FOR ME, SOCIAL MEDIA IS CRITICAL – SOLUDO

FOR ME, SOCIAL MEDIA IS CRITICAL – SOLUDO

The brand new governor of Anamabra state, one of the most progressing states in Nigeria has made his position known on social media. Coming from corporate background, Charles Soludo understands the important of information dissemination.

In his Facebook, the banker said “I read you!The social media is a critical infrastructure no serious leader should esteem lightly. Just like life itself, I spend considerable time to read the good, the bad and, if you like, the ugly on this space.”

About spreading fake news, Charles said” I have also observed the efforts by a few faceless persons who proliferate uncanny information with the intent to spread fear, disinform and distort the minds of uncritical readers. I call them “mind bugs”, and would like to propose to our people with some sort of strong following, to step into the gap to begin the process of “debugging” by standing up boldly to dispel shared ignorance. “

” What we consume online is of immense consequence to how we carry on with life on the physical space. There is a lot to leverage on this space, a lot to learn and much more to create from the depth of our limitless minds.”

He added that” Whatever be the case, I have found more reasons to deepen engagements here. Soon, the feedbacks would become more instant. I am also on Twitter and Instagram. “

Anthony Nwosu

Nwanyiocha, Anambra Culture, Politics and Matters Arising

Nwanyiocha, Anambra Culture, Politics and Matters Arising

Soludo has been known as a man that has always fixed square holes in square peg and with the assemblage of the technocrats that he has, it will cement the position of Anambra as the light of the nation and the first born of the igbo nation.

Having said that, the issue of square peg in a square hole is becoming an issue when there has been rumours that Soludo is alleged to take the Swiss lady married to an Anambra man to be the Commissioner of culture! And this has raise various reactions in the state with some folks saying it is not right.

But, we must get this fact straight, Nwanyiocha has showcased the igbo culture for years, speaks igbo more than many igbo and have this particular love for the igbo people. Having been married to igbo man and Anambra man in particular, nwanyiocha is an Anambra lady by marriage which means she has the right to be commissioner

Well, she has shown love for igbo culture and have demonstrated it over the years and that means she is pure igbo lady and also loved by many igbo who supports her and are very appreciative of her role in putting igbo culture in the global cultural map.

According to Don Chuks Ibeh, he said “To me anybody that loves and promotes Igbo culture no matter how little or big is my best friend.But For Nwanyiocha she doesn’t just promote or talk about the Igbo culture, she eats, sleeps, talks and breathes Igbo culture.”

He added that “The attempt by agents of darkness with inherent wickedness who wants to pull her down because she is a foreigner who is doing what they cannot do for their people in the next million years should be totally frowned at.”

According to Maxwell Obi Okonkwo he said that” I like Nwanyiocha the way she’s promoting our culture both home and abroad. And also she’s teaching her kids how to speak Igbo language and culture too. I know many Igbo women both home and abroad who are not teaching their kids how to speak Igbo or write in Igbo language. I know many will be saying she’s not from Nigeria or Anambra state. But she is married to an Igbo man and also from anambra state. So for me she’s good to go for that post. “

In a new twist, Onyeazor Archangel said that” I suggest commissioner on diaspora matters. She will help to integrate our people offshore for investment, tourism and image making. Our culture will be ambiguous for her for now.”

Nazzy Frances added also that” She’s not well grounded in our culture yet, and she’s not Igbo born and bred. She just knows common things about our food, language and dressing. It will be a slap on the faces of Anambra ladies who have been promoting our culture even more than her if she’s appointed as the commissioner for tourism.”

While Sunday Nweke opined a serious question asking” Sure she will But the question is will she live her comfort zone and risk her family,her children education and the rest to live here in Nigeria ???

While Ugo Sọlọmọn said “She should be appointed for Culture and tourism at federal level not only State, let us join other races to promote the unity as many of our Africans has been appointed and elected in other countries.”

