Ezeemo to inspect Anambra prisons

Godwin Chukwunaenye Ezeemo, PPA gubernatorial candidate, has pledged to assist Civil Society Network in carrying out an impending prison inspection tour in Anambra state.

Speaking during a courtesy call of the civil rights group, Ezeemo expressed concern over the reports of injustices, human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings by law enforcement agents and prison wardens. He said that the program is in line with his passion for his state; to restore sanity and order to all its sectors.

In his words, “Part of why I came back to sojourn in Nigeria and get fully involved in the development of my society is because I am repulsed by the longstanding wrong conception about black men that they cannot be successful without engaging in fraud. I have sworn to change this ideology and prove it wrong both in words and in deeds.

“My concern over the checkered state of my society got me involved. We moved two steps forward and then ten steps backwards in the last two dispensations.”

He shared the sentiment of the group that indeed our prosecution and imprisonment system leaves much to be desired and promised that his administration will be more preventive in approach to crime by effectively empowering the youths and providing basic amenities to all, thereby reducing the gap between the rich and the poor.

Given the deplorable state of our prison system; alleged human rights abuses and wanton killings, Civil Society Network had sought and gotten the approval of Anambra State Police Commisioner and Chief Judge to carry out an intensive inspection tour of all the prisons.

Explaining earlier, the state chairman of the group, Elvis Okoli said that the group has involved a team of lawyers and journalists to take part in the exercise and would feature looking into the case files of inmates to identify those ones who are not supposed to be in jail. Also all the excesses of the prison wardens will be identified and necessary actions taken to stop them.

In his words, “It is quite disheartening that some police men have turned themselves into judges. There have been several  reports of the police imprisoning suspects without trial for years just because they could not pay for their bail, allegations of extrajudicial killings and dumping of dead bodies with the living inmates for days.

“We as a civil society seek to address this and we need all the help we can get to do this.”

The group, while extolling the outstanding works of Godwin Ezeemo, promised to aid in sensitizing the people to vote in Godwin Ezeemo who has proven from his antecedents that he has genuine love and compassion for all the people of the state.

High points of the visit were the occasion of Nneka Ezeemo, wife of the gubernatorial candidate and member of the civil society group, pledging to give the group airtime and space on Orient Mega FM and Orient Daily newspaper/ magazine respectively to vent their message of a civilized society; a tour of the various production plants at the Umuchu cluster of Ezeemo Group of companies.

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RUMOUR CONFIRMED: IFEANYI UBAH IS NOW WITH 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" on the prowl; NEW KING OF HIGHLIFE/HIP HOP

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

NAUTH INITIATES 45 NEW PHYSICIANS

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.

I'M A PROPHET - 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.

I KEEP MY MUSIC POSITIVE - DR MONEY

ARC WILL TAKE AGUATA TO THE NEXT LEVEL - EZENNWA

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.