Parents should ensure their children are given away to compatible mates' - CWO president

In the light of the ongoing intensive campaign launched by the Association of People Living with Sickle cell disorder,  Mrs Apollonia Nkechi Chukwuma, The president of CWO Awka Diocese, who it was discovered has had a burden for Sickle Cell patients and the disorder was engaged in an interview  by Aisha Edward, the coordinator of the Association and she shared her experiences and why NGOs should be discouraged. Following are excerpts.

Despite the fact that we live in the information age, babies with Sickle Cell Anemia still abound. How do you react to this and what is the church doing as regards this among the womenfolk?

It is disheartening to note that Sickle Cell Anemia still abound. It is unfortunate. Despite the fact that there are jingles here and there over the media – electronic and print, to disseminate information to would be couples. Unfortunately, some women are desperate to get married as if someone fails to get married, she has committed a heinous crime. It is not it. As a result of this impression, they fail to heed to heed clarion call. Every woman or man ripe for for marriage should go for genotype test. Some who go for genotype test would hide the information they have received. They would not present the medical paper to the man who is willing to marry them. They would tell. The hospitals are not helping matters. Some clinics, some quacks give the wrong information to these potential husbands. If a woman is tested AS, the nurse would write AA so that the man would be deceived that even if he is AS he could still marry the lady. It is unfortunate and if the man is AS and the woman is AS, they may beget SS children.

Let me talk about what the church is doing. Because of the agony of these children. I know some of them who are my students. They miss classes as a result of the crisis they experience. Their education will be half-baked and they will be frustrated because their mates are in school and they are not. They are unhappy they are living on drugs. If you come closer to them, you will have pity on them. The catholic church now insists that before any intended couple will be wedded, they must present their certificate of fitness and if they are both AS, they will not be married. That is why some of them forge their results aided and abetted by the nurses. I know a couple who had no reason to be victims of sickle cell children. They were in the medical field but the man deceived the woman and told the woman he was AA. They had the first child and everyday in the hospital so they decided to go for a test and it was discovered they were both AS. Today they have five children, all SS. These children live on drugs, they are frustrated and they hate their parents. Due to such deceit, the catholic church now insists that the intending couple should go for the test in catholic hospitals where such lies would not be told. The two must attend the test the same day and if both of them are AS, they would be told the truth that they will not be able to marry and should look for another. It is better the marriage is stopped there and then rather   than allowing them to get married and they beget children they will punish because the two of them will not be involved in the punishment. Only the children will continue to live on drugs year round. I wish others will emulate the catholic church.

We appreciate the giant step the Catholic Church is taking. How do you advice the crusade be taken to the camp of the sickle children, who are suffering for no cause of their own who graduate without jobs and others who needs assistance?

I started the crusade myself. I got into it without anybody dragging me into it. It was a personal apostolate for me long ago in the 90s. I started this clarion call among the women. During August meeting, I would shout in the hearing of the women. Parents should step out to drum it into the ears of their children that they must go for genotype test and every other necessary test before following up on any marital process. I am advocating that government should step in to help those living with it, especially those that have graduated they should be integrated into the society, they should be given a sense of belonging. We shouldn’t give them the impression that they would soon die. Let government employs them. Give them their concession. They should be given preferences. They should be employed first. Then those whose parents cannot afford their education, the government should step in to train them.

Are you also of the opinion that government should provide them concession with regards to the NHIS scheme?

Yes, the government is in a better position to help. I know of some families that have up to 3 sickle cell patients as children. Some, all the children are sicklers. These children are suffering for something that is not of their own making.

Madam, what is your CWO group doing in future partnership with these people living with sickle cell disorder, givent that there is a law passed in Anambra state since 2002 mandating every student at any level to provide a certificate of screening showing their genotype status. What CWO group going to do in partnering with the group to see the sensitization is intensified.

That is why I told you that we have started up as apostolate. We started talking about it in CWO since 1993; warning that before they marry off their daughter they should check the genotype of the intended suitor and ensure it is compatible with their child’s. so we are doing our bit of it. If some of them come, if we cannot employ them, we can make a case for them.

There is this man who has been floating a foundation named sickle cell foundation and has used the foundation to extort money from the international community and Nigeria, and not affecting the lives of people living with sickle cell disorder.

Government should know what NGOs are doing. Many NGOs live on the challenges of others. People will say they are fighting the cause of those living with HIV, for instance, and when they get money from the government or other bodies or private individuals. It goes to their individual pockets. Otherwise, God will visit such humans and give them a taste of it. So, it is the responsibility of government to give certificate of operation.

Any final words for the wife of the governor.

I really appreciate her. Osodieme is doing a lot in the area of missing links, helping amputees and other indigent ones in the society and I encourage her to continue in her good works. I also encourage all Anambrarian to continue to give her their unreserved support especially in this noble cause of making Anambra number one in the care of Sickle Cell patients and reducing the scourge of Sickle cell disorder.

'I applaud Osodieme for fighting for Sicklers' - Aux Bishop Jonas Benson

Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye is the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese. In this revealing interview with the Coordinator of Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, Aisha Edward, he shares his perspective on the sickle cell issue and what should be done to stem to tide.

May we meet you, sir?

I’m Jonas-Benson Okoye, Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese.

Despite the fact that we are in the information age, the issue of Sickle Cell has not been ameliorated, rather it is proliferating. How do you react to this?

What you said is true, and I must tell you that is of great concerned to me as a person. I was ordained a catholic priest in 1992 and ever since I have been working in the ecclesiastical tribunal. The challenges we meet with people who want to get married is that they get infatuated with each other and they forget to take care of the medical essentials like the blood group, genotype. When we insist on that, they kind of persist that the basic thing is that they love each other. You talk about infatuation, not actually love because if you fail to consider what your generation could be, then there is a problem. It is a real concern for me too as a person and a catholic priest.

Would you advocate that the church partners with the education sector that those even at the primary school level are acquainted with this crusade?

Sure. Since you have begun this campaign and Her Excellency is part of this campaign, I think the awareness should begin at the secondary school level when people begin to understand better. I don’t think there should be any restraint from the church to ensure these things are passed around.

There was a law passed since 2002 mandating every child in the school to have a certificate of screening of genotype as a prerequisite for admission into school. To our amazement, people have not been implementing this. This is going to help increase the consciousness of the dangers of irregular carrier marriage and incompatible matches among couples in the society. What would your opinion be to ensure that this law is implemented?

