Akpu elects new President General
…I’ll run a comprehensive government – new PG, Okoli
By SUCCESS UCHIME
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| New PG, Elder Dan Okoli, outgoing PG, Arch. Goddy Nwankwo |
The election was conducted under the watchful eyes of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), the Department of Town Union Matters, office of the Governnor onc Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, led by Mr. Ginikanwa, and a host of other security operatives drawn from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Army, State Security Service (SSS), and a team from the Orumba South Local Council, led by its Secretary, Hon. Obiora Ewulu.
The contest which initial started on a very good note, would have turned sour, if not for the quick intervention of the various security operatives, who did all within their powers to bring the situation to a full control. Midway into the voting, which was option A4, that requires voters to be physically counted, Mr. Linus Okeke and Hon. Uchenna Nwankwo vehemently protested on noticing some inconsistencies in the electoral guidelines. This subsequently led to their eventual declared the winner with a total vote of 302.
In other elections, the post of the 1st Vice President went to Mr. Mike Udensi, who pulled a total vote of 221, while his co-contestant, Charles Anagu, withdrew from protest. The position of the 2nd Vice President went to Mr. Fidelis Nwankwo who was declared unopposed, while the position of the 3rd Vice President went to Mr. Victor Okoliaku who was also returned unopposed.
The post of the Secretary General went to Mr. Titus Iheukwumere Okoli, who was returned unopposed, as the other contestants, Mr. Kennedy Udensi and Billy Nwosu, failed to present themselves for the election. The post of Assistant Secretary General went to Mr. Uchenna Nwafor, who was also declared unopposed. Again, the posts of Financial Secretary and Treasurer went to Mr. Rufu Okeke and Mr. Pat Obiorji respectively, who were also returned unopposed.
Finally, the post the Public Relation Officer 1 and 11 went to Mr. Inno Ikeibe and Mr. Paul Nwankwo respectively, who also were returned unopposed, while that of the Provost 1 and 11 went to Mr. Okwudili Anachunnam and Emma Nwafor respectively, who were returned unopposed as well.
In his acceptance remarks, the new President General, Elder Dan Okoli promised he will run a comprehensive government that will usher in progress and a new level of development in Akpu, while appealing to his co-contestants who lost in the election to join hands with him to development their town.
“I am ready to contribute towards the development of our town, that is the reason why I presented myself for the election as the PG. I and my team will join hands to work. I am calling on all who lost the election to sheath their swords so we can have peace in our town,” he stated.
He continued: “My promise to all Akpu is that we will cause our town to enjoy prosperity. We said it during our electioneering campaigns that we will bring out our blueprint for development and that we will set an office in the town hall to enable us have database to empower those who are in school and out of school. We will do all that we promised.”
In his earlier farewell speech, the outgoing President General, Arch. Goddy Nwankwo recounted that during their three years in office, they did their best to positively impact on the life of every Akpu, with the eagerness to leave the town better than they met it.
On education, he said they discovered that education is the bedrock of any modern society and that the foundation for good education starts from the primary schools adding that on the assumption of office, they discovered that their primary school was understaffed to the extent that only one teacher taught two classes, and as such they decided to help out in employing two extra teachers, who remained on their payroll until the state government sent more teachers to the primary school.
Nwankwo said they did their best to resolve all disputes between feuding individuals and groups, and also pacified those who were wronged. It was under this peaceful atmosphere that our town collectively buried our late Igwe, HRH Igwe P. O. Nwafor on October 25, 2013, under the able-leadership of the APU.
On the issue of security, Nwankwo said that his administration did their best to motivate the vigilante in the town, in order to give their best to the town, “we took special interest in their welfare. We paid them completely the sum of N1.2 million made available for their 12 month’s salary by ex-governor Mr. Peter Obi. We paid them N700, 000 as arrears for seven months on a single day, and subsequently paid them N100, 000 each month for the remaining five months.”
He noted that the vigilante were not being paid prior to their getting to office, but that from December 2013 to May 2015, the APU was paying the vigilante a monthly salary of N100, 000, bringing to a total of N1.7 million that they further paid them as salary from the revenue of APU.
“We further gave them N145, 000 for their raincoats, torch-lights with batteries, cartridges for their security riffles, and for some other sundry items. We stopped paying them after May 2015, when I succeeded in getting them registered by the government of Chief Willy Obiano in June 2015. Akpu vigilante was not captured due to the fault of the chairman of the vigilante,” Nwankwo also stated.
Also on health, he said that when they assumed office, there was no functional health facility in the town and that they only had a maternity with a nurse as the head adding that they considered the situation dangerous and unacceptable, “we immediately applied to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) directorate in Awka, and an NYSC medical doctor was posted to our maternity.”
He further stated: “As the NYSC doctor came to resume duties, Hon. Ben Nwankwo came up with a superior idea that he would engage a practicing medical doctor for the place and pay him. He also said he would do his best to equip the place and upgrade it to a primary health centre. We accepted his proposal, appreciated his gesture and gave him our full support.”
In present the scorecard of his executive committee, the ex-PG enumerated them as follows: “We furnished Akpu Town Hall with 300 plastic chairs, six plastic tables and one big capacity generator, as donated by our people. We built a 3-bedroom house for nurses at Akpu Primary Health Center, to create more rooms in the main building for private ward and operating theatre. We honored three of our illustrious indigenes with a grand civic reception during the 2014 Akpu Day Celebration on December 26, 2014.”
