The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra State

  • Deserved honour for Anyaoku

    Deserved honour for Anyaoku

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has honoured former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku. It has named a proposed Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy after him. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO and DIMSON CHUKWUEMEKA report.

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, stood still for the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, when he was honoured by the school. People from all walks of life converged on the school auditorium for the inuaguration of the Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy named after the renowned diplomat.

    Dignitaries at the event included former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by former Minster for Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo; former Head of State Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar; Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano;  former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu; and former Minister of Education Dr Oby Ezekwesili, among others.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, said the establishment of the institute was inspired by the diplomatic exploits of the honoree, expressing delight that the institute would take off in the university.

    He noted that UNIZIK was chosen because of the school’s “quantum leap” in the discharge of its core mandate of teaching, research and public service.

    He pointed out that the institute’s objectives would include dispensing knowledge on diplomacy and the multifaceted international relations through research and quality teaching. Ahaneku said the aim was to build a strong nation, and promote the application of international laws and treaties, as well as foster peaceful coexistence in the country.

    Abubakar described Anyaoku as a “consummate diplomat, whose activities projected the image of the country in good light”.

    The former military leader urged the youth to build on the legacies of the country’s founding fathers, noting that it would ensure that the country did not break up. He condemned secessionist agitations across the country, cautioning the agitators not to tear the nation apart.

    Abubakar said the nation’s diversity must be positively explored by all for its continued existence.

    “We must allow peace to reign without which development would be impossible. Altogether, there is strength in our diversity. All hands must be on deck to take our country, Nigeria, to greater heights,”he said.

    Nwachukwu, who chaired the event, described Anyaoku as a man with great wisdom, noting that he personally benefitted from his (Anyaoku’s) advice. He said the call for the nation’s restructuring was in order, saying there was nothing wrong with reorganisation of the nation’s political space. He, however, said restructuring should be implemented without violence.

    Nwachukwu cautioned the youths calling for secession, saying the country’s disintegration would not bring good to the units.

    Obiano extolled Anyaoku’s leadership qualities. According to the governor, the diplomat was created with great wisdom.

    Dr Ezekwesili congratulated Anyaoku and praised his exploits in positioning Nigeria through his “giant diplomatic strides”.

    Onitsha traditional ruler Igwe Alfred Achebe also extolled Anyaoku’s diplomatic efforts, which, according to him, were pivotal to quelling the problems bedeviling the country.

    Responding, Anyaoku said he was humbled by the encomiums showered on him. He thanked the university’s management for the honour done to him in his lifetime.

    He said he devoted over 50 years of his life to international service, promoting cordial relationship between nations, resolving political crisis as well as tackling global challenges, including climate change and terrorism.

    Anyaoku said he had been battling a challenge to document his personal papers and major achievements like his predecessors in the Commonwealth. He said the institute would provide the platform for him to do so, and enable people to learn about his diplomatic exploits.

    He said: “One major challenge I have is my inability to deposit my personal papers, which arose during my service as third Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. I am glad that Nnamdi Azikiwe University has provided the opportunity to help deposit my personal papers and the books I have written.”

    Highpoints of the event were the fundraising for the project, presentation of artistic paintings to Gen Abubakar, Gen Danjuma and Gen Nwachukwu as well as the unveiling of Anyaoku’s portrait at the proposed site of the institute.

