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WE BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE TOP SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS IN RIVERS STATE – Sprinthub CEO

WE BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE TOP SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS IN RIVERS STATE – Sprinthub CEO

WE BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE TOP SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS IN RIVERS STATE – Sprinthub CEO

In this interview, the CEO of Sprinthub, Sokari Gillis-Harry, the CEO of Sprint Innovation Hub State speaks on how post Covid 19 will be a game changer in the ICT ecosystem, as a software development firm based in Rivers State, known for oil and gas activities, the software developer made people to understand that there are more to Rivers State than oil and gas industry. Anthony Nwosu captures this in an exclusive interview

Sprinthub is an IT establishment, can we know when you started?

We started in July 2018. The name Sprinthub comes from our agile approach. We break down an idea down to its most valuable and essential components. By helping you focus on what really matters, we create a solid foundation for sustainable business success. The end result: a product worth feeling passionate about. To us, engineering mobile app experiences is beyond a job. It’s our way of connecting ambitious entrepreneurs (and businesses) with customers in today’s mobilized world. Though, the journey hasn’t been an easy one, we consider ourselves as start-up but we have a positive outlook to the ecosystem.

Why Rivers State? Many IT and software development firms are based in Lagos, Yaba precisely, why Port Harcourt?

As a service-based company that builds digital products, the need for our customers to meet physically with us is not necessary, if we do exceptional work and deliver on time. We have clients in Europe that will never meet us even if we move to Lagos. In the early days we had difficulties finding talents because the best talents are moving to Lagos, but we quickly adjusted to a Remote DevOps culture which enabled us to find talents across the Globe. At the moment our Quality Assurance Testers are in Europe. So as an IT firm, we have to leverage on technology in the areas of capacity building and skills outsourcing. We mustn’t be in Lagos as you said to scale.

Over the years you have developed many software solutions, how is the capacity building and skillset there, in a city known for oil exploration?     

It’s amazing the kind of talents that are down here if you pay enough attention. After we started working with remote employees, we found that there are senior software engineers and designers in Port Harcourt and we couldn’t find IT firms that can match their salary. They gave up and applied for remote positions oversees. We were able to get some of them into advisory positions in the company. So, the city isn’t all about oil and energy services, the ICT ecosystem is also busy and burgeoning.

Bhood Music is one of your music and online entertaining app, what have you achieved with this. A lot of online streaming apps have been accused of short changing the artistes in terms of revenue. What is different about this?

The Bhood Music team approached us to build a platform that will be is strictly for religious acapela music. We currently don’t know how much they pay their artists but their userbase have been growing and they have plans to expand to other religious organizations. Ours is to develop a bespoke software and solutions for organizations and Bhood Music happens to be one of them.

How many downloads and streaming do you have averagely in a month?

The last time we looked at their dashboard, they had over 1000 downloads per day. We strongly believe that this number would increase, knowing that gospel and accapella type of music is restricted to certain class of audience, it is a niche market and for that application to witness about 1000 downloads per day is a step in the right direction.

Do we have your solutions (software and apps) in other West African Countries?          

Currently we don’t. We are working on one that will be available for public beta testing by the end of Q3 2020. We have our eyes in the overseas markets especially the ECOWAS region. We strongly believe that we would be deploying there in no distant future.

Cabby Nigeria is an app designed to give Uber a run for their money. How has this been considering the level of signups and download in Rivers State and Niger Delta region?

Even though I am not allowed to comment on the internal business affairs of our customers, I will say the business of competing against heavily funded companies like Uber is tough, though I see them becoming a major player in Nigeria in the coming years. We strongly believe in their capacity, the market in Nigeria is huge.

What are the challenges that you face doing business in Rivers State and Nigeria as a nation?         

Electricity, Stable internet and security are the major challenges we have. We have a lot to contend with in these afore mentioned areas. They have eaten deep in our operational expenditure. Internet connectivity is still on the high side in this part of the world especially high-speed internet. These are the teething problems we face, the issue of security is another thing, but we believe that the state and the federal government is doing something in these regards.

The country is emerging from Corona Virus epidemic, what are the unique solutions that you have that you think that would interest Nigerians?

