The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Author: Editor

  • Edebor Foundation Donates Educational Materials to School Children

    Edebor Foundation Donates Educational Materials to School Children

    …charges others to imbibe the act of giving back to the society

    “At the end, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” Denzel Washington

    Driven by the above quote to leave indelible prints in the annals of history, with a view to leaving the mother earth much better than he met it before the inevitable call from the Great adventure could connect, Egnr. Daniel Okwudiri Ohaa, a recalcitrant-self-sacrificing Civil Servant of Nkanu West descent, thought it wise to co-find the EDEBOR FOUNDATION, a pet project saddled with the responsibility of giving a sense of belonging especially in education, to indigent children, and possibly activate a level play ground for all; such that there could be little or no limitations to the distance the children of the poor can travel in achieving their potentials when compared to their counterparts from a richer background.

    Whereas conceptualising this lofty but worthwhile dream was made easy by the rather rough and tough personal experiences Okwudiri had while growing up, notably, during his school days, actualising the Idea became much easier by his unprecedented willingness to give, backed up by yet an uncommon zeal to Search for the most appropriate recipients of his generous gestures. For it is one thing to be willing to give, but yet another thing, which of course is the most important, to search for the most vulnerable members of the society – the downtrodden; for while many are poor, more are wretched. It’s said that he who stepped into the river first, knows where it is deeper, and warns those still ashore of impending danger areas. This young Engineer and by the grace of God, the Enugu State Chief fire Officer, does not stop at signalling the red areas, he goes further to bridge the gap between the threats and the threatened. This, he has shown  again today by alleviating to some reasonable extent, the suffering of some parents in paying the Education bills of their children.

    On 10th December, 2020, the EDEBOR FOUNDATION, in her maiden outing in Okwudiri’s home town – Umueze Awkunanaw in Nkanu West LGC, hosted over 500 Primary School students from Community Primary School Umueze, Obuoffia Primary School 1 and Obuoffia Primary School 2. Over Six Thousand copies of exercise books, Six Hundred pieces of ruler, One Thousand pieces of pen and Five Hundred pieces of Mathematical sets, were donated to Three Primary Schools in Nkanu-West LGC, in the first tranche of EDEBOR Foundation’s outreach, sponsored singlehandedly by Egnr. Daniel Okkwudiri Ohaa.

    In his welcome address, Engr. Ohaa maintained that though the donation was from his personal savings, not as a politician, but a civil servant with a definite income; he went further to explain that the writing Materials were packaged by his foundation to be a source of succour to the parents of the benefitting students for at least one accademic session. He surprisingly insisted that his foundation was even ready to augment any shortfalls that may surface from any benefitting students as a result of the materials being exhausted within the accademic session in view. He finally gave all credence to the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, HELIU, for finding him worthy to serve.

    The Nkanu West Local Council Chairman, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, in his separate speech, emphasized on the irreplaceable importance of quality Education to every child, irrespective  of background. He described Education as an inalienable right to every Nigerian Child. He extolled the daring approach of Egnr. Ohaa in always giving back to the society.

    The Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Eze, described Okwudiri’s gesture as an ‘enhanced opportunity for Education’. According to him, Education is everybody’s business, as not even the Government can do it all alone. He enjoined other stakeholders to emulate  EDEBOR FOUNDATION’S stance on mass Education, as a means of relieving the Government of some burdens.

    The Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, represented in the occasion by the director Quality Assurance Department of the board, Mrs Oby Igwe, could not hold back his happiness for what a Civil Servant could do in promoting Education in Enugu State. He said that Egnr. Ohaa and his EDEBOR FOUNDATION will go down in history as two of the most selfless bodies in Nkanu West in particular and Enugu in general. He encouraged the donor to keep moving and not relent, as they will be remembered positively by posterity..

    Other dignitaries in the event include:  Rev. Chris Nwadike – Priest incharge, Methodist Church Nigeria, Umueze;  Onyema Okoani – Creative Director Black Jaguar Book Club; Rt Honourable Uchenna Ejim – Legislative Aide to Nkanu West LGC Chairman; Prince Onochie Igwesi – Chairman/Publisher, Pacesetter Frontier Magazine; Nnamani Samuel Freeman – Co Convener, Nkanu Concerned Citizens; Hon. Bartholomew Ebuka Okoh – Director, Barth Special Agro; and so many others.

  • Gov. Ugwuanyi presents N169.85 billion 2021 budget estimates

    Gov. Ugwuanyi presents N169.85 billion 2021 budget estimates

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, presented to the State House of Assembly, the 2021 Budget estimates of One Hundred and Sixty Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Forty Five Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N169,845,758,500.00), for consideration and passage.

    Presenting the budget proposal tagged: “Budget of Recovery and Continued Growth”, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that it “is 13.8 percent higher than our revised 2020 budget”.

