Feutures 3rd edition

                    ‘We’re architects of our misfortune’

 The issue of corruption has been the greatest challenge facing Nigeria. It has caused untold hardship to Nigerian, more so, why the nation’s economy has defiled all human reasoning. Here CHIKE UCHIME, our Editorial Adviser, ex-rays the consequences of corruption on Nigeria’s economy.

 So far, it seems nature has placed the burden of the nation’s redemption on the shoulders of Muhammadu Buhari. As the President started to “deviate’’ from the “norm,’’ it appeared to me that he had got the magic wand to fix again this de-railed and now comatose nation. The ‘’norm” means looking at corruption - Nigeria’s biggest problem, and walking away as his predecessors cowardly did. But Buhari is now into a confrontation with this dreaded monster.
     The successful execution of this war will usher in good governance and reinvent a nation where justice, equal opportunities and quality lives will be guaranteed the citizenry. But being a battle against the rich and influential elements, it will certainly not be an easy one. As this war rages on, Nigerians must drop their tribal, religious and political differences as well as their inclinations towards immediate gratification (expecting too much too soon). The dividends of this change mantra, though must come, may take a while to materialize, since the “heaps of the Augean Stable” to be cleared are mountainous.
     How would the life of an average Nigerian look like in the remaining months of this New Year? When businesses begin to take stock of their performance at the end of 2016, would they be smiling to their banks or telling tales of woes? To any realist, it does not require any rocket-science or crystal-ball divination to provide answers to those questions. Except one is living in illusion borne out of tribal, religious or party prejudices, the handwriting on the wall today is quite clear and speaks volumes that Nigerians are in for yet another difficult year.
    Never would it be blamed on what the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has done or failed to do in its few months in the saddle. No! It is not his fault. It is all about the nemesis which has now caught up with us as a nation; the repercussions of our collective failure; our pay-back time for failing to do what we should have done in the years past. Can one ever eat his cake and have it? That is an infantile thinking. We ate up our economy. We also ate up our pride. How now would a comatose economy smile at Nigerians now when the nation has rejected best governance practices and embraced corruption instead?

When I saw oil prices tumbling down to a record low of 27 dollars per barrel, third week of January, I wept for the current administration. I wept because this may dampen their spirit and commitment to making good their campaign promises to Nigerians. Buhari had even planned an ambitious N6.8 trillion budget for 2016 with an expectation that the nation’s bread-winner-oil would be selling at 38 dollars per barrel. But before he could say Jack Robinson, before his budget proposal got to the National Assembly for any meaningful deliberation, the price of oil had dropped to 28 Dollars with more ominous signs that it would dip further, especially with the recent lifting of the ban on Iran, another major oil producer, whose oil would soon hit the already saturated market. Again, the United States of America, noted for patronizing the Nigerian oil over the years, has also made itself sufficient in oil. All these are sending dangerous signals to the Nigerian economy. As we speak, the Nigerian economy is bleeding to death.
     The average family is finding it extremely difficult to feed properly. Not a few family heads have been disgraced as they could no longer pay the school fees of their pupils. The average family can no longer afford to buy kerosene or fuel despite hundreds of billions of Naira said to be paid by government in the so-called subsidy over the years. Meant to reduce pains on Nigerians, this subsidy has ended up enriching only the same cabals. Businesses in Nigeria have continued to relocate elsewhere as infrastructural deficiencies have pushed their operating costs. The Dollar is nowhere to be sourced by those involved in international business or Nigerian students in foreign lands. Prices of all goods in Nigeria purchased with the dollar have gone up astronomically; some buy as much as 300 percent, even as traders who sold their goods could no longer access the foreign currency to buy more.
     Are you surprised how we got here? The blame rests squarely on us as a people. All those who paraded themselves as our leaders should cover their faces in shame. They have proved themselves to be failed managers of people’s resources. They lacked simple futuristic thinking, proactive sense and the right commitment to run the affairs of the nation. They lacked even simple wisdom which an ordinary primary six trader at Alaba International Market or Ariara Aba could display. No one tells them to diversify their product base whenever they find such it necessary.  Even with their little education, they know how to plan and manage their income and expenditure efficiently much better than those running the affairs of Nigeria at federal, state and local government levels. I stand to be corrected.
     Were our so-called leaders unaware that the price of our crude, which at a time sold at over 140 dollars per barrel might tumble one day or even lose its relevance in the international market? What did they do to diversify the nation’s economy? These same leaders said time without number that unless corruption was killed, it would one day kill Nigeria. But instead of initiating programs to address the problems, they chose complacency thus, the Nigerian economy remained perpetually dependent on oil. Every month, State Governors, cap in hand, shamelessly rush to Abuja to share the ‘’national cake’’ with monies collected unaccounted for same local governments. Corruption was let loose.  Leaders took to unbridled thievery and day-light looting.
     Part of this blame should also go to us - the led, especially the educated ones among us; lawyers, journalists, teachers, doctors, engineers, trade unionists ,the civil society groups, etc, who are guilty of criminal docility. I remember the time of the no nonsense Gani Fawehinmi and Tai Solarin. All the governments during their time never had rest. Tell me what could we as a people not be able to do or achieve if we wanted? Is the will of the people not much greater and mightier than military arsenals? When IBB, erstwhile Military dictator, thought he could take Nigerians for a ride, a greater force led by a civilian Generalisimo, Gani Fawehinmi and the civil society brought him to his knees and he “stepped aside’’ and never came back. Similar forces successfully waged the war against the third-term ambition of Baba Iyabo. Therefore, if such forces were brought to bear on subsequent regimes, probing into their finances, the profligate financial lifestyles of government officials, Nigeria would have gone beyond where she is now. She would have been aiming the sky. But lo and behold, we went to sleep.
      Solarin and Fawehinmi, who died fighting corruption and injustice in our land, unfortunately did       not have successors. The so-called activists, who emerged after their demise, were more or less        people masquerading as activists in the day but sycophants in the night.
    So, we are the architects of our today’s fortune or misfortune. I dare ask. How could an economy bleeding to coma smile at us? Ours is an economy where a whooping N1.34 trillion of public funds was said to have been stolen and shared by just 50 people in a space of seven years.
    We deserved our current situation, because it was in our hands to avert it by holding our leaders accountable. Better guide your loins, for this economy will unleash its deadliest blow on us for some time to come, because we failed to do what we should have done! Our economy was allowed to bleed to coma by radicals who pretended to be leaders and we watched them helplessly.
     For how long can a people suffer injustice before they cry out or act? For how long will injustice and corruption reign in our land? One research was quoted as saying that Nigerians are the happiest people on earth. Perhaps, that could also explain the “suffering and smiling’’ mentality which the legendary Afro Musician, Fela Anikulapo- Kuti saw in us before his death some decades ago.
     However, thank goodness that Buhari is here, at this critical moment of our history, other-wise, there would have been once a nation called Nigeria. But having gone through our dirty past and the stubborn-stains left all over us as a people, he has begun to work on reinventing this nation with a fight against the      monster called corruption. But would they allow him? The forces of darkness, the cabals who have held Nigeria down all these years, are also at work. Those rich and influential elements in the society fingered in the reported corruption cases are fighting back, trying to make us think Buhari is persecuting them because they are not from his own party, religion and tribe. But nothing can be further from the truth. These people may not be done yet. Nigerians, corruption is fighting back!
     We should better wake up now and face the reality. This battle against corruption is not and should not be seen as Buhari’s project, but a project of every Nigerian. Once successful stemmed out of our society, or mildly put, reduced to the barest minimum, this country will be working again. Sound governance practices will find their way into every sector, businesses will begin to thrive, employment opportunities will open up, crime and criminalities well come down etc. Corruption has remained the greatest impediment to this country’s progress. I remember late Tai Solarin’s answers to my question to him at his Ikenne residence on why Nigeria had remained a still- born over three decades (then) after her independence. He said: “Chike, three things are responsible, one, corruption, two, corruption, and three, corruption. Take away corruption from Nigeria, this country will be well again.’’ I also visited Gani Fawehinmi at his chambers at the time in search of the problems, and he did not mince words in blaming our “corrupt leader.’’ 

Chike Uchime is the publisher of the Lagos based Forward Magazine – a financial magazine. He can be contacted through his tell: 08033444604, 08176856384, 09099926800.





Solving the epileptic power situation in Orumba

 

Electricity supply to Orumba has been epileptic to say the least. Stakeholders have said much on how to make improvements, yet, not much has been seen in terms of constant electricity supply to the area. In this write-up, SIR (ENGR.) EMMA KANU JP, a retired Principal Engineer with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), x-rays the abnormal situation and then proffers solutions to the problem.