Apart from the compatibility reason, for health reasons too; one needs to know one’s blood type, genotype, also when sickness occurs, for first aid administration in the schools. So it is good we have a file where all these things are recorded. Not just about getting ready for the future. Because, even at the point of getting married, the church insists that people get their medical status from our designated hospitals. So, since the law has been passed, given that at the grass root level, I’m not sure people have been taking the screening seriously, I’m sure we will look into it. 

Recently, when a CWO leader was interviewed, she disclosed that some intending couples go to the extent of forging lab results on discovering they are not compatible, just to scale through the church’s screening for marriage. How do you react to this?

That is why I mentioned that those who intend to marry in our church usually pass through marriage instruction during which medical personnel talk to them about sanitation in the married life, child bearing, and also catholic priests talk to them about impediments – things that could prevent a marriage from happening. So we take care of all those things. However, what the woman said is correct, there are some hospitals who try to falsify results of tests taken and that is quite sad. I have seen that. There have been cases of annulled marriages on those grounds of deceit. Somebody would want to marry somebody and because he or she sees that his or her blood type might affect the marriage, they doctor their medical result. That is pure deceit, even in cannon law. I studied cannon law and it says that once you discover that in marriage, that the marriage is no marriage at all. It is said also that you find couples who are both AS and you explain to them that their bearing children in future will be a dangerous venture, but they are infatuated and don’t listen to you. You tell them that that when this problem comes, it is going to deplete your economy, you are going to be unhappy and you are going to present to the society somebody who is trouble, who may not be happy with him or herself in future, why would you want to do this senseless thing? They will keep telling you that miracle will happen. But we explain to them that the first miracle is scientific discovery. What other miracle? Why challenge God in this? So it is about intending couples. And as you said also, ‘education, education, education.’ You can’t do this without education.

What do you think the government and the society need to do about the welfare of those living with sickle cell? Their welfare seems to be neglected.

In the first place, I don’t think there is any need for discrimination among them. It is not an infectious disease. It is something somebody has unfortunately come to live with. It is a moment when we need to show concern as humans. That is why I must extol the courage of Her Excellency, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, for undertaking this, because when people are in trouble, when people are sick, that is when God challenges us to know the amount of concern you show to those who are sick or in trouble. Everybody; the teachers, the government, every member of the society and the law must tilt toward them with sympathy and care.

Those living with sickle cell disorder recently raised an outcry that those who are supposed to care for them; who float all manner of NGOs in the name of sickle cell especially one known as Sickle Cell Foundation recently raised the sum of 800 million naira during the World Sickle Cell day and yet these people don’t have annex in other states and have not made impact in their lives. These people use them to make money and the government is allowing them thrive.  Yet many sickle cell graduates do not have jobs. Out of frustration, a good number of them are drug addicts.

I must say that a good number of NGOs all over the world not just with the Sickle Cell people. You see them all over the streets of Washington, designing fliers as if they care for the downtrodden. But they are just making money, stealing in the name of those who are suffering, even in the name of God. It is also unfortunate what our government atimes do. They know how to channel this fund and it will get to people who need them. Each point in time I must extol the effort of Governor, Peter Obi. He gave money to some government parastatals to revamp our institution of learning. When he discovered the money had been siphoned, he gave it to the church and look at the difference. If the government is sincere, they know where to keep the money for people living Sickle Cell Disorder. I know if they go through the church, the Catholic Church, where we have discipline, where we can control the clergy and can ensure that the money actually gets to where it is going. But unfortunately, people get together, acquire certificate as an NGO and start making money in the name of the downtrodden, which money they use to travel overseas spending it however way they like. What you said is true. It is unfortunate but the government can use church for such welfare. If the government says today, ‘I have given 20 million naira to the church for sickle cell, the bishop would show the list of those who are suffering and we know we can get to them even down to the remotest area where they come from, because it is we who live at the grassroot. Those who float NGO, where do they stay? They float it at Abuja and cities. But we are the ones who stay at the grassroot. The church is all over the place. The government has the opportunity and we are ready to help, to partner with the government and even the wealthy people in the society to do that.

Any last words for the wife of the governor, and the society in the general?

I want to thank Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano for taking out time to begin this crusade. It is a good thing to do and I want to see the result delivered. Anambra people are blessed with very wealthy people who would also want to partner with her. The fact that she is the wife of the governor of Anambra state does not mean she has all the wealth to dispense. But I know captains of industries, business people should be able to key into this cause and donate generously towards it. Through her, we can partner with the church. Sickle Cell patients should be able to ask themselves what God wants them to do with their lives.

Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder has said they don’t want any NGOs except the church. What do you have to say about this?

We certainly stand by them. Whatever comes to the church for them must certainly get to them and even much more because I tell you this office received much more people who are living in abject poverty and one want or the other I receive them more here and attend to them.

NDLEA STORMS ARIK ATTENDANT'S HOME FOR ILLICIT DRUG

 The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Wednesday stormed and occupied the Lagos house of Chika Egwu Udensi, a crew member of the Arik Air flight W3101, who was arrested with 20 kilogrammes of cocaine at the London Heathrow Airport.

The NDLEA moved to the house after they had interrogated pilots and flight attendants of the flight that left the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for London on Monday night. The interrogation lasted for several hours at the NDLEA head office in Lagos.

ostareze.com gathered that soon after the interrogation, the NDLEA moved to the suspect’s house in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

A source, who did not say if there were occupants in the house, told one of our correspondents that the NDLEA men were “currently occupying the house, and we will not leave here until we get all the evidence that we want.”

www.ostareze.com also gathered that although the operatives had seized the suspect’s Range Rover, the NDLEA was still of the opinion that Udensi had other property.

The source said, ‘We are investigating if he has other property in Lagos or elsewhere. Some of them (suspected drug courier) live simple lives, but have other valuables stashed everywhere. We are searching for incriminating documents.”

On the interrogation, the NDLEA in a statement said the entire crew members including some support staff that worked on the flight before it departed Lagos appeared before narcotic investigators at the Ikoyi headquarters of the agency.

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They include two pilots and members of the cabin crew comprising an Australian and a South African.

The statement by the NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, read in part, “The invitation which was made by the agency was swiftly complied with by the management of Arik Air.

“The crew members were conveyed to the NDLEA office in an official bus belonging to Arik Air. This is part of ongoing investigation to determine their level of involvement in the smuggling of 20 kg of cocaine found with Chika Egwu Udensi, a member of the cabin crew in London.