    The governor explained that the budget proposal was carefully designed to strategically enhance the recovery of the state from the drawbacks of 2020, occasioned by the unexpected and unpleasant outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and the negative effects of the #EndSARS protests, which were hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums to unleash mayhem on the country, “pushing back all the efforts at economic recovery from COVID-19 challenge”.

     

    Gov. Ugwuanyi added that these setbacks to the full implementation of the 2020 budget ensued shortly after his administration commenced payment of the new Minimum Wage of N30,000 in February this year with its consequential adjustment.

    “We had adjusted to this new cost centre and set in motion procurement processes for the delivery of services to Ndi Enugu as appropriated by this Honourable House. Suddenly, we slept in one world and woke up in another, confronted with the unpleasant news of a strange illness – Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19)”, he said.

     

    Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and pertinent restriction of economic activities across the country caused a significant drop in the global energy demand that led to oil prices crash with huge drop in Statutory Allocation accruing to states in Nigeria, as well as the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which compelled state governments to revise their 2020 approved budgets as directed by the National Economic Council and inspired by World Bank.

     

    On the 2020 budget performance, the governor said that apart from the payment of the N30,000 Minimum Wage to workers, provision of critical road infrastructure in urban and rural areas, interventions in security, judiciary, education, tourism, legislature, religious, agriculture, redevelopment of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Urban water supply, among others, his administration has made huge investment in the health sector/COVID-19 related interventions.

     

    On the 2021 budget estimates, Gov. Ugwuanyi revealed that the projections were predicated on the macro and micro-economic indicators of national inflation rate of 11.95%, national real GDP growth of 3%, oil production benchmark of 1.86 million barrels per day, oil price benchmark of $40 per barrel, and exchange rate of N380 per US dollar.

    He further stated that the “Enugu State Medium Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2021-2023 and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) are aimed at prudent fiscal management coupled with prioritisation of public expenditure”, stressing that “this is focused on achieving a better balance between capital and recurrent expenditures”.

     

    The governor noted that out of the total budget size of N169.85 billion, the sum of N68.711billion, representing 40% of the total budget is for Recurrent Expenditure while the sum of N101.1billion is for Capital Expenditure, representing 60% of the budget size.

     

    Consequently, Gov. Ugwuanyi highlighted that the key deliverables of the 2021 capital budget include rehabilitation of the 9th Mile crash water borehole programme; commencement of AFD-funded 3rd National Urban Water Sector Reform Project; completion and landscaping of International Conference Centre and construction of a flyover Bridge at T-Junction of Nike Lake Resort Road/Nike Road, Enugu.

     

    The governor hinted that the all-important flyover project will necessitate closure of the Nike Lake Resort/Nike Road T-junction and all approach routes to it, adding that “preparatory to the project commencement therefore, alternative routes for traffic diversion are being prepared and will be adequately communicated to the public in due course”.

     

    Other key deliverables were the completion of construction of ESUT Teaching Hospital Igbo Eno; installation of Astro-turf & Tartan Tracks, floodlighting with associated Works at Nsukka Stadium, Nsukka LGA; rehabilitation/construction of more Urban and Rural roads; construction of Station Road-Subway Flyover/Underpass to Ogui road with a spur to market road by Red-Cross; construction of additional type III Model Primary Health Centers in Oji River, Aninri, and Awgu LGAs; establishment of Fertilizer blending plant and cottage Rice Mill; completion of the rehabilitation of Enugu Ezike General Hospital and construction of its Amenity Building; integration of Adada Water Scheme and rehabilitation of other Water Schemes in Enugu North Senatorial District, and drilling of new Water boreholes with storage facilities and reticulation across the State.

     

    While expressing profound appreciation to members of the State House of Assembly for their diligence and commitment to the task of taking Enugu State to an enviable height, “consistent with our founding fathers’ dream of a peaceful, united, secure and prosperous Enugu State”, Gov. Ugwuanyi also appreciated deeply the people of the state “for their unflinching support, cooperation and resilience especially in the face of all the storms of year 2020”.

     

    Responding, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for weathering the storms during the year to ensure that his administration provided the dividends of democracy to the people of the state especially in the rural areas.

    The Speaker therefore assured the governor that the House will pay diligent attention to the budget for residents of the state to continue to enjoy peace and good governance.

    1. Enugu State is in the hands of God!
      #amokelouis (more…)

  • Ways to Avoid Abusive Relationships

    A lot of reasons abound why people enter relationships, some to seek companionship, some others seek love and to be loved, some others still seek alliance and synergy on some level but no one ever enters a relationship anticipating abuse of any kind, be it physical, sexual or mental. It is therefore not a surprise that relationships begin on a high note of love and affection.

