OBIANO'S WORST FEAR: IFEANYI UBAH JOINS APC

Following the recent rumours making rounds that Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has joined APC in preparation for 2017 Anambra gubernatorial election, Jimmy Chinedu Nwankwo,  chairman APC, Nnewi North was intercepted in IFEANYI Ubah's Nnewi residence and he confirmed the speculation adding that his party has since issued party card to Ubah. 

However, Ifeanyi Ubah's special assistant on media, Ikechukwu Onyia, was quick to direct that Ifeanyi Ubah is a true Nigerian and political animal who is presently making consultations in view of upcoming elections and is justified for any decision he deems necessary in ensuring that Anambra gets the best governor in the next election. Onyia said that so far Anambra has been doing alright but is yet to tap into her full potentials as a state. In his words,  "there are very many resources and economic potentials wasting away in this state due to the incompetence of the powers that be. IFEANYI Ubah is aggrieved about this and would want to address this, especially in the aspect of human resource development. It is the people that build the society and not vise versa, therefore we need to invest more in human capital development in this state. This is what Ifeanyi Ubah is demonstrating as an individual in many ways. A case in point being the Youth Fiesta today that converges all great musical artistes of Anambra origin to entertain and mentor Anambra youths for free."

Onyia also said that his principal has lofty plans to revolutionalise agriculture in all the agro communities in the state through effective international partnership, not the "ritual mode of sharing money to individuals in the name of agric loan" being demonstrated by the present administration.

ONYII SOUTH: NEW KING OF HIP HOP/ HIGHLIFE

By O’star Eze

His name is Onyema Emmanuel Nwachukwu, and goes by the stage name, "ONYII SOUTH" He is a musical artiste who hails from Anambra state, Nigeria and is based in South Africa, which explains the suffix attached to his name.

Onyi South has been in the music industry for quite a while now and has recently re-invented his music genre to reflect the much loved blend of hip hop and highlife, a harmony that is trending after the likes of Nigga Raw and Phyno popularized it.

Onyii South has usurped the title of "KING OF HIP HOP HIGHLIFE MUSIC" and has his single titled "NWA OGBENYE BUTE IKE" (A poor man has been lifted) as evidence.

He challenges all and sundry to check this song out and be the judge.

In his words, “I have decided to display my versatility and professionalism in bringing back high life music in the industry again”

Listening to his tunes, one would have no other choice but to agree that this is one young man that has resolved to put in hard work and dedication towards perfecting his passion. What, with a memorable voice strength and punch line delivery of a pro, nicely packaged courtesy of the technical management of HILLSTIX, melodious harmonization of GRANDMIX & KEZYKLEF, Onyii South is one artiste to watch out for. His craft is one of a kind and you can access this highly controversial song on “Nwa Ogbenye Bute Ike” on www.naijaloaded.com www.notjustok.com www.smash9ja.com to mention but a few. You can book him for appearances and performances via Catch Fire Entertainment; +2349075755587

PRACTICE WITH YOUR HEART – DEAN …as NAUTH initiates 45 doctors by O’star Eze

 

The 45 NEWLY INDUCTED DOCTORS TAKING THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH IN NAUTH

Prof. Ahaneku (middle, in green), flanked by a school of medical professors

The Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, has charged the 45 newly inducted medical doctors to practice medicine with their heart given its sacred nature.

This he said when parents, guardians, well wishers, friends converged recently to observe the 40th induction of School of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus.

Speaking about the induction ceremony, Prof Igwegbe informed, “In addition to training in the art of discipline, you have also been trained in the art of taking care of human life. Yet, without the initiation rite, you cannot practice as a doctor.”

Prof. Igwegbe, further proudly intimated that the school has exceeded the minimum requirement for medical training, a feat he said they accomplished via expansion of several structures.

While appreciating the Emma Bishop Okonkwo Foundation for donating 500 kva generator, Sir Ngonadi, for expanding the HIV care lab, and Guinness Office for assisting in equipping the ophthalmology section as well as others, Igwegbe solicited for more help to keep the hospital more effective and efficient to handle the teeming medical challenges of the day.

Dean of Medicine, NAUTH, Prof EF Ugochukwu, in her address, said the day marks transition from studentship to full practice and other medical trainings.

She went on to inform the young doctors that every other prowess will be won with the same determination as they keep practicing all they learnt.

In her words, “Guard your utterances and remember that the practice is an art and a calling. This is not the end of your career but the beginning, therefore chose an area of specialization to serve in. You are called to save life and not to waste it, therefore never hesitate to solicit for help from senior colleagues whenever you are in doubt.”

The event was chaired by the VC of the institute -Prof Joe Eberendu Ahaneku, FAS, flanked by the Provost of College of Health Science - Prof AME Nwofor, Prof O O Ebezue, THE Chief Medical Director of University of Nigeria Teaching hospital, Enugu, Dr Amah, who came for the overall best graduating medical doctor, orphaned Mr Nonso Obi, and the  Medical  elder of the day- Prof K Ezeokafor.

KEEP MY MUSIC POSITIVE – DR MONEY

Dr Money, a.k.a, JKL 4 real is a music entrepreneur, a producer, a performing artiste , a blogger and a philanthropist under the platform of Justin Kingland Foundation, who has been touring the whole world making exploits with his unique blend of dancehall, Afro and Asian sounds. A native of Agulu, in Anambra state, he is currently based in Ghana with his Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, and branches in New Jersey, U.S.A, and Lagos, Nigeria and has decided to introduce his brand of music to his home, Nigeria. In this exclusive interview with O’star Eze of Orient Daily, Dr Money talks about life as a musical artiste and entrepreneur while shedding light on topical issues concerning the music industry. Excerpts:

How would you describe your kind of music?

I am a dancehall advocate. I created what I call Afro-Asia Rhythm. When I came to Nigeria and played it the first time, they couldn’t understand it. I gave it a name – ghetto gospel, because of the message. There was a show NTA invited me to in Lagos 2010. During the show, a man called me and asked me whether I was Justin Prophet. This was the name Nigerians know me by. I had to change the name from Justin Prophet to Justin Kingland in Malaysia because of the environment I found my self. I didn’t need anybody to advice me to remove the ‘prophet’ suffix in my name. That was why I came up the name JKL.
 