  • Make positive impact in your community, Obiano‘s wife charged women

    Make positive impact in your community, Obiano‘s wife charged women

    Women have been charged to make positive impact in their community; this was said by the wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano at the Skill Acquisition and Economic Empowerment Programme which was organized by the Association of Anambra State Women Association, Lagos, (ASWAL) which was held at the National Stadium, Lagos.
    According to Ebelechukwu Obiano, women need to learn the skill of foresight. “Foresight helps us to pull the future into the present and transition from a position of reactive disruption to a proactive transformation”, she said.
    Ebele Obiano who was the Chief Guest of Honour at the programme which was tagged 21th Century Woman ; the critical success factors, this
    transformation is evident in the giant stride which is being recorded by Anambra State government, such as the exportation of farm produce by Anambra State government, numerous rehabilitation work which is on-going in the state; no more of traffic congestion; salaries are paid as at when due, among others.
    Aside from these, Ebele Obiano revealed how she has been putting smile on the faces of indigent in the state which she started way back in 1991 through her nongovernmental organization; Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) and the kind gesture she pointed out is continuous.
    Her words “The state has become a reference point in Nigeria due to unequalled achievement of Governor Willie Obiano”, she said.
    Speaking on the objectives of the Association, the President, ASWAL, Dr. Mrs. Nkiru Ifekwem said is to promote unity and unity under the friendly co-existence between the people of Anambra resident in Lagos on one hand and all citizens of the country on the other.
    According to Ifekwem, ASWAL in its over 25 years of existence  has embarked on plethora of people oriented programmes aimed at sensitizing aimed at sensitizing and uplifting Anambra women both in Lagos and Anambra State.
    “These programmes are in form of workshops, skill seminars, acquisition, trainings, health and political sensitizations, among others”, she said.
    The theme she pointed out goes along with the vision of ASWAL which is to be an Anambra woman in the centre of excellence with the right values and fully empowered for development and service to humanity.

    Make positive impact in your community, Obiano‘s wife charged women
    caption 2: Cross section of women during the procession at the event
    Speaking on the theme of the programme titled :21st Century woman; the Critical Success Factors’ the President, Association of Professional Women Engineers, Nigeria, Engr. Mrs. Felicia Agubata said women have and are still making progress on all spheres, however, the 21th Century presents a different profile and different possibilities. “We need to acquire the critical skills required for our forward thrust, more collaboration with men will help, no doubt, but women do not require slackening of standards to successfully pitch for the top jobs and positions”, she said.
    In her address, the Chief Guest of Honour, President, Virtuous Women International, Dr. Mrs. Felicia Okoye said when a woman is financially independent, she will not be ashamed. “As a woman, encourage your husband to do the right thing, be a pathfinder and a role model for your children”, she said.
    Other high points of the event was the empowerment segment whereby women were taught various skills such as perfume, air-freshner, soap making, insecticide among others, as well as the procession of women representing all local government areas in Anambra state residing in Lagos.
  • Anambra poll: Parties sets record, as 37 field candidates

    Anambra poll: Parties sets record, as 37 field candidates

    The November 18 governorship election in Anambra state will be setting a national record in number of political parties participation, it was learnt.

    According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 37 political parties have fielded candidates for the election which is just 45 days away.

    There are 48 registered political parties in the country.

    The number of parties notwistanding, INEC Chair, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the commission is prepared for the election.

    He also noted that apart from the unprecedented number of parries that will be participating in the election, there were no court cases on party candidacy neither is there any party that has fielded two candidates.

    INEC Boss also revealed that electronic transmission of results will not be possible in the Anambra election.

    He however said the innovation will be put to use in the coming Ekiti and Osun polls.

     

  • PDP suspends ex- Anambra chair for four years

    PDP suspends ex- Anambra chair for four years

    The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has suspended a former chairman of the party in Anambra State, Mr. Ken Emeakayi for four years.

    The suspension order was conveyed vide a letter dated September 26, 2017 and signed by the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Chief Tom Ikimi.

    The statement said: “The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party met today Thursday 26th September, 2017 in Abuja and reviewed the written and oral representation of Mr. Ken Emeakayi, former Chairman of PDP Anambra State including the numerous documents submitted to the Committee by Mr. Emeakayi in respect of the allegations of refusing to obey lawful directions of the party as contained in the queries issued to him and his response thereto.

    “The committee further considered the provisions of the constitution of the party and found Mr. Ken Emeakayi to have committed infraction against the provisions of Section 58 (1) (b), (c) and (h) of the PDP constitution.