On-demand delivery solutions will become mainstream as we come out of the pandemic. Before, adoption to services like this were difficult but the lockdown left people with no choice but to give these services a try. So as you can see,  the social distancing policy by the government will spur growth in this area and we as a software development firm is well positioned to take advantage of this by creating top notch on demand solutions that is in tandem with what is applicable in other parts of globe.

As a stakeholder in the industry, do you think that the government is doing anything or much to support indigenous IT firs like yours in terms of policy?

They are doing okay, but there is room for improvement. The recent open bank policy has enabled new fintech businesses with little or no external funding to build solutions that are disrupting the banking sector. There would be a whole lot of disruption from FinTechs to eLearning solutions, what the government must do is to create an enabling environment for these. Yes, NITDA has put machinery in motion and we believe that the minister Isa Pantami the ComTech Minister understands what to do in these regards.

Do you think that Nigerians are beginning to appreciate locally developed software?

Yes, we have customers that would have hired Indian firms if they did not find us. So we can say yes to your question, but we are not yet there, we are not going to build software so that Nigerians will buy from us or we deploy for them, we believe here that they will buy from us as a Nigerian firm and more importantly, because we built a world class solutions for them. 

The recent open bank policy has enabled new fintech businesses with little or no external funding to build solutions that are disrupting the banking sector. There would be a whole lot of disruption from FinTechs to eLearning solutions, what the government must do is to create an enabling environment for these.

A Lot of Businesses in Nigeria Will cease to exist post-Covid-19 – Mr. Adewale Adeyipo

A Lot of Businesses in Nigeria Will cease to exist post-Covid-19 – Mr. Adewale Adeyipo

In this interview, the Chief Executive Officer of CWG Plc, Mr. Adewale Adeyipo, stated the effects of Covid 19 on the country, how it will alter our lives and businesses. He also explained the proactive measure that CWG Plc has in place such as ‘Work from Home Initiative’. He also explained the Five Strategic Pillars that is guiding him to pilot the affairs of one of the most sought-after IT establishments

What are your thoughts about Covid-19 in the last five months?

Covid-19 has taught us some lessons we could not have learnt ordinarily. In the last five months, we have suddenly realized that the gap between the rich and the poor, the educated and non-educated is not extensive. We have realized that life and survival seem to be the only constant entities. The pandemic has exposed the terrible state of infrastructure in our country. This is the time for us to look inward and face our challenges; fix our health sector and other amenities. I believe we are not cursed but only need to be deliberate and determine to make a change. We have the capacity and competence to make that change, which is already evident in the many great works Nigerians are doing all over the world. There was an article I wrote last year, which dwelled more on digital change. In that article, I stated that Nigeria needs to address the consumer mentality that stops us from creating and reproducing. Covid-19 has presented us with an opportunity to look inward and create wealth for ourselves.

How are you coordinating activities and the staff at CWG since the onset of the pandemic and its effects? 

At CWG, our engagements and activities are almost seamless and I can say it has been more effective than what we forecasted at the beginning of this pandemic. Sometime last year, we introduced what we called ‘Work from Home Initiative’, which was a response to a survey we conducted on staff engagement. Our people opted to work from home two days a month so, we started it the first quarter of last year. That has helped us a lot during this pandemic period because we have previously conducted a trial and know how to manage people in a situation like this. I am presently in the office with a few staff. Communication is key in this our business, so we regularly communicate with them on critical revenue lines that must not suffer. This is the time you bring out the entrepreneurship spirit in everyone, so they can make maximum impacts. Responsibility and accountability are the keywords in times like this. We have activated our remote system and I can confirm to you that with the processes and the robust systems we have, helped us to be able to deliver to our customers.

Is there a way we can quantify the damages that have been done to our economy, especially the ICT sector since the pandemic?

From an organizational perspective, the damage could be in two major areas; the first damage for me is to ask the question; what are those things we believe are the status quo and now we suddenly realized we were wrong? 

At CWG, we refer to the staff as the lifeline of our organization, but the virtual process we have adopted now is largely impacting on our inclusiveness, which is met to deliver the growth and vision of CWG. We wanted that everyday interaction with our people. Not meeting my colleagues physically in the last four months due to the pandemic for me has not been very good. 

