and Traditional Practices and Other Related Matters.

One common feature of Ogene’s Bills and motions is the unmistaken interest of the common man, which they seek to protect and nurture using the instrumentality of legislation.

These laudable legislative strides have continued to win accolades for Ogene from different quarters.

After his motion on discriminatory cut-off marks for Unity Schools, several comments flooded his Facebook wall, the popular social media platform.

For instance, Ashimole Agaptus wrote: “You are surely fighting a good fight. These discriminatory cut-off marks should stop. Every Nigerian pupil must be given equal opportunity based on merit. Your interview really exposed so much rot in the system that we didn’t even know existed. Well done”.

Charles Okoh, a Lagos-based journalist commented thus: “This is the singular reason the nation is still in the dark. If from the very beginning we make our children to live with this mentality, what happens when they grow? Until merit is considered over and above all other considerations, this nation will remain on this roller coaster journey to nowhere.”

For Chuka F. Okwuosah, in far away Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it’s just some words of prayer for Hon. Ogene as he wrote: “Keep up the good work Hon… The Lord (shall) give you more inspiration.”

writes that the youths were given tools relevant to their trade.

March 20, 2014
The caring amazon

•Story of ex-Governor Obi’s wife’s eight-year romance with Anambrans

She was the people’s beloved. Mrs Magaret Obi came; she saw and she touched the lives of the people of Anambra State.

Unknown to her, she handed her husband a second term on a platter through her pet project.

Mrs Obi, always at her best in African attires concerned herself with children, the less privileged especially orphans, women and youths.

The second term of her husband, Governor Peter Obi, was 75 percent her engineering campaign in the grass roots unknown to her. She derived joy assisting people in communities without knowing that the impact would be helpful until the whistle for ballot was blown. The solidarity came up handy.

That encouraged her to take her hubby further as if she was doing a pet project and at the last count, over 15,000 women and 15,000 children were empowered. She was always visible supporting the husband even without an official office to herself ..

Margaret is beautiful and humble. She combined this with strong will power to remain resilient in the face of daunting challenges including the era of impeachment and re-election. That made it possible for the jinx of Obi coming in as the first governor to stay in power for eight years in the state. Any visitor to the Anambra State Government House would not believe that Obi’s wife personally cooked or supervised meals for her guests and delighted that the best was served them. She personally supervised the decorations befitting each visitor and ensured they were comfortable having known that her husband cared less about issues like that.

The vision of Anambra State Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS) was possible by her support and constant reminder to her husband when duty challenges arose , she took over some. Today ANIDS magic is felt in all sectors simultaneously.

Her simple disposition made her aides adjust to decency while hosting women, aged, children or disadvantaged group against what is obtainable in other climes.

With the huge investments now still on going in all sectors worth over 1 trillion naira, over N800 billion has been invested in education, health, water and security.The state will achieve the internationally-agreed Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs) of reducing poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality rates, improving maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensuring environmental sustainability, and developing a global partnership for development before the 2015 predicted.

The mission of ANIDS is to achieve the MDG’s goals targeted at giving equal access to all residents of in opportunities that will guarantee self-reliance and actualisation, within a safe and sustainable environment without regard to creed or race.

Governor Peter Obi had said: “ Women empowerment programme in Anambra State has benefited immensely from the activities of my wife, Mrs Margaret Peter Obi. On assumption of office, I pleaded with her on the need to embark on activities that would be of great benefit to women and the vulnerable and not the customary Office of the First Lady and it has remained so.

‘’I thank her for her understanding. What my wife does is to go round the state meeting with women, the needy and the vulnerable. Till date, she has visited each of the 177 communities in the state at least three times. It is on record that no previous governor’s wife in the state had ever attempted, not even local government tour’’.

It was not only financial grants to women and orphans and vulnerable children but bags of rice, beans and beverages to the rural folks. Each community gets over 86 people empowered at every visit and for the last seven years Obi’s wife had empowered women and children.

Though married from outside Igbo land but today she is more Igbo than an Igbo and has used her ‘enjoyable Igbo tune’ to encourage and uplift the people of Anambra State. Already they are missing her as in every event she attended now, people feel like crying as she announced that her tenure had come to an end.