What is the theme that you like to reflect in your music?

Mostly, it is about life experience and I keep my message positive. There is a way I get inspiration. I don’t just write songs. I listen to the tune, I jam it and I deliver. And I don’t record when I don’t have inspiration. Because I own the studio, I work 247. Whenever I pick up pen to write, I would be hearing a voice saying, “Why are you forcing the music?” I would drop my pen. But if I hear any sound I would be flowing and after recording, I would now listen to what I’d done and write them down. This was the very reason Shirley B of Def Jam remarked that I was real,  that I should keep it up. So, it is all about life experience, revelation I get from Jah. Although sometimes I might come up with love songs but the love songs is to show my other part. But regardless of my theme, it is always positive.
 

How would you describe your religious inclination?
 

I am Ras. But, you know, Ras is not having dread. Being a Rasta is not just because you put on dread. Being a Rasta is something of the heart. If you don’t have a good heart, you are not supposed to call yourself a Rasta. Because, if you are a Rasta man, you should not have bad mind.

You have a record label. Are there artistes you have signed that are doing well in the music industry?
 

In 2010 I signed Blackface. It was a project and we took him to Malaysia. We produced more than 16 tracks for him. After 9 months, everything went bad. We had someone like Def Dog then. In Ghana, we had someone like Ras Kuku. Ras Kuku is one of the heavy weights in Ghana. He was under For Real Records for some time. We are still signing artistes and our doors are open. Only that we don’t want to rush. Right now, 4real Records has only one artiste it is focusing its energy on and that is jkl4real . We have D Q as well, and other underground artistes we are assisting as well.
 

I understand that you have this philanthropy. Would you like to talk about it?
 

Yes, we are into charity as well. It has been in me from onset. It is inbuilt. Let me give you an instance. When I was young, then I was still in primary four. Just in front of our house, any time we have heavy rain, the road is very bad.  I saw this woman fall. A very old woman. I ran out in the rain to help her. I carried her load. She showed me her house, I dropped her load. I made friends with her children. Every time they come to our house, we play, I visit their house too. They had this mud house and the roof was made with thatches. Sometimes I would sleep there. And this usually gets my father to come there and scold the woman how she could allow a kid like me to sleep under such conditions and she doesn’t ask who the parents are and whether the parents might be looking for him. She would reply that she knew I was his son and that he had knowledge of my whereabouts. I stole from my father to change the woman’s roof to zinc and put blocks on her house, at that age. So, it has always been part of me. Dad would always complain that I would steal money from him to give to others. Sometimes I would carry rice from my father (he was a farmer) and give to those I felt were in need. So, when I grew and started having my own money, I naturally continued my philanthropic ways.
 

I understand you have a couple of singles and there is this one that is making waves. Tell us about it
 

Yea, Ole is a song that I used to show my fans the other part of me so they don’t feel it is only serious messages that I sing about. I just want them to know that I am a straight guy. It is part of us as humans to sometimes get emotional. We have this thing in us that we have to talk to the girls and let them know that they need to be loved. So, it is a song for all the lovers to embrace and serenade their moments with. It is a song telling a loved one that the love you have for her got other people jealous. It is a way to let men know how to love their women for real and appreciate them.
 

Finally, what should Nigerians expect from Dr Money in the nearest future?

Ole is a hit single that is taking over the Nigerian air waves and we are open to work with underground artistes in Nigeria, to work with them and assist them with their musical ambitions, just as we have been doing with other artistes in Ghana. There is show coming up; Anambra Peace and Security Concert, A-PAS. We are here to partner with the organizers, Henry B Klassic Entertainment Crew. Henry B also happens to be my manager in Nigeria. We want our people in Nigeria to expect something big. We have other projects coming with the music like promotional packages. We appreciate our people, we appreciate our fans; we appreciate Anambra people and our fellow Nigerians.

ARC, LIKE NOAH’S ARK WILL TAKE AGUATA TO THE NEXT LEVEL – ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEUR

And so I barged into an interesting young man, looking all sleek with a lot of blink blinks. He introduced himself as an Ekwulobia indigene like me and the brain behind a well packaged show I’d been hearing about, Aguata Rocks Carnival, a project that had recently begun to bring to the limelight the treasures of beauty Ekwulobia is endowed with. In the following interview, Nnaemeka Celestine Ezenwa, a.k.a Showstopper, shares with O’star Eze of Orient Daily secrets to how he broke into the entertainment industry and made history. Excerpts:

Who is Showstopper?

Showstopper is my a.k.a. My name is Nnaemeka Celestine Ezenwa. I am also known as Venny Kingson. I am a singer, a dancer and an event coordinator. I hail from Nkono village in Ekwulobia, Aguata L.G.A of Anambra state. I am a graduate of Industrial Physics at Anambra State University, Uli. I am the CEO of Showstopper Plus Entertainment Firm.  I have always loved the show business and this passion moved me into conceiving the Idea of ARC, Aguata Rocks Carnival.

What is ARC all about?

ARC was an initiative that came to me in 2013 and I went ahead to launch it on December 2013. However, we held our first ARC event in January 1, 2016, which featured Miss Aguata Beauty and Cultural Pageant, MABP, and Aguata Achievers Awards, Triple A, discovery of new talents and performances by such Nigerian celebrities as Phyno, Zoro and Slow Dogg. So, far, it has become one of the most anticipated and biggest annual events in Aguata Local Government Area, if not in Anambra State in general and we are already set to hold the 2017 edition of ARC which is intended to hold between December, 30, 2016 and January, 1, 2017. ARC, therefore consists of five basic activities; Miss Aguata Beauty and Cultural Pageant, Aguata Achievers Awards, ARC Scholarship Scheme, ARC cultural and Music Festival and ARC Marathon Race.  So, basically, ARC is a project intended to achieve the purposes of providing educational grants and scholarships for Aguata youths, create platforms for human capacity building, promote interpersonal relationship among Ndi Aguata, promote the rich cultural heritage of Communities in Aguata as well as create good opportunities for sale of products, ideas and services.