    “Accordingly, the National Disciplinary Committee at its meeting held on 26/9/17 took a decision to suspend and hereby suspend Mr. Ken Emeakayi as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party for a period of four years effective from today September 26, 2017 and terminating on September 25, 2021.

    “In effect, Mr. Ken Emeakayi has lost his membership of the party together with all the rights and privileges for this period of time.”

    The national leadership of the party had in August suspended Emeakayi for one month and had referred him to the Ikimi-led disciplinary committee for further action.

    The party had queried Emeakayi for storming the state headquarters of the party in Awka with hoodlums and allegedly, forcefully entered the premises against a decision of the national secretariat.

    The state secretariat building was sealed owing to leadership crisis that led to the factionalisation of the party’s executive committee in the state.

  • Oct 1st: We’re not leaving north -Igbo leader

    Oct 1st: We’re not leaving north -Igbo leader

    …those asking Igbos to return home are mischief makers – Northern Youth Coalition

     

    Leadership of the Igbo community in Northern Nigeria has said that, Igbos will not heed to the call by an association of lawyers in Anambra state, asking them to return home, saying that, the call is nothing but mischief.

    This was also as, one of the Leaders of the Coalition of Northern Youths, which hitherto issued quit notice to the Igbos living in the north, Yerima Shettima has assured them that, no harm will come their way by October 1st and beyond.

    Vice President of Igbo Delegate Assembly in 19 Northern states, Chief Chris Nnoli said, the call by the so called lawyers was not nationalistic and condemnable.

    Nnoli, a Lawyer expressed disappointment and dismay that professionals like lawyers could make such call.

    He however assured that, no Igbo man living in the north will heed to such call, because every Nigerian under the constitution of the country has right to live anywhere they feel like within the country.

    Nnoli who is also the President General of Igbo Community Welfare Association (ICWA) in Kaduna State said, October 1st remains Nigeria’s national day and they will all celebrate together as Nigerians.

    “We are not in support of such call and if lawyers actually made such call, because I also read the story in a national daily, then it is very unfortunate and are not going heed to it”, he said.

    In a related development, Shettima who also reacted to the call by the lawyers asking the Igbos in the north to return home before October 1st to avoid been caught unaware as it happened in 1966.

    According to the Northern youths coalition leader, the lawyers asking the Northern based Igbos to return home at the period are mischief makers and enemies of Nigeria.

    According to Shettima, “we are people of honour and respect. We honour our words. So, Igbos in the north can go about their normal business and they should not listen to mischief makers.

    “We have sensitised our members to ensure safety of every Nigerian, especially the Igbos and we can assure you that, nothing will happen to the Igbos by October 1st and even beyond”, Shettima assured.

  • PDP suspends ex-party chairman for four years

    PDP suspends ex-party chairman for four years

    The National Disciplinary Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended a former chairman of the party in Anambra State, Mr. Ken Emeakayi for four years.

    The suspension order was conveyed vide a letter dated September 26, 2017 and signed by the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Chief Tom Ikimi.

    The statement said, “The National Disciplinary Committee of the People’s Democratic Party met today Thursday 26th September, 2017 in Abuja and reviewed the written and oral representation of Mr. Ken Emeakayi, former Chairman of PDP Anambra state including the numerous documents submitted to the Committee by Mr. Emeakayi in respect of the allegations of refusing to obey lawful directions of the party as contained in the queries issued to him and his response thereto.

    “The Committee further considered the provisions of the Constitution of the party and found Mr. Ken Emeakayi to have committed infraction against the provisions of Section 58 (1) (b), (c) and (h) of the P.D.P constitution.

    “Accordingly, the National Disciplinary Committee at its meeting held on 26/9/17 took a decision to suspend and hereby suspend Mr. Ken Emeakayi as a member of the People’s Democratic Party for a period of FOUR YEARS effective from today 26th September, 2017 and terminating on 25th September, 2021.