Hear her,” My dear people of Anambra, I am most grateful for the support and solidarity you gave our governor and myself throughout our stay in office. We have done our best , our best may not be good enough but we are going to give you a candidate that would perform better than we did.

‘’Give anybody coming after us the full support and solidarity you gave us , so that they would work for the betterment of Anambra people and all these things we are doing especially with the old people, the multiple children , the OVC , the physically challenged and our women will continue and if they stop it ask questions because these are programmes already in existence.

‘’ I will not forget the support and love you all showed me and whenever I am around I will visit you. Do not forget to extend invitations to us whenever you are celebrating or sorrowing for we are now one family and would like to continue to be like that. That is why after a commissioner is replaced , the person still identifies with this government”.

Obi’s wife played a major role in bringing the Chief Willy Obiano administration t as she mounted her own separate campaign and at one occasion where who is who is gathered , she had appealed: ‘’ Please vote for APGA government, vote for Willie Obiano and Nkem Okeke , they would do better than we have done to take Anambra State to the next level. Thank you and God bless you,’’ Obi’s wife concluded.

Obi started in 2008 Women Economic Empowerment Support Fund and Orphans & Vulnerable Children’s Welfare Sustenance Support Intervention Fund with 10 women and 10 children from each of the communities which has doubled the number by three times.

The grants to women improved their businesses and empowered physically challenged people in the rural communities. The activities of the wife of the governor were coordinated through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MWASD) led by Dr Henrietta Agbata. She initiated the institutionalisation of the Anambra State Annual Mothers’ Submit not only for Anambra but for the South-East which has been copied by other states and zones in the country. The summit seeks to accelerate grass root / community development through the participation of women in decision-making and community administration in the spirit of gender mainstreaming and equity, which led to the formation of women President Generals in all the communities with Dr Chinelo Okechukwu as the President -General.

March 20, 2014
Agency sensitises residents on cleanliness

The National Orientation Agency in Ebonyi State has ended a sensitisation a one-day sensitisation programme tagged: “Do The Right Thing: Avoid Dirt, Be Clean” with a call on the residents to stop all harmful environmental practices that usually make them vulnerable to diseases.

The programme which also captured the unveiling of a new waste bin , known as the World Waste Bin (WWB), attracted all the environmental stakeholders in the state- NESREA, EBSEPA, state and federal ministries of environment and indeed the residents of Abakaliki Local Government Area to the council headquarters at Nkaliki.

Addressing his audience during the programme, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri, said that it was to arouse the consciousness of Nigerians to the importance of clean environment that his office launched an environmental friendly initiative called “Do The Right Thing: Avoid Dirt, Be Clean” late last year, with an intension of extending it to all communities in the 774 local government areas of the country in over 500 languages on a sustainable basis.

Omeri who was represented by the Deputy Director, Orientation and Peace Education Department, Mr George Njoku, explained that “Do the Right Thing, Avoid Dirt, Be clean is a community-based environmental orientation and care project initiative aimed at achieving environmental care through community mobilisation, hinting that the orientation campaign was geared towards finding solution to many challenges affecting the environment due to the poor attitude of Nigerians towards environmental sanitation”.

He maintained that the initiative was also intended to help the country attain environmental sustainability by tackling the poor attitude of Nigerians towards their environments which has caused environmental degradation and made most people vulnerable to various diseases.

The NOA DG consequently introduced to the audience a new waste disposal bin called “Word Waste Bin” (WWB), which he explained enables users to properly collect, manage and dispose their residential and institutional refuse and enjoined all to rise up and join the fight for environmental sustainability, which he said is a collective responsibility.

Reiterating the points already made by the Director-General, the Ebonyi State Director of the agency, Dr. Emma Abah, welcomed the guests to the programme and reminded them that the National Orientation Agency, amongst other constitutional responsibilities, has been mandated by the president to challenge the current generation of Nigerians to ensure that they establish and maintain a very healthy environment.