 

It is to be observed that the supply of electricity to Orumba came later than most parts of the state. Precisely, it was only in 1982 that the state government, under the then governor of the old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, extended the 33kv line from Ekwulobia to Ajalli. As a result, 100KVA 33/0.415kv transformers were installed at Ajalli and Ufuma. The idea by the government at that time was, first, to let the people have electricity that could be standardized in future, and also win the people of the area to the then ruling party,  Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP).  
      At that time, Oko was connected in 1983 by the then Federal Government, but unfortunately, that government was short-lived as it was over-thrown in 1983 by the then military government of General Muhammadu Buhari. As a result of this, the intention of standardizing the network was not carried out again.  But rather, the line was extended to other towns. By 1988, the following towns had been connected to the network, Oko, Amaokpala, Ndikelionwu, Awgbu, Ufuma, Ajalli, Nawfija, Isulo, Ezira, Umunze and Owerre-Ezukala.
    The source of power is from the Nibo 2x30MVA transmitting station. That is to say that there are two 30MVA 132/33kv transformers in Nibo. One of these 30MVA transformers supplies Awka and its environs, while the second supplies power to the former Aguata Local Government Area, and also Nri, Agulu, Adazi-Enu, and Awka-Etiti. Ironically, this bulk transformer is now over loaded, hence the frequent load shedding consumers are experiencing at present.
       It is interesting to note that the power from the Nibo 30MVA 132/33kv transmitting station is transported to Orumba via the Agulu 33kv feeder. This single 33kv feeder supplies power  to Agulu, Adazi, Adazi-Enu, Awka-Etiti, Igbo-Ukwu,  Awgbu, Nanka, Ekwulobia, Uga,  Achina,  Ogboji, Ndiokpalaeze, and Agulu Uzoigbo.
      Others are Agulu Ezechukwu, Umuomaku, Onne,  Amesi, Akpu, Umuchu, Amanse, Akpo, Nkpologwu, Oraukwu, Nri, Ezinifite,  Isuofia, and the entire Orumba North and south local government  areas.
     Then, by 2003, this single feeder was supplying power to over 100 autonomous communities, and from the towns being supplied by this feeder, one can see that the line was over-stretched and over-loaded. Following the normal engineering standard, 33kv line should not exceed 60kms for optimal and efficient power supply. But for this particular feeder, the total route length is over 250km. hence   one can then appreciate the incessant power interruption in the area.
      Having said all that, there still remains room for improvement. The way forward should be the:
1. Construction of 2^nd Agulu 33kv Feeder
This feeder is very important for sustainable power supply in Orumba. If it is realized, the existing one could supply power to Aguata Local Government Area, while the second one could supply to Orumba. This project was started in 1993 by the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), but unfortunately up till date, it has not been realized.
       It is worthy to note that, one Sir Onyeaso of Owerre-Ezukala had made frantic efforts to realize this project but all to no avail. It is important to note that the quick realization of this project will help to improve electricity power supply to Orumba.
 2. Construction of 132/33kv transmitting station in Ndikelionwu
The panacea for efficient and uninterrupted power supply in Orumba is the construction of 2x30MVA 132/33kv transmitting station in Ndikelionwu with six 33kv radiating feeders. By this arrangement, the 33kv feeder will be closer to the area instead of radiating from Nibo. The voltage will be improved and the fault level reduced.
3. Usage of non-standard materials for construction of rural electrification projects
It is a common practice today that most   communities finance the construction of electrification projects in their area, even when government awards   contracts for such projects. The adverse effect of this is that the contractors, owing to non-payment, often abandon the project, leaving it at the mercy of communities to complete. In these circumstances, non standard materials are eventually used.
      The result is constant breakdown of the network and loss of transformers. In these circumstances, communities should also properly liaise with EEDC engineers in order to ensure that standard materials are used. This will ultimately prolong the life span of the projects.
4. Derating of community Network from 33kv to 11kv
It is interesting to note that 11kv network configuration is the standard voltage for power distribution in towns and villages. This makes the voltage to be more flexible, easy to handle and more reliable, but unfortunately, all the communities in Orumba are still on 33kv network configuration, except Oko, Ndiowu, Umunze and Owerri-Ezukala. Something needs to be urgently done about this.
       It is therefore, necessary that in our efforts to achieve improved electricity supply to Orumba, that we should not lose sight of the standard voltage for power distribution in towns and villages. It is to be noted that to derate a town like Ndikelionwu from 33kv network to 11kv network, a power transformer of about 7.5MVA 33/11kv capacity is required, including all its accessories.
     This can be located and installed opposite Ndikelionwu Town Hall for 11kv feeders to be created. One feeder needs to serve Ndikelionwu and its environs; the second feeder is to feed Ufuma and its environs, while the third feeder reinforces the already existing Ajalli 11kv network and its environs. Then, the fourth feeder will serve as a spare. Again, the second 7.5MVA 33/11kv transformer in Isulo will be made to take care of Eziagu, Isulo, Ezira and its environs. By this arrangement, the bogus and over stretched 33kv line will be reduced to the barest minimum, and likewise, the frequency of fault occurrence will also reduce.
4. Installation of 33kv Isolators at strategic locations
Installation of 33kv isolator will help to introduce flexibility in the network. During faults clearing or maintenance of the network, isolators are used to sectionalize the lines so that areas not affected by the network maintenance can be on supply while the areas affected will be without power supply.
5. Creation of a district office/self accounting undertaking at Ndikelionwu
It is interesting to note that Orumba is long overdue for EEDC district office or self accounting undertaking.  As it is now, the district office is at Ekwulobia, while the self- accounting undertaking is in Umunze. The consequence of this is that any little request from Orumba has to go to Ekwulobia for approval. It has to be considered that the distance is too far and the roads so bad for effective communication and attention. If a district office is to be located in Ndikelionwu, then high caliber staff will be posted to the area. Furthermore, additional materials and vehicles will be allocated to the area. The present situation where only one staff mans the fault centers in Oko, Ajalli and Umunze is not adequate to meet the needs of the people.
       On the political angle to the whole issue, it is pertinent to note that from the above, one can see that there is much to be done in order to improve power supply in Orumba. No matter the amount of money we can generate, it might not do much to give the much envisaged power stability in the area. What we need and urgently too, is the sustainable unity of the Orumba Forum, and the gathering of enough political muscle to pursue these needs at the highest governmental level.  Our politicians at all levels, should be contacted and made to be committed to this noble idea.
     It is my sincere desire that the points raised in this write-up be properly looked into and also effectively followed up.  I believe they are the ultimate panacea for improved and continuous improvement of electricity supply in Orumba and environ. Thanks and God bless you!

 Engr. Emma Kanu (JP) is a retired EEDC Principal Engineer. He hails from Ndikelionwu, Orumba North, and resides in Enugu. He can be contacted through his telephone number: 08037441157.

Anambra: Gov. Obiano’s steady march to growth, dev.    