“The latest Range Rover car belonging to the prime suspect parked on the airline’s premises had also been moved to the NDLEA office as exhibit.”

Ofoyeju also confirmed to one of our correspondents that the operatives went to the attendant’s house, adding, “Wait till tomorrow (Thursday). We will make a comprehensive statement on it.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, was said to have promised to carry out an elaborate investigation into the ongoing case, stressing that all persons involved would be exposed and prosecuted.

“The agency has made remarkable progress in it counter-narcotic efforts and will resist any act capable of reversing the gains so far recorded,” he said.

However, findings by our correspondent revealed that the NDLEA and other aviation security officials were seriously grilling an Arik staff member working in the catering department who is believed to have assisted the suspect.

Security officials, it was learnt, believed that the suspect was assisted by some staff members of Arik catering department to move the 20 kilogrammes of cocaine into the aircraft.

One of the top security officials, who spoke to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity, said, “Security officials believe strongly that the 20kgs of cocaine might have been moved into the aircraft through the Arik’s catering department. There is a prime suspect in that department that is being interrogated specially.

“Normally, staff members of the catering department carrying foods from the airline office to the aircraft are not usually screened. Officials believe the bags containing the 20kgs of cocaine may have been taken through this route.”

“The reason for this is that there is a machine that searches the cabin crew members at the airline’s office before they go to the airport terminal to board the plane. So if the suspect carried it himself, he may have been caught. A major suspect in the catering department is going through series of interrogation

The Return to Idoto: When Pilgrims pay Homage to a Forlorn god

The grasses were fresh with dew when we arrived; pilgrims in search of an abandoned god. We were nothing like the Maggi; so we made our journey at the best time of the year – when the countryside is redolent with the fragrance of blooming flowers. Before us, the plains of Ojoto spread out in their greenest splendor; heaving with life. Not knowing what to expect, Odili and I had set forth at dawn. We wended our way down the slope, tracing the contours of a low hill to the beckoning grove.

“And they scanned the forest of oilbean/Its approach; surveyed its high branches...”

My heart swirled like a whirlwind as we descended the slope. Trees waved a leafy welcome in the wind. Birds sang in nearby trees. Grasses parted before us and folded themselves perfectly back together after we walked past. It was all too clear that we were on a path less trodden; a pathway that would soon lose its place in memory if nothing was done. Goose bumps erupted all over my body as I recalled that we were on the same pathway that the great one routinely took to the river of his childhood. I momentarily shut my eyes to imagine how he must have felt when he walked this path. Did he walk alone? Did he walk with anticipation? Or was he just a little boy questing for a still brook to slake his thirst?

From flesh into phantom on the horizontal stone/I was the sole witness to my homecoming…

Beside us lay a deep gully dug by flood in angry protest over the obvious abandonment of the footpath. Our guide, Simon Fred, a spritely young man, told us that the gully was once the footpath. The flood claimed it when human traffic thinned out on it. Fred recalled that he hadn’t been on the footpath since he was boy. To him too, it was a journey into memory. His voice rose and fell as a gust of wind swept past us. Soon, we arrived a point where the footpath parted her legs. We stood still as Fred strove to juggle his memory for the choice that lay before us. In the darkness of his doubt, he suddenly found the conviction to turn right. Odili and I preserved his moment of indecision by standing on the nexus of the road with our hands pointing to different directions of the crossroads and asked Fred to photograph us.

O Anna at the knobs of the panel oblong/hear us at crossroads at the great hinges

Soon, we walked past the shrubs and the poplars and arrived the bamboo grove. The leaves from the tall gangly trees drooped low to form something that looked like the eaves of a hut over the footpath. To continue our journey, we had to stoop almost to a crouch. In that moment, we cut the picture of pilgrims about to enter a temple of worship. We slid into an enchanting canopy intricately woven by the bamboo leaves. Above us, the sun struggled to peer down through the thick green foliage while all around us the bamboo trees curled up like pillars supporting the floral roof overhead.

Thundering drums and cannons in palm grove/the spirit is in ascent

Before us, the bamboo trees formed a curious archway with their illustrious stems that looked otherworldly. It dawned on me once again that we were on the trail of a goddess; a river goddess. The archway is the uncanny approach to her watery presence. Soon, the ground began to feel marshy underfoot as we approached her. A bird flapped its wings overhead in excitement as we chanced on what looked like domestic chickens astray in the forest. My curiosity heightened as we spotted a clearing indicating the absence of trees. I knew it when I saw her brown surface that we were finally before her – the great Idoto. I knew it when we stood before poetry’s most illustrious river. Before us, Idoto lay spread-eagled in the morning sun, its brown surface gleaming in timeless arrogance.

And the gods lie unsung/veiled only with mould/Behind the shrinehouse/Gods grow out/Abandoned; And so do they

Our feet sank in wet soil beneath. Suddenly, Odili screamed out in delirious excitement and walked to the lips of the river with infectious interest. He stooped low to scoop the water and splash across his face. Convulsing with more screams, he reached down and scooped some more to his lips. I blinked in total disbelief. How could he drink such water with its frowning surface? I became instantly alarmed. I feared for him. But turning towards me with a besotted smile he urged me to follow suit. “Don’t be afraid. The water is clean,” he said. I doubted my own courage for the first time in a long while. But it was a challenge and I love certain kinds of challenge. If he could drink Idoto in its angry state and live… I walked gingerly to the river; crouching, I looked for my mirrored face on its surface but it was too brown to reflect me. Plucking some Dutch courage, I scooped some quantity and splashed it on my face. It felt good. Then I went down again and scooped up more water onto my open lips. It tasted like natural spring water; peculiarly sweet. I swallowed it and it felt good.  I pulled back from the brinks and turned to look at Odili. He beamed and gave me a high-five. “We made it!” he gushed. Then, goose bumps returned to my body as these immortal lines ran through my mind.

Before you, mother Idoto/naked I stand; before your watery presence, a prodigal…

I turned around, looking for an oilbean tree but then I realized that I was not on barefoot. I imagined how many times, young Christopher Okigbo must have stood within the perimeter of the spot I was standing to gaze into the rumpled brown face of the water before me. I recalled the opening paragraph of his Introduction to Labyrinths – Heavensgate was originally conceived as an Easter sequence. It later grew into a ceremony of innocence, something like a mass, an offering to Idoto, the village stream of which I drank, in which I washed, as a child. In my mind’s eye, I could picture the young poet taking a dip in that river and rising intermittently to feel the tang of a new cleansing. I scanned the surrounding verdant green foliage for oilbean trees, totems of Idoto, but I found none. Time has indeed moved on since young Christopher took his last deep in Idoto.