He insisted that such was the reason the agency is collaborating with Ebonyi State government, with support from Oskanag Nigeria Limited to bring forth this national assignment aimed at educating the citizenry on how to efficiently manage their waste products, through the use of the Word Waste Bin (WWB).

Dr Abah expatiated on the make-up of the bin saying, “Word Waste Bin is an interactive waste bin designed to communicate with its users and mobilise them towards a knowledge-based environmental care. It is a communication tool with elements that provide consistent regular environmental orientation and re-orientation for communities that need to know about becoming eco-friendly.

“WWB has three compartments for bottles, cans, nylons and other wastes respectively for the purpose of recycling, with information pouches at the sides containing a publication called information matters. The headboard of the WWB has two communication tools; pictures and words. The pictures are of dirty and clean environments, giving the option of choice. The words which will be captured in the indigenous language of community, “Do the Right Thing; Avoid Dirt; Be Clean” are a charge to people to be environmentally friendly and responsible.”

The state director seized the opportunity to appeal for the following from Ebonyi State government: approval of the acquisition and use of Word Waste Bin in all the public and private institutions in the state; support/approval of a joint NOA/EBSEPA enlightenment campaign on effective waste management; and support/approval of the use of NOA Community Support Brigade (CSB) as marshals that will regularly monitor the waste bins so as to ensure its effective and efficient usage of the bin.

He further thanked the state Ministry of Environment, National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA), EBSEPA, Oskanag Nigeria Limited, Innoson Industrial Limited, M & J Nig. Ltd, JEZCO Oil Nig. Ltd, Onitsha South Mass Transit, EBOTRANS Nig. Ltd, Mr Biggs fast foods, Crunches Fried Chicken Ltd, among others, for their partnership and support and urged all to put hand on deck to ensure the actualisation of the lofty dream.

In his words, “Just like every other national task, the fight for environmental sustainability is a collective fight. Although there are bodies primarily assigned to monitor and supervise environmental activities, their efforts will always come to naught if, we, at individual and family levels, refuse to appreciate their efforts by imbibing the tenets of environmental management.”

March 20, 2014
Firm gives 1.04m to slain worker

The management of Crunches Fried Chicken has given the family its late worker Mazi Christian Okoro, a cheque for N1.04m.

Okoro was killed by robbers in December last year during an operation at their Umuahia outlet.

Mazi Okoro, a security man on duty at Crunches Fried Chicken, Umuahia outlet lost his life during a robbery incident at the eatery on December 23, last year, leaving behind children and other relations.

Speaking while handing over the cheque to Kelechi and Nnenna two of the deceased’s children, the managing director of Crunches Fried Chicken, Mazi Jude Nwosu recalled how committed to duty Mazi Okoro was while he worked in the outlet. He revealed that his late staff, until death, was never issued with any query.

Nwosu noted that although the amount would not bring back the dead to life, he it would go a long way in cushioning the effects of his demise on the family.

“Your father had a very excellent inter-personal working relationship with other workers in that all through his service years, he was never issued any query for misconduct.”

While urging Crunches Fried Chicken family and others touched by the death of the late Okoro to draw their strength from God, Mazi Nwosu prayed God to give the children and members of their immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Human Resources Manager (HRM) of the firm, Mr. Tunde Afenokhai said Crunches Fried Chicken came up with such packages to assist relations of staff who died while on active service.

He urged children of the deceased to be prudent in their spending in order to achieve the purpose for which the money was meant.

Responding, Kelechi and Nnenna thanked management of the firm for the gesture which they said would assist the deceased’s immediate family to overcome some of the problems they were encountering as a result of their father’s death. They, however, promised not to be extravagant in their spending as the money would be judiciously used to achieve the purpose for which it was given.

March 20, 2014
Jonathan praised over Second Niger Bridge

Enugu Roots Initiative (ERI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has praised President Goodluck Jonathan for the flag-off of the Second Niger Bridge. It said the project would accelerate economic activities in the South-east and Southsouth geo-political zones.

The group also called on the President to compel the security agencies to unravel the identity and the mission of those who invaded Government House, Enugu, penultimate weekend, emphasising that a matter as serious as that should not be ignored.