Promise Ihezie said finally that “By marriage she is Igbo and I don’t see the colonialism in making her anything in Anambra state. Secondly, who are the tourists? Them or us? How many Igbos spend good morning touring Igbo land and appreciating the culture and diversity? How many other tribes do? So, If the real tourists who will bring money are those who come from outside, maybe we should make one of them a poster child of our culture and tourism, especially when she is our wife.”

Anambra indigenes are one of the most enterprising and educated in Igbo land and Nigeria in general producing intellectuals like Chinua Achebe, one of the finest writers from Africa, he was a lecturer in USA, Chike Obi, the foremost professor of mathematics once had overseas appointment, Oby Ezekwesili the financial guru has been working overseas also. This shows that Anambrarians are well versed, exposed and travelled, just naysayers are calling out Nwanyiocha for political reasons but in real sense, she is an Igbo woman by the virtue of marriage!

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Neni Community: An Example of Private Initiative leads to 24KM of Internal Roads Tarred, Set to Rebuild Schools

Neni Community: An Example of Private Initiative leads to 24KM of Internal Roads Tarred, Set to Rebuild Schools

On the 7th of January, I was at Neni at the invitation of the Martina Chinyere Enidom Foundation. The foundation, led by Paul Enidom, Chairman of Paul B Construction Ltd, organised its 3rd lecture series, and I chaired the occasion. The lecture titled Government and Community Partnership in Development Initiative: The Neni Example was eye-opening.

Neni community, like most communities in Anambra, boast of eminent business people, scholars and entrepreneurs. My back of the envelope calculation shows a combined net worth of between 700 million to 1 billion dollars of Neni indigenes. It is the town of the owner of the Young Shall Grow Transport and Rockview Hotels, the owner of Chelsea Hotels and the late owner of Tonimas Group, amongst others.

Some years ago, Paul B approached some of the town’s rich men and proposed an internal road drainage and asphalt construction at cost using his expertise. He started with a road paid for by him. After initial scepticism, Chief Anthony Enukeme (Tonimas) joined the initiative with others.

Today, Ndi Neni have constructed 24km, and the Anambra State government, in a rare show of support, constructed 2.7km of asphalt road. These are internal roads within Neni town. To understand the impact of 24km of asphalt road, consider that Anambra State is the second smallest state in Nigeria after Lagos; most towns in Anambra are no more than 25sq KM. Neni is probably the town with the best stock of internal roads in Nigeria.

To ensure sustainability, the Neni community, under the umbrella of the Neni Town Union, approved the setting up of its road maintenance agency; Neni Road maintenance Agency, NERMA. The Agency’s mandate is not limited to the roads constructed by the town but includes other state roads crossing the town.

In what I consider a significant departure from typical attitudes in our environment, the town documented a maintenance protocol articulating standards. The road maintenance handbook contains guidelines, which they plan to harmonise with State and LGA standards, if they exist.

Success begets success; now, the town is focused on rebuilding and retooling the schools in the community. There are 7 Primary schools and a secondary school in Neni. The state government had handed over six primary schools to both the Catholic and Anglican churches, with only one primary school and the secondary school under state control. Initial studies reveal a sad state of affairs at the schools. The schools are crying for upgrades, and the quality of instruction has declined progressively.

The Neni community, from its experience with the roads, is set to intervene. The community has set up the Neni Development Initiative Group(NDIG) to raise funds for the immediate reconstruction of all the schools. Already, about #25m was raised this Christmas towards this plan.

The NDIG is also handling the upgrade of the three health care centres in Neni. The plan is to provide quality health care for residents at affordable rates while sustaining infrastructure and operations cost through the NDIG.

Last December, Dr Christopher & Mrs Victoria Anago, under their NGO, Lifecare Coalition Outreach in California, deployed over 100 medical personnel to Neni for free medical outreach valued at over 500 million Naira. Dr and Mrs Anago plan to intervene in their community Neni to provide health care services to the underprivileged and people from neighbouring communities.

The story of the Neni community is a profound expression of the idea of Unlock Naija. It is an example of community-based governance that Igbo communities and Nigeria should emulate.