Elemental, united in vision/of present and future/the pure line, whose innocence denies inhibitions

We left the lips of Idoto for the bamboo grove. But we did not feel quite the same. We had drunk of a spell, stronger than the potent libations of the ages. We were now new personages, possessed of Christopher Okigbo’s restless spirit, his acuity of vision, his incandescent glow that has refused to go dim.

For we are listening in cornfields /among the windplayers/listening to the windplayers/listening to the wind leaning over its loveliest fragment…

From the Bamboo grove, we wended our way back to the Okigbo compound in Ojoto Uno. But we were never quite the same people. We were initiates of a new religion, looking for a rich soil to erect a monument. We met Uncle John Okigbo (Onwa Ojoto), who oversees the great Okigbo compound. At first, we were unsure of what to expect, we doubted whether we would be accepted or turned away. But Uncle John was warm in the way most avuncular uncles often are. Our anxieties soon ebbed away under his genteel touch. In a few words, we told Uncle John our plan and were stunned by his enthusiasm. He offered to show us the compound especially the grand old house where their patriarch raised Christopher and his high-achieving siblings.

Then we must sing, tongue-tied/Without name or audience/Making harmony among the branches

Just as we were recovering from his surprising pleasantness, Uncle John gave us another surprise; he told us that unknown to most people, Christopher Okigbo had a son. He also made sure that he introduced Onyebuchi Christopher Okigbo whose birth was conceived just before the heroic poet fell to the bullets of the federal troops in Opi Junction 48 years ago.

The flower weeps, unbruised/for him who was silenced/Whose advent dumb-bells celebrate in dim light with wine song

As we left Ojoto Uno that day, we knew we would soon return. The theme came to us without effort – The Return to Idoto; the eventual resolution of the quest for the planting of solid literary roots in the South East of Nigeria and the final return of artistic excellence to the source of its birth…

O Mother Idoto! Hear me from your aquatic bedchamber! Christopher Okigbo’s children are finally here! Open your arms wide for a liquid embrace!

Written by By James Eze 

The Return to Idoto: When Pilgrims pay Homage to a Forlorn god

The grasses were fresh with dew when we arrived; pilgrims in search of an abandoned god. We were nothing like the Maggi; so we made our journey at the best time of the year – when the countryside is redolent with the fragrance of blooming flowers. Before us, the plains of Ojoto spread out in their greenest splendor; heaving with life. Not knowing what to expect, Odili and I had set forth at dawn. We wended our way down the slope, tracing the contours of a low hill to the beckoning grove.

“And they scanned the forest of oilbean/Its approach; surveyed its high branches...”

My heart swirled like a whirlwind as we descended the slope. Trees waved a leafy welcome in the wind. Birds sang in nearby trees. Grasses parted before us and folded themselves perfectly back together after we walked past. It was all too clear that we were on a path less trodden; a pathway that would soon lose its place in memory if nothing was done. Goose bumps erupted all over my body as I recalled that we were on the same pathway that the great one routinely took to the river of his childhood. I momentarily shut my eyes to imagine how he must have felt when he walked this path. Did he walk alone? Did he walk with anticipation? Or was he just a little boy questing for a still brook to slake his thirst?

From flesh into phantom on the horizontal stone/I was the sole witness to my homecoming…

Beside us lay a deep gully dug by flood in angry protest over the obvious abandonment of the footpath. Our guide, Simon Fred, a spritely young man, told us that the gully was once the footpath. The flood claimed it when human traffic thinned out on it. Fred recalled that he hadn’t been on the footpath since he was boy. To him too, it was a journey into memory. His voice rose and fell as a gust of wind swept past us. Soon, we arrived a point where the footpath parted her legs. We stood still as Fred strove to juggle his memory for the choice that lay before us. In the darkness of his doubt, he suddenly found the conviction to turn right. Odili and I preserved his moment of indecision by standing on the nexus of the road with our hands pointing to different directions of the crossroads and asked Fred to photograph us.

O Anna at the knobs of the panel oblong/hear us at crossroads at the great hinges

Soon, we walked past the shrubs and the poplars and arrived the bamboo grove. The leaves from the tall gangly trees drooped low to form something that looked like the eaves of a hut over the footpath. To continue our journey, we had to stoop almost to a crouch. In that moment, we cut the picture of pilgrims about to enter a temple of worship. We slid into an enchanting canopy intricately woven by the bamboo leaves. Above us, the sun struggled to peer down through the thick green foliage while all around us the bamboo trees curled up like pillars supporting the floral roof overhead.

Thundering drums and cannons in palm grove/the spirit is in ascent

Before us, the bamboo trees formed a curious archway with their illustrious stems that looked otherworldly. It dawned on me once again that we were on the trail of a goddess; a river goddess. The archway is the uncanny approach to her watery presence. Soon, the ground began to feel marshy underfoot as we approached her. A bird flapped its wings overhead in excitement as we chanced on what looked like domestic chickens astray in the forest. My curiosity heightened as we spotted a clearing indicating the absence of trees. I knew it when I saw her brown surface that we were finally before her – the great Idoto. I knew it when we stood before poetry’s most illustrious river. Before us, Idoto lay spread-eagled in the morning sun, its brown surface gleaming in timeless arrogance.

And the gods lie unsung/veiled only with mould/Behind the shrinehouse/Gods grow out/Abandoned; And so do they

Our feet sank in wet soil beneath. Suddenly, Odili screamed out in delirious excitement and walked to the lips of the river with infectious interest. He stooped low to scoop the water and splash across his face. Convulsing with more screams, he reached down and scooped some more to his lips. I blinked in total disbelief. How could he drink such water with its frowning surface? I became instantly alarmed. I feared for him. But turning towards me with a besotted smile he urged me to follow suit. “Don’t be afraid. The water is clean,” he said. I doubted my own courage for the first time in a long while. But it was a challenge and I love certain kinds of challenge. If he could drink Idoto in its angry state and live… I walked gingerly to the river; crouching, I looked for my mirrored face on its surface but it was too brown to reflect me. Plucking some Dutch courage, I scooped some quantity and splashed it on my face. It felt good. Then I went down again and scooped up more water onto my open lips. It tasted like natural spring water; peculiarly sweet. I swallowed it and it felt good.  I pulled back from the brinks and turned to look at Odili. He beamed and gave me a high-five. “We made it!” he gushed. Then, goose bumps returned to my body as these immortal lines ran through my mind.