He said amongst others that they took their cultural festival (otute and oriri okochi festivals) to another exalted levels of entertainment and friendship, with Hon. Ben Nwankwo playing a major role in providing surplus free drinks and music. They further argued and prevented the blockage of Upata road passing through Izuegbunam-Okoliuche axis, as planned by the Izuegbunam family Ajalli, restored their brotherly relationship with Ufuma and Nawfija, and also opened and maintained channels of constructive dialogue and engagement between their town and Ajalli.
Amesi
recreational project to gulp whopping N100M
By SUCCESS UCHIME
By SUCCESS UCHIME
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| Nze Ezekiel Chukwuneke PG Amesi |
The Amesi Improvement Union (AIU) Enugu Branch
is set to kick-start a recreational hall in Enugu which will cost the Union
over N100M. The project when completed will serve as a rallying point for all
Amesi people and also generate revenue for the Union.
These revelations were contained in a statement by the Union’s chairman, Uche Umeozulu, during the Golden Jubilee and award giving celebration of the Union in Enugu held at the Oakland Hotel, Enugu, last October adding that the project will also help in the growth and development of Achina.
“By the special grace of God, this project will be completed at the expected record time, through the efforts of Achina people,” he stated.
He commended the boldness, resilience, sincerity, hard work and encouragement of the members which have brought the branch to the level where it is now stressing that efforts should also be geared towards sustaining this tempo, “any mistake in dropping from the level we found ourselves today, would certainly bring the Union to jeopardy.”
Umeozulu noted that the event cannot be completed without appreciating all their in-laws, business companions, friends and well wishers, who contributed to the success of the event, “am grateful to all the members of A.I.U, but most importantly the women wing under the leadership of Engr. (Mrs.) Ada Umeozulu, and her executive members for their untiring efforts.”
He acknowledged the tireless efforts of their past executives and also appreciated the planning committee, headed by Sunday Ezeobiora for their immense hard work stating that the branch is a spring board that gave birth to many A.I.U branches in Nigeria.
“Our branch is blessed with human and material resources. One of the founding fathers of the branch, Chief B .O. Umeozulu, floated the foremost business enterprise here in the coal city, known as “Amesi Commercial Enterprise,” which serves the entire South East and beyond,” he revealed.
He note that in the area of agriculture, Sunchi Integrated Farm Ltd., which is the only hatchery farm that produces day old chicks and other agro based quality products that also serves the entire South East and beyond is owned by their branch member.
Stating further, Umeozulu said that in the areas of legal profession, their legal luminary, founder and crowned patron of the event, Chief L. M. Ezeofor, has excelled in his given profession and also brought “light” to the branch and Amesi in general.
“Also in civil service and academics, the notable names like Ichie Osondu, Ichie Okpara, Dr. Nnadi and others should not be forgotten so easily in an occasion like this. Mention should also be made of our big mummy, the founder of the A.I.U women wing and the famous Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, Lolo (Dr.) Kate Ezeofor, who has contributed immensely to the vanguard of women emancipation in Nigeria,” he also stated.
Umeozulu regretted the sudden and
painful death of one of the honorary title awardees, late Barr. Ijeoma Gloria
Abazie, whom the cold hands of death could not allow to be alive to witness to
the august event calling for the observation of a minute silence to honor the
dead.
In his own goodwill message, the Chairman Publicity Committee of the event, Nnopu Gozie Philip, described the Golden Jubilee as an epoch making event and that the joy is always very exciting and quite unimaginable considering its uniqueness based on its duration adding that it calls for celebration and jubilations.
He stated: “As the A.I.U Enugu branch is privileged to celebrate her own golden jubilee anniversary today, it is a thing of joy. For this reason, I want to say may all glory, honor, adoration and praise be ascribed to the triune Holy God who has done all things well- Amen.”
He also expressed his profound gratitude to the founding fathers and pioneer members of the Union, who have in a very dogged manner sacrificed much while planting this “seed-”the Union, which can be compared to the little mustard seed that has grown so big today.
“They nurtured it with kin interest and sense of assiduity. Today it has grown in leaps and bounds, and has metamorphosed to the stature of a big iroko tree. As we celebrate this our Golden Jubilee, I will advice all of us to copy from these our exemplary fathers – the spirit of patriotism, life of dedication and selfless service for the unity, progress, stability and the overall well-being of this Union in particular and Amesi community in general,” he also stated.
Ogene notes that the Golden Jubilee celebration, also witnessed an award giving ceremony to the deserving sons and daughters of Amesi, and amongst them are, the Chairman, Interchem Feed & Food Additives Ltd., Isiadinso Chijioke Uso, late Barr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Gloria Abazie, and the Chairman of Nevilla Hotels Ltd., Kaduna, Chief Kenneth Nnajiofor.
In his congratulatory message to the branch, Chief Kenneth Nnajiofor heartily appreciated the efforts of the branch stating that the award given to him is a well deserved honor.
These revelations were contained in a statement by the Union’s chairman, Uche Umeozulu, during the Golden Jubilee and award giving celebration of the Union in Enugu held at the Oakland Hotel, Enugu, last October adding that the project will also help in the growth and development of Achina.
“By the special grace of God, this project will be completed at the expected record time, through the efforts of Achina people,” he stated.