    “In effect, Mr. Ken Emeakayi has lost his membership of the party together with all the rights and privileges for this period of time”.

    The national leadership of the party had in August suspended Emeakayi for one month and had referred him to the Ikimi-led Disciplinary Committee for further action.

    The party had queried Emeakayi for storming the state headquarters of the party in Awka with hoodlums and had forcefully entered the premises against a decision of the national secretariat.

    The state secretariat building was sealed owing to leadership crisis that led to the factionalisation of the party’s executive committee in the state.

  • Obiano: Anambra not taking bailout

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has said that under his watch the state has not taken any bailout funds from the federal government .

    He also declared that the state has maintained a stable economic base through his strategic partnership with the private sector.

    The governor spoke when he met with the presidents-general and town criers of communities in the state in Awka, the state capital.

    He maintained that his administration had not collected any single kobo as loan from any commercial bank.

    Obiano also said his N20 million per community “choose-your-project initiative” had brought about uncommon transformation at the grassroots.

    “The state has under my watch maintained a stable economic base through strategic partnership with the private sector, even though we did not take bailout from the Federal Government,” he said.

    “By the time my eight-year tenure must have elapsed, every community in the state would have had at least six massive projects completed by my administration.”

    He said it was important that the presidents-General and town criers who, according to him, were the nucleus of information dissemination system in the communities, were aware of what government was doing in their localities to enable them effectively key in.

  • Out-of-school statistics worries AFED

    The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) has raised alarm over the number of out-of- school children in the country.

    The association declared in Anambra State that it was one of the challenges it is tackling in Nigeria.

    Its National President, Mrs Esther Ifejola, said this while inaugurating the Anambra State chapter of the association in Awka.

    Ifejola, represented by the Vice President, Pastor Michael Adeyemo, noted that the association was for proprietors who established private schools for the less privileged and charged low fees.

    “Given the economic and social importance these schools possess, like minds came together to form AFED with the aim to support these schools to improve their capacities and education quality, return on investment, obtain government recognition and be accessible to the poor,” she said.

    She said AFED would continue to provide avenues for the education of out-of-school children, especially those living in poor and rural areas.

    She said that continuous training would be provided for members and teachers.

    The new AFED state Controller, Pastor Donald Okorie, said despite having over 30,000 private schools in the state that serve the low-income families, most children were still unable to afford quality education.

    He said the state chapter would adhere to the tenets of the profession, while urging for support from government and sponsors.

    Earlier, the State’s Public Affairs Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Azodo, described AFED as a professional and humanitarian body promoting education of poor children whose parents may not have money to train them.

    Azodo said such children would be encouraged by assisting them get education.

    He said the Ministry of Education would partner AFED to ensure that the gospel got to them unhindered.

  • Women to build diagnostic, culture centres in Anambra

    Women to build diagnostic, culture centres in Anambra

    THANKS to an association of Igbo women called Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in the Diaspora, Anambra State residents will soon avail themselves of services rendered at a diagnostic centre as well as a culture facility.

    The women have undertaken to build both facilities at Omogho, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

    The land covering 7.7 hectares was donated to them by the community.

    The President-General, Umuada Igbo Worldwide, Dr Kate Ezeofor, said this at St Patrick’s Cathedral Church in Awka, the state capital.

    The meeting was sponsored by an organisation known as IPAS-Nigeria.

    Also, lectures on family planning, reproductive health and rights, selection of foetuses and aging gracefully was delivered by Prof Brain Adinma, who was represented by Dr Egeonu Richard from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH).

    Another one on cervical cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer was delivered at the event by Dr Mrs. Salome Ezeofor, from the Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu.

    The eminent practitioners told the women on how to prevent such things and the importance of family planning to prevent maternal deaths.