A lot of businesses in Nigeria, even in the ICT sector, will cease to exist post-Covid-19 because they cannot put their act together. They refused to make changes in their operations when they had the opportunity to do so, probably because the way they were doing the business was working for them and did not see the need to. I am a strong advocate of SMEs, which I believe is a big driver of any economy. However, SMEs in Nigeria and other emerging countries have a slow adoption of technology, which has affected their growth. Organizations without processes and laid down procedures on how they go about their business might struggle. An organisation without strong leadership might struggle and the impact of these, I believe we will see in the next three months.

On assumption of office as the CEO of CWG PLC, you disclosed you are coming with five strategic pillars, which are Growth, Dividend, Brands, Liquidity and Profit. How well have you gone with these pillars?

These pillars have created an essential guild on what we do and how we do it. We evaluate every decision and determine what will be the contribution of the decision on any of these pillars. These pillars have enabled us to create some focus and clarity. It has given us insights on what we need to take seriously and what we need to stop doing. With these pillars, we measure the success or otherwise of our company. 

To answer your question directly, the five pillars we brought at the beginning of this administration are Growth, Profit, Liquidity, Brands and Dividend. Our 2019 report was released earlier where it reported growth with net revenue of over N10billion, which is over 23 percent higher than 2018. We also have a gross profit of about 25 percent; this is still talking more to profit and growth. These growths in revenue are as a result of new services and partnership we procured in 2019. Also, we recorded these growths with a reduced OPEX of 17 percent in 2019 over 2018. So, we have an achievement of 28 percent in revenue and 25 percent in gross profit, but with a reduced operating expense. 

That is the level of focus we have delivered with the five pillars we created. If you also want to go to some certain deliverables; then we can begin to talk of our BillnPay platform presentment platform, which is an app of CWG 2.0. On BillnPay last year, we recorded a transaction volume of over N12 billion, which is a major chunk of over 3000 percent of what we had in 2018, 2017 and 2016 combined. So, I can tell you that the underlinings principles that have kept us focused are these five pillars.

What is the future of work considering the emergence of Covid-19, which was never expected?

After the federal government announced the easing of the lockdown, we at CWG carried out an overall assessment of the situation. As an organization, we decided to observe a partial resumption of some of our essential services. We created customer segregation, which allows us to know and categorize all our engagements and availability based on the customers’ need. 

Based on this, I can assure you that at CWG, our over 700 employees would not fully resume at the office all at once. We will not do that. That era is gone and I think it is gone for good. As an organization, we have been able to build the readiness for us to harness the impossibility and of course, leverage on the track records that we have built and our urge to deliver value to our customers. If you carefully observe, you will discover the negativity in this pandemic have beclouded the potentials and treasures in it. But in CWG, we have seen the future and the opportunities in post-Covid-19 and we have already deployed resources to take the benefits. I also believe most other organizations are looking at their processes and how to get things back working. So when people say after Covid-19, things will get back to normal, I think there will be nothing like that. People have to act now.

At CWG, our engagements and activities are almost seamless and I can say it has been more effective than what we forecasted at the beginning of this pandemic. Sometime last year, we introduced what we called ‘Work from Home Initiative’, which was a response to a survey we conducted on staff engagement. Our people opted to work from home two days a month so, we started it the first quarter of last year.

Dr. Stella Emmanuel: Is Social Media The New Gatekeepers?

Dr. Stella Emmanuel: Is Social Media The New Gatekeepers?

Lately,the case of the Nigerian medical doctor in USA talking about Covid 19 treatment seems to have upset some folks ! Stella a female doctor has literally grown balls to face the maddening crowd and seems to have upturned the medical established,though Trump seems to have an ally here buttressing what he has opined months ago since the “coming” of Corona Virus via the Chinese route. Chinese are done here and Americans have taken over the fight leaving the battle for China ! Will they win? Time would tell but the issue of gatekeeping via social media keeps popping up anything I think about this.

If you were in mass communication or creative arts department in University,you must have come across the term information gatekeeping ! It is a topic that we did in school those day. What does gatekeeping mean? In a nutshell,it simply means telling you what to write ,say or publish at any time…if there isn’t any form of gatekeeping there might be chaos somww school of though would opine !

While other school of thought which I am a member strongly believe that gatekeeping hampers,impede of disrupts creativity and objectivity . But unfortunately, gatekeepers had their way! The majority would always have their ways and we the minorities were lurking in the dark hoping when the “information Messiah ” would pop up!