He commended the boldness, resilience, sincerity, hard work and encouragement of the members which have brought the branch to the level where it is now stressing that efforts should also be geared towards sustaining this tempo, “any mistake in dropping from the level we found ourselves today, would certainly bring the Union to jeopardy.”
Umeozulu noted that the event cannot be completed without appreciating all their in-laws, business companions, friends and well wishers, who contributed to the success of the event, “am grateful to all the members of A.I.U, but most importantly the women wing under the leadership of Engr. (Mrs.) Ada Umeozulu, and her executive members for their untiring efforts.”
He acknowledged the tireless efforts of their past executives and also appreciated the planning committee, headed by Sunday Ezeobiora for their immense hard work stating that the branch is a spring board that gave birth to many A.I.U branches in Nigeria.
“Our branch is blessed with human and material resources. One of the founding fathers of the branch, Chief B .O. Umeozulu, floated the foremost business enterprise here in the coal city, known as “Amesi Commercial Enterprise,” which serves the entire South East and beyond,” he revealed.
He note that in the area of agriculture, Sunchi Integrated Farm Ltd., which is the only hatchery farm that produces day old chicks and other agro based quality products that also serves the entire South East and beyond is owned by their branch member.
Stating further, Umeozulu said that in the areas of legal profession, their legal luminary, founder and crowned patron of the event, Chief L. M. Ezeofor, has excelled in his given profession and also brought “light” to the branch and Amesi in general.
“Also in civil service and academics, the notable names like Ichie Osondu, Ichie Okpara, Dr. Nnadi and others should not be forgotten so easily in an occasion like this. Mention should also be made of our big mummy, the founder of the A.I.U women wing and the famous Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, Lolo (Dr.) Kate Ezeofor, who has contributed immensely to the vanguard of women emancipation in Nigeria,” he also stated.
 |
| Uche Umeozulu |
In his own goodwill message, the Chairman Publicity Committee of the event, Nnopu Gozie Philip, described the Golden Jubilee as an epoch making event and that the joy is always very exciting and quite unimaginable considering its uniqueness based on its duration adding that it calls for celebration and jubilations.
He stated: “As the A.I.U Enugu branch is privileged to celebrate her own golden jubilee anniversary today, it is a thing of joy. For this reason, I want to say may all glory, honor, adoration and praise be ascribed to the triune Holy God who has done all things well- Amen.”
He also expressed his profound gratitude to the founding fathers and pioneer members of the Union, who have in a very dogged manner sacrificed much while planting this “seed-”the Union, which can be compared to the little mustard seed that has grown so big today.
“They nurtured it with kin interest and sense of assiduity. Today it has grown in leaps and bounds, and has metamorphosed to the stature of a big iroko tree. As we celebrate this our Golden Jubilee, I will advice all of us to copy from these our exemplary fathers – the spirit of patriotism, life of dedication and selfless service for the unity, progress, stability and the overall well-being of this Union in particular and Amesi community in general,” he also stated.
Ogene notes that the Golden Jubilee celebration, also witnessed an award giving ceremony to the deserving sons and daughters of Amesi, and amongst them are, the Chairman, Interchem Feed & Food Additives Ltd., Isiadinso Chijioke Uso, late Barr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Gloria Abazie, and the Chairman of Nevilla Hotels Ltd., Kaduna, Chief Kenneth Nnajiofor.
In his congratulatory message to the branch, Chief Kenneth Nnajiofor heartily appreciated the efforts of the branch stating that the award given to him is a well deserved honor.
Ajalli
DPO appeals for befitting police station
By OGONNA UMEH
By OGONNA UMEH
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| Ajalli DPO CSP Odoemelem |
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO)
in charge of Ajalli Divisional Police Headquarters, Chief Superintendent of
Police (CSP) Patrick Odoemelem, has appealed for a befitting and functional
Police station that will enable his men perform efficiently.
He made the appeal while welcoming the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP H. H. Karma who was on an inspection tour of police formations in his commad adding that the police divisional headquarters still operates at the Ajalli town hall with no standard cell and with offices partitioned with plywoods.
“I pray you use your good offices to help us build a befitting Police station for Ajalli division. The division also has no barracks accommodation for officers and men. All the personnel live in rented houses and some report to duty from distant towns. This is not only risky, but makes it difficult to mobilize men promptly in times of emergency. Kindly help us build barracks for our men,” he appealed.
Odoemelem noted that Ajalli division is made up of sixteen large communities and that their manpower is grossly inadequate to cover the large area, requesting the Commissioner to post more men to his division.
He stated: “We presently have only two patrol vehicles. In view of our vast area, kindly give us one more patrol vehicle for effective patrol coverage of the area. This will greatly enhance our operations and reduce our response to distress calls to five minutes. Arms, ammunitions and riot equipment are grossly inadequate and sometimes hinder our effective operations.”
He pointed out that the local government chairman, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) members and other stakeholders in the council numerous to mention area have been of immense assistance to the division, adding that no police force anywhere in the world can succeed in the onerous task of crime detection, investigation and prosecution without the support, assistance and cooperation of members of the public.
“Irrespective of our challenges, the morale of the officers and men of this division is high. I assure you that we will not only consolidate on our successes, but will keep our oars active to ensure everybody in our area, except criminally-minded persons, sleep with their two eyes closed especially during this “ember” months,” Odoemelem also stated.
The DPO hinted that the Ajalli Divisional Police Headquarters was established and opened in 1992 with Ajalli town hall which was build in 1951 as its base and that till date, it still operates in the town hall as the divisional headquarters.
