The Member representing Oyi constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Sir Innocent Ojike, Ojicam, has flagged-off the perimeter fencing and renovation of Odumodu Primary School Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area.

The constituency project, which will be completed within thirty days, will gulp over seventeen million naira; with the lawmaker providing more than half of the total budget to cover the renovation of two blocks of thirteen classrooms, offices and functional toilets.

In his speech at the flagg-off ceremony held at the school premises, Honourable Sir Ojike said he embarked on the project to save the lives of pupils in the school, given that the school is very close to the expressway; and has no fence, saying that the gesture is a little way of contributing to humanity.

The lawmaker, who had his primary education at the school, said he decided to make the school environment conducive for teaching and learning, and to shield the pupils from intruders.

He appealed to public office holders to avoid enriching themselves with public funds, and assured Oyi people that he will continue to give them good reprentation.

It would be recalled that as Anambra House of Assembly member-elect, Honourable Sir Ojike financed the fencing of Iguedo Primary School Awkuzu, and on the day he was sworn-in, he distributed shuttle buses to the youths of Oyi council area.

Also, persons above seventy years of age are presently enjoying his monthly salaries at Nteje, and the solar energy light from Oye-Olisa market Ogbunike to other parts of the community was equally installed by the lawmaker.

He also provided shelter for one Mrs Nwankwo, and at the same time reconstructed the abandoned culvert at Eke-Market; all in Umunya, even as he recently handed over a motorcycle to a young man from the community as part of his empowerment programmes.

Earlier in his remark at the event, the Transition Committee Chairman of Oyi Local Government Area, Honourable Emma Nweke, described Honourable Sir Ojike as a lawmaker who has combined very well his primary duty of lawmaking and oversight functions with that of execution of projects.

The TC Chairman said the people of Oyi council area are enjoying good representation from the local government area to the state and national levels, adding that the lawmaker is a man that keep his promises.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the Ekeata-Awkuzu – Umunya road project, which according to him was started more than forty years ago during the administration of Jim Nwobodo; but was abandoned until the Soludo regime started all over again.

The Oyi council Chairman appealed to politicians to always try to leave a legacy while in service.

On his part, the President General of Umunya Development Union, Chief Innocent Nwabueze, commended the House of Assembly member for his numerous achievements, adding that since he assumed office, many people from Umunya; especially those in diaspora, have shown interest in the development of the community, and that an individual is presently installing security cameras in strategic points in Umunya.

According to the Chief Nwabueze, many light projects are ongoing in Umunya, stressing that there is need to re-write the history of the community by contributing to it’s development.

Contributing, a philanthropist, Chief Ifeanyi Anachunam, said he is soildly behind the lawmaker because of his antecedents, adding that the House member is somebody that can be trusted, and will not fail his constituents.

Also speaking, a stakeholder, Chief Sunny Udegbunu, said he is happy with what Honourable Sir Ojike is doing in Oyi Local Government Area, adding that the lawmaker has done so much, and that his return to the House will not be a problem, having given a good account of himself.

A former Special Adviser to Dr Chris Ngige, Honourable Ifeanyi Agulue, said it was a thing of joy to witness the flagg-off of the projects in Umunya, stressing that the community has what it takes to develop on its own.

He said people living in the diaspora are really interested in the development of Umunya; with emphasis on skill aquisition, which he said he will capitalize on if voted the next President General of the community.

Honourable Agulue said he will liase with critical stakeholders to secure employments for Umunya youths, while sports development and advancement of education will receive priority attention.

The Headmistress of Odumodu Primary School Umunya, Mrs Anthonia Ikwuonye, said they were overwhelmed with joy when the House member decided to fence the school, adding that the event was a memorable day for them and a great historical outing that will be indelible in the minds of the pupils and staff of the school.

Highlights of the ceremony were the foundation stone laying by Honourable Sir Ojike for the fencing work to commence, while cultural groups and pupils of the school entertained the audience.

Dignitaries present at the event were the Oyi Local Government APGA Chairman, Mr. Arnold Maduka, Chief Obi Ezeana, Mr. Augustine Umelue, Chief Obed Nweke, Sunday Esedo, Sunday Nweke, Councilors from Umunya wards one and two.

Credit: Damian Egwuonwu

An international NGO championing freedom of religion and Belief in Nigeria and other countries have promised to intervene in the case of a radical traditional religion preacher, Mathias Ezeaku, who was arrested on Sunday morning in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Mr. Ezeaku, who operates a traditional worship centre known as ‘Omenani Bu Uzo Eziokwu Na Ndu’, had last year burnt the Holy Bible to spite Christians in a viral video clip, and has remained critical of many Christian pastors, reason people believe his arrest must have been as a result of complaints by a popular pastor.

He was arrested on Sunday morning by operatives of Nigeria Police Force, immediately he arrived his worship centre; which had gained followership recently.