What is the ARC cultural and music festival all about?

You see, every individual, group or nation has something that surrounds them; an identity that was inherited from the past and that influences their activities. This is called heritage in some quarters. A person’s or a people’s heritage can be physical, spiritual, social or cultural. The ARC motto, ‘celebrating our heritage’, came from the sheer fact that Aguata Local Government Area has, as a result of developments in the social, economic, cultural and political experiences over the years, garnered some heritages that had hitherto not gotten the kind of worldwide attention they deserve. The cultural festival is hence organized to celebrate the cultural heritage of the different communities that make up Aguata Local Government Area. The event features cultural dance displays, wrestling, boxing, drama presentations from Aguata people of various age brackets.

This year's edition is going to be a different whole thing all together, the first edition went for a day. ARC 2' will be for 3 days starting from 30th Dec - 1st Jan 2017 at ekwulobia stadium. Day 1 cultural and music carnival. Day 2  Games and awards. Day 3 miss aguata beauty pageant, performance s and comedy. hopefully what you will be seeing in ARC 2 is something familiar with calabar carnival and by the grace of God, is going to be a wonderful and epoch making event.

How about the ARC scholarship scheme, how does it operate?

The intention of ARC as a project is to award scholarship grants to the students of Aguata origin who are in both primary and secondary schools, especially those students who show exceptional academic ability. This scholarship scheme aims at providing materials and financial assistance to Aguata students so as to help and motivate them to pursue their educational goals fervently.

The selection will be based on the academic performance in school as well as the performance in tests designed to measure ability and aptitude of the participating students, recommendation from the school instructors, financial needs of the students as drawn from oral interview of the participating students by the ARC scholarship committee. Selected schools will be informed and application forms distributed to the schools. We are starting with the primary school and as the capacity of our organization increases, we intend to extent the exercise to the secondary and even the post secondary level.
e also grant scholarship 'ARC SCHOLARSHIP'. Such grant will be used extensively for tuition fees and books, and its duration is subjected upon the time the person completes that level of education in that school. This scholarship scheme aims at providing material and financial assistance to the students of Aguata and beyond so as to help and motivate them pursue their educational goals. we also aim to award scholarship to students in high institution but on a gradual process. our sponsorship lines are still open for companies and individuals who are willing to support our good work and sponsors for the next edition ARC 2.

What challenges did you encounter as you sought to launch this project and how were you able to surmount them?

Showstopper

In order to achieve our targets in the first edition, we solicited for support from a lot of firms such as microfinance banks, food and bottling companies, eateries, as well as individuals. We got a lot of promises and based on those, we commenced intensive publicity. Our major challenge came as disappointments from many of the firms and individuals who had promised to partner financially with the project, as the scheduled date for the event came closer. We almost gave up on the project and it would have been a thing of irreparable shame given that similar events had been holding in neighbouring Local Government Areas. Thanks for a few individuals who paid for adverts on our magazine that was launched during the first edition, which money we used to offset some of the bills we incurred. We had to go a-borrowing to the tone of millions of naira in order to ensure we brought the superstars we promised on the media as well the car prize for the Beauty Pagentry. Yet we are not relenting because we know that this ARC is meant for the unity and progress of Ndi Aguata and just like Noah’s Ark, we intend it to serve our people as a medium for greater self emancipation and expression.

Are there lessons you have garnered from organizing a project like this and do you have any final words for fellow youths?

Of course, i used to be a proud person and always think I am the best.
But since i started ARC, i realized that I'm still learning. So right now, i listen, learn, I'm loyal and aim to achieve the best. For our youths, i wouldn't say much because we are still starting, we've done the first edition but the little i Will say is that there is nothing more important and benefitting than to know your culture and heritage and to understand the root of where you came from, so i believe we've created an impact on that.

Do you have any persons you would like to appreciate?

3, Yes, without a good and a honest team by your side, i doubt if success can be achieved. So i want to use this medium to thank my team ( ARC organization), my parents for their support, Aguata local government chairman Hon. Chukwuma Umeorji and his deputy, Hon Sir Micheal Anedu, for their consent and endorsement.

OCHA Brigade Boss Endorses aPAS C

Pix: (L-R) Osita Eze, Henry B Klassic, Chief Kenneth Okonkwo, Adanma Amanda Amaechi
DJ Black

OCHA Brigade Boss Endorses aPas C

O'star Eze

The Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State, Chief Kenneth Ositadimma Okonkwo has given his nod to a forthcoming Anambra Peace and Security Concert, aPAS C, which will hold at GeoGold Hotel, Awka come October 21.

Chief Okonkwo gave this approval in his Awka Office while entertaining a contingency of aPAS C Execution Team, lead by Henry Ukachukwu, the CEO of Henry B Klassic Entertainment, a firm that has held several successful shows in the South South part of Nigeria.

Kenneth Okonkwo said, "If there is one legacy the Dr. Willie Obiano administration has created, it is security of lives and properties as well as sustained peace of NdiAnambra. It is therefore an exciting thing to partner with a group of youths intending to celebrate the peace and security in Anambra state and I'm happy the government has given their endorsement to the cause and I shall look into the proposal they have submitted to me to see how we can help."

Henry Ukachukwu, while speaking with the press later on, explained that the music concert is borne out of a deep passion to see peace and security, two major catalysts to facilitated sustainable development and increased IGR, engrained in the consciousness of NdiAnambra and beyond.

"This has taken more than 2 years to birth and I'm glad the present administration of Chief Dr. Willie Mmaduaburochukwu Obiano has achieved this ideal. This is why Henry B Klassic Entertainment is going to celebrate peace and security as well as the Father of Peace and Security in Anambra himself, Willie Obiano, who started from day one to sanitize the state," Henry submitted.