Before you, mother Idoto/naked I stand; before your watery presence, a prodigal…

I turned around, looking for an oilbean tree but then I realized that I was not on barefoot. I imagined how many times, young Christopher Okigbo must have stood within the perimeter of the spot I was standing to gaze into the rumpled brown face of the water before me. I recalled the opening paragraph of his Introduction to Labyrinths – Heavensgate was originally conceived as an Easter sequence. It later grew into a ceremony of innocence, something like a mass, an offering to Idoto, the village stream of which I drank, in which I washed, as a child. In my mind’s eye, I could picture the young poet taking a dip in that river and rising intermittently to feel the tang of a new cleansing. I scanned the surrounding verdant green foliage for oilbean trees, totems of Idoto, but I found none. Time has indeed moved on since young Christopher took his last deep in Idoto.

Elemental, united in vision/of present and future/the pure line, whose innocence denies inhibitions

We left the lips of Idoto for the bamboo grove. But we did not feel quite the same. We had drunk of a spell, stronger than the potent libations of the ages. We were now new personages, possessed of Christopher Okigbo’s restless spirit, his acuity of vision, his incandescent glow that has refused to go dim.

For we are listening in cornfields /among the windplayers/listening to the windplayers/listening to the wind leaning over its loveliest fragment…

From the Bamboo grove, we wended our way back to the Okigbo compound in Ojoto Uno. But we were never quite the same people. We were initiates of a new religion, looking for a rich soil to erect a monument. We met Uncle John Okigbo (Onwa Ojoto), who oversees the great Okigbo compound. At first, we were unsure of what to expect, we doubted whether we would be accepted or turned away. But Uncle John was warm in the way most avuncular uncles often are. Our anxieties soon ebbed away under his genteel touch. In a few words, we told Uncle John our plan and were stunned by his enthusiasm. He offered to show us the compound especially the grand old house where their patriarch raised Christopher and his high-achieving siblings.

Then we must sing, tongue-tied/Without name or audience/Making harmony among the branches

Just as we were recovering from his surprising pleasantness, Uncle John gave us another surprise; he told us that unknown to most people, Christopher Okigbo had a son. He also made sure that he introduced Onyebuchi Christopher Okigbo whose birth was conceived just before the heroic poet fell to the bullets of the federal troops in Opi Junction 48 years ago.

The flower weeps, unbruised/for him who was silenced/Whose advent dumb-bells celebrate in dim light with wine song

As we left Ojoto Uno that day, we knew we would soon return. The theme came to us without effort – The Return to Idoto; the eventual resolution of the quest for the planting of solid literary roots in the South East of Nigeria and the final return of artistic excellence to the source of its birth…

O Mother Idoto! Hear me from your aquatic bedchamber! Christopher Okigbo’s children are finally here! Open your arms wide for a liquid embrace!

Written by By James Eze 

FAKE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA GRANTING DEGREES. BEWARE OO

Check if you are paying tuition for a student in any of these institutions :

National Universities Commission recently released a list of illegal degree awarding institutions operating in Nigeria.

Full list:
1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
2. Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology Nkpor, Anambra State or any of its campuses.
3. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos or any of its other campuses.
4. University of applied Sciences and Management Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
5. Blacksmith University, Awka or any of its campuses.
6. Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
7. Royal University Izhia, P.O. Box 800, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State or any of its other campuses.
8. Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi State or any of its other campuses.
9. Sunday Adokpela University, Otada Adoka, Otukpo, Benue State or any of its other campuses.
10. United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State or any of its other campuses.
11. United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State or any of its other campuses.
12. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its other campuses.
13. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State or any of its other campuses.
14. Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos Plateau State or any of its other campuses.
15. The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
16. Columbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
17. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
18. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
19. London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
20. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
21. Lobi Business School Makurdi, Benue State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
22. West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
23. Bolta University College Aba or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
24. JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna Illegal Campus.
25. Westlan University, Esie, Kwara State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
26. St. Andrews University College, Abuja or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
27. EC- Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
28. Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo Akwa Ibom State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
29. Concept College/University (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
30. Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
31. Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
32. Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
33. Fifom University, Mbaise, Imo State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
34. Houdegbe North American University Campuses In Nigeria.
35. Atlantic International University, Okija, Anambra State.
36. Open International University, Akure.
37. Middle Belt University (North Central University), Otukpo.
38. Leadway University, Ugheli, Delta State.
39. Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja.
40. Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State.
41. Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State.
42. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja.
43. Temple University.
44. Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
45. National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
46. University of Accountability and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos Ibadan Expressway and its Annex at 41, Ikorodu Road Lagos.
47. University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
48. Cape Cost University, Ghana, operating anywhere inNigeria.
49. African University Cooperative Development (AUCD), Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
50. Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
51. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
52. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko Campus).
53. Career Light Resources Centre, Jos.
54. University of West Africa, kwali-Abuja, FCT.
55. Coastal University, Iba-Oku, Akwa-Ibom State.
56. Kaduna Business School, Kaduna.
57. Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger Delta.
The NUC listed another eight illegal institutions as currently undergoing investigations and court actions. The commission said the action will lead to the prosecution of the proprietors and recovery of illegal fees and charges on subscribers.
The Universities are:
1. National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa state.
2. North Central University, Otukpo, Benue State.
3. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu.
4. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State.
5. West Coast University, Umuahia.
6. Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
7. Volta University College, Aba, Abia State.
8. Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Ali University

REBUTTAL: GOVERNOR OBIANO TAKES UMUERI AGULERI WAR TO A HIGHER LEVEL

In recent times we have observed a ratchet of very strange insinuations, messages and statements being attributed to the peace loving people of Umueri in an effort to rekindle the long forgone dispute with our neighbouring brothers, Agulerians or peach Ndi Umueri against the visibly working governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano. A recent statement tagged “Governor Obiano Takes Umueri Aguleri War To A Higher Level “ and released online by an unknown, and more accurately, illegal group called Greater Umueri Liberation Forum (GULF) do not represent the position and interest of Umueri or its people.