    Before then, the Umuada Igbo had visited the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, but were received by the chancellor of the church, Very Rev Chidume.

    It is reckoned that the diagnostic centre will help raise the health profile of the host community, while the culture will encourage interest in the Igbo way of life, their history and contribution to the world.

    Umuada Igbo commended the  state governor Willie Obiano and Prince Arthur Eze for their support in all their projects, while calling them equally on the hospital, diagnostic and cultural project taking off soon.

    Ezeofor said the project when completed, some of their members who were Medical Doctors and nurses overseas, would come home to work in those areas.

    She said the group had gone a long way in educating the women in the society especially during the yearly August meetings in Igbo land and in Diaspora including rallies and workshops.

    Umuada Igbo commended equally, the IPAS-country Director, Hauwa Skekarau, the workers for working hard in teaching family planning, reproductive health and rights, spacing of children among others.

    Ezeofor further told The Nation that Umuada Igbo had free legal services for the needy, widows and women.

    The hospital, diagnostic and cultural center, The Nation gathered, would receive assistants from the group’s members in Diaspora with free drugs and equipment when completed.

  • Festival of arts

    Festival of arts

    Artworks by staff and students of the Federal College of Education, Technical (FCET), Umunze in Anambra State, were exhibited at the 10th African Arts and Crafts (AFAC) Expo held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). EMEKA ONWUDINJO reports.

    Artists  from about 18 countries exhibited their works at the 10th African Arts and Crafts (AFAC) held at the Arts and Crafts Village in Abuja.

    Organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the event  started on August 27 and ended last Monday.

    Described by organisers as the biggest art exhibition in Africa, the event’s theme was: Our crafts: The untapped treasure.

    More than 150 cultural artefacts and artworks were displayed. Exhibitors from the Federal College of Education, Technical (FCET) in Umunze, Anambra State, enthralled participants with their works.

    NCAC Director-General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, said the event provided a platform for participants from various countries to showcase their unique cultural identities. He noted that culture could serve as a tool to change the narratives of countries, adding that the cultural diversity of Nigeria could be harnessed for the nation’s development.

    He said: “The expo served as a marketplace for showcasing arts and crafts products, such as fabrics, leather and souvenirs from Nigeria and other African countries. The expo is also apt as Nigeria needs to record remarkable achievements in developing the culture industry to enviable heights through festivals like AFAC.”

    Runsewe said the cultural festival would be geared towards harnessing and developing arts and crafts and other creative endeavours in the country.

    “It was a unique opportunity for artists, craft dealers, manufacturers and other stakeholders to buy and sell their brands,” he said, noting that the expo would play a key role towards job creation and economic empowerment.

    When CAMPUSLIFE visited the exhibition pavilion of one of the participating academic institutions, FCET Umunze, various indigenous arts and crafts were displayed, including sets of furniture with installation wood and bio-arts as media, intricate bead works, advanced textile works (tie and dye), new media graphics, paintings, pencil and charcoal drawings and other innovative works produced by staff and students of the college.

    The FCET Dean of Fine and Applied Arts, Mrs. Bella Onu, who led the college team, praised the organisers for providing a platform and the opportunity for young people to showcase their entrepreneurial skills, as well promoting local arts and culture.

    She commended the Provost of the college, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, for emphasising the teaching of entrepreneurship education in the institution. She said the effort had equipped students with various skills to boost their employability. She said the skill acquisition programmes had helped in enhancing students’ ability to become self-reliant and job creators.

    Ogbuagu described culture and arts as untapped Nigeria’s treasures, noting that they could be fully explored to boost the Gross Domestic product (GDP). He hailed NCAC for organising the event, which he said would make art attractive to the youth.

    The event was attended by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mrs. Habiba Lawal, Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and former Deputy Governor of Plateau State Pauline Tallen.

    Others were Emir of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, Emir of Karshi and FCT Council of Traditional Rulers Chairman Alhaji Isma’ila Mohammed.