According to him, the division has two police posts in Oko and Awgbu, adding that they share boundaries with Umunze, Aguata and with Enugu State via Enugwu-Abor in Ufuma, adding that the crime rate in the area is very low.
“This is as a result of the proactive and crime fighting measures put in place. The constant and intensified patrol, show of force, stop and search, monitoring/surveillance, amongst others embarked upon by my men. This is also as a result of the robust synergy and effective inter-agency cooperation and collaboration with our sister agencies like Immigration Services, vigilant groups, State Security Service and others,” he also stated.
Odoemelem said his division was able to effectively manage all crisis situations in the area, hence they did not escalate to major crises, adding that in such serious crisis, his men did all they could to in order to stem them and therefore promised to sustain the tempo. ###
He made the appeal while welcoming the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP H. H. Karma who was on an inspection tour of police formations in his commad adding that the police divisional headquarters still operates at the Ajalli town hall with no standard cell and with offices partitioned with plywoods.
“I pray you use your good offices to help us build a befitting Police station for Ajalli division. The division also has no barracks accommodation for officers and men. All the personnel live in rented houses and some report to duty from distant towns. This is not only risky, but makes it difficult to mobilize men promptly in times of emergency. Kindly help us build barracks for our men,” he appealed.
Odoemelem noted that Ajalli division is made up of sixteen large communities and that their manpower is grossly inadequate to cover the large area, requesting the Commissioner to post more men to his division.
He stated: “We presently have only two patrol vehicles. In view of our vast area, kindly give us one more patrol vehicle for effective patrol coverage of the area. This will greatly enhance our operations and reduce our response to distress calls to five minutes. Arms, ammunitions and riot equipment are grossly inadequate and sometimes hinder our effective operations.”
He pointed out that the local government chairman, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) members and other stakeholders in the council numerous to mention area have been of immense assistance to the division, adding that no police force anywhere in the world can succeed in the onerous task of crime detection, investigation and prosecution without the support, assistance and cooperation of members of the public.
“Irrespective of our challenges, the morale of the officers and men of this division is high. I assure you that we will not only consolidate on our successes, but will keep our oars active to ensure everybody in our area, except criminally-minded persons, sleep with their two eyes closed especially during this “ember” months,” Odoemelem also stated.
The DPO hinted that the Ajalli Divisional Police Headquarters was established and opened in 1992 with Ajalli town hall which was build in 1951 as its base and that till date, it still operates in the town hall as the divisional headquarters.
According to him, the division has two police posts in Oko and Awgbu, adding that they share boundaries with Umunze, Aguata and with Enugu State via Enugwu-Abor in Ufuma, adding that the crime rate in the area is very low.
“This is as a result of the proactive and crime fighting measures put in place. The constant and intensified patrol, show of force, stop and search, monitoring/surveillance, amongst others embarked upon by my men. This is also as a result of the robust synergy and effective inter-agency cooperation and collaboration with our sister agencies like Immigration Services, vigilant groups, State Security Service and others,” he also stated.
Odoemelem said his division was able to effectively manage all crisis situations in the area, hence they did not escalate to major crises, adding that in such serious crisis, his men did all they could to in order to stem them and therefore promised to sustain the tempo. ###
By OGONNA UMEH
 |
| L-R ACP Ibezim, CP H. H. Karma, ACP Hamza during the CP'S visit to Orumba North |
The Commissioner made this assurance in Ajalli Divisional Police Headquarters during his inspection tour of police formations in the area, adding that he had barely spent one year in office in Anambra State and that he assumed office at the time of electioneering campaign which did not give him adequate time to function effectively
He appreciated all security operatives in the area working in concert with the Ajalli formation, adding that his men are not there as masters, but as servants and not to lord things over on the people: “we are here for one goal - to make it crime-free and we have to do it together.”
CP Karma warned his men of the dangers in keeping people in jail beyond the stipulated time, stressing that bail remains free in the country and that illegal duties and road blocks remain banned.
“We are glad that the problem of cultism is highly reduced in your community. Cultists graduate to armed robbers and we must do everything possible to stem them out. Anambra people must be free to come back home this time around,” he stated.
He revealed that the Governnor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has urged all security operatives in the state to form a united front in order to defeat the men of underworld urging the vigilante to be more careful in the discharge of their duty of helping to fight crime in the state.
He warned: “Vigilante, the arms you carry are prohibited items and if you kill people with them, you must answer for it. You must endeavor to work with the Divisional Police Office (DPO) incharge of this unit so you do not make yourselves escape-goats. I also warn the Police men that the arms they carry are not to harass, but to protect them. There is nothing like accidental discharge hence, there is a clear process of firing a rifle.”
The Commissioner told the vigilante that their job is a voluntary work and as such, there is need for them to engage themselves in gainful employment, warning them not to over step their bounds by going to other people’s towns other than theirs to discharge their duties, “if you go to other towns, you will be disarmed and dismissed. Do not be victims in your community as we are prepared to disown you at that point.”
CP Karma warned the police men to be active in the discharge of their lawful duties as the Force is ready to do away with any police officer found unfaithful in his duty. “If you do not want your jobs any more, tell your DPO and then, quietly leave the job. We are asked to recruit 10, 000 men, so we are ready to replace any police officer who errs.”