Confirming his arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, for the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said contrary to thoughts that he was kidnapped, Mr. Ezeaku was arrested by a combined team of police officers from Abuja and State CID annex, Awkuzu over an ongoing investigation, and that he has been moved to Abuja.

Reacting to the arrest of the traditional religion preacher, a member of the group who pleaded anonymity to avoid jeopardizing efforts, said “We will come in and see how much support we can provide”.

The NGO, through its offices in Abuja, Jos, Maiduguri, Adamawa and Portharcourt, is working to promote peacebuilding and religious acceptance in Nigeria by fostering understanding and peace across ethnic, religious and gender lines in areas of tension.

… you’re doing well — Fmr Anambra Gov. hails young writers

The Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has been honoured with the Chinua Achebe Excellence Award.

The former Governor of Anambra State, Obi, and the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, received the award at the 2023 edition of the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture organized by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter, which was held at the Professor Kenneth Dike Central E-Library Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Speaking after receiving the award, Obi commended young writers in Anambra State for annually celebrating the legendary Nigerian writer, Late Professor Chinua Achebe, whom he described as a revered writer; whose literary contributions have left an indelible mark on the global literary landscape.

The former Anambra Governor; who was the Keynote Speaker at the event, emphasized the importance of preserving Achebe’s legacy, saying that events like the literary festival play a crucial role in keeping the flame of Achebe’s influence and legacies alive.

While rating the annual event high, Obi commended the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter, for sustaining the literary initiative, and for their commitment to nurturing and promoting literary talents in Anambra State, urging young writers to draw inspiration from Achebe’s works and use their creativity to address contemporary societal issues.

Contributing, Igwe Iweka, who chaired the occasion, encouraged students to always focus on their studies and not be deterred by the challenges of the time, stressing that the late Achebe was a great literary icon, whose books were translated in many languages.

The Obosi monarch also urged the students to constantly seek knowledge through books, and to be proud ambassadors of Igbo language and culture anywhere, anytime.

On his part, former Secretary to the Anambra State Government and former Nigerian Diplomat, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, who highlighted the significance of such events in fostering intellectual growth and cultural awareness among the youth, commended the organizers of the event for their dedication to promoting literary arts and preserving the legacy of the late Achebe.

While reiterating the importance of reading as a cornerstone for personal and intellectual development, Mr. Obaze urged the youth to embrace Achebe’s legacies; not only through celebrations, but by actively participating in the literary world, and ensuring that the flame of enlightenment continues to burn brightly in Anambra State and beyond.

Also speaking, former MD/CEO, Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Dr. Uche Nworah, echoed the sentiments of preserving cultural heritage as a key aspect of Achebe’s literary legacy. He emphasized that Achebe’s works served as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of the Igbo people, fostering a sense of identity and pride. He further encouraged the youth to delve into Achebe’s novels and essays, viewing them not only as literary masterpieces but also as valuable repositories of Igbo traditions

On his own part, the MD/CEO Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA) and Co-founder of Awka Literary Society, Mr. Odili Tony Ujubuoṅu, passionately urged the youth and emerging writers to cultivate imaginative thinking and writing skills, emphasizing their pivotal role in fostering innovation. Ujubuoṅu underscored the symbiotic relationship between writers and innovators, asserting that groundbreaking ideas often originate from the creative minds of writers, while challenging participants to embrace avid reading.

Other personalities who graced the occasion include the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-saharan Africa, Prof. Stella Okunna; the state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, represented by Mrs. Chioma Ifediorah, the Ministry’s Director of Arts and Culture; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka; award-winning writer and journalist, Uzor Maxim Uzoatu; widely-published author and former governorship candidate in Anambra, Okeke Chika Jerry; the MD/CEO, Naira Rice Mill, Mr. Arinze Omenwa; former Director, Anambra State Library Board, Dr. Nkechi Udeze; award-winning author, Reginald Chinedu Ofordile; among others.

The guests, in their respective remarks, praised Achebe’s legacies, commended the event organizers, and encouraged students to prioritize their studies and always strive for excellence.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Convener of the event and Coordinator, Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter, Mr. Izunna Okafor, said the primary aim of the event was to celebrate the late Achebe as a hero and eagle on the Iroko of African Literature, immortalize him in their own way as young writers, as well as keep his memory alive.

He commended the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for recently immortalizing Achebe, which he said had been one of the association’s major calls and appeals to government since the last eight years the event was initiated.

Themed “Ten Years After: Remembering Achebe’s Legacies in Today’s Nigeria”, the 2023 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival featured unveiling of the 8th Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology — “Anthills of Words (In Memory of Achebe)”; cutting Achebe’s 93rd posthumous birthday cake, poetry renditions and dramatizing of Achebe’s books, Chinua Achebe Essay Writing Competition, and the presentation of certificates/awards to deserving participants and guests, along with other literary activities that made the event memorable.