We waited , as for me,I waited for over 20 years for this to happen,I remembered my lecturer at IMSU (Mr Ray) telling us about gatekeeping and Chuma Ezeh ( May his soul rest in peace ) was my project supervisor and my project topic was Home Videos Mirrowing the Image of Society ….I came across that term again !

When social media came,we all shouted hurray and we sang kumbaya ,thinking that gatekeeping has been trashed , we were happier but our happiness was short lived! Gatekeeping wasn’t trashed but batons changed leaving government grasping! That’s the beauty of the beast in capitalism!

The new gatekeepers weren’t the government and their agencies such as NBC etc…it was in the hands of privates ! Private folks told us not to write negative about gays , about LGTBH,about other things and lately about Covid 19 Stella’s rantings!

Today we are being rail roaded on what to see,write and think that is the new cool,that Is the realities. Would Stella’s rantings make sense to the social media owners,can she and her handful of “good men ” fight a multi billion industry like Facebook,Twitter etc. Is she right in her postulation on covid treatment? What happened to balanced views and debate where we were taught how to debate for and against? Is it a case of voice of Essau and Hand of Jacob ? We would watch as this pan out. As we say in the theatre “the show must go on.” Communication is a part of human nature and we must keep doing that.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

COVID 19: IS FACEBOOK AND SOCIAL MEDIA DELETING PROFESSIONAL FINDINGS OF DOCTORS?

COVID 19: IS FACEBOOK AND SOCIAL MEDIA DELETING PROFESSIONAL FINDINGS OF DOCTORS?

It seems and look like Facebook is deleting the professional findings of medical doctors, the other social media platforms are doing the same.

Any findings done asserting that hydroxychloroquine, zinc and antibiotics treat COVID-19, these leftwing companies delete it. Especially when it is actual medical doctors talking about it.

They said “listen to the doctors,” but they meant “listen to OUR doctors.” So a plastic surgeon loved by CNN who has not treated one single COVID-19 patient becomes an expert in it whilst 20 doctors actively treating COVID-19 patients are censored.

Bill Gates who is not a medical doctor nor in the medical profession is an expert on vaccination and coronavirus but medical doctors, epidemiologists and virologists are censored.

They do this to one end only, political control. The question is why do they want political control?

Fauci said masks won’t work, he wasn’t censored. Months later he says masks must be worn, he wasn’t censored. One of those statements must be wrong but neither got censored 🤷🏽‍♂️

How come it is the same set of people that supported arson, looting, impeachment, lockdown cum house arrest, rioting during same lockdown, are the same ones who hate the idea that there is an effective COVID-19 even when presented by medical experts including Ivy league professors?

Mark Zuckerberg, I will use your platform to call you out. What those doctors said is backed by both research, empirical evidence and science.

I know you already know that. So based on what were their videos censored? You say it causes harm, what harm does hydroxychloroquine with zinc cause?
Name 10 people that have so been harmed by hydroxychloroquine with zinc treatment. I can name over 10 people who got saved by same hydroxychloroquine, I will start with Cuomo of CNN.

Your charade at playing fair as you try to turn the world into China-like virtual prison will ultimately fail. This world belongs to all of us not only those who agree with mainstream media narrative. Your victory will be short, freer platforms will spring up.

Yomi Lawal

MEET CHIOMA,THE LADY THAT FOUNDED OLIVET CLOUD SOLUTIONS

MEET CHIOMA,THE LADY THAT FOUNDED OLIVET CLOUD SOLUTIONS

Chioma Hope Okoli,the founder of Olivet Cloud Limited lately celebrated her birthday ,though in line with the social distance rules, it was a low keyed one. That is not the issue. We took time to look at the strides this beautiful lady with a beautiful heart has made in the ICT ecosystem.

Threading where the angels have failed figuratively, Chi as fondly called by many has demonstrated that women can make tremendous impact in an ecosystem traditionally reserved for men by founding Olivet Cloud Limited. Oliveth is one of the foremost indigenous ICT with emphasis on cloud computing. Having developed strategic relationship with global partners and OEMs such as SAGE , Kudigo and others , Oliveth can be said not to be a small fry in the ICT space ! A force to be recognized.