He assured that a police patrol van will be stationed on Ajalli – Ndiokpaleze road which has become a safe-haven for kidnappers and armed robbers, stressing that it is the duty of the Nigerian Police Force to make the society habitable. “That is why the Anambra command has provided a hot line, 07039194332, in our control room at our Awka office for people to easily get in touch with us.”
The Ogene Newspaper notes that the commissioner had earlier visited the divisional police headquarters in Ekwulobia, Federal Polytechnics, Oko and the Orumba North local government chairman before arriving in Ajalli.
Let’s fight poverty, ignorance in Old Aguata –
Prof. Osisioma
By SUCCESS UCHIME
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| Prof. Osisioma |
The Old Aguata Union (O.A.U) has been called upon to fight the problems of poverty, ignorance and disease inherent in the zone, and also to acquire the knowledge required to improve the quality of lives of its people.
The call came from the professor of economics at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Benjamin Osisioma during a lecture entitle: “Developing Entrepreneurial Skills and Investment Opportunities in Old Aguata,” as part of activities marking the Old Aguata Day 2015 celebration, hosted by the Union at the Marble Arch Hotels& Suites, Awka, Anambra State.
According to him, the urgent task is to employ the entrepreneurial tools in the venture of creating, nurturing and prospering in wealth, and that wealth is measured by a person’s ability to survive so many days forward without working.
He opined that the world is filled with talented poor people, who are not poor because of what they know, but because of what they do know, adding that schools are designed to produce good employees instead of good employers.
Osisioma pointed out that most people if given more money, will only get into more debts stressing that skills in making money are not nearly as important as skills in keeping money, “the rich buy assets, the poor only pays for expenses, while the middle class incurs liabilities.
“Long hours and hard work are good, but they do not necessarily translate to wealth and riches. The battle to get out of poverty begins with a change in mind-set. Enterprises, is the workshop that turns out riches, and enterprises skills are required to convert dreams into reality, and modern ambition into achievements,” he stated.
He defined entrepreneurship as the combination of initiative, innovation and calculated risk-taking associated with identifying market opportunities, mobilizing resources and managing them efficiently in the operation of productive, viable and socially responsible enterprise, adding that it is also the result of a disciplined, systematic process of applying creativity and innovation to needs and opportunities in the marketplace.
He stated: “It involves applying focused strategies to new ideas and new insights to create a product or service that customers need or solves existing problems. It is the dynamic process of translating dreams, visions and ideas into economically viable entities.
Osisioma further observed that entrepreneurship involves casting the vision and defining the path to the future, refusing to accept the status quo and taking risks in the pursuit of over-arching goals, adding that it is not a project or mission, rather, it is first and foremost, a mind-set, a life-style and a process of creative destruction with an eye on profit, a value-adding and wealth-creating process.
“There are various spin-offs to the entrepreneurial drive like intra-preneurship, which is corporate entrepreneurship, co-prenuership, referring to a partnership of entrepreneurship, cyber-preneurship, referring to web-based practice, serial entrepreneurship, which refers to the repeated commencement and growing of new businesses to sustainable size before striking out again to fresh fields, and agri-preneurship – the application of entrepreneurial skills in the area of agriculture,” he also stated.
He noted that an entrepreneur creates a new business in the face of risk and uncertainty for the purpose of achieving profit and growth by identifying significant opportunities and assembling the necessary resources to capitalize on them, pointing out that, he shifts economic resources out of an area of lower, into an area of higher productivity and grater yield.
He further stated: “He causes resources to undergo a level of manipulation to achieve set goals, that is, to invent new products and services, develop new technology, discover new knowledge, improve existing products or services, and also find different ways of providing more goods and services with fewer resources.”
The call came from the professor of economics at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Benjamin Osisioma during a lecture entitle: “Developing Entrepreneurial Skills and Investment Opportunities in Old Aguata,” as part of activities marking the Old Aguata Day 2015 celebration, hosted by the Union at the Marble Arch Hotels& Suites, Awka, Anambra State.
According to him, the urgent task is to employ the entrepreneurial tools in the venture of creating, nurturing and prospering in wealth, and that wealth is measured by a person’s ability to survive so many days forward without working.
He opined that the world is filled with talented poor people, who are not poor because of what they know, but because of what they do know, adding that schools are designed to produce good employees instead of good employers.
Osisioma pointed out that most people if given more money, will only get into more debts stressing that skills in making money are not nearly as important as skills in keeping money, “the rich buy assets, the poor only pays for expenses, while the middle class incurs liabilities.
“Long hours and hard work are good, but they do not necessarily translate to wealth and riches. The battle to get out of poverty begins with a change in mind-set. Enterprises, is the workshop that turns out riches, and enterprises skills are required to convert dreams into reality, and modern ambition into achievements,” he stated.
He defined entrepreneurship as the combination of initiative, innovation and calculated risk-taking associated with identifying market opportunities, mobilizing resources and managing them efficiently in the operation of productive, viable and socially responsible enterprise, adding that it is also the result of a disciplined, systematic process of applying creativity and innovation to needs and opportunities in the marketplace.
He stated: “It involves applying focused strategies to new ideas and new insights to create a product or service that customers need or solves existing problems. It is the dynamic process of translating dreams, visions and ideas into economically viable entities.
Osisioma further observed that entrepreneurship involves casting the vision and defining the path to the future, refusing to accept the status quo and taking risks in the pursuit of over-arching goals, adding that it is not a project or mission, rather, it is first and foremost, a mind-set, a life-style and a process of creative destruction with an eye on profit, a value-adding and wealth-creating process.