He then revealed that prominent artists like Phyno and Zoro will be brought down to their base and the youths will under the atmosphere of unbridled entertainment learn their part in continued sustenance of peace and security from the lips of Chief Security Stakeholders in the state, while upcoming artists will be given a platform to move their dreams closer to reality by putting them on a platform that will expose them to millions of record labels world over.

The Media Director of the group, Osita Eze also intimated that the event will be free while the Brand Ambassador, Queen Ameena Amanda Amaechi who is presently contesting for Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja, called on all Anambrarians and people living within Anambra and around to partner with the Peace and Security event, which will be educative, free of charge and fun.

Also in the delegation was DJ Black and several print and electronic media men.

Socioeconomic transformation depends on education - Altruist

Engr. Bart Nwibe

An Education altruist cum enthusiast, Engr Bart Nwibe, has fingered education as the singular tool that can cause the desired socioeconomic revolution in the country, while frowning at the what he described as the poor attitude of firms and government towards education in the country.

Engr Nwibe made this assertion while receiving a 15-man delegation of Anambra Teachers Forum, in his foundation office at Igboukwu, Aguata Local Govt. Area of Anambra state.

Nwibe also observed that education gives equal opportunity to everyone to attain any desired height in life, saying that this is what informed he sustained effort of his foundation, Ugo Igboukwu Foundation, which has run for  15 years already with not less that 10000 young people from across Anambra state as beneficiaries, to, besides giving full scholarship to children who show a degree of academic brilliance, also run an adult education program that equips disadvantage adults with literacy skills.

The chairman of the Teachers' Forum who lead the 15-man delegation, Comrade Peter Ezekwe, in his introductory speech, narrated how the activities of Ugo Igboukwu Foundation has kept alive the dreams of countless bright children and youths from indigent homes in the state, saying that this was why the forum members who are first hand observers of the effect of Bart Nwibe's philanthropy have decided to collectively sought to encourage commend his efforts and encourage him to continue.

"Engr Bart Nwibe may not fathom the gravity of good he is doing in this state with his educational empowerment programs, but I stand here to say that there is no philanthropy greater that educational empowerment as it is the best way of doing the proverbial " teaching how to fish", as removed from the conventional hand-outs that most well-to-do but misdirected persons do these days," Ezekwe enthused.

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM; Anambra state in perspective

Let us share peace and security through music - Music Entrepreneur

Henry Izuchukwu Ukachukwu, CEO, Henry B Klassic Entertainment, is from Imo state, but was born and brought up in Anambra state. In the following exclusive interview with O'star Eze of Orient Daily, his Odyssey into the music entrepreneurship was explored as well as the Peace and Security concert that he conceived and is on the verge of launching. Excerpts:

Can you share your antecedents?

I started school in St Faith, Awka and from there i moved to St Paul's Primary School. Then, when they transferred my dad, who is a clergyman, to Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, our family had to relocate there and i started schooling at St Catherine's Comprehensive Secondary School and then finished secondary education at Urban Secondary School, Ekwulobia, where i wrote my WASCCE. Then i gained admission at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, where i studied Business Administration. I graduated in 2006. But in that year, we had an entertainment club we were managing. So, when we were about closing down the club, given we were graduating, we decided to organize a life show that would bring a lot of people. Then Cosmo FM was in vogue. So, we discussed with the Cosmo FM management, liaised with their DJs, got the partnership of very big shots in Oko, including the Director of Rozander Hotel. The show was such an explosive success. I had not been to Lagos before then but that show took me to Lagos where I contracted Sample (Ekwe). Then he was at the prime of his career as a music artiste. We brought him down to Oko them for the show. The show was a grand success. It was Sample that first observed that i was not stuff for Anambra state and that i should come up to Lagos where my Entertainment promotion and organisation (which he was obviously impressed with) would be better appreciated.

From the origin, i had always been a music enthusiast. I enjoyed and played all kinds of music; Reggae, Highlife, Hiphop, excetera. A habit that always got me in trouble with my father who was  a conservative given his religious vocation. I also was a vocalist in church. So, music was a natural flair. But i never wanted to be a public figure.

So, following my passion, I went to Lagos after graduating from Fed. Poly. Oko and in 2009, I launched myself formally into the music industry in Lagos. I hosted 120 DJs, 12 media houses and a lot of other entertainment firms in Lagos state to launch Henry B Klassic Entertainment into the Music Industry. From there, i started running shows, both on the streets and in establishments, managing artistes and suchlike. That was how we got into the music industry and it has been a rich and profitable experience all the way. These days, you find that music is the in-thing. Back in the days, when you indicate interest in music, your parents and relatives would tag you wayward, 'ofeke', but these days, football is the order of the day. These days, everybody would want to associate with musicians and musicians are big boys. We show promoters have all their contacts.

Presently, i want to break the jinx of Showbiz in the South East and make it a big deal, just as it is in Lagos. 

Now, let us talk about your Peace and Security Concert. When and how did you conceive the idea and what is all about?

The Peace and Security concert. Yes, i have been seeing a lot of crisis in the society.  A lot of people die, are maimed and are rendered homeless as a result of conflicts and wars. We got really concerned about this and started thinking of how we can reach the youths who are the primary target of conflict and instigators. We now perceived that it would be good if we go to the society with the language of music to preach peace and security.

And you know that whenever a country is at peace and secured, a lot of investors come in. Business will be flourishing and development is facilitated. So, we decided we would marry showbiz with the message of peace and security, a strategy we believe would drive the message home better. This birthed the concert of peace and security.

We want to use known faces in the music industry, draw the crowd and we would now pass the message of peace. People should be security conscious, promptly report any suspicious activities in their environment to the security agencies. We don't want to hold a conventional show where people just come, pay gate fee and get entertained. The event is a free show.

So far,  a lot of people want to be part of Peace and Security Concert and more people are invited to partner with it to make it a resounding success.

I understand that there is such a concert in the Offings.  Can you share with us how far you have gone and when we should be expecting the show in Anambra state?

