The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Awka

  • 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.

  • INDEPENDENCE PROMO: BUY A PLOT OR DUPLEX TODAY WITH 500K-1M DEPOSIT (LEKKI, AWKA & OWERRI)

    INDEPENDENCE PROMO: BUY A PLOT OR DUPLEX TODAY WITH 500K-1M DEPOSIT (LEKKI, AWKA & OWERRI)

    In Lagos, you hear of a property on the island i.e Lekki, V.I costing hundreds of millions of naira while you can find properties five times
    of its equivalent in other areas at an even lower price! Why? Positioning.
    Those who own Victoria Island today bought it years ago at a low rate,why not do the same in the fastest developing area of Ibeju Lekki with our Lekki southern Villa and Pen Gardens with full land security and documentation guaranteed.

    Hurry now while this amazing offer stands;

    600 square meters plot Of Lekki Southern Villa Annex 1 with C of O selling at ₦ 12 million
    4bedroom Terrace Duplex selling at ₦28m
    4bedroom Semi-detached Duplex with BQ at ₦38m

    600 square meters plot of Lekki Southern Villa Phase 2 selling at ₦5.5 million
    600 square meters plot of Pen Gardens Phase 2 selling at ₦ 2 million

    You can get Over 500 Thousand Naira Discount on Our Pen Gardens Owerri and Awka
    450 square meters plot of Pen Gardens Owerri selling at ₦ 3.5 million and 450 square meters plot of Pen Gardens Awka selling at ₦ 2.5million

    Flexible payment options also available book an exploratory inspection today.
    Call us on
    08122493114, 08122493117

    Hotline: 0700 1000 000

    sales@pennek.com

    www.pennek.com [1]

    N/B
    Hurry Agents and Consultants get Instant 10% Commission on every sale

  • 64 students bag Chinese govt scholarship

    64 students bag Chinese govt scholarship

    The dream of 64 students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, studying Mandarin at the Confucius Institute, has been fulfilled with their winning a scholarship to advance their study in various universities in China.

    Speaking at the send-off zin their honour, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, said the scholarship was part of the opportunities inherent in the partnership between the Chinese government and the university, which started in 2008.

    He said: “Today, we are celebrating excellence. We are no longer in the stage of advocacy; we have made a statement with our partnership with China. UNIZIK has become a school where you can learn Chinese language to qualify for higher level of scholarship to achieve the dream you have set for yourselves.”

    To make the school the centre for learning foreign languages, the VC noted that efforts were being made to introduce Spanish and German in addition to French and Chinese being taught in the school.

    According to Prof Ahaneku, the school’s aim is to use languages as a  tool to solve unemployment, adding that there was the need to explore foreign languages to give students opportunities.

    He advised the beneficiaries to be disciplined and portray good examples of the institution during their stay in China.

    The Deputy VC (Administration), who is the Country Director of the Confucius Institute, Prof Carol Arinze-Umeobi, hailed the VC for supporting the goals of the institute as a world-class school to learn Mandarin. She urged the beneficiaries to be of good conduct.

    UNIZIK Confucius Institute Director Prof Wang Bo said he was elated by the number of enrolment and induction at the institute yearly, since the partnership was signed. He noted that there was an increase in the number of scholarship beneficiaries compared to previous years.

    Bo disclosed that three of the beneficiaries were offered full scholarship by the Chinese government to study for their Master’s degree in a Chinese university, while the rest were offered scholarship by the Confucius Institute to obtain their Master’s degree in Mandarin.

    He praised the VC for providing the institute’s basic needs to ensure more students are offered scholarship to China.

    One of the beneficiaries, Joy Illodibe, said her decision to study Chinese language caused a disagreement with her parents, who regarded it as a waste of time. She said her joy knew no bound when her parents decided to support her choice of career.

    Another beneficiary, Joshua Emenike,  a graduate of History and International Relations, said he was privileged to be among the recipients. He recalled the challenges  he faced while studying at the Confucius Institute, noting that he almost gave up because of clashes of lectures.

    The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentations by the beneficiaries in Chinese.

    Guests at the event included Deputy VC (Academics), Prof Charles Esimone, the Bursar, Mrs. Joy Ojukwu, and the Director of Information and Public Relations.

     

  • Auto Crashes: Psychologist wants compulsory evaluation for government, bullion van drivers

    Auto Crashes: Psychologist wants compulsory evaluation for government, bullion van drivers

    Prof Mike Ezenwa, of the Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has recommended compulsory psychological evaluation of government and bullion van drivers in the country to reduce road accidents.