Anambra Kwenu! As the undisputed Light of the Nation, and thus, ‘Light of West Africa,’ we, Ndi Anambra are firmly collectively resolved “To be the first choice destination and most preferred location to site new industries.”
    As visionary people that are widely respected for our integrity, industry and indomitability, we have forged ahead as a family. Indeed, more as a formidable victorious army. We have turned obstacles and challenges into stepping stones, rising to laudable achievements and heart-warming, sustainable accomplishments. Anambra ndewo!
     On his inauguration on 17^th  March, 2014, as the 4th Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, pledged his administration to 4-C’s: Continue, Complete, Commission and Commence projects for the welfare and sustainable development of  Ndi Anambra.
     “Willie Will Work,” was his personal pledge, as he identified ‘enablers,’ or key policy areas such as education, health, security, environment, road infrastructure, transportation, the development and promotion of culture-based tourism, amongst others.
   As a resourceful and astute administrator, Gov. Obiano has put at beloved Anambra State’s service, invaluable education, skills and experience he acquired from Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, University of Lagos, Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, Stanford University, Texaco PLC and Fidelity Bank PLC.
    A large-hearted philanthropic, disciplined, God-fearing, people-oriented, father and friend, Gov. Obiano, has earned by popular acclamation the moniker, “Working Willie.’ This is so because, it has become clear that this gentleman of transparent fidelity is sincere in his desire to serve and lead well. Indeed, ‘Willie is working,’ and this was echoed by his national recognition and honor as the “Governor of the Year 2015.” Anambra shares in his glory.
    To earn such acclamation, agriculture had received tremendous boost since March 2014. As a modest rice farmer myself, I can attest to the remarkable degree of support we have received in the fields, from inputs to extension services. An American investor has started cultivating 500 hectares of rice and cassava in Orumba North LGA. Over 4,000 hectares have been devoted to rice cultivation across the state, which has a competitive comparative advantage in the cultivation of rice, cassava, maize and other staple and cash products. This has attracted a cash inflow of billions of naira, and also created thousands of skilled and semi-skilled jobs and facilitated the rapid growth of allied industries.
       Recently, “H.E. Gov,” as he is also fondly called, ordered the immediate payment of the N112 million FADAMA counterpart fund to ensure that the World Bank supported projects get optimal implementation. The week before that, he had commissioned what promises to be the largest and most sustainable integrated poultry farm in the country.
     In education, the World Bank and other local partners have helped Anambra reposition its students and schools for greater academic achievements. Anambra students, teachers and institutions now regularly win national and international contests cutting across various disciplines. Human capital development is thus being seriously addressed, with increasing attention being paid to adult and vocational education.
     Infrastructural development has also benefited from capital infusion and skilled technical partnerships, with roads and bridges further opening up the state for quick and easy access and intra-state movement vital for security, health and agricultural interventions, amongst others.
     Crucial and central to all this rapid growth and development is effective communication. While commending the state Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism for dynamically implementing its mandate, it is necessary to expand the capacity of key state organs such as Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Radio & TV services which should be online, uninterrupted to enable people in all  time zones keep in touch with home. Its transmitters must be upgraded for its broadcast services to reach a radius of at least twenty states around us.
     The widely acclaimed weekly National Light newspaper, which is currently read in major cities across Nigeria, should also have its capacity expanded and facilities upgraded to grow it into a daily newspaper. Also to be upgraded is its real-time/online platform for mobilizing Ndi Anambra, who are conservatively estimated to be over 20 million worldwide. We can then harness these enormous potentials in the irreversible rapid and sustained growth and development of our beautiful homeland. Hopefully, our 20 million-plus brothers and sisters will look forward to moving back home to a better quality of life than they enjoy in the Diaspora. Long live Anambra!
*Prince Osita Ike, Nnanyelugo Ndikelionwu, is a PR/ Development Consultant and Farmer. He sent in the article from Ndikelionwu, Orumba North L.G.A, Anambra State. He can be contacted through his telephone: 08023114900,

Entertainment 3rd edition

Owerre-Ezukala: Ogbaukwu cave still remains tourist attraction to beat
By Success Kanayo Uchime

Despite its abandonment by successive governments, the Ogbaukwu Cave and Water-fall, now known as Owerre-Ezukala Cave and Water-falls, located in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra, has remained the tourist attraction to beat in Anambra State.
     The Cave, considered the largest in West Africa, was taken over by the Federal Government in 2010. The community formally handed the Cave over to the government, through the then Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC), Otumba Olusegun Runsewe, (OON), as part of the activities marking her annual cultural festival.
    That singular incidence attracted wild jubilations all over the place, as the natives, the local government council and the entire state believed that the presence of the federal government would add more value to the much neglected tourist center. To the Owerre-Ezukala people, the essence of the hand-over was for proper refurbishment, marketing and promotion to attract tourists to the area.
    The natives had thought that the project would see the light of the day as soon as possible. They believed that their community would soon start to bubble with life to the extent that tourist from all over the world would be visiting the cave from time to time and patronize their local products and boost their earnings.
    It is believed that the cave if properly developed and equipped to the standard of being one of the world’s tourist sites, will attract huge revenue to the government. This singular fact, prompted the traditional ruler of Owerre-Ezukala, Igwe Joel Madu, to call on the federal as well as state governments to develop the cave and waterfall into global tourist sites.
    Madu had in the past, made desperate moves to bring in private sectors to come in and exploit the huge potentials hidden in the site.  He said the community usually commemorates the cave through an annual national festival which comes up every May.
    “We have been asking the government to help in getting it celebrated the way it is supposed to be, so that the whole world would come and see what is down here. To the private people and NGOs; there is a lot of cultural and traditional stuff down there,’’ he said.
   There is no doubt that the cave presents one of the greatest natural tourist attractions in Anambra State, but incidentally, very little is known about it, though it has been in existence for so many years now. Some even describe it as the ‘God’s former courtyard.’ The dome is a naturally carved rock formation in the form of an arena, covering a large dry and sandy area which forms a natural beach around the waterfall.
   Next to the dome is the cave, which will take upwards to two hours to explore. It forms a deep and complex rock formation with roomy compartments large enough to take in an entire village.  The cave consists of tunnels, heading off in different directions; however, there are two noticeable entrances to the cave. 
   Owerre-Ezukala mythology has it that one tunnel in particular is regarded as an escape route which is about two kilometers long, from which one will eventually emerge in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.  At the center of the cave, is one large area said to have been the living room of the ‘god’ of Owerre-Ezukala, his throne and other compartments within his household.
   There is one particular compartment, accessed by the aid of stone steps where an old elephant’s foot still stands, long dead and dry. In another crevice, there is a natural spanner of rock, and in yet another is a gun of stone, as old as the cave. Guided tours in and around it is a wonder, and leaves a visitor dumbfounded to this wonderful work of nature. There is the ‘Ogba Ekezu,’ a bottomless well within the cave, which is believed that anyone who ever falls into it is not seen again.  In the past, natives came to the cave once every year, in the month of March to perform the ‘Aja Ala Onwa Ito’ festival. Visitors were invited for parties and picnics inside the cave.  It was alleged that natives in the past communed physically with the god of Ogbaukwu who appeared on his throne in the form of a man, holding a broom in his hand. 
     The people’s mythology had it that the god of Ogbaukwu is believed to answer the people’s questions, gave judgment to their cases and made predictions about the future.  It is also believed that time and encroachment however, must have caused his relocation to an unknown destination. Guided tours in and around it is a wonder, and leave a visitor dumbfounded to this wonderful work of nature.
    In fact, visitors to the cave have testified that there is nothing that is not in the cave. This is so because on entering the cave, the visitor feels the clement weather in and around the cave, and on descending, he sees the waterfall. Inside the cave are varied tunnels and inter-connecting passages leading into different roomy apartments of varying shapes and sizes. 
    It has naturally-carved rocks, with two different entrances, one serving as an entrance and the other an exit point offering an escape route in a case of emergency. It is here that the major interesting scenic spots abound and local guides help tourists wander through, either with candles or torches in the absence of electricity.
    Security wise, the cave was a good hide out in times of danger or insecurity. Villagers were and are still known to find refuge inside it.  The most interesting thing in the cave is that a spiritual force was once known to inhabit it. Traditional religionists claim it was god, the creator that resided inside the cave, from where he stayed at a particular entry point to dispense justice to disputing parties that came on consultation either over a missing or stolen property.
      It is not yet known when this cave evolved or started to exist. Therefore, it is speculated that the cradle of early civilization started there. This is one of the reasons why the cave is said to have met the ten criteria for becoming a United Nation’s Education and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site.
     Experts believe that the cave possessed eight out of the ten criteria that qualifies a property to be considered as having outstanding universal values for enlistment on the World Heritage Site. The cave/waterfall is likely to break the record as no property on the World Heritage Site is known to have met half of the criteria talk less of eight out of ten criteria.
   The Owerre-Ezukala people therefore, are still yearning and calling on the government to come to their aid. They are calling on the government to take tourism seriously, considering the immense economic potentials inherent in it. It is their heart’s desire that the infrastructure be developed immediately, as this will boost the economic activity and growth of their town.