So far, we have been able to break into the Anambra state government. We introduced the idea to Anambra state government, they set up a committee to look into the project and saw that the project is good to the society. So, they now endorsed it. We have the endorsement letter with us. The government now propelled us to package our materials, source for funds from the private sector and carry out the event. We have talked to our artistes and to some media houses to partner with us, given it is more of a humanitarian outing seeking to impact the society positively. We want to also use the platform to appreciate the governor for how far he has gone with security in the state. People now talk about Anambra in Lagos and elsewhere, that it is now a safe economic hub for investment. So far, we are looking for more sponsors to come in and partner with us, because we already have our team ready, our materials set and our artistes on standby for mobilization. There is also going to be a PowerPoint projection of the old Anambra before the present Administration with it's security issues and then the present security status of the state courtesy of the present administration.

So we have work plan for the event and we have a lot packaged for the day. What we have been waiting for is here already, which is the government's endorsement letter. It is here now, so we are good to go. We therefore call on individuals, firms, brewery, telecommunications, to partner with us. Let us preach security and peace to our people through music.

I WILL FIGHT HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE - ANAMBRA PC

Mr Sam Okaula, Anambra state's new Police Commissioner has declared his resolve to nip every abuse of human rights in the bud in the discharge of police duty by sensitizing his men and officers on his stance concerning it and working with members of the Civil Society Network, Anambra state.

He made this known while receiving the executive members of Civil Society Network, Anambra state in his office during their courtesy cum familiarization visit.

Speaking further, Mr Okaula said that he believes strongly in the rule of law and respect for human rights and have always drummed it into the ears of his officers and men that any abuse of human rights is not tolerated anywhere he serves.

He therefore asserted that the Civil Society Network will work with him in ensuring that the human rights of Anambra state inhabitants are not trampled upon while assuring that he maintains an open door policy and will always welcome any information that would aid him solve any problem that might arise as a result of human mistakes amongst his men.

The chairman of the group, Elvis Oliver Okolie, while officially welcoming the new Police Commissioner to the state  intimated him that Civil Society Network, which is the apex and umbrella body of all the CSOs, NGOs, FBOs, CBOs, e.t.c, is a CAC registered independent and well trained watchdog that partners with the government and security agencies in ensuring that the vision of a vibrant, democratic,  politically stable, peaceful and organised Anambra state, where justice, equity and rule of law reigns supreme, is actualized.

In his words, "We as a group, having had a tip of your antecedents, are at ease knowing that your leadership will not tolerate any abuse of human rights just as we keep educating our people in different ways to shun violence, thuggery, robbery, kidnapping and every other social vice."

Other Civil Society Network executive members present during the courtesy call were Emily Uzoh, Financial Secretary;  Njideka Okeke, Assistant Secretary;  Nickson Nkpolara, Coordinator, Anambra South and O'star Eze, Media Director.

NHIS IS THE WAY TO GO - STATE COORDINATOR

Mma Gertrude Osii NHIS Boss
Mrs Mma Gertrude Osii, the Deputy General Manager and State Coordinator of Anambra National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS assumed duty in September, 2015. In this exclusive interview with Orient Daily's O'star Eze, Mma shares the new enthusiasm of NHIS, how the state government has been supportive amongst other issues. Excerpts:

How has it been since you assumed office as the State Coordinator?

 Since then it's been a win win situation. Because what i can't manage is idleness. I can't manage boredom. So, when i came in here, i told my team that we have to hit the ground running. We have to go through the nooks and crannies of Anambra state and make sure that ee deliver NHIS. I promised that before i leave Anambra state, NHIS will be a household name.

We started with active stakeholder engagement. And this has yielded so much. In the sense that my engagement with the State Ministry of Health, Dr Joe Akabuike has been so fruitful. Immediately i invited to a program in Enugu and they imbibed this program of State Social Health Insurance Scheme in order to get Ndi Anambra at all legal residence registered. He bought this orogram and since then it has been a very good one all the way.

The amiable executive governor of Anambra state, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, Akpokuedike, i will tell you, wants this program like yesterday. He wants to lock on and make it a mandatory program for all residents of the state. And after we had our presentation at EXCO, he set up a ten man committee to work on the bill on how they can lock on to health insurance in Anambra state. We worked with the chairman of the committee, Hon. Ifeatu Onojeme, and he has been chairing the meeting and i tell you that we have come a long way. We have been able to put up a bill that has been presented as an executive bill to the house of Assembly and it has gone through a second reading. And i tell you that in no distant time, NHIS bill in Anambra state will be passed. And that will be the Anambra state Health Contributory Scheme. The governor is very committed to this and we are happy. And my chief executive, the then acting Execitive Secretary, Mr Femi Akingbade, had a courtesy visit with the governor and presented to him all the perks NHIS representing the federal government will give to them. Because we are now saying that the state should come in. We will give money to the state to encourage them to come in. By their bill, they will have their own agency and run their own agency. The NHIS will still remain the regulatory body. We will give them ICT support, human resource and capacity building. So , it is a very laudable program and i believe that any state governor that really has the interest of the masses at heart will log on to this program. Because it is not a question of giving them rice, salt, give them healthcare so that they can go and fend for themselves. Let them be healthy because it is only the healthy that can work. Childhood and Maternal mortality will be reduced with health insurance getting to all the nooks and crannies of the state. This is what we are working at. And i tell you that since i assumed position here, there has never been a dull moment.

Can you give us a highlight of some of the packages NHIS has for Ndi Anambra?