The idea of coming together to delink from the moribund Nigerian state where the government has become the obstacle to unlocking our potentials is the path to the future.

For Ndi Igbo and Nigerians in general, I have preached the message of applying Uche, Uchu na Egwu Chukwu as the triple virtues that will unlock our capabilities and lead us on a sustainable path to development.

Speaking at Neni, I called on those who want to move to Naija Nation, that space where we do not wait for restructuring, secession or constitutional amendment to unlock our potentials, to come together now. We, in Unlock Naija Movement, believe in the fierce urgency of now, like the Neni community.

To achieve this pivoting from the gridlock of Nigeria, we must eschew the triple evil rearing its head in our society. The first is Nkali, the superiority syndrome where we all want to display our superiority over others through flaunting our wealth and the emerging income discrimination in our society.

The second is Nkpali, a disrespectful and abusive disorder growing like a stage four cancerous tumour. To disrespect and abuse elders and those we consider beneath us is now described as courage; we must excise it now.

The last is Mmegbu, that urge to oppress and suppress. Oppressing the poor and those beneath us is now a sign of success. The powerful and noveau rich identified by our convoys and retinue of hangers-on do not obey traffic or any rules. We have figured how to use state apparatus for our personal end. I will describe these vices in another post soon.

For our communities to thrive and our society renewed, we must eschew Nkali, Nkpali na Mmegbu. To shun these vices is critical in the effort to make the wealthy come together and deploy their resources for communal benefit and not impose their will on the community using their unfettered powers made possible by a corrupt and moribund Nigerian state.

Neni is an example to follow.

Osita Chidoka
January, 2022

Map of tarred Roads in Neni

ANAMBRA STATE: JEWEL YOGHURTS BRINGS RESPITE TO HEALTH CONSCIOUS INDIVIDUALS

ANAMBRA STATE: JEWEL YOGHURTS BRINGS RESPITE TO HEALTH CONSCIOUS INDIVIDUALS

Unlike the others in the market that is loaded with preservatives and artificially sweetness, this is coming with Honey! You know what honey means and it’s health benefits. Can you imagine a Yoghurt made with Honey and no preservatives? To me that is heavenly and health consious folks paradise!

The City of Awka and it’s environs will be having an exclusive opportunity of enjoying home made yoghurt that is devoid of factory settings. Jewel Yoghurts would be filling the void in the city where quality dairy products such yoghurt is not there or easily available. Designed for health conscious individuals,Jewel Yogurts hopes to bring respite to those desirous of quality dairy products.

With emphasis in hygiene and particularly having an eye on the global best practices of how yogurts are made traditionally. Jewel Yoghurts has been described as a game changer in the dairy market .

Speaking on the need to get quality Yoghurts to the citizens,Chioma Jewel, the founder of Jewel Yoghurts said ” it is a known fact that can be very healthy if well prepared especially the traditional ones with less preservatives. Yogurts can be high in protein, calcium, vitamins, and live culture, or probiotics, which can enhance the gut microbiota. These can offer protection for bones and teeth and help prevent digestive problems. Low-fat yogurt can be a useful source of protein on a weight-loss diet. Probiotics may boost the immune system.”

She added,that though the product is just few months into these highly competitive market that she is confident that their “go to market approach” is apt and on point. ” I know that people are used to big brands and name, our products aren’t designed or fashioned like them. We focused or are focusing on health conscious section of the market, what other people might call niche market. We believe that with time we would scale.”

Many other benefits of Yoghurts are many. In a nutshell,It’s Rich in Important Nutrients. Yogurt contains some of nearly every nutrient that your body needs. It’s High in Protein.Some Varieties May Benefit Digestive Health.It May Strengthen Your Immune System. Yoghurts May Protect Against Osteoporosis.It May Benefit Heart Health.It May Promote Weight Management.

Asked on how people can plaacw their others,she said that there are many channels that consumers would place orders, either via email, calls and WhatsApp number 08126634065.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu & Ebele Akaolisa

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