Over the years Chioma has shown to be a source of inspiration to women and young girls ! She is passionate about mentoring young women especially in the line of STEM courses (science technology engineering and maths ). Over the years she has won awards and recognition for her contribution in various aspects of life.

Her team at Olivet took to social media and said ” Our Success  at Olivet Cloud Solutions is not dominated in financial values but the value we place on our people. Today We are Celebrating Our Own Managing Director, Happy Birthday to Engr Chioma Okoli – Chima.”

” May the Lord Crown your year with all goodness. Happy Birthday from All of Us @ Olivet Cloud Solutions. We celebrate you on this special Occasion. Under your leadership, We have all succeeded more than we could have ever imagined.Thanks and happy birthday! Boss”, the added.

Remembered the time we went to her office , my colleague Clara Lingo was wowed by her simplicity. She said ” with her strides in the business space, Chioma still maintains that simplicity and not the air of importance that is associated with some founders and chief executives. I totally admire her and I wish to be mentored by her.”

With hands in a couple of pies,apart from her turf in the ICT space, she is also the Managing Director  of Hopelyn Cleaning Enterprises. A seasoned engineer, having graduated from the prestigious University of Nigeria ,a former technical support engineer for Google apps and a whole lot. Chioma’s contributions to the society is there for people to see though she doesn’t make noise about them. It is her nature to keep it simple!

Olivet was incorporated as integrated IT Solutions Company, Olivet Cloud Solutions Nigeria Limited offers entity specific software development, customization and integration of complex enterprise level solutions.

Olivet Cloud Solutions Nigeria Limited is a leading Sage X3 ERP, Sage 300 ERP (Accpac) and Sage CRM solution provider in the Nigeria. Based in Lagos, Olivet Cloud Solutions Nigeria Limited is a Sage partner with vision is to deliver innovative, tailored information technology solutions and services that contributes to the customer’s success.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

All Soludo Support Groups Launch Two Million Naira (N2M) Endowment Fund For The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA)

All Soludo Support Groups Launch Two Million Naira (N2M) Endowment Fund For The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA)

As part of the activities to commemorate Professor Chukwuma Soludo’s 60th birthday anniversary, the All Soludo Support Groups have presented a two million naira cheque to ASHIA for the enrollment of one hundred and sixty-six inmates of motherless babies homes, physically challenged persons as well as some selected inmates of people in the mentally challenged homes.

The group is made up of organized Pro-Soludo groups which includes, Anambra Demands Soludo ADS, Youths Earnestly Seeks Soludo, YESS, Women Initiative for a Greater Anambra, WIGA, Movement for Good Governance, MGG, Soludo Support Group, SSG, among others.

The Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi who also doubles as the Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Health who received the gesture with many thanks supported the group with payment of thirty more beneficiaries.

Dr Onyemaechi while wishing a happy birthday to Professor Soludo, expressed optimism that more Ndi Anambra, especially the less privileged, will have access to quality health services if more groups and individuals can emulate such gesture.

The representatives of selected motherless babies homes and rehabilitation centers across the state during presentation received enrollment forms to help facilitate the process.

By Valentine Mbadugha (ABS News)

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IN OKIGWE MOURNS THE PASSING OF FR ILONU

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IN OKIGWE MOURNS THE PASSING OF FR ILONU

His death came as a suprise to many! Known as Papa by a whole lot, especially the seminarians of the St Peters Seminary Okigwe Diocese, the death of Fr. ILONU,the brother to Bishop ILONU. Many folks especially those of the Catholic community in the zone and Arondizuogu in particular are encouraged to bear the loss of a gem.

Coming from a strong Catholic village ,Fr ILONU has worked in the vineyard of the Lord for over 40 years. Having impacted many in many areas of life such as spiritually, financially and most importantly educationally.

He was the founding priest that laid the foundation of one of the best schools in Imo State known as St Peter’s Seminary Okigwe,which has over time build morals and capacity in all works of life with strong old boys (Alma mater ) association.

The body of the priest was laid to rest at the St Peter’s Seminary School where the who is who in Catholic community was present.

“The death of Papa was a shock to some of us, having known him for over twenty years now, we believed that he has done the best and worked for the Lord . We take solace in the fact that he is with the Lord. He was one of the people that moulded us to what we are today “, Sir Cajetan Eberendu, the president general of the St Peter’s Seminary Okigwe Old Boys association and a high Catholic Knight.