    Ezenwa, who is the National President of Nigeria Psychological Association, made the call at a seminar organised by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Awka.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar is part of the activities of the FRSC Safety Week with the theme, “Slow Down; Save a Life’’, which commenced on Aug. 30.

    Ezenwa noted that the drivers in that category were responsible for a large chunk of road crashes because of the impunity they displayed.

    He regretted that politicians and government officials whom these driver work for had refused to call them to order when they harass other road users into the drainage or ram into other vehicles.

    The don lauded the FRSC for introducing the Emotional and Psychological Evaluation policy and called on other stakeholders to key into the road safety business.

    “Government drivers should be subjected to psychological evaluation to find out if they are not acting out of psychological pathology.

    “The general public should encourage this move, politicians should show example by ensuring that their drivers are orderly,’’ he said.

    Ezenwa called on other stakeholders in the road transport safety business to develop corresponding policies to complement the FRSC.

    In his lecture, Mr Kehinde Adeleye, Zonal Commanding Officer, RS5, Benin, identified human factor as critical in safety on the highways.

    Adeleye, who examined the “Problems of Road Safety in a Developing Economy’’, said the federal and state governments should get more involved in road maintenance in view of the mileage of roads ascribed to them by the constitution.

    He bemoaned the loss of lives in Benin City and Agbor in Edo and Delta states respectively in recent crashes and urged all to help the FRSC to ensure safe road during the “Ember’’ months.

    On his part, Mr Sunday Ajayi, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra, urged the public to disabuse their minds of attaching spiritual connotations to the alarming increase in road crashes, especially during the Ember Months.

    He rather blamed the carnage on reckless driving and impatience the people exhibited while driving.

    “People should stop this idea of alluding rampant accidents during the Ember month to spiritual forces.

    “It is not true, reckless drivers and impatient commuters are responsible; they are always in a hurry to make huge returns.

    “We made tremendous progress from what was recorded in 2015 and in 2016 because while we had 193 deaths from 255 crashes in 2015, we recorded 77 deaths from 230 crashes in 2016.

    “Speed thrills but kills. The maximum speed limit of 80km is for a bus and 100km for a car,’’ Ajayi said.

    NAN reports that the road safety week continues with advocacy visits to motor parks, mosques and churches.

  • Honour for UNIZIK’s former VC

    Honour for UNIZIK’s former VC

    Members of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State capital, rolled out the drums to celebrate the school’s second Vice-Chancellor (VC), Emeritus Professor Pita Ejiofor. The event was part of the activities marking the silver jubilee of the Faculty of Management Sciences.

    The event, which was held at the auditorium and chaired by former Minister of Health, Dr Tim Menakaya, was graced by Chief Willie Obiano, represented by his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke; former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh; former Secretary to the State Government and 2017 Governorship aspirant, Mr Oseloka Obaze; chairmen of Anambra and Enugu Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Alfred Achebe and Igwe Lawrence Agubuzo; and the VC of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof Fidelis Okafor, among other guests.

    Prof Ejiofor was the pioneer dean of the faculty in whose tenure the foundation for the faculty building was laid. The faculty was named after him. As the VC, he completed and moved members of the university administration into the first high-rise building in the school. He also secured the repeal of the non-residential status of the university after completing two hostel complexes.

    Welcoming the guests to the occasion, the VC, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, said he was excited that his predecessor was being honoured during his administration. He described the honour as “well-deserved and befitting”, saying the contribution of Prof Ejiofor to the physical and academic development of the school was immeasurable.

    Prof Ahaneku pointed out that the honoree also contributed to the evolution of the Management Sciences discipline in tertiary education system.

    Guest lecturer and president of Academy of Management Nigeria, Prof Barnabas Agbonifoh, who spoke on Management yesterday, today and the Nigerian management question, noted that the nation’s potential for irreversible development was being dragged back by poor managerial practices in public and private offices.

    The lecturer faulted the Federal Government on key appointment, saying qualification needed to be the guide of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in appointing ministers and heads of government’s agencies.

    Prof Agbonifoh advised managers to be dedicated to duties and take responsibility for the outcome of their decisions.

    In his remarks, Dr Okeke described Prof Ejiofor as “an enigma”, stressing that the former VC was gifted and determined to achieve success in any task he accepted. The Deputy Governor hailed the honoree for his doggedness in ensuring the Igbo language survives as the Igbo are having identity crisis.

    According to Dr Okeke, the Igbo must create unique identity, adding that the Igbo-speaking people must employ education to propagate their culture and heritage.