In a communiqué issued after its meeting in Enugu, the body also called on the Federal Government to revitalise the coal industry because of its vast potential as source of energy and foreign exchange earner.

In the communiqué signed by Messrs Joni Icheka (Chairman), Emma Nwodo (Treasurer) and Malachy Uzendu (Public Relations Officer), ERI insisted that government should give the execution of the Second Niger Bridge the attention it deserves as against the slow pace of work on Enugu/Onitsha Expressway.

They stated that the state of the road is deplorable, wondering whether rehabilitation of the road which contract was awarded over three years ago was being funded.

On the Second Niger Bridge, they praised the President for the flag-off, even as they noted that it takes more than a flag-off to get the job done.

“We need more than a symbolic flag-off of the Second Niger Bridge. What we need is execution of the bridge as we do not want to believe that what was done was just to lure the Southeast to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next Presidential election.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo carried out ground-breaking ceremony of the same bridge before his tenure ended but it was abandoned.

“The Second Niger Bridge will accelerate economic development of the country in general and the zone in particular.”

ERI condemned the invasion of the Enugu Government House. It called on President Jonathan to probe into the matter in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“What happened at Enugu Government House is most despicable and akin to mutiny. It should not be glossed over. The masterminds must be fished out for appropriate punishment,” ERI said.

They also urged President Jonathan to find out why reconstruction of the Enugu/Onitsha and Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressways is on hold.

“We note with sadness that the same company which speedily completed Kubwa/AYA Road expansion project in Abuja in record time is using shovel to mix bitumen and concrete and works at snail speed.

“Even the Abakpa Junction to Onyeama Mine Section of the road which the company claimed it has finished has collapsed.

“What is happening on the Enugu/Onitsha and Enugu/Port Harcourt roads is akin to what is going on along the Benin/Okene/Lokoja/Abuja Expressway.”

March 20, 2014
Eulogies as Enugu Chief Judge presents book

A Professor of Land Law and Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike, has presented his 586-page book entitled ABC of Contemporary Land Law in Nigeria.

The event, held in Enugu was a showcase for his intellectual prowess. Nigerians from all walks of life attended the presentation. Among guests were Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), Attorney-General of Enugu State, Anthony Ani (SAN) who represented Governor Sullivan Chime, President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Okey Wali (SAN), Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, President, National Industrial Court (NIC) Justice Babatunde Adejumo and Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN).

Chief Judges of Benue State Justice Iorheme Hwande; Anambra State Justice Peter Umeadi; Ebonyi State Justice Aloysius Nwankwo; Bayelsa State Kate Abiri; Imo State Justice Benjamin Njemanze and Delta State Justice Zai-Laye Smith were also there.

Prof. Utuama, who chaired the event extolled the virtues of the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the late Prof. Jelili Adebisi Omotola (SAN) for his interest and contribution to the research and teaching of of land law which he described as ‘’unparalled’’.

He said he and Justice Umezulike were beneficiaries of the law. Prof. Omotola’s knowledge on the subject, which gave him immense insight into Property Law during his sojourn at UNILAG Faculty of Law.

The late Omotola, to him, was unequalled as a doctrinal reseacher and teacher. He said: “Prof. Omotola’ s seminal writing on the Land Use Act were and remain of immense assistance to members of the legal profession, including judges and lawyers who argue before the courts and this helps law students and bureaucrats in understanding its policy and principle.

“His works remain most authoritatively outstanding, cited and relied upon, by the very best in the legal profession. Omotola appeared as amicus curiae in many cases before the Supreme Court on land law issues.”

In audience were, the Executive Vice-President (Operations) Real Estate Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (RELAN) Adekunle Omotola, Mr. Kola Awodein (SAN) and Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Utuama, praised Justice Umezulike for dedicating his works to the late Prof. Omotola and for bringing the memory of the legendary legal scholar back into reckoning.

He also praised the author for finding time to write, considering the onerous twin task of discharging his judicial and administrative duties as the Chief Judge of Enugu State.