“There are various spin-offs to the entrepreneurial drive like intra-preneurship, which is corporate entrepreneurship, co-prenuership, referring to a partnership of entrepreneurship, cyber-preneurship, referring to web-based practice, serial entrepreneurship, which refers to the repeated commencement and growing of new businesses to sustainable size before striking out again to fresh fields, and agri-preneurship – the application of entrepreneurial skills in the area of agriculture,” he also stated.
He noted that an entrepreneur creates a new business in the face of risk and uncertainty for the purpose of achieving profit and growth by identifying significant opportunities and assembling the necessary resources to capitalize on them, pointing out that, he shifts economic resources out of an area of lower, into an area of higher productivity and grater yield.
He further stated: “He causes resources to undergo a level of manipulation to achieve set goals, that is, to invent new products and services, develop new technology, discover new knowledge, improve existing products or services, and also find different ways of providing more goods and services with fewer resources.”
Old Aguata Union calls for infrastructural
development of the zoneBy SUCCESS UCHIME
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| Barr. J. C. A Nwikpo |
The Old Aguata Union
(O.A.U) has called on the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to
expedite action on the provision of infrastructural development of the zone,
which comprises three local government areas, namely, Aguata, Orumba North and
South.
The call was made by the chairman of Awka branch of the Union, Barr. J. C. A Nwikpo during the Union’s celebration of Old Aguata Day 2015, held at Marble Arch Hotels & Suites Ltd, Awka, Anambra State on November 8, 2015, adding that more roads are needed to open up the zone for further development.
He also appealed to the governor to develop the Awa Ogbagu Cave as a world tourist center and also establish a campus of Anambra State Polytechnic within O.A.U territorial axis, demanding for more appointments, declaration of O.A.U zone as an erosion disaster area that requires immediate attention, and the upgrading of Orumba General Hospital as a specialist center.
Nwikpo stated: “We urge you to keep pace and our support is readily assured. We recollect with thanks your administration’s infrastructural development of O.A.U zones as of today, such as continuation of Awka-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma road, Achina-Onne-Ogboji road and the awarding of Ezira-Umuomaku-Enugwu Umuonyi-Achina road contract. Reconstruction of Orumba general hospital and schools both primary and secondary, appointment of O.A.U indigenes in position of authority, such as commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and others.”
“However, in the wake of all these efforts, some hitches, needs and challenges do come up. Unto the above, as a socio-cultural organization having interest in the affairs around her, it is with the greatest respect that we wish to congratulate our able and hard-working executive governor, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, on his giant strides in areas such as security, infrastructural development, socio-economic cum welfare of Ndi Anambra,” Nwikpo stated.
He continued: “Of special importance as of moment, O.A.U, Awka branch needs some support in terms of a parcel of land here in the capital city, Awka for her headquarters and a sound bus for effective operations, including office gadgets and equipment for effective development,” he also stated.
He pointed out that the establishment of O.A.U is for the harnessing and shaping of the potentials that are abound in the zone and maintaining of the socio-cultural cum economic ties among others across the three local governments of former Aguata Local Government Area, adding that his branch has passed through successive administrations prior to this current regime, and as such contributed significantly to the advancement of the branch and the national body.
He said that in the quest to build a harmonious society, particularly in AnambraState, the Union has recorded some milestones in fostering unity, peace, understanding and cultural interactions, not only amongst the indigenes of the zone, but beyond her boundaries.
He appreciated the facilitator of the program, Prof. Ben Osisioma of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, for the intellectual exposition on the topic of the day, “Developing Entrepreneurial Skills and Investment Opportunities in Old Aguata,” stressing that the topic is carefully chosen to suit the mood of the nation, particularly to provide the key for purposeful engagement, employment and skill empowerment for our young youths.
According to him, the aim is to task the private and public sectors on practical approach for meaningful engagement of our people for sustainability and good of the society, adding that by all intents and purposes, the occasion is an all inclusive and interactive one, aimed at participant’s socializing and interacting across board, whether an indigene of O.A.U or not for the good understanding of hospitality, openness, enterprising and cultural affinity abundant in the zone.
Nwikpo opined that old Aguata zone is blessed with lots of natural endowments, human resources, privileged locations for agrarian and other economic engagements, and that the blessings abound in all fields of human endeavors, hence it is extremely difficult to recognize all worthy sons, daughters and wives in one swoop.
He noted that the previous regimes had contributed their quota in the task of keeping the flag of O.A.U afloat, and that this present administration, that was elected on February 24, 2014, is vigorously pursuing same, hence, they need their people’s physical presence and contribution of ideas at meetings in order for the aims and objectives of the body to be attained.
The event also witnessed the giving of awards to illustrious sons of the zone. Prominent among the recipients of the awards are, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, CP Chris Okey Ezike, an indigene of Ogboji, Orumba South; the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Cometstar Elektrindo Ltd., Chief (Sir) James Uzochukwu Uduji, an accomplished industrialist, who hails from Achina, Aguata; the Chief Executive Officer, Marble Arch Hotels & Suites, Awka, Chief Sam Okey Nwosu, who hails from Oko, Orumba North.