“We believe that the death of Papa is just a natural course in the scheme of things, he has done his bits which we are a living testimony. We are honored to be associated with him ” Jerry Iwuchukwu ,London, United Kingdom.

“He was a disciplinarian,he doesn’t take half measures be it in spiritual or educational affair. He is a good man that understand what it meant to mould characters” Eboh Chijioke Lawrence , Dublin Ireland

“He loves sports,apart from his high standards in education and spiritual aspect, he would ensure that we participated in football and other competition, it is a pleasure been tutored by him”, Tochukwu Ekeocha ,Lecturer, University of Port Harcourt.

With tons of econiums pouring during the funeral ceremony,it can be categorically said that Papa (Fr. ILONU ) lived a good life . This is in line with the popular Latin maxim “Vox populi vox dei” meaning the voice of people are the voice of God.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Omenugha Reveals Secret of Anambra’s High Educational Performance

Omenugha Reveals Secret of Anambra’s High Educational Performance

The Anambra State Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof Kate Omenugha has finally revealed the secret behind the recent streak of excellence recorded by the state in both international and national academic contests.

Speaking on Tuesday at the “Meet the Media” forum organized by Governor Willie Obiano’s team in Awka, Prof Omenugha attributed the dazzling performance of Anambra school children to the successful transfer of Anambra’s Shared Values to them. Anambra has 10 Shared Values which are recited by school children every morning.

Anambra’s Ten Shared Values include; to make a positive impact on everyone I meet and everywhere I go, to be a solution provider and not a part of the problem to be solved, to be a role model worthy of emulation, to be my best in all I do, particularly the things I am naturally good at, to do the right thing at all times regardless of who is doing the wrong thing, to value time and make the best use of it, to care and show respect through my words and actions, to consciously build a great legacy starting now, today and every day, to live a life of integrity and honour and to make my family, my state, my nation and my God proud.

“We have made them to believe in themselves and who they are,” explained Prof Omenugha. “How did we do that? In the first retreat that Governor Obiano had in 2014 with his political appointees and EXCO members, we developed what we call Ten-shared values. I am always proud to talk about our 10 Shared Values because that is something that was done by this administration to begin to build the confidence of our school children. To begin to change their psyche about who they are and what they can do. To begin to make them believe in their capacities and capabilities.”

Prof Omenugha explained that the dazzling performance of Anambra school children in national and international academic, scientific and technological contests is a clear indication that the children had deeply assimilated the state’s Ten-Shared Values.

Said she: “That’s the key. That’s what I am saying, because we have driven it in. Education is about ideology. It is what you believe in that you profess and what you profess, that you do. We have our mantra – We say, ‘Nothing is impossible. I do not accept Failure. Yes, we can!’ Ask any Anambra child; he will tell you “I do not accept failure. Nothing is impossible. Yes, I can.” That’s our mantra. And what we do is to get it into the head of every Anambra child that nothing, absolutely is impossible! The can-do spirit. And therefore each time we tell them to go for laurels, we tell them you have to be the best you are, particularly in things you are naturally good at. You have to value time and make the best use of it, to consciously build a great legacy, starting now, today and every day. To live a life of integrity and honour, and to make my family, my state, my nation and my God proud, so help me God. It has worked like magic.”

Throwing more light on the psychological boost that was given to the legendary Regina Pacis girls that won Gold at the World Technovation Challenge San Farancisco in 2018, Prof Omenugha recalled that the actual journey to the Gold Medal began with a visit to Governor Obiano during a full session of the Anambra Executive Council in Awka.

“When the Technovation girls were going to America for the competition, I brought them to the EXCO Chamber to see the governor”, Omenugha recalled. “The governor told them, Ndi ocha enwero isi n’abo (the white people do not have two heads on their shoulders). You can win. You go there and bring the laurel and see what I can do. And they went and brought the laurel.”

Professor Omenugha also revealed that contrary to the speculation that the Golden Girls had been abandoned, the state government had set up a trust fund for their education covering SS2 to the university.

“We have in trust for them with the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, their school fees up to the university level. Six years in the university. From SS2 and SS3 to the university. Six years of university. We have all the money put in trust for them with the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha. They are our stars. We are following up on them. They are our role models,” she further explained.