We have different programs and our programs have been so compartmentalised so as to take care of every citizen regardless of status. We have what we call the Formal Sector Programme. This program is mostly for civil servants, members of the armed forces, students of tertiary institutions and members of organized  private sector that has ten employees and above. This program is structure. We have the Informal Sector Programme, which takes care of all business men, all artisans, community dwellers and all groups that lack structured work environment and pay. And we also have what we call the Voluntary Contributorship Programme. In the informal sector when we also have the Community-based Health insurance programme, this one is for the communities. We go to the communities, liaise with the traditional rulers, the President Generals of the town unions, the women leaders and the youth leaders and sensitize them on the mechanics of Community-Based Health program; how they can organize themselves to form the programme and how it could bring cheap and quality healthcare at their doorstep. Because we are looking for a situation where we can stop rural dwellers from accessing healthcare from unqualified chemist shops and centres and untrained hands. So, this community Health Based programme is geared towards bringing them together in a mutual health association platform and when they are up to 1000 or more, the cost of registeration will go down. NHIS will subsidize for the children under 5 and nursing mothers too. That is how federal government pushes in money in all those communities in order to reduce infant and maternal mortality rate. But if people gather together and they are not able to make up the recommended number ( it is a game of numbers), they can key into the Voluntary Contributor-ship Program which is just 15000 naira per annum. And you such a robust benefit package like we have in the formal sector.
So, these are the programs we have and there is no strata of the populace that will not find a program that is meant for them. That is how NHIS has been conceptualized.


Let's talk about hospitals affiliated to NHIS. Do you have enough medical centres affiliated to NHIS to make accessibility to them easier for registered members?

We just concluded an inspection exercise for accreditation of healthcare facilities in Anambra state. In Anambra state, we have over 90 health care centres that are affiliated to NHIS, both at primary and secondary level care, even tertiary level care. And they are dotted all over the state. Go to Ekwulobia, we have St Victoria Hospital, Cynvic Hospital, several others. Go to Nnewi, we have Highlife Hospital, the Teaching Hospital. There are so many hospitals easily accessible by our enrollees, both in the rural and urban areas. Even Okpoko that is difficult to access has NHIS accredited hospitals there. We make it a point that regardless of where the hospital is, once it applies, we find them there to confirm if they have the standards that would keep people alive. And accreditation is a continuum because more and more hospitals keep springing up. They are advised to apply to NHIS so we can inspect them for their eligibility.


Finally, how can one register for the NHIS programme. What is the process?to to being

Before 2014, we had just the zonal offices. But in 2014, we now established offices in all the states of the federation including FCT. This is to make it easy for people to come and register. So, now, you don't need to travel from Anambra to Enugu (the zonal office) to register, you come to the state office at No. 39 Ziks Avenue, Awka, to register. You can also go to our health maintenance organizations. These are organisations that act as brokers between us and the hospitals and what we call the healthcare providers. You can come and register for the Voluntary Contributorship Program. This is because the formal sector package is, for now, meant only for those civil servants working in Federal Government owned MDAs. When the state comes in, we can then include their ministries, departments and agencies.

What are you doing in terms of sensitization of the masses on these health insurance schemes?


Right now, we are taking things as we can handle them. What we do now is to go to places where you find high population density to carry out sensitization. Recently we were at Nkpor, and Onitsha. And so do we keep doing it; holding road shows and explaining what NHIS is all about, and what they stand to gain by being part of NHIS and where to go for registration. We don't have a mobile data capturing machine for on the spot registration yet. This will come with time.

Final words

In Anambra state, we are encouraged by the mindset of the governor who has made our stay very fulfilling and rewarding. He has given us an enabling environment to work in. We are not afraid to go into the rural communities. The roads are tarred so their is nothing rural anymore about communities in Anambra state. And it is all kudos to the executive governor of Anambra state. Recently, we wrote that our office didn't have a transformer and was not connected to the national grid since the inception in 2014 and therefore had been running on private power generating set  and he made a transformer available. This shows that he is mindful of what NHIS can do for his people. We say kudos to him. And to the Anambra people and inhabitants, this is the time to embrace NHIS. NHIS is better now and is getting better incrementally. We have really touched lives. In the spirit of our centenary celebration, we are presently rewarding our earlier enrollees; giving them tertiary disease interventions. We have done a lot of hip replacement, spinal surgeries at Memphis Hospital. And we are doing more. So, NHIS is the way to go. I think it is the best democracy dividend that we have gotten. Thank you very much.

Roles of entrepreneurship in the economic development in Nigeria

Economic development, according to online Business Dictionary, is defined as progress in an economy, or the qualitative measure of this. It goes on to say that Economic development usually refers to the adoption of new technologies, transition from agriculture-based to industry-based economy, and general improvement in living standards.

On the other hand, Entrepreneurship is defined by the same source, Business Dictionary, as the capacity and willingness to develop, organize and manage a business venture along with any of its risks in order to make a profit. The most obvious example of entrepreneurship is the starting of new businesses.

In economics, entrepreneurship combined with land, labour, resources and capital can produce profit. Entrepreneurial spirit is characterized by innovation and risk-taking, and is an essential part of a nation's ability to succeed in an ever changing and increasingly competitive global marketplace.


Judging by the above definitions of the key words, which summarily are, that entrepreneurship is ability and willingness to initiate, take risks and develop and organize business, and economic development is adoption of new technologies, improved economic practices and living standard, the roles  of entrepreneurship in economic development can be traced.

To start with, Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is naturally endowed with millions and millions of acres of arable land, 38.5 billion barrels of stated oil reserves, vast gas reserves, a variety of unexploited minerals, and a wealth of human capital by virtue of its estimated population of 150 million.  It is the world’s eighth largest exporter of oil, and Africa’s second largest economy, after South Africa.  Nigeria accounts for 15 per cent of Africa’s population,   contributes 11 per cent of Africa’s total output and 16 per cent of its foreign reserves while it accounts for half of the population and more than two-thirds of the output of the West Africa sub-region.

The role  of  the entrepreneurship  in  Nigeria  economy  cannot  be  overestimated.

 1. Firstly,  it  is  emphasized  that entrepreneurship make  the  possibility  of  the  equitable  distribution  of  national  income  more  realistic  by  providing employment  on  a  large  scale.  By  creating  more  employment  opportunities, entrepreneurship helps  in  mobilizing  capital  and human resources that would otherwise be left idle.

2. While  some  small  businesses  may  meet  untapped  demand,  some  fill  a  niche  in  the  market,  yet  others  provide  some distinct  services  that  cannot  be  matched  by  large  organizations.  In  this  wise,  entrepreneurship contributes to  the  succession  of large businesses.