Wali said the participation of the bar in the ceremony was a result of the cordial relationship between Justice Umezulike’s style of administration and the bar. Wali was accompanied to the event by the Chairman, NBA Enugu branch, Mr. H. Eya.

Senator Ekweremadu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution, joined the debate on what to do with the Land Use Act, saying the Act should be expunged from the Constitution in order to make changes in the land administration system in Nigeria much easier.

He described Justice Umezulike as a complete lawyer and commended him for publishing a unique book that would expand the frontiers of Land Law and legal education.

“The book is complete in the sense that Justice Umezulike was in private legal practice, a law teacher and now Chief Judge of Enugu State. So, the book is written from the perspective of a man who has seen it all.

“Thus, when this book was named ABC of Contemporary Land Law in Nigeria, for me the “A” there is the apex, the “B” is the best and the “C” means it is complete”, he said.

Dean, Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Prof. Oluwole Smith (SAN), who reviewed the book said the book has shifted the frontiers of knowledge in the area of Land Law and practice in Nigeria, adding that ‘’it is a book for researchers and scholars in the field of Land Law and an ingredient for interpretation and implementation purpose of the Land Use Act to be addressed by the legislative and judicial arms of the government.”

March 20, 2014
Reporter dedicates child 14 years after

The family of Chief and Lolo Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, a reporter with Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation dedicated their second child, Master Chimdindu Onyedikachi Ugoji-Eke after 14-and-half years after.

The dedication which took place at All Saints Methodist Church Market Road, Aba Abia State attracted friends and well-wishers of the family, prominent among who were members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State chapter led by its Chairman, Mr. Hyacinth Okoli.

Guests were later moved to Amokwo Item Hall where they were treated to sumptuous reception. The couple danced to the admiration of their guests.

In separate interviews with the couple, they attributed the arrival of their son to divine intervention, adding that the child came at a time they least expected.

According to Lolo Ugoji-Eke, “I am very, very happy to have another baby after having my first child after 13 years of marriage. It is wonderful because, at a time, I was as if all hope was lost, but God just remembered me. I can’t express it. There is no word that is enough to quantify what God has done for me.

“I have always been hopeful, even when it wasn’t forthcoming, I never lost hope. I knew I will still have more, so I expected the baby. If given the opportunity, I will like to have one or two more babies and I will be done. The reason is that, I would want my son and his sister to have other siblings regardless of their sex(es).

“For people who are passing through what I passed through in the past (childlessness), I will tell them not to lose hope, because once one is alive, there is hope and God says there shall be no barren women in his presence. So anybody who believes or knows what God can do should be hopeful that one day, it will be his or her turn and that God will remember them. Our children should look up to us for the best. We shall give them the best; with strength and resources from God, whatever is the best is what we will give to them.

Chief Ugoji-Eke who stood by his wife all through her pregnancy period, said he felt highly elated because the birth of his son was a special case “that after 13 years of marriage, I had my first daughter. My son came exactly 14 and half years after that marriage. So, it is a special blessing and I thank everybody that has found time to be here today to celebrate with me and my family. I thank my office, the Vintage Press because they have been so wonderful, I am supposed to be somewhere with them but they gave me the leverage to be with my family to prepare for this ceremony. I highly appreciate them for their understanding because it is not easy to understand one’s pains and joy and share same with you at the same time, I am so happy.

“I would say Yes and No, that I expected to have another child after the first one that came 13years after our marriage, because God is the giver of children. It is not about your might, it is about the grace of God. God gave it to us when we didn’t even expect it. If God decides to give us another one, fine but I don’t expect to have more than three because the cost of living now is so high and the best you can do for a child is to him/her a befitting educational background for him/her to grow to become somebody in the society. It is not about how many you have, it is about the quality of education and the standard of upbringing that you give to them that matters a lot.

“For those who are still childless, all they need to do is to get down on their knees and pray to God without season. Like I said, it is not about strength; it is about praying and seeking the face of God. God will always answer them. God’s time is the best. People may say we had our babies at our old age, yes! But to God, it is nothing. By the grace of God, we will still be alive to see our children grow before our presence and give them the best of education. So, if you believe in God, pray to God, God’s time is the best. They should have patience, focus their lives and supplications unto God, God will answer all their prayers.