Community News 3rd edition

Akpu PG calls for lasting peace
By Success Kanayo Uchime
The President-General, Akpu Progressive Union (APU), Elder Dan Okoli, has called on all his opponents during the 2015 general election in the town to embrace peace by joining hands with him in the development of the town.
    He stated this during the 2015 Akpu Day celebration held in the town on December 26, adding that Akpu is their town and they do not have any other, therefore they cannot fold their hands and watch things go wrong.
     He noted that one of the things God did for Akpu which is the reason for the celebration of Akpu Day, was the peaceful election that brought the present executives into power, stating that the turnout during that election was unprecedented, as it remains the highest so far in the history of their town.
      Elder Okoli stated: “Akpu Akataka of old achieved great feats with one mind, even when both human and material resources were not there to drive the town. What stops us from reaching our eldorado, now that we can boast of professors of best brain, the only permanent secretary in the entire Orumba South, civil servants of high repute and businessmen that have excelled beyond local trade?”
      The PG acknowledged the fact that no community can succeed without proper planning, and that the law of nature made human beings the agent of growth and development, adding that the focal point of his campaign promises was to build-up human capacity in Akpu.
      “It is also my conviction that Rome was not built in a day. To that effect, my administration will establish a data bank by employing someone to collate and keep information on our youths for us to identify the area to be empowered. This includes the educated and artisans,” he stated.
     According to Elder Okoli, his administration will produce a working constitution to save the community from the huge embarrassment, enmity and contentious positions the town often witnesses, adding that evil mongers in the town have started spelling doom by creating undue tension in the town.
     “Propagandists among them went to the extent of misinforming people that the PG has anointed a candidate for Igwe. This is very far from the truth. Let me put the record right, the guideline for Igwe tussle is not yet out, it is a constitutional issue that new constitution will address,” he stressed.
     Elder Okoli, who just last year was promoted to Permanent Secretary position by the State Governor, Dr. Willy Obiano, said his administration will ensure that its territorial boundaries are no longer ceded to their enemies. “To that effect we shall revisit cases that are worth visiting. We shall ensure that decorum returns to Akpu. A situation where respect for elders and constituted authority is thrown to the abyss is not good for our town, and it is a big task my administration must tackle.”
     He stated: “My brothers and sisters, may I use this opportunity to clear the “doubting Thomases” on the issue of acceptability of October 31^st, 2015, election and emergence of the present executive. The election was free and fair, witnessed the greatest turn-out, expressed the wishes of the people, and was accepted by both government and Akpu people. The idea of caretaker-committee was only a figment of imagination of wishful thinkers who always thrive in crises.”
      He continued: “Their era is gone and gone forever. All their efforts to plunge the town into crises did not materialise. I hereby call on all peace-loving indigenes of Akpu to dissociate themselves from the association of these devil agents in Akpu.”
     On their achievements so far in their very short stay in office, Elder Okoli observed that the Central Executive Committee (CEC), after the election /swearing-in, swung into action by formalising their election in the appropriate quarters, noting that the CEC is presently representing Akpu well in both Association of Anambra Town Union (ASATU), and in other meetings.
      He said they have been able to effect changes in some groups in Akpu where loyalty to the town is questionable, and that the chairman of the town’s vigilante was removed and this affected the secretary and commandant as well. “The former chairman has officially handed over to the new chairman, the taskforce committee members were retained in interim capacity and they have started work as well.”
      Elder Okoli noted that his dream of educating Akpu youths for a better and greater tomorrow has started yielding the desired fruit through the donation of books made by the Osuigwe family towards establishing a library in Akpu.
      “I call on other public spirited individuals to emulate the good gesture of the Osuigwe family, more feathers to their cap, and may the Almighty God reward them abundantly. On our part, the union will see that the books are put into adequate use in line with the objectives of the donor.”
       He observed that the verdict of the case between Upata and Nawfija which he witnessed showed clearly their ability only to flex muscles here in Akpu, but turn to “Lilliput” when external challenges arise.
     Elder Okoli had earlier in his acceptance speech, after the 2015 general election, promised to run a comprehensive government that would usher in progress and a new level of development in Akpu. He appealed to his co-contestants who lost in the election, to join hands with him to development their town.

    He said he was ready to contribute towards the development of their town, adding that it was the reason why he presented himself 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 assured all Akpu indigenes that he will cause the town to enjoy prosperity. During his electioneering campaigns, he promised he will bring out his blueprint for development, and that he will set an office in the town hall to enable his executive committee have database to empower those who are in school and out of school.   




Orumba General Hospital: Host communities urged to patronize facility
By Ogonna Umeh

The residents of Orumba have been called upon to always patronize the General Hospital there by seeking medical attention at the facility, as it is adequately equipped to take care of all their medical needs.
    This call was made by the Managing Director, RISE Clinic, Dr. Hien Tran, during the official commissioning of the project, adding that RISE Clinic is in the state to make a great change in the health sector as witnessed in the four pilot hospitals under the three senatorial zones of the state, including Onitsha.
    “The intervention of RISE Clinic in the state health sector is aimed at reducing the individual financial health burden of the locals,” she stated.
    Also speaking during the commissioning, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano said the hospital had suffered neglect in the hands of successive administrations in the state, adding that the joint venture which was aimed at improving the healthcare delivery of the people of the state will also provide employment opportunities to the host communities.
     He advised residents to bring professional medical skills who are eligible to work in the hospital or force the government and its partners to seek its workforce from elsewhere, promising to engage four new hospitals under the venture for effective management of healthcare services and its personnel in the state.
     According to the governor, about 80 per cent of the resources for the renovation of the hospital were provided by RISE Clinic, while the state government provided the remaining 20 per cent. 


We’ve made landmark achievements in Ndiowu – Engr. Emenike
By Success Kanayo Uchime

The President-General, Ndiowu Town Union (NTU), Engr. Chike Emenike, said that despite huge challenges confronting the town, his executives have made some landmark achievements in the town within the short period they have been in office.  
    He made this known in a statement, adding that thefeat was made possible as a result of one of their sons who happens to be in position in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
    “He called me on phone and said for the fact I have been able to organize Ndiowu to an enviable position, he will search around his office to see what he can do to support me, and that was how the borehole came,” Emenike stated.
     Engr. Emenike said that the road project in front of his house that is yet to be completed is MDGs project, adding that the structure by his gate also is a skill acquisition center that was built by the same MDGs.  
    According to him, the town also received eight tricycles from the same MDGs. “If you look around, you will see some written NTU, they came from the same MDGs. We were able to convert them into youth empowerment. These are what I call landmark achievements.”
    Still recounting their achievements, he noted that they took the community back to God, because they decided that every last Saturday of the year shall be Ndiowu Thanksgiving Day. We did one this 2015.
     He said that the singular program has turned around a whole lot of social life in Ndiowu town, stressing that everyone is looking forward to it every year. “We also set up a new sports council and for the past three years, we have been running this competition, and we have been realizing a lot of money through it. It is a creation of NTU, and we have one of our sons as the chairman. Go to our town hall, we have been able to give it a face-lift by fencing it.”
     On the question of how he has been coping without a traditional ruler in the town, Engr. Emenike lamented that it has been tough, because about a week or so when the Eze started his journey, the next thing he saw was a challenge from the opposition.
     He said he tried to talk to Ndiowu people to know how the ceremony will be like, as they want to honor their late Eze, adding that the moment he gave that directive, some people started holding meetings everywhere, saying over their dead body to take directives from him, even some prominent ones also.
    “I said okay may be we are going to have a fight. We actually fought, and at the end of the day, they said they must hold the New Yam festival, whether anyone liked it or not. They were using the Ngbom platform. I told them that the directive had been given and that no one can stop it,” he stated.
    He also stated: “They went very far. They also used the government instrument, but I tried to let them know that the government of Anambra State is for everyone. At long last, there was no New Yam festival, because that would have been an embarrassment.”
    Engr. Emenike noted that the town’s vigilante has been performing below expectation adding that the vigilante is part of the Town Union, and that is the way they structured it. It is not a separate body and that they mandated them to be the ones to collect the N200 security levy per house meant for their allowances, and that they have not been able to effectively do that.
    “This is so because the Town Union did not have any wing as per revenue collection group. We had it initially, but when we started having problems, we forgot it; we have been able to setup one again. What we have now on ground are those that collect revenue from those that collect bamboo. They are about twenty,” he stated.
    On the issue of funding of the town union, he noted that what they usually do is when they need fund, they source it from some of their sons. “We do that in a way of donations or loans. Like the fence at the town hall, it was funded by an individual within us. But luckily for us, we have task-force that collects development levy from outsiders that buy land from our territory. So they are able to raise money and that is how we are able to raise money.”
    Speaking on the need for age grade system in the town, Engr. Emenike said he had wished that his people would form age-grades, noting that he had told them severally; hence it is a major tool for development and the easiest way for a town to grow.
     “Age-grades can take up projects in the town. I have been crying for it for the past four years and everyone seemed not concerned. I have made several proposals, write-ups and all that. So if that finally happens, and we are able to set something up, then it is left for the people to continue from there,” he stated.