3.Entrepreneurship  helps  to  economize  resources.  Resources  such  as  capital,  technical  and  management  skills  are scarce  and  constitute  the  central  problem  of  underdevelopment.  Entrepreneurship especially such that involves setting up small and medium enterprises have  shorter  gestation  period  and  as  a  result yield  quicker  returns  on  investment.

 4. It facilitates  balanced  industrial  development  in  that  only  such  industries  can easily  be  established  in  many  rural  areas.  In  this  regard,  entrepreneurship  also  presents  a  potent  means  of  alleviating  rural-urban migration and the associated urban congestion and unemployment.

5. Entrepreneurship promotes competition  and  hinder  monopoly.  The  relative  ease  with  which enterprises  are  established  and  the responsiveness  of  entrepreneurs  to  innovations  is  a  major  factor  for  the  preponderance  of  SMEs  in  any  economy especially  in a  developing  economy like Nigeria.  Observation  has  it  that  the  existence  of  many  healthy  business  firms  in  a  nation constitutes  a  barrier  against  monopoly.  The  importance  of  a  competitive  market  to  the  consumer  in  particular  and  the economy in general cannot be overflogged.

In summary, Entrepreneurship can be said to be synonymous with economic development as their cannot be improved living standards resulting from innovative economic practices without an increase in entrepreneurial activities.



References  

Ajayi, G. O. (2000). Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria,  Lagos, Maryland Finance Co. Ltd.

Ayozie, D. O and Asolo A. A. (1999). Small Scale Business for  Nigerian Students, Abeokuta, Danayo Inc. Coy.

Chandler, A. (1990). Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth.  Cambridge, Harvard University Press.

Drucker, P. F. (1985). Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Practice  and Principles. London, Heinemman.

 Fabunmi,  B  .C  (2004).  Small  and  Medium  Scale  Industries  Nigeria:    Problems,  Prospects  and  Management Techniques; 2nd Ed.  Akure, JBS Printing and Publishing.

OPERATION ZERO ACCIDENT: ANAMBRA TRAINS ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS O'star Eze

ANAMBRA state Ministry of Road, Rail and Water Transport in conjunction with Mustard @ Divine Technologies recently held an intensive training exercise for over 50 enforcement officers on best practices, right work ethics and attitudes that would guide them as they enforce the procurement of the compulsory handbook by all road users in the state.

Comrade Edwin Akolisa, CEO/ President of Mustard @ Divine Technologies, the contractor of the Operation Zero Accident Project, while speaking to the press during the  event which held at Queen's suite, Awka, explained that the training exercise was the climax of preparations to commence rigorous check on Anambra state roads to see that all road users in Anambra state, whether commercial or private, motorcyclists or motor vehicles, are equipped with the handbook which contains salient information on road signs, road codes and road rules and regulations.

Speaking further, the Consultant intimated that the enforcement exercise was a follow up to the launch and sensitization program for procurement of the Driver's handbook which has run for over two months. "The intent is ensure that government's vision to enlighten road users on all the rules, regulations and codes, which has been fingered as the primary cause of road mishaps, through the Driver's handbook, is actualized."

He went on to describe the structure laid out for the operation; "We have a supervisory team at the state level and then have assigned a Representative each to all the 21 local governments of the state. These representatives have also appointed enforcement officers who will be in the field to check motorcyclist and motor vehicle users to ensure they have procured the handbook."

Mr Akolisa therefore encouraged all motor vehicle users, whether private or commercial, to comply with the initiative as it was for the good of all.

Earlier during the workshop, the chief facilitator, Honourable Nze Emmanuel Jide, Majority Leader, Anambra West Legislative Council Commander, Safety Chapol and Eschapol, charged the enforcement officers to be disciplined in all ramifications, as they discharge their duties and desist from abuse of their powers. Basic details concerning how to carry out their functions, as well as possible challenges and how to properly attend to them were also addressed during the question and answer session.

Hon. Collins Agbasiere, one of the stakeholders of Operation Zero Accident Project and the Chairman, Counsellors' forum, Anambra South, who was also present during the training exercise, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the event, while commending the organizers, especially the state government for the "innovative programme that would go a long way in minimizing road accidents in the state."

One of the participants in the workshop, Chief Adolphus Mmaduabuchi, from Ekwulobia, who happened to be one of the enforcement officers representing Orumba North/South described the workshop as quite instructive and revealing. He expressed high hopes for the soon-to-commence enforcement exercise saying that the programme has gotten him and his colleague fired up to give their best in ensuring the Operation Zero accident project is a resounding success.

Also present at the event was the project supervisor, Muolokwu Tom-Ray.

WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY: Emenaka, Charles, Ezeemo, Nwobu Alor, Others Encourage Group ...by O’star Eze

World Sickle Cell Day, celebrated on June 19th of each year, is recognized globally and was created by the United Nations by resolution. After last year, 2015’s commemoration, there was birthed an association for Sickle Cell patients, via quite a passion driven sickle cell sufferer, Aisha Edward, and from the moment the idea was birthed, Aisha Edward has been breaking new jinxes surrounding the eradication of Sickle Cell Disorder and proper management and support of those living with sickle cell disorder.

To mark this year’s celebration, the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder packaged a three-day back-to-back celebration to mark the World Sickle Cell Day tagged, “Advocacy and Sensitization”. The celebration started with a road show on June 17, with young people culled from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Odumegwu Ojukwu University in their hundreds parading the Awka capital city of Anambra state, entertaining and sharing pamphlets and speaking to the masses in Awka and the environs on the need to check one’s genotypic compatibility with one’s intended mate and why one needs to quit any relationship that is made up of a couple that both carry AS genotype.

The road show culminated at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Ukpo, where the association conducted the commissioning of a newly set up Special Sickle Cell Clinic, courtesy of Prince Engineer Arthur Eze. The commissioning was carried out by Arthur Eze, ably represented by his brother, Chief Okey Eze, while the unveiling of the clinic’s plaque was conducted by the traditional ruler of Ukpo, HRH, Igwe Robert Eze. A member of Okey Eze’s entourage, a business man based at South Africa, Chief Vincent Udobi, Onowu Ifitedunu was so moved that he donated one million naira to the association. A large number of pharmaceutical students from several institutions were present to cheer on the landmark event, alongside priests and the Medical Director of NAUTH, Professor Anthony Igwegbe.