    Dr Menakaya eulogised Prof Ejiofor, describing him as a “thoroughbred Igbo man”, saying he was born a teacher and role model.

    The dean of the faculty, Prof Anayo Nkannebe, disclosed that the event was timely, noting that Prof Ejiofor deserved the honour for his contribution to the heights the faculty attained in the past 25 years.

    Chief Umeh described Prof Ejiofor as a man of many parts, who showed good judgment in his effort to propagate the truth.

    The high point of the event was the unveiling and launching of a festschrift in honour of Prof Ejiofor.

    Responding, the honoree appreciated members of the school for considering it worthwhile to celebrate him in his lifetime. He said his objective as the pioneer dean of the faculty was to leave an enduring legacy for generations of students that would study in the school.

    He said: “I am highly humbled at the outpouring of love and honour. If I had another opportunity to come back as a dean, I would do more.”

  • Controversy trails Linguistics student’s death

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, was thrown into mourning, following the death of 300-Level Linguistics student, Miss Sochinmma Amanda Iloka.

    The late Sochinma, 23, died on Sunday evening, days after she finished her examination. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that she took ill during the examination, but delayed treatment because of the exam.

    After the examination, her condition worsened, prompting her colleagues to rush her to a hospital in Regina Caeli area of Awka where she was said to have been diagnosed with acute malaria. Hours after, she was pronounced dead.

    According to her close friend, Ijeoma Elodimma, the late Sochinmma delayed the treatment because of the exam. She said: “On Sunday, her illness became complicated and we felt she required medical attention. She was rushed to the hospital. Doctors battled to save her life, but she could not make it.”

    Her course mate, who pleaded for anonymity, said the late Sochinmma may have died as a result of wrong diagnosis and medication. During the exam, the source said the deceased approached a nurse, who gave her drugs. When her condition did not improve, the source added that the late Sochinmma went to El Dorado Hospital close to the school temporary campus, where she was allegedly diagnosed with typhoid fever.

    “It leaves many of us confused if another doctor is now saying Sochinmma had acute malaria. Which one should we believe?” the source queried.

    Her hostel mate, who declined to give her name, noted that Sochinmma “screamed in pain” before she was rushed to the hospital.

    Her colleagues broke down in grief, following the news of her death. They held a procession on the campus, clad in black clothes. They held leaves and chanted dirges as they moved round the school to mourn her.

    Her course mate, Dizzy Tobechukwu, described her as a “very friendly person who was always ready to assist”, saying her death was painful.

    Addressing the mourners, Head of Linguistics Department, Dr Chinedu Uchechukwu, described the death as “a painful loss”, advising the students to pay attention to their health.

    The late Sochinmma hailed from Akwaeze in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, where she was buried.

  • UNIZIK expels 14

    Fifteen students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, have been expelled for various offences that contravened the school regulations. In the resolution made at its 335th regular meeting to consider the recommendation of the school’s disciplinary committee, the Governing Council ratified the students’ expulsion.

    According to the school bulletin, the affected students were found guilty of crimes, including armed robbery, sexual harassment, possession of arms, theft, cultism, fighting, Indian hemp smoking and forgery.

    The management suspended Victory Chinedu Mbaegbu of the Department of Science Education for two sessions for phone theft. He was directed to visit Prof Michael Ezenwa  of the Department of Psychology for counselling.

    Ikechukwu Victor Chukwunweike of the Department of Public Administration, Somtochukwu Ilogbede of the Department of Civil Engineering, and Precious Obiriki of the Department of Computer Science were expelled after they were found guilty of alleged armed robbery.

    The Disciplinary Committee also recommended the expulsion of Joseph Ikechukwu of the Department of Anatomy, and Christopher Isinetugo of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, for cultism and possession of arms.

    Seven students were expelled fpr forging their results. They are Fidelis Okoye Onyebuchi of the Department of Civil Engineering, Ifunanya Eze of the Department of Public Administration, Dubem Okeke, Inegbeose Samuel and Lawrence Ozalla of the Department of Business Administration, Tochukwu Okoye Emmanuel of the Department of Electrical Engineering, and Nwanneka Obiorah of the Department of Accountancy.

    For smoking Indian hemp and being involved in admission racketeering, Amaka Nkem of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, and Chukwuka Unabia of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, were recommended for expulsion by the committee.

    The management directed the expelled students to return their Identity (ID) Cards and other property of the school in their possession to the security department.

    A lecturer of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Allen Adum, said the varsity took the decisions after a “fair and just” trial by the Disciplinary Committee. He said the affected students neglected their primary aims in the university to engage in vices that contravened the school rule.