Tribute to Philip Uchenna Umeh
“He was an exceptional brother in many ways!”
By Pastor Sunny Umeh

I have always known that Uche was a special brother. At one point, I wanted to be able to handle things like him. I found out that I could not. Therefore, I learned to respect him even more that I used to. I never thought about the meaning of his name until few days after he transitioned to heaven.  Uchenna means “God’s will.” Most Christians pray for the will of God to be done in all circumstances. However, only the spiritually-matured can accept the will of God with joy when the outcome is contrary to their expectation. He wore and lived the meaning of his given name until he transitioned. I can attest to the fact that his given name was fulfilled in his years on earth, because the will of God has been done.
       Philip Uchenna Umeh was an exceptional brother in many ways. Born on September 1957, to the family of Chief Isaac Umeh (Ogbu Ebinyi)of Ngoo village, Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government, Anambra State, he lived most of his life in Enugu. So he was truly an Enugu “boy.”
    He was the most peaceful in our family. On extreme rare occasions was he angry about any offense. Uche was a brother who found it very difficult and abnormal to confront anyone under any circumstance. It took repetitive and unrelenting provocation for Uche to speak in anger which was out of his character.
     In my opinion, he was the meekest man I knew and still know. At times, I was angry with him for relinquishing his right to an offender, simply because he wanted to keep peace at his expenses. His meekness was grossly mistaken by most as weakness. Uche was never at odds with anyone. He was a very strong man physically and spiritual, but his strength was always under his control.
      Uche was known by a different name by his High Scholl peers. For those who may not know, he was known as “Hippy” by his school mates. I investigated and found out that Hippy was a nickname he assumed as a soccer player in his days in High Scholl.
      He was a formidable soccer player like most of us in our family. Uche made a lot of friends and touched a lot of lives in different ways. Uche’s transition to heaven was the greatest shock of my life. He committed major decisions he was going to make to the Lord in prayer, and promised to let me know as soon as he felt the leading of the Lord.
      For the first time, Uche started seeking the face of God to be in his will. I was waiting to hear from my younger brother, so that we could plan and execute those plans in 2016. The Lord’s purpose has prevailed and his will has been done. No, Uche is not dead. He is alive, joined with other believers in heaven, and waiting for us to come later. If heaven is your home, you will see Uche again.

Gov. Obiano commended on Orumba road projects  

The President of Orumba Forum, Dr. Raymond Obieri, has praised the efforts of the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano for continuing work on Ufuma junction-Awa –Amanse road, which was initiated by his predecessor.
   Obieri made this remark during the Forum’s 10^th anniversary of its scholarship scheme and a formal reception of the governor in Orumba, adding that the stretch of road is very important to the people as it will open up access to one of the major food baskets in Anambra State.
    “We have many needs in Orumba, but the following are very pressing: Ajalli-Ogbuli-Umuabiama-Ufuma road, Ndiokpaleze road, the second bridge on that road is in a very bad state. Also water bolehole in Ndiokpaleke, Ajalli-Nawfija-Umueji road, Ezira Victory High School road, Isulo-Eziagu road, Owerri Ezukala-Ogba Ukwu Cave road, Ogbunka-Umueji-Ufuma road, Ihete Aro Ikpa road, needs serious attention,” he stated.
    Other needs of the area, he noted, are the Pal Brewery-Aguluezechukwu road, Oko, erosion menace in Oko, erosion at the comprehensive hospital, Enugwu-Abor, the Police Station and mini barracks in Ajalli, construction of office secretariat in the local government. “We are told they are over conjested.”
    He also stated: “Your Excellency, our requests may appear too many, but these are borne out of needs that were not addressed earlier than now, and we will appreciate your kind attention to these our humble requests. Your Excellency, on behalf of our Forum and traditional rulers, I thank you for giving us this opportunity to host and honor you today.”
    Obieri also applauded the governor on his deep interest in upgrading the educational standard in the state, commending his able leadership of Anambra State. “We are very proud of your activities especially in the area of improved security in Anambra State. You have made a mark for other states to emulate.”
     According to him, Orumba Forum is made up of Orumba elites in Lagos and Abuja, and as a non partisan pressure group and we therefore have no affiliation with any political party, adding that their aims and objectives are to foster good relationship among themselves, support the good government initiatives at both state and federal levels, ensuring, and if need be, fight to get their fair share of government patronage.
    “From North to South, one task we have in common is taking the delivery of inter-personal goodwill a notch higher, and redeem ourselves from the shackles of inglorious days of “they” and “us.” We are one indivisible unit bounded with love and unflinching desire to progress,” Obieri also stated.

Orumba Forum’s scholarship scheme receives appraisal
By Ikenna Nwosu

 The scholarship scheme of the Orumba Forum, a non-government organization, has received a major appraisal, this time from the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who lauded the efforts of the Forum in awarding scholarships to deserving students of the area.
    The Governor stated this during the 2015 Scholarship Award Scheme of the Forum and the formal reception of the Governor in the area, held in Nanka, Orumba North, describing the scheme as the best gift the Forum could give to the young and bright students who merited the gesture. 
    He added that the beneficiaries will always remember that in all their lives, and that the project used to happen before now, where communities used to come together to train people, stressing  that at some point it disappeared.
He said that some of the known names today have benefitted in one way or the other from community support when they were going to school, noting that the government wants to bring back those kinds of great ideas.

     He stated: “You do not leave it to the government alone. Whoever has money that can train whoever that is not his child, should do so. That is the only way the fellow you train will not forget you, because when the history is written, there is no way they will not bring in your name.”
       “So I thank Orumba Forum once more. I also want to assure, that you have been covered in everything we are doing. First for the Orumba North/South, you all have commissioners working with me. You know Nikky Ugochukwu, one of you; I insisted and made sure she is where she is today.  Even the former Deputy Governor and many more of your children are also working with me now. I just told your President, Obieri, that I will require two people from the Forum for board appointment recommended by the Forum,” he stated.
      He continued: “I will not conclude until I visit some of your requests that are here. They are about sixteen from North and South. Ordinarily, I will say done! But you know things are very difficult now. As a matter of fact, we are only four states that pay salaries regularly now.”
      The governor hinted that there is a massive drop in the fat allocation from the federal government, and therefore, when they are faced with such circumstances, what they do is to cut their cost and improve on the Internally Generated Fund (IGR), “and basically, that is what we are doing.”
    He revealed that his predecessor awarded massive road contracts shortly before he left and that those roads are being taken care of by his government, adding that the federal government is owing the state 27 billion on road works. “So you have patience with me. That is why I brought the commissioner for works, I will send him to go and see those roads and if there is some we can fix now so that people can be using them pending when fund comes.”
     He described the demand by Orumba Forum for a borehole as a “piece of cake,” assuring that he will look into it among other things. “I will take your requests seriously, and my team will study them and select the ones we can do within the financial constraints I told you earlier.”
     According to the governor, Anambra is doing well in education, and because of that, the cut- of mark for Anambra to be admitted into the university is 224, while some other states is just five adding that, that is why they are working hard to ensure that when the students graduate, they will find a place to work.
      He further assured that he will intensify his efforts on his four pillars: agriculture, trade and commerce, oil and gas, and industrialization, stating that his government is doing well at these early stages in setting up those areas.
    “The value-chain will certainly accommodate most of you as you graduate. Anytime people ask me, what are you doing differently in education? I say we are doing three things; one is upgrading the infrastructure that we met on ground. Infrastructure does not include only the building; it includes the teaching aids, and that is my definition of infrastructure,” he pointed out.
     He said that infrastructure is critical in what his government is doing, and that good school environment helps learning. “You cannot stay where mad people are and read well. Second is the comfort of the students, there comfort is critical to enable them read very well. That is what we are providing by encouraging that there are bole holes and fencing of schools, particularly in girl’s hostels, so we do not have a repeat of the Chibok Girl’s drama.”
    He also stated: “We provide running water. We are about to improve electricity because A company is investing so much money in exploiting the gas in one of the Orient Petrol wells. We will be able to get 85 mega watts of electricity and that is about what we are consuming now. So that is doubling what we have and that will actually move round all the places and if you watch what is happening, I just signed plenty of money to reconnect vandalized electrical wires.”
     Obiano assured that most of the schools in Anambra will be connected properly with electricity and that they will have light to do prep among other school activities, adding that the comfort of students is number two pillar in what his administration is doing in education.
    “The third and very important is training and retraining of our teachers and looking into their welfare. When I took over, they were the first set of people I addressed and I reassured them that when the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) which I inherited, which was N480 million moved to about a billion Naira, I will revisit their case, it is now about N1.1 billion, and I did that,” he also stated.