The next day was the book launch and Shining Example award presentation to all the individuals and personalities that have in one way or the other supported the cause of the organization, 28 in number. This held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University main Auditorium at UNIZIK campus, Awka. Amongst the recipients of the award were the executive governor of Anambra state, Chief Dr Willie Obiano, the directors of Sun, Fides, Authority newspapers, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, Honourables Charles Ezeani and Obinna Emenaka, the Catholic and Anglican bishops of Awka, Aguata and Onitsha diocese, Chief Sylvester Nwobu Alor, to mention but a few.

Finally, on the third day, being a Sunday, the association still made it to Austica Memorial College, Nanka, to give thanks to God for His many blessings and favors over the months. The thanksgiving also availed the association the opportunity to partake in send forth party organized for the outgoing principal of Austica Memorial College, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Ebebe, who, it was revealed by APLSCD’s coordinator, to have been of outstanding help to the association.

Speaking with the press during the commissioning of Prince Arthur Eze Special Sickle cell clinic in NAUTH, Ukpo, the member representing Anambra East constituency at the state house of assembly, Hon Obinna Chris Emenaka said the clinic will consolidate on the achievement of the state government with respect to the people living with sickle cell disorder. 

He opined that the sensitization program organised by the chairperson of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder APLSCD, Ms Aisha Edward will go a long way in addressing some of the pertinent issues concerning the patients. He informed that intending couples with the knowledge of their genotype will be mindful of their relationship so as to avoid giving birth to sickle cell carriers in the name of love.

His words "this will go a long way to address some of the unhealthy behaviour and attitude of our people in the name of love thereby giving birth to children who go through severe pains all the major part of their lives. It is a great awareness by the crusader and with this people will be more enlightened and sicklers will get a better and improved health services"

He further explained that a bill that will address all the problems of sickle cell patient has passed the motion on notice stage at the state house of assembly and assured that the house members are critically understudying the bill to ensure its speedy passage into law. He said "we are fine turning the bill to make sure that we get out a very good bill that will address the challenges of sickle cell patients"

On the issue of NGO's who are fond of using the sickle cell patients to obtain and malversate money from donors meant for the improvement and development of patients, the lawmaker who analogized that the number of NGOs on sickle cell is now far more greater  than the number of people with the disorder. He expressed displeasure over the habit of taking undue advantage on the impaired as he reminded the perpetrators of the adverse consequence.

He said "it is unfortunate that we live in a country where people take advantage of compromised patients. The worst thing that can happen to any sane person is to utilize the misfortune or temporal or natural challenge of your own fellow individual for selfish reasons. It is bad to hide under the umbrella of sickle cell patients to collect money just to enrich yourself and family"

He advised that NGOs should be motivated only by passion and not material gains.

Hon. Charles, the sponsor of the said sickle cell bill also confirmed the claims of his colleague, at the occasion of the book launch the next day, while adding that he had gone as far as engaging most of the house members, including the Speaker, individually, on why it is imperative that the bill be passed into law.

His words,  "I see myself as infected by Sickle Cell Disorder too because I once lived with a family with several sickle cell children, and I know firsthand the kind of torturous pain these our brothers and sisters and ward go through."

The Lawmaker therefore called on all to join APLSCD on their cause, as, according to him, "it is a noble and genuine one."

Mr Godwin Ezeemo, another award recipient, ably represented by a medical practitioner, Dr Edward Ezenwafor, also pledged his support for the cause of the association. He encouraged the association to feel free to come to him for any aid.

There were several donations to the organization from the award recipients and other well meaning attendees.

Earlier during the award/ book launch event, Aisha Edward reiterated that the association will not relent in her fight against the tolerance of sickle cell disorder and the association's welfare and empowerment packages for the members. She took time to express her profound gratitude to Prince Engr Arthur Eze for establishing the first special sickle cell clinic in ANAMBRA state. In her words, "We the sickle cell patients require extra attention and this usually poses as a challenge to our parents.

Also during the thanksgiving service the next day, Sunday, Aisha expressed her sentiments towards the outgoing principal of Austica Memorial College, narrating how he has always been there for her, rescued her from suicidal intents and have been making his resources available for the association. She also revealed that Austica Memorial College happens to be their home given their mobility and first meeting point has been courtesy of the school.

She appreciated his influence over her; brought the sanity of the real Christianity via his personality, made her to start going to church. She also thanked the college's choir for how they ministered to her soul via their songs.

She also admonished them to be ensured they check their genotype compatibility with whomever they intend to love and marry. She shared some of the grotesque experiences families with sickle cell babies go through and encouraged all to ensure they aid in getting their newly published book on Sickle Cell sensitization and advocacy, to all and sundry. This book was compiled to give comprehensive information on the issues bordering about sickle cell anemia with contributions from several medical experts, lawmakers and activists. 

Fr. Ebebe,on his part, referred to Aisha as her daughter and the association, his apostolate. He spoke highly of the uncommon passion exhibited by Aisha Edwards, despite her health condition, while announcing that Aisha urgently needs a vehicle that would help in conveying her about as she went about what he referred to as a “work of mercy”. APGA chieftain, Chief Titus Anigbogu and the former Anambra SSG, Oseloka Obaze, were among the dignitaries spotted at the event.

The 2016 World Sickle Cell Day celebration as observed by the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder highlighted the organization’s tested and trusted weapon of warfare against Sickle Cell scourge, advocacy and sensitization. The association also used the platform to count her blessings while expressing their gratitude to all who have in one way or the other supported the association’s vision. Of course, as was customary in every of the association’s events, the members were also empowered with first aid boxes, water bottles, clothes, food items and what have you, as facilitated by the Catholic and Anglican communions and other philanthropists.