It would be recalled that since the inception of the Obiano administration, Anambra State has been a consistent super performer in all external examinations and other academic contests for students and teachers.

Following closely on the heels of the Gold Medal won by the Regina Pacis girls at the World Technovation Challenge, four boys from St John’s Science and Technical College, Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state had also won Bronze medal at the International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology that took place in Tunisia in March 2019.

James Ezeh

Eze Enugwu-Ukwu Inaugurates Management Board Of Isi-Nri Museum

Eze Enugwu-Ukwu Inaugurates Management Board Of Isi-Nri Museum

The traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state, His Majesty, Igwe Sir Ralph Obumnaemeh Ekpeh on Friday, July 24th, 2020 inaugurated the management board of Isi-Nri museum, Enugwu-Ukwu.

Inaugurating the 22-man Board of Management, Igwe Ekpeh charged them amongst other things to source more artifacts and collections on Nri and Igbo literature, label and trace the origins of artifacts already in the museum, attract local and foreign visitors, establish linkages with international agencies for grants and support, and position Isi-Nri museum as an international cultural and academic centre.

Chief Ramas Asuzu Okoye (Akajiofor), patron and consultant to the museum pledged his continued support to the museum. He said that he is pleased with the progress and development which Enugwu-Ukwu has experienced under the leadership of Eze Enugwu-Ukwu, Igwe Ekpeh.

Ozonkpu Chief Jude Ekwunife (Okwuatuegwu), Culture Minister of Enugwu-Ukwu and Chairman of Isi-Nri Museum Board of Management spoke on behalf of the members and assured that the Board will work very hard to achieve their mandate. He said that Isi-Nri museum remains one of the most critical projects that Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu have embarked on as it is a center for the preservation and showcasing of not only Enugwu-Culture, but also Nri and Igbo culture.

Ozonkpu Ekwunife said that the museum has potentials to attract revenue that will also be used for other projects in Enugwu-Ukwu.

Chief Pat Nwume (Ohamadike), Chairman, Enugwu-Ukwu Igu-Aro Commission requested the Board to provide a space for Igu-Aro Commission to archive memories, pictures and videos of the annual Igu-Aro Enugwu-Ukwu.

Professor Ifeoma Dunu of Mass Communication department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and a member of the management board praised ndi Enugwu-Ukwu for the dynamism and spirit they show which led to the setting up of the museum. She suggested that the museum should create programmes that will attract visitors and revenue to the museum. She said that Nollywood practitioners would find the museum useful in their film productions.

Bonny Ozo Nkwuaku, President General of Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU) pledged that ECDU will support and work with the Board of Management to achieve their mandate.

Mr Tagbo Oguejiofor, a writer who has written so much on Enugwu-Ukwu history and a member of the Board of Management expressed joy over the museum project. He said it would contribute to ongoing efforts to document the history and culture of Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu, Ndi Nri and Ndigbo.

Ambassador -designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Elijah Onyeagba in his first public outing in Enugwu-Ukwu since his confirmation as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the National Assembly officially informed Eze Enugwu-Ukwu, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh of his ambassadorial appointment. He preached co-existence in Nigeria and informed the audience that he owes his appointment to Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). He charged Anambra youths to always invest in skills and capacity building programmes so as to take advantage of any emerging opportunity. Ambassador Onyeagba also promised his support for the museum.

Chief Nduka Anyanwu, Chairman of the Board, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), a native of Abia state who accompanied Ambassador Onyeagba to the inauguration expressed delight at the spirit shown by Ndi-Enugwu-ukwu and said that he is now an adopted son of Enugwu-Ukwu. He promised his support to the Isi-Nri museum project.

Chief Uche Nworah (Ezeudo), Secretary of the Board of Management, Isi-Nri museum thanked Igwe Ekpeh for considering the members worthy to serve. He assured that they will work together to achieve their mandate.

The members of the Board and other guests took a tour of the museum to appreciate the cultural pieces on display. Igwe Ekpeh later entertained all at his palace.