We’ve shown extraordinary leadership, maturity – Igwe Achina, Obiora
Ogonna Umeh

The Igwe Achina, HRM Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora, the Eze Idegwu 111, has said that his Igwe in Council has shown extraordinary leadership quality and maturity in the way they have so far managed their relationship with their fellow brothers over the autonomous issue.
     Speaking during the December 2015 Idegwu Day festivities in Achina, Igwe Obiora noted that instead of flexing their strength and advantageous position, they have continued to dangle the carrot in order to bring their brothers back to the fold.
    “This, we do by offering their wards identification letters unconditionally, attending funerals and other important functions and finally not using instruments of authority to stop any activity not authorized by the council,” he stated.
    According to Igwe Obiora, they have adopted the biblical attitude of allowing the wheat and weed to grow together until the harvest, adding that the benefit of this civil approach is the voluntary return of some Umunna from the autonomous enclave to the fold without any compulsion.
     On the issue of land purchase in Achina, he noted that Igwe-in-council has streamlined land sales and purchases in Achina by setting up administrative steps that must be taken for any piece of land to be considered validly sold in Achina.
     He said that the structure that encourages both buyers and sellers alike to ensure that any sale of land is done in the open, involving the chairman of the ummunnas, their Ichie and Igwe in that order, has put to an end the “bad blood” and dissatisfaction that follows badly-managed transactions like sale of land.
     He also stated: The Igwe-in-council has proactively managed in timely manners the bitterness and transfer of hate crimes to the future generation as diokpalas can now be stopped from selling a family inheritance unless they have good accord with their siblings.”
      Speaking further, Igwe Obiora noted that Idegwu Day is significant because it is the celebration of the greatness of their ancestral heritage, Idegwu Egbe Buru Oku Asoghi Anwuru, adding that it is a great occasion of reflection for all Achina people.
     “While reflecting on the sacrifices made by our forefathers, laying down their lives for this great town, we are also reflecting on our contributions as individuals, groups, unions, associations, organizations etc, to the continuity of the good works started by our ancestors,” he further stated.
     According to him, Idegwu Day is also the celebration of their rich cultural heritage, as will be witnessed by several ancient cultures that were presented, adding that it is a celebration of life and achievements as it affords Achina people the opportunity to look back and assess how far they have moved in the past three years.
      “Today, we are celebrating 15 years of post-crises town union and its harmonious blend with the traditional institution. I am therefore highly delighted to welcome all of you to this celebration of all celebrations in Achina,” he noted.
     He said that the 2015 Idegwu celebration is a special one to him because it coincided with his 5^th year on the throne, and recalled that during his maiden Ofala festival in 2012, he confessed that his first two years on the throne was a period of learning for him and the other members of his cabinet.
      In his words: “I did invite all of you to cooperate and join hands with us in making this town great again in this same occasion. I also promised you that I was going to leave my door open to all of you in discharging my function as the royal father of the town.”
     He continued: “Today, I want to thank all of you for the tremendous support and encouragement I have received from you, which has inspired me and has also led to a catalogue of achievements within the past three years.”

Idegwu Day promotes community development – Achina PG, Ezechukwu
Success Kanayo Uchime

The Idegwu Day celebration in Achina, Aguata local government is said to be a period to rekindle and regenerate the love of Achina people towards community development. It is also designed to bring the people together in order to look into the past, assess their progress as a community, and also infuse in them a sense of community service.
    These facts were brought out by the President-General (PG), Achina Town Union (ATU), Hon. Obiora C. J Ezechukwu, in a statement during the celebration of 2015 Idegwu Day in the town on December 31, 2015, adding that the significance of the celebration lies in the fact that it is a celebration of love, brotherhood, and friendship.
    He explained that though some Igbo cultures and traditions were found to have negative influences on the society, but it is not so with the Idegwu Day cultural festival, adding that the celebration goes beyond enjoying cultural dances and masquerade displays.
    “It is indeed the celebration of our cultural heritage which must be sustained in order to avoid losing our cultural identity and sense of direction. Any community that allows its culture to perish would have succeeded in allowing itself to go into extinction,” he stated.
     He continued: “Moreover, the celebration of Idegwu Day provides opportunity for our people, especially the younger ones to mix freely, visit relatives, attend village and kindred meetings, and also get acquainted with their people. This kind of interaction engenders love among the kindred and also induces the sense of responsibility on the youths based on our extended family system.”
     Hon. Ezechukwu noted that the celebration also helps the youths to discover and appreciate their root and to endeavor at all times, to work hard to improve their condition towards meeting societal standards and conditions.
     According to him, families that have been in disarray due to some misunderstandings normally would use this opportunity to come and sort their differences out with the view to settling them finally.
     “As our people believe that problems are not solved by running away from them, but by facing them squarely, the best way to solve them is not even by making phone calls across the cities, but by coming home to our fatherland. The peaceful spirits of our ancestors are still there to help bring peace to our families,” he also stated.
      He recalled that the Idegwu Day celebration as it is in Achina today, was first conceived  and caused to be celebrated in 1975, by the then Achina Patriotic Union (APU), led by the late Chief (Hon.) Godwin Ogbuozobe, and that it was in that year that the festival was proclaimed a triennial event.
     The PG also recalled that prior to 1975, Achina community had in 1959 and 1965, marked the celebration of the re-union of her indigenes, which was widely known as the “return years,” noting that historically, the highlight of the celebration in 1959 was the opening of the then magnificent Achina town hall and the civic center, under the leadership of the then chairman of APU, late Chief Ben Ezenwa.
      “Specifically, it was on the 29^th day of December, 1959, that the ceremony took place amidst displays of various cultural dances and masquerades. The return year of 1965 also witnessed the great mass return of our people living abroad, primarily to renew acquaintance with their kith and kin back home,” he also stated.
      He emphasized that records have it that the return year of 1965 was greeted with much joy as almost all the families of Achina people living abroad returned home for the celebration, and that it was celebrated as usual at the Achina town hall. “Many dancing groups and masquerades featured and competed for trophies/prizes.”
      Hon. Ezechukwu said it is regrettable that due to some communal feuds, the celebration of the festival was not observed since that of 1975 as expected until 2003, when it was revived by the Achina Town Union under the leadership of Chief Okey Okpalugo, adding that in that year, what might be regarded as the Idegwu Day celebration proper was celebrated in a grand style.
      According to him, the event attracted Achina people in their true colors as those living abroad and some in Diaspora returned home in their numbers to celebrate the epoch-making ceremony, noting that it witnessed the greatest assemblage of their people in recent time.
     “There were colorful cultural displays from various branches of Achina Town Union, and was climaxed with the outing of very old, but very well known masquerades which had been seen for more than 50 years before then,” he further said.

Amesi PG lauds Gov. Obiano on new Igwe
Ikenna Nwosu

The President-General (PG) of Amesi Improvement Union (AIU), Ezekiel Chukwuneke, has appreciated the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State in recognizing and equipping their candidate for the Igweship of the town with the legal documents and other paraphernalia of a royal father.
     Chukwuneke made this known during the 2015 triennial Akalabor festival held at the Central School field Amesi on December 23, 2015, adding that the entire Amesi indigenes pledged their unalloyed support and loyalty to the governor and his team.
     In the same vein, he also appreciated the immense contributions made by the Local Government Chairman, Chief Chukwuma Umeoji, adding that his support has remained indelible in their minds. “We also appreciate the Aguata Traditional Rulers Council for their moral and fatherly support all through the process. May you live long! To all individuals and organizations that contributed to the success story, we pray God to reward you abundantly.”
     According to him, the occasion marked the official unveiling and presentation of their new traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Paul Ogbuachor, the Igwe Akalabor 11 of Amesi to all and sundry, adding that the event also afforded Amesi people the opportunity to assemble in order to commemorate the rich  legacies of their great ancestor, Akalabor.
     “We have packaged for the entertainment of our guests, cultural activities, displays of alternative machine, football league and non-denominational prayer session. We are also conferring chieftaincy titles on some notable sons and daughters of Amesi for their genuine and purposeful contributions towards the uplifting of the community and the society at large,” he stated.
     The PG commended the A.I.U executive committee members, the branch chapters and the Mass Return Committee for their selfless efforts and resilience in accomplishing the task of hosting the event. “I appreciate in no small measures, the keen interest shown by Amesians abroad towards the uplifting of our town. We pray for the sustenance of your think-home philosophy. We are proud of you.”
     He felicitated with their new royal father on his successful installation to the throne and pledged their loyalty and support to his administration at all times, adding that their congratulation is also going to the newly coronated members of Ndi Ichie and the awardees of Amesi chieftaincy titles. “We urge you to strive at living up to the calling of your present status.”
     While acknowledging the visit of Governor Obiano and his entourage, he hoped that the governor’s visit would afford him the opportunity of getting firsthand information on their yearnings and challenges before them.
     He stated: “We will welcome a concerted effort by government towards the completion of Obizi Regional Water Scheme to ease the problem of water shortage experienced by communities in this area.”
     In his own speech, the chairman of the 2015 Mass Return and the coordinating committee, Mr. Casmir Anazodo, said that Amesi as a community, is known to be celebrating their ancestral father, Akalabor every three years, and that it is an event every Amesi indigene is praying to be alive to witness.
      He noted that Akalabor 2015 is not only a celebration of family reunion, showcasing of their cultural heritage, masquerade display, soccer tournament and prayer session, but rather, it is a historic event in Amesi as it marked the end of an era and the dawn of a new one.
     He stated: “Akalabor this year ushers in a new dawn of kinship in our town. This 2015, our town will be conspicuous to all because a new traditional government is being instituted according to the collective will of our people. This new dawn will inspire all of us to be part and parcel of a collective vision to make our tomorrows today’s reality.”
     Anazodo appreciated the PG and his team for their vibrancy, dynamism, potential and doggedness in piloting the affairs of the town, while also appreciating the committee and sub-committee members who put in their best in order to make the event a memorable one.