The said statement is frivolous, error prone and aimed at causing disaffection and possibly reengineering war between Umueri and Aguleri. A closer examination of the name, GULF, suggests rebellion.

In as much as Umueri has a respected Traditional Ruler and President-General who are naturally positioned to speak for us, we as youths wish to inform the general public that;

1. No sign of change of Sign post has been observed anywhere around Otuocha and as such the allegations of Agulerization of Umueri territory is totally false.

2. The National ID Card being issued to our people, Teachers’ Promotion Letters and the High Court Otuocha still bears the same lettering and format as it were before Chief Willie Obiano became the governor of Anambra State.

3. Umueri has benefited from the government of Gov Willie Obiano; We had a member of the Petroleum Committee. The Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Blessing Nnamekwe is from Umueri and our Patron, Chief (Sir) Ben Emeka (CEO of New Idea Construction Company) remains a top contractor favoured by the State Government.

4. Over 40 of our youths have benefitted from the Government’s training programmes and many more working in various Government Committees.

5. The incumbent Local Government Chairman, Hon Hillary Udeano got his post after Gov Willie Obiano played a fatherly role that made an Aguleri man, Chinedu Nnatuanya to step down.

6. On infrastructure, the Anambra Airport is being situated at Umueri with three major dualised roads leading into it. Also, the Umeuri – Anam by-pass in under construction while the General Hospital, Umueri has received a new look since assumption of office by Chief Willie Obiano.

7. Just recently, Umueri was chosen as the preferred centre for a new School of Nursing and Midwifery as announced by the Hon Commissioner for Health, Josephat Akabuike few weeks ago.

8. Gov Obiano has shown us love and Umueri has never had it so good under any previous government in Anambra State.

We call on politicians and their wards to restrain from endangering the peace between Umueri and Aguleri by their actions and utterances.

Live Umueri Youths

Long Live Anambra East LGA

Long Live Akpokuedike Global

Long Live Anambra State.

SIGNED

Ifeanyi Ofodile (Mmili)

PRO, Umueri Youth Vanguard

ANAMBRA CELEBRATES HER BIRTHDAY

Anambra State will celebrate twenty four years of its creation tomorrow (being today), Thursday, 27 August 2015. To mark the event, His Excellency the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has directed Ndi Anambra both at home and in diaspora to use the occasion to pray fervently for the wellbeing, peace and progress of its citizens and the State in general.

Specifically, the Governor appeals to all religious leaders, traditional rulers, presidents general of town unions, women leaders, politicians, market leaders, public servants, youth organizations, faith based groups and captains of industries to also use the occasion to pray ceaselessly, for the success and good of Ndi Anambra, and that the state remains the hub of investment and beacon of light.

The Governor further directs that Ndi Anambra wherever they reside should continue to conduct themselves on the high plane of dignity, industry, diligence and patriotism for which they are renowned, and shun all acts or vices that will portray the state or its citizens in bad light.

Anambra State under the leadership of Governor Willie Obiano has made giant strides    in securing lives and property of Ndi Anambra. The state has wiped out the menace of kidnappers and armed robbers to such an extent that our people now sleep with both eyes closed. 

Remarkable  progress has also been made in the area of education, health and maintenance of a healthy environment. Our aggressiveness in the agriculture sector has not only ensured food sufficiency but also increased employment in the State. The state's policy initiatives in the area of commerce and industry has increased the tempo at which investors now throng the state.

                

As we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, let us not lose sight of the above legacies. Rather, we should continue to pray for the leadership of our dear state in order to ensure its progress and prosperity.

Happy Birthday Ndi Anambra

God Bless Ndi Anambra

To God be the glory

Long live Anambra State

Long live Nigeria.

Dr. (Mrs) Uju Nwogu

Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism

26th August, 2015.

Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma called to Order by Moral Crusader. -O'star Eze.

Bishop Chukwuma

The controversial Archbishop of Enugu Anglican diocese has been thrashed down by a moral crusader in what she called a necessary call to order. The Moral Crusader, Aisha Edward, who doubles as the coordinator of Association of People Living with Sickle Cell disorder expressed shock at the publication on Sun Newspaper where the Bishop was alleged as calling the presidency 'Baba Go-slow'. On this note, Aisha inquired, 'When did Bishop Chukwuma become PMB's speedometer?' Aisha therefore said it was high time the Bishop is cautioned as the way he pokes at every government, not even on moral grounds but on political grounds and for cheap popularity, is a shame to all men of the cloth.

In her words, the Moral crusader said, 'Bishop Chukwuma should stop making rude comment about the presidency or even on National issues. ASO rock already has an Anglican chaplain who is more qualified to serve as a spokesperson for the Anglican communion over there. Was this not the same bishop who made a prophecy l in the last presidential election that Jonathan would win and called for the head of Fr. Mbaka for saying otherwise? I thought that with the outcome of the election proving him wrong and discrediting his divine authority, he should be in hiding for shame. I really think that Chukwuma is too idle. I don't blame him and other clergymen of his kind who waste money talking rubbish on the media just to be noticed. I blame the well meaning philanthropists who spoil them with money, and instead of use such money for helping the less privileged, they use it for gaining cheap popularity via the media. Bishop Chukwuma calling on PMB to intensify action in his probe

Aisha Maureen. Moral Crusader

ATAKOR PG DEBUNKS ALLEGATIONS AGAINST DR AKABUIKE...AS MORAL CRUSADER CAUTIONS MAAZI ODERA - O'STAR EZE

Mr Ugbaja. PG Inoma Atakor

Recently, ostareze.com related an incriminating report about the Commissioner for Health by Maazi Oderaa to a Moral crusader, Aisha Edward, and following is her reaction to it:

"My attention was drawn to a publication questioning the integrity of the Anambra state commissioner for  health which I perceive is one sided and not balanced. Let it be known that a week before the general election, I interviewed Mr Patrick Ugbaja, PG of INOMA Atakor community. He confirmed that the cholera outbreak was disastrous and claimed lives, he confirmed that the Commisioner for Health replied promptly to the S.O.S call. The United Nations, he added, was also present. He said the commissioner came personally to the community with some medical personnel and that Rev. Fr Mbaka sent trailers of satchet water to them. This debunks the assertion made by the libelous publication that the  commissioner sent satchet waters without label to the INOMA Atakor community. Is the writer suggesting that Fr. Mbaka's water is unlabelled. If the writer has an issue with the wife of the commissioner for health, he should have dealt with it directly right there in OKO Polytechnic. I have been displeased with the publication that is bound to open up fresh wounds in the hearts of the INOMA Atakor families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident. People should stop politicising such things and the unnamed individual who went reportedly complained to Maazi Oderaa should have laid their complaints to the appropriate quarter or published a press release the proper way. 