“My promise to man and God is that my children will have the best that I, at my level can afford to give them. They shouldn’t because I had them late suffer, with the much I can produce out of my wealth, they will have it.”

A close member of the family and also the godfather of Master Chimdindu, Mr. Obasi Ude said that as a godfather he was going to make sure that the child would be trained properly in a most responsible manner in order to not only be useful to the family, but to the society, adding that his family would always assist Ugoji-Eke’s family in helping the child meet his spiritual and material needs.

March 20, 2014
Abia South PDP stakeholders hail Orji’s election

Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party in Abia South have hailed the election of Governor Theodore Orji as the chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum .

Some of the party members who spoke to our correspondent in Aba, described Orji’s appointment as not only timely, but a square peg in a square hole.

They said that it was important that the governor became the southeast governors’ forum chairman, adding that his election into that position would attract more Federal Government’s attention to the region.

Chief Friday Nwosu, a PDP chieftain, described the governor’s election as historic and well deserved, adding that, the election is a testimony to the laudable achievements of the governor and the stabilising role he is playing in the zone.

According to him, “Abians are grateful to the governors and other stakeholders of the zone for the recognition accorded our first citizen. We rejoice with Governor Orji for this historic election. It is a confirmation of the fatherly role he is playing in the zone as well as his achievements in Abia State.”

Nwosu who is a legal practitioner, stated that the election came at a time the South East Governors’ Forum needed a grassroot mobiliser like Governor Orji as the 2015 elections draw near.

He thanked other governors for the peaceful manner in which the election was conducted and enjoined them to rally round their new chairman and President Goodluck Jonathan to protect the interest of the zone in the politics of the nation.

Chief Simon Emeh, another PDP chieftain, said it wasn’t a mistake that the governor emerged the chairman after outgone Anambra Governor Peter Obi.

According to him, “Ochendo has performed so well in the things that concerned Igbo race. He is also, one of the modern leaders we have that have emerged as the chairman of the forum. Ochendo suspends anything he is doing in Abia State immediately it concerns anything about the Southeast. Since 2007 till date, he has been participating effectively. He will use his humility to attract so many things to the Southeast. Since Mr. President is a friend to the current chairman of the forum, I think whatever that is our need; the president will give it a listening ear.

March 20, 2014
Outrage in Anambra community over member’s disappearance

There is tension in Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Residents of the community, including youths, are protesting against disappearance of Mr. Tochukwu Nebo, who is popularly known as Baby Boy. He is loved by many for safeguarding Obosi collective heritage when he was chairman of Obosi Land Management Committee (OLMC) and for his role in enthroning Igwe A.C Iweka as traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom.

Nebo hails from Ire Village. He is married to Chinenye with who he has five children. A petty trader, Chinenye is searching for her husband who disappeared on December 16, last year after he was allegedly summoned by the Igwe’s secretary.

Since then, the family has written several petitions to the Nigerian Police, State Security Service and other security agencies for intervention. Traditional rulers and community leaders were also petitioned over the matter. A petition was also sent to the National Security Adviser to President Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki, last month seeking his intervention.

In the petition, it was stated that some members of Obosi Vigilance Group battered him in public and later took him to the palace of their sponsor and principal, Mr A. C. Iweka.

“Our clients further informed us that when they asked for the whereabouts of their son, they were told that Mr A. C. Iweka handed them over to the officers of the State Security Services in Awka. When we visited the office of the SSS at Awka, they denied having our client’s son in their custody. We have equally sourced all the police formations in the state without locating our client’s son.

“Our clients believe that the people have either killed their son or are detaining him in a secret location preparatory to killing him.

“Our clients’ belief is also supported by a story in the Sunday Sun Newspaper of December 22, 2013 page 15 where Mr A.C. Iweka owned up that he sent the Obosi Vigilance Group to go after our clients’ son. He also confirmed that they brought him to his palace. In the article, he claimed that our clients’ son is a criminal and a torn in his flesh. This is far from the truth. We enclose herewith pictures showing how close A.C. Iweka and our clients’ son were before they fell out. We also have video clips of their relationship to debunk claim that he was a criminal.