Policing is a shared responsibility – Ajalli DPO
By Obi Okeke

The Ajalli Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Patrick Odoemelem, said that the job of policing the communities is a shared responsibility by all, as it is part of the civic responsibility of all citizens to help the Police in fighting crime.
     He made this known in a statement during the Police children’s Christmas/end of year party organized by his Division in Ajalli, Orumba North, adding that no Police Force anywhere in the world can succeed in the onerous task of crime fighting, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, due enforcement of laws, protection of life and property, investigation and prosecution of offenders, without the active support, assistance and cooperation of members of the public.
     He pledged to remain focused on their vision, which is to be a leading national, professional and efficient law enforcement organization, adding that their mission is to provide safety and security in Nigerian communities, protect and respect human rights and also promote community partnership in preventing and controlling social disorder.
    “We are to serve you better in line with our core values of loyalty, hard work, integrity, humility and honor,” he stated.
      CSP Odoemelem disclosed that the party was for the children in the community, and as such, it was pertinent to address them and their parents, adding that the children and their guardians should remember that children are special gifts from God, and that the greatest legacy they can bequest children is to give them sound education, protect them from child labor, abuse, trafficking, hawking and exposure to moral dangers when they should be in school studying.
     He stated: “Remember that the greatest investment is the one you make on your children. Train your children to grow up and become responsible, good, law-abiding citizens. Teach them good morals and fear of God. It is our responsibility to train, nurture and direct them in the way they should go, so that when they grow up, they will not depart from it, as the Bible says in Proverbs 22:26.”
     Still quoting from Proverbs 23:13, he admonished the parents not to withhold discipline from their children, that if they beat them, they will not die, noting that they should not spare the rod and spoil the child as foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but that the rod of correction shall drive it far from them, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:15.
      “You should therefore discipline and correct your children when they do wrong. Do not send them to go and hawk on the road as this will expose them to moral danger, especially the girl-child. It is our responsibility to provide for and train our children so that they will take care of us in our old age,” he also stated.
     He further stated: “Also remember to teach them sex education at an early age, so that they will not become victims of the dreaded HIV/AIDS.”
      To the children, CSP Odoemelem urged to always respect their parents, guardians and elders, and that they should be serious with their education/studies, advising them not to join bad friends, groups, and cults.
    “Do not take drugs; avoid crime and criminality and anything that can put you or your family into trouble. Honor your father and mother so that it shall be well with you and your days will be long, as mentioned in Exodus 20:12,” he admonished.
   Also quoting Proverbs 20:20, he encouraged the children: “Do not provoke your parents to anger, and do not give them cause to curse you as it will follow you. Remember what the Bible says, that anyone that curses his father or mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.”
    He further encouraged them to take their education seriously, as it is the only thing they need at this tender age that will make them become responsible citizens tomorrow, urging them to be obedient and to respect their parents and elders, and also to be of good behavior to everybody.
    “Remember to report any strange things, persons, cars/vehicles, incidents or observations to your parents/guardians. Do not accept gifts/presents from strangers or persons you do not know and do not enter their cars. Do not take what does not belong to you, and do not tell lies,” CSP Odoemelem further admonished.

 Ndikelionwu Welfare Association budgets N53M for 2016
By Ray Kanu

Ndikelionwu Welfare Association (NWA) is to spend N53 million this fiscal year, which will go into the completion of the town’s hall, rehabilitation of the town’s health center, fencing of the principal’s quarters of Ndikelionwu Community School among other vital community projects.
     The President-General (PG) of the Association, Mazi Okey Okereke, made this revelation during their Annual General Mmeeting (AGM), adding that NWA has ensured that greater attention is paid to the needs of the school, though they are still battling with the enigma of low enrollment of students. “Unscrupulous people tried to deprive the school the full support coming from the state government.”
     On security issues, Mazi Okereke decried the activities of the town’s vigilante: “It is with pain in my heart that I report that from all indications, it is obvious that the town’s vigilante has not only failed, but has since become an obstacle to establishing a viable security network for the protection of lives and property in the town. The clear roles of the Hon. Emma Nwene-led security outfit are currently having serious implications for other critical areas of life in the town.”
     Still indicting the town’s security outfit, he noted that his executives at one time acted in concert with Ndiowu and Omogho to ensure that the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) distributed commensurate electric power to the three towns.
      “The move was successful. But now, the town suffers a blackout due to the lack of security and the unpatriotic roles played by some security elements in the town that ensured that the transformers are vandalized. The outcome of this is that the distribution company is now said to be angry with our town as a result of the disagreement between some members of its staff and the youths over the vandalization of Ndikpa village transformer,” he stated.
     According to Mazi Okereke, efforts are however still on to restore electricity, regretting that Umuochu village is yet to be hooked-on to the national grid because of the shoddy job done by the contractors and their local collaborators. “Efforts are equally on to ensure that all those involved do not escape with their loots.”
      Speaking further on the ongoing reconstruction of the town’s hall, he pointed out that it is to the glory of God that having plunged into this reconstruction work with utmost bare hands, his administration has brought the project to its present level.
     He stated: “I know that with our trust in God and with your support, we shall have a beautiful town hall before the end of the present administration. The executive committee of NWA wishes to express, here again, our profound gratitude to all who have supported the project.”
     He continued: “We will not disappoint you. May the good Lord replenish you and your name immortalized as a result of this gesture. However, the work is far from being finished. We therefore urge our people, home and abroad, to donate generously towards the speedy completion of the project.”
       Mazi Okereke urged all Ndikelionwu people to reinvent their winning values of family, hard work and exemplary courage, so that in their life time, they may collectively solidify the foundations of godly, healthy and prosperous Ndikeliownu that remains unassailable.
     Also speaking during the AGM, the Eze of the town, HRM Eze (Prof.) Chukwuemeka Ike, Eze Ikelionwu X1, urged all Ndikelinowu youths to ensure they are empowered economically in other to live a life free of poverty and lack, adding that they have been able to train three sets of people on economic empowerment.
      He regretted that the indigenes would not want to come to benefit from this government gesture, adding that the government wants people to start cooperative societies in order to benefit from soft loans that are usually disbursed to such societies.
     “I appeal to our people, especially the youths to be hard working, so they can be productive. Let our people support our town’s school and other projects going on in the town,” he stated.
     He noted that he will soon have in place the Eze’s cabinet that will be charged with the responsibility of providing necessary advise to him, adding that there will also be in place a title to be known as Ugwu Ndikelionwu to be given to deserving indigenes of the town.