Members of Isi-Nri Museum Board of Management are (1) Ozonkpu Chief Sir Barr. Jude Ekwunife (Chairman) (2) Chief Uche Nworah (Secretary) (3) Ozonkpu Chief I. G Okoye (4) Prof. Ifeoma Echezona (5) Prof. Ray Okafor (6) Senator Ozonkpu Chief Sir I.G Abana (7) Professor Ifeoma Dunu (cool Chief Chika Balogun (9) Ozonkpu Chief Sir Clem Nwafor (10) Ozonkpu Chief Frank Nwokike (11) Ozonkpu Chief Sir Amb. Dr. A. Mgbakor (12) Dr Joseph Dilora (13) Prof. Okonkwo (14) Mr Tagbo Oguejiofor (15) Nze Ebuka Ifeacho (16) Chief Amb. Charles Agbakwu (17) Prof. J Nwana (18) Mr Linus Nwankwo (19) Prof. Mike Nwafor (20) Mr Gabriel Okoye (21) Akajiofor Dr. Ramas Okoye Asuzu (Patron/Consultant) (22) HRM Igwe Sir Ralph O. Ekpeh (Grand Patron).

Isi-Nri museum is located at Isi-Nri Museum junction (formerly Ezi Okpalanri junction), old Enugu / Onitsha expressway, Enugwu-Ukwu. To donate materials, arrange a tour or visit, contact the curator Emma Okolo on
+234803675 2010.

Uche Nwora

PRESS BRIEFING BY HON. MINISTER OF HEALTH, DR. OSAGIE EHANIRE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON COVID-19 PRESS BRIEFING ON MONDAY 27th JULY, 2020 PROTOCOL

PRESS BRIEFING BY HON. MINISTER OF HEALTH, DR. OSAGIE EHANIRE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON COVID-19 PRESS BRIEFING ON MONDAY 27th JULY, 2020 PROTOCOL

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria crossed the 40,000 mark to 40,534 over the weekend, with 555 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours, of which 17,374 have been successfully treated and discharged. We have regrettably lost 858 persons, most of them with co-morbidities. With 262,579 persons tested, we have crossed the quarter million mark. When the epidemic curve will begin to flatten is still a matter of conjecture, given the relatively small fraction of our population that has been tested so far.

2.​60 PCR Public Health laboratories are now active in Nigeria, which together should be in a position to address testing capacity challenges and ramp up utilization if only the logistics could be improved. This would, along with sheer community spread, be responsible for the rising trajectory of the epidemic curve in the population tested so far.

3.​The 70 to 30 male to female gender ratio and the case fatality rate of 2.1% have not changed significantly. Two thirds of all fatalities remain in the over 50 year age group, while comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc, are common among all fatalities. They underscore the need to protect senior citizens and the vulnerable from infection, by giving special attention to risk communication and priority for admission for observation and treatment. Of utmost concern are still the asymptomatic cases, with the potential to spread the disease, of whom the young and able bodied can be difficult to manage.
4.​We continue to strive to improve the quality of services in our hospitals as more persons are admitted to treatment, not only for covid-19 infection, but also for routine and essential care. It is also our desire to reduce the fatality rates, and expand our treatment capacity such that our Health System is not overwhelmed. In this regard, the FMoH expects to take delivery of the newly completed Isolation Center at UATH Gwagwalada, as other centers are under construction nationwide.
5.​ The UN System in Nigeria informed us of the arrival of another consignment of essential COVID-19 related commodities yesterday, to be officially handed over to us. We remain appreciative of the UN System for this gesture and their consistent support, which greatly increases our reserves and recognizes our needs, especially of oxygen concentrators and PPEs, but also reassures our frontline health workers that we are well stocked and can ensure availability of essential items and consumables at point of use. I use this opportunity to formally introduce the Country Representative of the World Health Organization Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, who assumed duty here with us in Abuja some days ago, and wish him successful tenure, despite the challenging times.

  1. ​I also use the opportunity to salute our frontline health workers, whose service helps reduce fatality. I urge them to continue their work in line with global best practices in case management and to keep themselves safe and take no risks. Coronavirus does not respect doctors or nurses.
    7.​As Salah approaches, I again wish all our Muslim brethren a happy celebration and enjoin all persons not to forget prescribed precautions and to reduce risk of transmission even as we celebrate. Wear your face mask at all times, especially when out of your homes; wash hands regularly; use sanitizers, practice distancing, I again remind everyone that controlling the spread of covid19 is not the responsibility of government alone, but of us all, individually and collectively.
    8.​Thank you for your attention.