I am concerned about the scandal because I have an association that has a working relationship with the office of the state health commissioner. And so far we have not been disappointed. Such report would taint the trust people have placed on the state commissioner for health. Consequent upon receiving this nasty report titled ANAMBRA COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH, HIS DUTIES AND NEGLIGENCE,  I called the President General of the Inoma Atakor community to ascertain the authenticity of the report and he replied that all the allegations were false and should be ignored. He rationalized that were the allegations anything to go by, the said stakeholders would have been bold about their identity. He regretted that such publication makes a mess of the effort made by the commission to help his community. He added that he personally wrote a letter of appreciation to the commissioner for health thanking him for doing more than he expected in response to their cry for help. Mr Ugbaja said there were seven hilux vans loaded with drugs and other relief materials the commissioner came with and that the Inoma Atakor community is very grateful to the commissioner for health.

Obiano Sets New Regional Security Summit

 

(L-R) Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Abia State and Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State during the South East/Delta States' Security Conference at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia ...Saturday

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has rallied his fellow governors in the South East and Delta States to a ground-breaking Security Conference that will rid the South East and Delta region of all crimes and criminalities that have stunted economic growth for decades in the region.

Delivering a Welcome Address at the Conference which was attended by the governors of Abia, Enugu and Delta with a representative of the governor of Ebonyi State, Governor Obiano described the conference as “finest hour” and the “turning point” in the march of the people of the region to greatness.

Describing Security as the panacea for rapid economic growth and development, governor Obiano observed that mankind’s greatest worry has always been how to ensure a safe and secure world.

Said he: “Our world has never been an easy place to live in. Speaking about mankind’s never-ending struggle for a better world, the great French philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the author of The Social Contract, observed in 1762 that “man is born free, and everywhere, he is in chains.” Ladies and gentlemen, man is in a different kind of chain today,” he pointed out and further observed that despite giant leap mankind has achieved with the many wonders of science, “man remains the sole architect of his own fears.”

Reflecting on the peculiarities of the region, Governor Obiano bemoaned the fact that years of persistent assaults on the cities and communities in the South East and Delta States had driven investors away and stifled economic growth in the region.

“We have assembled here today to interrogate our circumstances; to ask ourselves hard questions and to set for ourselves a common agenda. The pertinent question we must ask ourselves is how long? How long shall the South East and Delta State and other contiguous states bear the brunt of brazen criminality and meaningless brigandage? How long shall our people’s well known enterprising spirit be driven away to nourish distant lands while our homeland wallows in squalor?” he queried, calling for a joint effort to stamp out violent crime in the region.

He recalled that there was a time Anambra State experienced waves of gang rules in the commercial city of Onitsha that were so dominant that constituted authorities felt helpless under their brutal onslaught. “The story is very much the same across the states in the region and Delta State. It may vary in degrees from one state to another but this region has had a most troubling crime history for far too long. The time has come to wipe this dark history away!” he maintained.

The governor further opined that his administration had tried to answer some of the rhetorical questions on crime in the state by wiping out kidnappers and violent criminals that once held the state hostage and opened doors for investors.

Said he: “We have freed our social and economic space for businesses to thrive along with leisure.  All around Anambra, there is a new sense of freedom among our people. But our freedom cannot be complete until our neighbours begin to experience a new atmosphere of liberty. Recent experience has shown that a security threat in one location is a security threat to the surrounding regions. So, our freedom over crime will remain incomplete, so long as the armed robbers and kidnappers we drive away from Anambra State can find safety anywhere in this region,” he reasoned.

Linking security to economic development, governor Obiano argued that the five South Eastern and Delta States must fight the war against insecurity together and rip the economic benefits together. “We cannot afford the consequences of a prolonged failure in this regard in an emerging Nigeria with clearly demarcated regional economic blocks.

Calling for the emergence of a regional economic block in the South East and Delta States, governor Obiano observed that “the shrinking of spaces for migrant people across the country calls for a robust economic and social agenda that will make our people less vulnerable to increasing hostilities around the world. There is a strident call by History on every leader from this region which we cannot ignore.”

According to him therefore, “Posterity looks onto us to build a befitting economy for the South East and Delta States. And for us to even contemplate anything of that magnitude, we must first find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region. This all important Conference is therefore an economic call to arms. We must all rise to wage a successful war on insecurity as a precursor to economic prosperity and greater fulfilment.”

In their separate remarks, the governor Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and his Enugu State counterpart, Ifanyi Ugwuanyi both identified insecurity created by crime and criminality as the greatest threat to the prosperity of the region. They both were unanimous in their commendation for governor Obiano’s successful war against criminals in the state assuring that they were willing to go the extra mile to combat crime in their home states.

Also speaking, the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Engr. Dave Umahi described the move for a regional effort against insecurity as crucial to the survival of the region.

The event was attended by top security officers in the country including the Inspector General of Police who was also the chairman of the colloquium.

WE LOOK CLOSELY AT NATIONAL LIGHT NEWSPAPER ,the Trials ,the persecution and the Fraud. BY Mazi Odera

TODAY
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Why do we have to investigate the NATIONAL LIGHT NEWSPAPER ? Because it is our state NEWSPAPER and it represent the Window of our state ,it is a Mirror to THE LIGHT OF THE NATION and we know that when a mirror is tainted and blurred,the reflections must be tainted .

Why should The Managing Director underwrites the balance of N.L monthly subvention after payment of statutory salaries, given the fact that about 200 staff strength had dropped to less than 100 as a result of retirements and resignations since he took over the mantle of leadership. ?.The Managing Director is the head of the food Chain and he has BLANKET APPROVAL of the Government ,whereby he is not accountable to any Boss including the Commissioner for Information . Our investigation reveals that since he assumed ofice, (a year now) he has suspended over 10 persons. Especially those who refused to play sycophantic music but choose to say the true situation of things.

Meanwhile after the suspension, he will surcharge them and no one accounts for the money. Nkiru Orji retired because he refused to grant her leave for her medical treatment that would have killed her.