Sports 3r edition

Inter-house sport offers forum for interaction - Chukwuka
By Pat Muo

 

Inter-house sport competition has been identified as a veritable forum for interaction among students, teachers, parents and friend.
     This observation was made by the Director/Principal, Federal Government College, Nise, Anambra State, Dr. E. U Chukwuka during the 20^th annual inter-house athletics completion held in the school recently, adding that the event has grown to become an exciting highlight in the academic year of the college.
    He praised the achievements of the students in sports competition, adding that the school is united not only by its academic successes but also by its co-corricular activities. “Our students look forward to this day every year when they are freed from the fetters of tedious academic work and losse themselves in the excitement of winning prizes for their houses.
    He noted that sports has come to be valued not just for its entertainment and improvement of physical well-being but also for the exposure it gives and the enormous wealth it brings the participants.
     According to Dr. Chukwuka, in this day when young school leavers idle away with nothing to do, many have found satisfying careers in sports, stressing that so many great men and women of Nigeria with international recognition earned their fame in sports.
     “We still remember Power Mike the great wrestler, Kanu Nwankwo and JJ Okocha, the famous footballers, Chioma Ajunwa and Mary Onyali, renound printers,” he stated.
     He cautioned all participants to bow to the superior judgment of the officials notwithstanding their personal opinion, adding that in life as well as sports, discipline and determination is needed to succeed.
    He stated: “Life is tough and competitive and life’s race needs to be accepted and completed whether you arwe misjudged or not and whether you are feeling out of breath or not. I therefore charge the officials of this competition to ensure that the games are played according to the rules. We look forward to proper organization, fair and just decision.”
     Dr. Chukwuka noted that the college struggled so much to ensure the actualization of this year’s inter-house sports stating that the reason is simply because their sports arena was heavily eroded by flood during the last rainy season.
    “We therefor call on the Anambr State Government, Ndi-eze, parents, guardians, philanthropiss and friends of the college to identify with our sporting needs by leveling and grassin our sports field. If given the chance, I assure you this college will produce Olympic medalists,” he stated.
   He appreciated the contributions made by the Federal Ministry of Education, Anambra State Government, and all who in one way or the other, in the past and today have sponsored their inter-house sport competition.
      He also appreciated the school’s management team who have made great job in putting the event together. “I acknowledge all the good work done by the teaching and non-teaching staff to ensure the success of the competition.”

Amesi inaugurates sports council
…championship gulps N1.8M
By Pat Muo

In an effort to improve and encourage grassroots sports in the town and the local government, the Amesi Improvement Union (AIU) on January 2, 2016, inaugurated the Amesi Sports Council (ASC) to oversee grassroots sports in the town.
    The inauguration which coincided with the triennial Akalabor Football Championship (AFC), witnessed a large turnout of Amesi sons and daughters, both home and abroad. The championship which kicked-off on December 18, 2015, saw several teams from different branches of Amesi Town Union competing for honors.
    In a welcome speech, the Chairman of the Council, Prince Greg Ezechukwu, said that the sole objective of the council is to move Amesi to a lofty height in the area of sports development adding that the motto of ASC is simply, “love and harmony through sports.”
    “While it is only natural to look ahead, I cannot continue without due reference to the remarkable reminiscences of the positive actions of Amesi heroes whose dexterity and resourcefulness culminated in the gains of what we gather triennially to celebrate as Akalabor Football Championship,” he stated.
    He paid glowing tribute to some illustrious sons of Amesi who contributed immensely to the growth of the championship, “to your stern and indelible foot-prints in the successful organization of the championship at various points in time, thank you very much. As we appreciate you sumptuously, we also recall with nostalgia, the call to eternity of some of the sports icons and pray for the eternal repose of their gentle souls through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
     Ezechukwu recognized the efforts and commitment of the Student Union and some members of the AIU branches, adding that without them, there would be no AFC, “in a special way also, I wish to recognize the gallant efforts of some dignitaries and families who despite the enormous cost incurred in running a football club, are able to remain resilient and resolute in continuing the entrenched tradition of fostering formidable football teams for the effective running of the championship.”
    He noted that the championship was unprecedented with multiplicity of innovations garnished with individual and collective zeal in the sponsorship of complimentary trophies like never witnessed in the history of AFC.
    He said that the ASC has through the mammoth supports it has garnered, introduced the 3^rd and 4^th runners-up trophies and went further to extend the merit awards in all strata of the game in order to encourage keen competition and also enhance further participation in the championship.
     He stated: “Historically, a brief look into the recent past reveals that in 2009, the AFC trophies put together a handsome sum of N850, 000. In 2002, the championship trophies generated a sum of N950, 000. Quite unprecedentedly and absolutely amazing, this year’s championship has recorded a whooping sum of N1.8 million, realized from various complimentary trophies pledged by the sports lovers of Amesi community.”
      Ezechukwu noted that the amount did not include the huge sums invested in the Merit Award Medals consistently sponsored by Gregmore Foundation. “Remarkable also, is the fact that this year’s championship has produced a good number of sponsors of quality trophies from friends of Amesi community, especial in diaspora. This, you will agree with me is about the greatest feat ever recorded in a grassroots competition at both local and national levels.”
     He said that towards the realization of their enormous goals, the Association has recorded so many feats, which include amongst others, a signed constitution, an office allocation at the ASC hall, increased sponsorship of the game through massive donation of incentive trophies. Others are increased participation of sponsored football clubs in the championship, improved championship arenas and gadgets, and the winning of external football championships like, Ezeudo Cup, Diocesan Cup, Mike Okiro’s Cup and others.
     According to him, in their march towards meaningful and resourceful directions, the ASC is designed to further achieve the following objectives: to renovate and equip the newly allocated office, to expand its scope in embracing other games like, tennis, volley ball, badminton etc.
      Others are to compete in local, state, national and international championships, to build a spectators’ stand at the Central School arena, presently serving as Amesi Stadium and to build an ultra modern sports complex in Amesi that will help boost recreational activities for all, create a befitting place for reception of dignitaries to Amesi, and also, to serve as an archive for sports-related and other community matters.
     “The aforementioned goals can only be accomplished through our collective efforts. Therefore, as we congratulate all Amesi people for their firm commitment to the vision and mission of this sacrificial body, the ASC, we implore our people to cast their nets into the “deep” and “fish” out the “finest” for Amesi community by donating handsomely towards these tall projects.”
     It is to be noted that the event witnessed the final leg of the two-week long championship which saw Gregmore Foundation FC of Port Harcourt clinching the coveted trophy after beating the Sharp Shooters FC of Lagos 1-0 in a keenly-contested match. The lone goal was scored at the 37^th minute of the second half by Ozigbo Obiajulu, wearing jersey number eleven.

Super Eagles: Keshi at last explains why he quit his job

The former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, has finally explained why he quit the much coveted Eagles job, blaming it on the undue interference with his job by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) board and the fact that NFF made two desperate attempts to sack him during the group phase of the AFCON tournament.  
    In a report by The Sun Newspaper, Keshi stated: “People were not doing their jobs and they wanted to do my job for me. I and my crew were cursed like babies, while people who did not know my pains were meddling with it.”
      He continued: “So, I decided to resign and let somebody else do the job. Too many people were talking; too many people wanted to coach, wanted to decide for me. And I said okay let them have the job.”
     He observed that the people who wanted him out by all means were not there with him, and that they did not know what he was going through with his assistant coaches. “So they did not have to talk or tell me what I was supposed to have done then. They were not there to know how we suffered there. We were neglected.”
      According to Keshi, the longest-serving Super Eagles captain, his employers accused and cursed his crew as if they were babies, and he decided to let go at that point, adding that it was appropriate for him to resign in South Africa rather than wait till the return to Nigeria, since it was there in South Africa that all the intrigues endured by his technical crew.
    “All the threats happened in South Africa. South Africa was where the AFCON took place, and it was in the same South Africa that they wanted to sack us after two games. Where also  they were insulting us, so I thought I might end it in South Africa. So, why do I have to take it to Nigeria – to do what?” He queried.
     He continued: “They should have allowed us to finish our tournament and announce the sack or no sack. They were not ready to do that but rather during the tournament. Why is it that it is when Keshi did his that everyone started talking? But when the NFF was doing theirs, nobody said anything.”
      Keshi noted that he did not try to get back at his employers, and that the then head of NFF, Bello Maigari was always there for him, because Maigari never knew him neither did he ever know him by the time  he asked him to come and coach Eagles. “Bello Maigari made me believe that he had confidence in me, that Keshi could do it.”
     “So, I never knew Maigari; he never knew me before giving me the job and I still have that respect for him. So, there is nothing to get back at. Maigari knows all the problems and I am sure most of the members of his board knew the problems,” he stated.
      “It was not to get back at anybody. I was just tired of people trying to help me do my job, cursing us as if we were babies. Just felt it was better to leave the job and give it to somebody else to coach at that time,” he further stated.