    Students’ Union Government (SUG) Vice President, Grace Awazie, hailed the management for the action, saying most of the affected students had been tormenting residents of off-campus hostels.

    A Public Administration student, Sylvester Okoli, said the decision was harsh, noting that the management should have suspended the affected to serve as warning. He said their expulsion would leave their parents and guardians dejected.

  • VC hails Math dept’s feat in quiz, sport contests

    VC hails Math dept’s feat in quiz, sport contests

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, has praised the Department of Mathematics for its students’ “good performance” at the just-concluded conference of the National Association of Mathematical Sciences Students of Nigeria (NAMSSN) in Abuja.

    The conference featured a quiz, beauty pageant and sport competitions, in which the UNIZIK students was one of the top winners.

    The VC received the students and the department’s staff, led by the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Donald Okoli, in his office. Congratulating the students, Prof Ahaneku said the university had become a centre of academic excellence, given the strides of its students and lecturers in various endeavours.

    By distinguishing themselves in the competition, the VC said the students had projected the good image of the school. He praised the staff of the department for mentoring the students to achieve excellence. He surprised the students with cash prizes.

    Dr. Okoli said the students did not just emerge top in the quiz contest, but also excelled in other competitions. He listed the prizes won by the students to include first position in soccer contest, Best Player Prize and Best Defender Prize in football.

    Others include highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper, first position in the Miss NAMSSN beauty pageant and first runner-up in chess contest.

    The students, who represented the school, were Charlesdan Arazu, Blessing Nwonu, Chukwuma Onu, Joshua Iloka and Clement Okoli. Others are Ukamaka Nnebue, Amarachi Ifechukwu, Solomon Uchendu, Judith Amobi and Stanley Ejiofor.

  • Own A Property here With 500k Deposit (Lagos, Owerri or Awka)

    Shelter is one of the most basic human needs everywhere in the world. We have heard of stock market crashes and banks going bankrupt. The worst that can happen in real estate is a fall in value and this doesn’t happen. When it does, it is usually not a very bad situation. Especially in Lagos which dominates most of Nigeria’s commercial activities, the demand for accommodation far outweighs the available supply. Having a real estate investment in a prime location goes a long way in determining how fast your ROI appreciates.

    Penneck Gardens
    Penneck Gardens

    Pennek Nigeria has on offer exclusive housing estates in the best areas of Lagos, Owerri and Awka for you to pick from. The best part of it is that we let you do what you want in any way you want it. If you’d like to buy virgin land and build to your taste, we’ve got something for you. If you want a tastefully built edifice that would make you be the toast of all your friends…we have you covered too. If you want to build to rent or lease…look no further than here. If you want a purpose built property…a gym, school, event center……we’ve got you.

    Penneck
    Penneck

    Whatever it is you want to do, we take your dreams and make its realisation a daily task. Expert advice at no extra cost and the best customer service is what you
    enjoy when you invest with Pennek. From our Lekki Southern Villa Annex 1 to our PEN Gardens Phase 2 Ibeju-Lekki, Lekki southern Villa Phase 2, PEN gardens Owerri and PEN Gardens Awka, we have something to fit every one.

    Call us today and get a feel of what we’re talking about.

    www.pennek.com [1]
    sales@pennek.com
    0700 1000 000 [2]
    0812 2493 114 [3]

  • Awka Chamber of Commerce honours Obiano on Wednesday

    Awka Chamber of Commerce honours Obiano on Wednesday

    The Awka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (AwkaCCIMA) will honour Governor Willie Obiano at a public lecture on Wednesday. He will be named the association’s grand patron

    The theme of the lecture is ‘Surviving Recession’.

    The Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, will be the guest Speaker. The Chief host is President AwkaCCIMA Sir Ndubuisi Nwobu.  Chief Anthony Enukeme, the Chairman /MD of Tonimas Group of Companies, will be honored as Patron of the chambers. Others who will receive awards at the event are: Boskel Nigeria Ltd Chairman Dr Keluo Chukwuogor,  the Chairman /MD of New Idea Construction Company, Ben Emeka and the MD/CEO of Godwin Okafor and Sons Ltd, Godwin Okafor.

    Felly Zontal Akosa will take over from the outgoing President. He said that the chamber’s aim of organising a public lecture was to proffer solution on how to survive the recession. Akosa said the chamber chose Obiano as the grand patron because of his fatherly nature. He commended the governor for his performance in Anambra State, adding that he deserved a second term.