Others are, the Ide Awa, Engr. (Sir) Paul Nwafor who hails from Awa, Aguata North; the Adadiugwu of Akpu, Chief Hon. (Mrs) Kate Ifeoma Obioji, an indigene of Akpu, Orumba South; the Group Managing Director, Dee Jones Group, Sir Richard Chukwunanu Eze of Umunze, Orumba South; the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Arch. Michael M. Okonkwo, amongst others.
In their goodwill message, chairman, Ekwulobia People’s Assembly, Awka branch, Uche Okeke said they are proud to associate with the aspirations of the Union and that the need of old Aguata communities to have a rallying point for resolving the common problems and felt needs cannot be overemphasized.
“We wish to use this opportunity to congratulate everyone who has involved himself/herself in promoting the growth of O.A.U geo-political zone. We hope the landmark achievements we attained this year by this singular celebration will be sustained,” he stated.
Also in their goodwill message, the Chairman Isi-Achina Town Union, Awka branch, Chief (Sir) J. C. Nwakpadolu, felicitated with the leadership and members of the Union, adding that they are happy that O.AU Awka branch would organize such an event that featured cultural shows, new yam celebrations, talk-shop and award ceremony.
“We also felicitate with our brother, Chief (Sir) James Uduji (Gburugburu Aguata) for being one of those that will be honored by the Union. We salute you Gburugburu for your entrepreneurial and philanthropic leadership that have made you outstanding. We pray that God will continue to reward you abundantly in Jesus name,” he stated.
Some cultural groups entertained during the event, amongst them are, the famous Igbodiegwu International Cultural Troupe Umunze, Orumba South, the popular Okweli masquerade, Oko, Orumba North.
The call was made by the chairman of Awka branch of the Union, Barr. J. C. A Nwikpo during the Union’s celebration of Old Aguata Day 2015, held at Marble Arch Hotels & Suites Ltd, Awka, Anambra State on November 8, 2015, adding that more roads are needed to open up the zone for further development.
He also appealed to the governor to develop the Awa Ogbagu Cave as a world tourist center and also establish a campus of Anambra State Polytechnic within O.A.U territorial axis, demanding for more appointments, declaration of O.A.U zone as an erosion disaster area that requires immediate attention, and the upgrading of Orumba General Hospital as a specialist center.
Nwikpo stated: “We urge you to keep pace and our support is readily assured. We recollect with thanks your administration’s infrastructural development of O.A.U zones as of today, such as continuation of Awka-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma road, Achina-Onne-Ogboji road and the awarding of Ezira-Umuomaku-Enugwu Umuonyi-Achina road contract. Reconstruction of Orumba general hospital and schools both primary and secondary, appointment of O.A.U indigenes in position of authority, such as commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and others.”
“However, in the wake of all these efforts, some hitches, needs and challenges do come up. Unto the above, as a socio-cultural organization having interest in the affairs around her, it is with the greatest respect that we wish to congratulate our able and hard-working executive governor, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, on his giant strides in areas such as security, infrastructural development, socio-economic cum welfare of Ndi Anambra,” Nwikpo stated.
He continued: “Of special importance as of moment, O.A.U, Awka branch needs some support in terms of a parcel of land here in the capital city, Awka for her headquarters and a sound bus for effective operations, including office gadgets and equipment for effective development,” he also stated.
He pointed out that the establishment of O.A.U is for the harnessing and shaping of the potentials that are abound in the zone and maintaining of the socio-cultural cum economic ties among others across the three local governments of former Aguata Local Government Area, adding that his branch has passed through successive administrations prior to this current regime, and as such contributed significantly to the advancement of the branch and the national body.
He said that in the quest to build a harmonious society, particularly in AnambraState, the Union has recorded some milestones in fostering unity, peace, understanding and cultural interactions, not only amongst the indigenes of the zone, but beyond her boundaries.
He appreciated the facilitator of the program, Prof. Ben Osisioma of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, for the intellectual exposition on the topic of the day, “Developing Entrepreneurial Skills and Investment Opportunities in Old Aguata,” stressing that the topic is carefully chosen to suit the mood of the nation, particularly to provide the key for purposeful engagement, employment and skill empowerment for our young youths.
According to him, the aim is to task the private and public sectors on practical approach for meaningful engagement of our people for sustainability and good of the society, adding that by all intents and purposes, the occasion is an all inclusive and interactive one, aimed at participant’s socializing and interacting across board, whether an indigene of O.A.U or not for the good understanding of hospitality, openness, enterprising and cultural affinity abundant in the zone.
Nwikpo opined that old Aguata zone is blessed with lots of natural endowments, human resources, privileged locations for agrarian and other economic engagements, and that the blessings abound in all fields of human endeavors, hence it is extremely difficult to recognize all worthy sons, daughters and wives in one swoop.
He noted that the previous regimes had contributed their quota in the task of keeping the flag of O.A.U afloat, and that this present administration, that was elected on February 24, 2014, is vigorously pursuing same, hence, they need their people’s physical presence and contribution of ideas at meetings in order for the aims and objectives of the body to be attained.
The event also witnessed the giving of awards to illustrious sons of the zone. Prominent among the recipients of the awards are, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, CP Chris Okey Ezike, an indigene of Ogboji, Orumba South; the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Cometstar Elektrindo Ltd., Chief (Sir) James Uzochukwu Uduji, an accomplished industrialist, who hails from Achina, Aguata; the Chief Executive Officer, Marble Arch Hotels & Suites, Awka, Chief Sam Okey Nwosu, who hails from Oko, Orumba North.