“Consequently, we implore you to arrest these people and compel them to produce our clients’ son, who has been in their custody since the 16th day of December, 2013. Mr A.C. Iweka maintains that he can get away with any atrocity he commits because of his connections and status,” the petition said.

His wife, Chinenye said: “I saw my husband last on December 16, 2013. At 7:00 in the morning that day, he left for Igwe Iweka’s palace after he received a phone call from the Palace Secretary for a brief meeting with the monarch. Later, a man came to inform us that Baby Boy was being tortured by the security men attached to the Igwe.

“I boarded a commercial motorcycle to Anyafulu’s house who is the current chairman of OLMC. His hands were tied as Igwe’s security men continued to beat him. Blood oozed out from all parts of his body.

“They fired shots in the air to scare people away from the scene. I ran to Igwe’s palace to plead for leniency for my husband which he ignored. Rather he ordered the soldiers to take him away. So, they took my husband to an unknown destination.

”We have searched for him at the office of the Special Armed Robbery Squad (SARS), State Security Service (SSS), among others without success. Our fear is that they might have killed him as they did many youths of our town. We plead with Igwe and his cohorts to release my husband.

“Government, civil society organisations, pressure groups, the media and other relevant agencies should help to ensure justice prevails.”

Mother of Baby Boy, Christy Nebo, called for a thorough interrogation to find out her son’s current situation. She accused the palace security men of maiming and killing innocent youths.

She said: “I am calling for his immediate release dead or alive by whoever is holding him.”

Similarly, a prominent son of Obosi community, Prince Emeka Ike Orizu has called for a thorough investigation into all the alleged killings in the community.

He called on prominent citizens of Obosi like the former Secretary of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the Commandant of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Osita Chidoka; and Chief Dan Chuke, Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Aviation to call for thorough investigation into the death of no fewer than 23 youths of Obosi.

He wondered why they should dub the killed youths cultists, rapists and robbers.

Recounting his ordeal in the hands of the security men, Prince Orizu said: “These people go about brandishing sophisticated arms and ammunition. I urge the media, human rights organisations, international liberty organisations, pressure groups, state and National Assemblies and the Presidency to rescue the people of Obosi Kingdom from these blood thirsty individuals before they finish us,” Prince Orizu said.

When contacted for comment on matter, Igwe A.C Iweka, through the Palace Secretary, Shedrack Okenwa denied any involvement in any misfortune that befell Baby Boy.

He exonerated himself of being part of the problems in Obosi.

He said: “Obosi youths didn’t engage in any form of riot because they have no problems about land. Those that clashed were cultists.”

Reacting, the Security Adviser Ikenwa said one Baby Boy was arrested because of the girl he raped, adding that, after his arrest, he was handed over to the State Security Services (SSS). He also said “the Anambra State Director of SSS is in a better position to know where Baby Boy is and not the security people doing their community policing.

“How can we kill Baby Boy who we handed over to the SSS? Let them go to the SSS.

On the allegation by Prince Orizu who alleged the Igwe security men beat him, Ikenwa said “if he was beaten, it was not during his tenure as security adviser.”

He added: “We don’t kill and we are not security men to the Igwe but to the community under community policing of the state government.”

But reacting to the allegation by Obosi Security Adviser that Baby Boy was handed over to the State Security Services (SSS) who took him to Awka, the state Director of SSS, Mr Alexander Okeiyi said the family of Baby Boy has not visited his office to ask about their son, saying they should visit him.

Okeiyi said: “This is not a matter we can discuss over the phone. Ask them if they have come to ask about him in the SSS. They have not come to find out if their son is with us? They have not come to us. Ask them to come.

“This is not only an issue of rape but also a criminal offence involving kidnapping and killing. I hope you are aware of the killings in Obosi? The same groups are behind the killings in Obosi and I want the media to partner us in wiping away kidnappers and criminals from the society.

“I don’t know how many they have killed but there are killings in Obosi. They are involving the media now to deter me from coming to stop the mess as I did last year when it became unbearable.”