We wonder over the sum of N1.2m (one million, two hundred thousand naira)that was released by government to the corporation for the repair of a collapsed part of the corporation’s perimeter fence sometime last year, which the MD later said the amount was N800,000 (eight hundred thousand naira) ,subtly implying that the Government took a cut from the money . Our investigation revealed that there was no management meeting to discuss ,plan or implement the project , the works were carried out by one of his siblings. We noticed that most of the offices in the main building still experience leaking roof, including the Managing Directors office.

NATIONAL LIGHT new advertisement rate for full page colour is N459,375 (four hundred and fifty-nine thousand, three hundred and seventy-five naira). They had 22 (twenty-two) full color advertorials during the one year in office anniversary of His Excellency, the Governor.
With the above rate they are expected to net N10, 098,000 (ten million, ninety-eight thousand naira). But till date, nobody even the management, knows anything about the money. Our Investigation learnt that the MD said he bought 12 (twelve) reels of news print of six tons at over N200, 000 (two hundred thousand naira) per ton, amounting to over N1.2m (one million, two hundred thousand naira), Meanwhile a ton of news print in the market is in the neighborhood of N140, 000 (one hundred and forty thousand naira) ,making it a difference of 60 thousand Naira each.
He engaged the services of three consultants and concealed till date the amount of money he pays each of them for their services, feeding and accommodations has not been revealed ,it is baffling that the management of the NATIONAL LIGHT are silent as if they are all in Coma and the Commissioner for Information needs some prodding to make her ask NATIONAL LIGHT to tell her which way they are heading ?.

It is not clear what the MD earns as a political appointee from the office of the Secretary to the State Government, but it is baffling that he also earns another salary from the corporation to the tune of N547,634.64 (five hundred and forty-seven thousand, six hundred and thirty-four naira, sixty-four kobo) [I attach the Photo copy of the salary sheet ,it will make us to see that his Salary in higher that 70% of the work force put together]. If we juxtapose this figure with what any of our honourable commissioners we then understand why the Commissioner for Information may be scared of doing her duties .

The MD made it a point of daily duty to drummed it into the ears of the staff , showing them heaps of paper to buttress his point that the corporation is already owing him over three million naira as “ARTHUR EZE” [which so much to give away], he did this in anticipation that whenever government decided to fund the corporation, he would be ‘reimbursed’.
To carry out these deals without any form of challenge or resistance, he cleverly cornered the two most prominent account department members of staff- Mrs. Oby Odiaka and Mr. Ikem Onwualu, who do his will for some gratifications.
Mrs. Odiaka herself allegedly to have committed lots of fraud in the accounts department, in fact till date she is still paying back to the coffers of the Staff Welfare Association the over N2m (two million naira) she mis-used, which she does by paying the sum of N25, 000 (twenty-five thousand naira) every month and has been doing so for the past three years

Ikem Onwualu was a staff of Anambra Broadcasting Corporation years back in Enugu but was sacked for fraud related offence and was later absorbed by his uncle who was then the Managing Director or Daily Star in Enugu. Since he joined NATIONAL LIGHT, he has committed all manner of fraud in the account department. He has also remained the chairman of one of the labour unions (NUPPPPROW) in the corporation, a position he has held for over nine years and refuse to conduct an election. He does not possess West African School Certificate (WASC), yet he has manipulated his way to Grade Level 12 which is the ceiling of WASC a holder. He therefore keeps encouraging MD to forget about any form of promotion exercise the workers were clamoring for since he would not benefit from it.

The members of staff of the production department are worst hit by this high handedness of the MD. They are exposed to dangerous printing chemicals. Before the assumption of office by Sir Chuka Nnabuife the MD of NATIONAL LIGHT , members of the production department were given a tin of liquid milk each after every production to cushion the effects of the very hazardous chemicals used in printing but Sir Chuka put an end to it the moment he took over as the Managing Director. The consequences are that most production department workers are dying silently because of the effects of hazardous chemicals on them. An example is what happened to one Mr. Kene Chine- one of the machine operators- he once fell ill and was sent to a medical laboratory by a doctor who later told him that the medical laboratory results revealed that his ailment was as a result of the harmful chemicals he worked with.

Sir Chuka lacks the administrative skill to manage human and material resources under his care or he needs to improve on it drastically .
He has maintained his threat to dent everybody’s record because he is a political appointee. This has created enmity between himself and most members of staff, especially the down trodden in the organization.

He without his team of management determines what happens in the corporation and threatens any member of management that has a contrary view.
With the current tyrannical reign in National Light Newspapers. Management and staff work in palpable fear, trouble and helplessness because of the high- handedness of the Managing Director.

The Commissioner or office of the Executive Governor should as soon as they can investigate and intervene in the reckless activities of Sir Chuka Nnabuife before the situation degenerates to an unbearable and despicable level. This is a place founded on the sacrifice of those who fought at Enugu to garner machines and equipment with which National Light took off. Sir Nnabuife should not be allowed to abuse and render useless such patriotic efforts. There have been Managing Directors before he was brought in to take over, Managing Directors who understood what human relationship and work ethics were about. Sir Chuka should not destroy all these or be allowed to shut down National Light

NIGERIA BEWARE!: SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION, NIGERIA IS A SCAM! - AISHA EDWARD

Aisha Edward. Coordinator APLSCD

Right after the celebration of the World Sickle cell day, I discovered a lot of things:

1. A group of people I call syndicate converged at ABUJA to run a fund raising in the name of sickle cell, prominent among them is Professor Akiyanju. President Buhari who donated some multiple million naira to the foundation. I sympathize with you and your lovely wife and wish to inform you that the money did not leave the table of the foundation for even your hometown. 

2. I was visited by some patients when I had AVN on my waist in the hospital. They registered their displeasure on the way they were being treated. They said they were shocked at the high level of care the military hospital I was in was giving sickle cell patients. I asked them about the Sickle Cell Foundation and they said they had never gotten any assistance from the foundation. I wondered why a foundation that receives worldwide assistance cannot help sickle cell patients. I must use this opportunity to thank the founder of SICKREP, South East, Professor Dr. Ibegbunam who patients are closer to. He said he had done his best which included begging for assistance from people to help the patients when a foundation like Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria has no South East presence.

3. On further probe, I discovered that there are some scientists who claim they are part of researches held by Prof Akiyanju. My question is what is the outcome of these researches over the years? What is the foundation doing about drug dependency problem among sickle cell patients. Does it mean that these monies pumped into the foundation is not enough to make a noticeable impact in the lives of sickle cell patients in Nigeria?