Others are, the Ide Awa, Engr. (Sir) Paul Nwafor who hails from Awa, Aguata North; the Adadiugwu of Akpu, Chief Hon. (Mrs) Kate Ifeoma Obioji, an indigene of Akpu, Orumba South; the Group Managing Director, Dee Jones Group, Sir Richard Chukwunanu Eze of Umunze, Orumba South; the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Arch. Michael M. Okonkwo, amongst others.
In their goodwill message, chairman, Ekwulobia People’s Assembly, Awka branch, Uche Okeke said they are proud to associate with the aspirations of the Union and that the need of old Aguata communities to have a rallying point for resolving the common problems and felt needs cannot be overemphasized.
“We wish to use this opportunity to congratulate everyone who has involved himself/herself in promoting the growth of O.A.U geo-political zone. We hope the landmark achievements we attained this year by this singular celebration will be sustained,” he stated.
Also in their goodwill message, the Chairman Isi-Achina Town Union, Awka branch, Chief (Sir) J. C. Nwakpadolu, felicitated with the leadership and members of the Union, adding that they are happy that O.AU Awka branch would organize such an event that featured cultural shows, new yam celebrations, talk-shop and award ceremony.
“We also felicitate with our brother, Chief (Sir) James Uduji (Gburugburu Aguata) for being one of those that will be honored by the Union. We salute you Gburugburu for your entrepreneurial and philanthropic leadership that have made you outstanding. We pray that God will continue to reward you abundantly in Jesus name,” he stated.
Some cultural groups entertained during the event, amongst them are, the famous Igbodiegwu International Cultural Troupe Umunze, Orumba South, the popular Okweli masquerade, Oko, Orumba North.
Nwankwo
By SUCCESSUCHIME
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| Arch. Nwankwo |
The immediate past President General (PG) of Akpu Progressive Union (APU), Akpu, Orumba South Local Government Area, Arch. Goddy Nwankwo said that his executive committee delivered on the mandate given to them by Akpu people.
He stated this during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of APU held at the Apku town hall, on October 31, 2015, adding that when they were elected, the expectations on them to perform was very high, and the challenges were very undaunted, but that with God on their side, and with the total support of Akpu people, they were able to achieve all they did for the town.
“On the 27th October, 2012, a general assembly of Akpu Progressive Union, gathered in this hall, elected and inaugurated our executive committee for a 3-year tenure. I was returned unopposed with the votes of all our people present on that day, likewise some of my colleagues in this executive, while some officers defeated their opponents to get elected. We immediately swung into action, for the challenges then were enormous, occasioned by the protracted leadership tussle in our town union between 2009 and 2012,” he stated.
Nwankwo recounted that less than four months on the saddle as the PG, the Igwe of the town, Igwe P. O. Nwafor passed on, and that since then, the full weight of leading and safeguarding Akpu has been on him and his executive committee. “I thank God for His overflowing graces that enabled me to live up to expectations, and also thank everybody that played any key role, as we navigated Akpu to safety.”
He continued: “We reunited our people under one APU leadership, restored our people’s interest in the affairs of our town, banished fear and tension in our town, and restored friendly relationship between our town and all her neighbors.”
He noted that prior to their taking charge of the affairs of APU, their town was factionalized, arising from a prolonged leadership tussle that polarized them along two factional lines, adding that all efforts to resolve the problem proved abortive, and as such they resolved from the outset to work hard to get everybody thinking and working for their town again.
“We cast overboard the divide and rule order that was in place then, and in its place, we enthroned inclusive, participatory, transparent, open and consultative order. We showed leadership, and our people bought into it. We did our best to resolve all disputes between feuding individuals and groups, and also pacified those you were wronged,” Nwankwo also stated.
On cementing relations with their neighbors, the former PG hinted that when they took over the mantle of leadership, the relationship between their town and her neighbors was at its lowest ebb, and that his executive committee was not happy with the situation, hence they could not afford to exist in isolation. This scenario, he noted made them to embark on a deliberate program to rebuild the fraternal relationship between their town and her neighbors.
He stated: “We started with paying of courtesy visits to the new monarchs of Nawfija and Ufuma after our installation, and have continued to relate with them and their communities. Together with the leadership of Ajalli Welfare Union (AWU), we opened and maintained channels of constructive dialogue, and engaged the two towns in dialogue, thereby bringing down tension that enabled both towns to enjoy total peace during the period.”
Nwankwo said they were able to finance the hosting of Enugwu Uno meeting twice in Akpu, thereby making the meeting to wax stronger, adding that they equally related well with the leadership of all the other communities in Orumba and beyond.
On the empowering of Akpu people entrepreneurially, Nwankwo gave glory to God that lots of their people were empowered during their leadership, as some patriotic Akpu indigenes hearkened to their clarion call to assist in repositioning the town for a better tomorrow, adding that Hon. Ben Nwankwo awarded scholarships to 15 Akpu students in higher institutions worth N4 million for four years, and secured federal employment for 13 people.
“On behalf of our town, I once more thank and appreciate them for their contributions in this area of Akpu life, and pray God to give them the grace to do more for our town, amen. I equally enjoin others to make their contributions as soon as opportunities present themselves,” he further stated.
The Ogene Newspaper notes that the AGM witnessed the election of new executives that will run the affairs of the Union for the next three years. After the elections, Elder Dan Okoli emerged as the new PG for the town union, along with other executives that will work with him.
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