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Usman Gwary, who spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Emeka Chukwuemeka said Baby Boy was never handed over to the police, adding that the family of Baby Boy, knows who their son was handed over to.

He said: “Baby Boy was not handed over to us. At no time was he handed over to the police. The family knows who their son was handed over to and if you ask them, they will tell you it is not the Nigerian police.

“I don’t know the number of people already killed in Obosi but we are investigating the matter. I know there have been killings and the CP is not sleeping over that.”

March 20, 2014
Cultural splendour in Anambra community

The Umuoji community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State is famous for its rich culture and traditions. The Uzoiyi Festival, one of the key items on its calendar, has just taken place. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports

The festival arena was large and sandy. Despite the hot weather, people gathered there in large number.

For this year’s annual Uzoiyi Festival, Chiefs and titled men looked resplendent in their chieftaincy attires as they arrived at the village square. Non-chiefs and non-titled men were not left out at the event which ushers in the rainy and farming seasons.

According to the traditional ruler, Igwe Cyril Enweze, Umuoji people revere the festival. Because of this, sons and daughters of the community at home and abroad return home every year to celebrate the Uzoiyi Festival. It is the second most important event in the community after Christmas.

Highlight of the festival is the appearance of different masqueraders, one of which is Ezenmuo Umuoji adjudged as Africa’s most superior masquerader. Ezenmou Umuoji Masquerader marked its 100 years last year as it was installed in 1913. It made its first appearance at Enugu during the official celebration of January 14 amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates.

The Ezenmuo Umuoji Masquerader is great in valour and magnificence that even the most revered king of Umuoji respects it.

For instance, during this year’s festival, the Ezenmuo Masquerader interrupted Igwe Enweze while he was delivering his speech.

The masquerader made its way into the cultural arena, danced and left amid encomiums from the spectators. Nobody could stop the great masquerader.

The monarch’s entreaties did not sway the masquerader. It was allowed to have its way and it added colour to the event.

Igwe Enweze rated this year’s Uzoiyi Festival high, describing it as an ancient annual event which celebration ushers in the rainy and farming seasons.

Igwe Enweze praised Governor Peter Obi for providing the people with skill acquisition centre, health centre, and a road linking the town with Eke-Abatete. He also praised Governor Obi for the revival of some ailing cultures of the state.

He pleaded with the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike who represented Governor Obi at the occasion to tell him that the Umuoji community appreciated him and his good works, pledging the community’s unflinching support to the administration of the incumbent chairman of Idemili-North Local Government Area, Hon. Obi Ikem Obi for his commitment to improve the well-being of the people.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Celestine Aniuno (Ochudo-Umuoji), who incidentally was the sole financier Uzoiyi Festival for last year and this year respectively, announced a N1.5 billion launch of what he termed “Umuoji Economic Development and Rural Trust Fund.”

The trust fund, according to him, aims at industrialisation and empowerment of his people in areas of wealth creation, self-sufficiency and employment.

Chief Aniuno, who stressed that “the celebration was a showcase for Africa’s rich cultural heritage and tradition, noted that Umuoji is a home of hospitality, accomplished and is also has much tourist’s attractions and natural endowments. There should be collaborative efforts among wealthy individuals in the land to help in the social and economic development of the town.”

President-General of Umuoji Town Union, Hon. Basil Okonkwo praised Ochudo Umuoji, describing him as peace-loving whose wealth of experience and philanthropy have wiped tears from eyes of countless Nigerians.

On his part, Chairman of Idemili-North Local Government Area, Hon. Ikem Ike Obi, said his administration was determined to make Uzoiyi gain an international recognition. He also revealed the council’s resolve to provide all communities in the council with social necessary amenities.

Highlight of the occasion was parade of masquerades from the 23 villages that make up the community. They are Akum, Afuekwe, Ebubeagu, Great Igada, Aguiyi Umuoma, Inyinya Umuazu, Zebra, Enyi Abidi, Anogu Egbenuoba and Akwunechenyi, among others.

March 13, 2014