    The both parties are, under normal circumstances, running high on emotions and cannot seem to get enough of each other. They could talk all day and stay up all night because they are in love and nothing else seems to matter in the world besides the both of them.
    Many who are yet in the euphoria of this stage in the relationship have proceeded to co-habitation because they are under the assumption that they have found the missing rib. This phase of the relationship cycle is undoubtedly a beauty to behold and it looks like it will last forever, but sooner than later, the parties are brought into the harsh reality that romance and physical attraction no matter how strong and seemingly unending it looks, lacks in itself the capacity to cancel out bad character traits and base attitudes that must be addressed if any relationship will survive.
    Many forms of abuse abound. Some are physically violent in nature which involves beating and other forms of domestic violence. Some others are sexual where victims are sexually violated and taken advantage of against their wish. Some others are financial in nature where victim are compelled to produce money or properties against their wish. Whatever form an abuse assumes, the underlying intention is to control, unduly subdue, manipulate and control the victim against their wish.
    The percentage of physically abused women are daily increasing in Nigeria, so also is the number of sexually abused men and sadly some of these cases of abuse end in death of the victims and worse still, the system has not done enough in providing justice for these victims neither are sustainable structures put in place to ensure complete recovery of those who manage to make it out alive. Has this decreased the number of abused people? Sadly, NO! Many people are still enduring abusive and toxic relationships and cannot seem to find the courage to get out.
    Therefore, to ensure that one never enter into an abusive relationship and that every possibility for such an occurrence is prohibited, efforts should be made in various areas which include but not limited to the following;
    CONSTANT EVALUATION AND RE-EVALUATION OF ONE’S WORTH: Imagine going to a supermarket and seeing a wrist watch you like only to find out that there is no price tag. Buyers are allowed to pay whatever they feel is right to possess this wrist watch. Do you think this said wrist watch will ever have its true worth paid for? Your guess is as good as mine. Similarly, when people don’t place a tag on themselves, they become like an open cheque where anyone is allowed to make whatever withdrawals without restraint.
    Some people have evaluated and tagged themselves based on the plane at which their partners view them. Some have defined their self-worth based on the things that have happened to them while growing up; possibly a sexual or physical abuse. Some others have grown up being battered on a daily by parents and guardians and this has greatly crushed their self-worth that they think whoever they ever manage to enter into a relationship with is doing them a favor. This is a very destructive self-evaluative scale. Some other people have become so used to enduring physical abuse that it has become their new normal.
    Some others also are so dependent on their partners that they feel that they have to endure any form of abuse just to keep their flow of income. They consider the abuse a small price to pay as long as they retain that support system. They rather remain with that partner than to explore their possibilities alone.
    It is therefore your responsibility as a man or woman to evaluate and constantly re-evaluate your worth. Keep making adjustments that protect your physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing. The bible says in Proverbs 4:23 to guard the heart with all diligence for out of it comes the issues of life. You must consciously put in effort to protect and safeguard your space. You may appear tough on the outside the need to safeguard your space far outweighs people’s perceptions of your outer demeanor.
    FINANCIAL DEPENDENCE IN A RELATIONSHIP: This among other variables is a major factor why many people lack the courage to walk out of an abusive relationship. On one hand, they are enslaved by the seeming financial benefits which have furnished an understanding that without that partner of theirs, they cannot afford the luxury they are currently enjoying even if it comes with a regular slice of physical or sexual or mental abuse or all. The monetary benefit they enjoy has drained their motivation to go out and do something for themselves. Why work when you can get paid for free?
    It takes a lot of courage to be in a relationship with someone of higher financial strength and yet not lose your values in the process. It becomes imperative therefore to master how to harness your financial resources and stay within the boundaries of what you can afford. This does not rule out the possibility of being gifted with items above your financial capacity, the issue is not constantly placing demands above what you can afford.
    This takes a lot of discipline but it pays off in the long run. Not only does it preserve your self-worth, it proves you a non-materialistic fellow and gives you impetus to not only demand your respect but to courageously walk out of that relationship at any point you notice that your interests are no longer represented.
    This is not an easy feat to achieve considering the fact that we live in a generation where moral decadence is at its peak. People have normalized parasitic relationships where one partner has to bear the entire financial burden in the relationship. The outcome is the increasing percentage of abused people and broken people. So to actualize this feat of financial dependence, every individual intent upon entering a relationship should at least,
    Have a healthy source of income.
    Cultivate a lifestyle of contentment. This means to stay within the boundaries of your financial ability. Instead of trying to exploit your partner financially, seek grounds to expand your financial base. This usually inspires respect from the other party if they are reasonable.
    BE VIGILANT: The euphoria of the love stage has made a lot of people ignore vital signs in their partners that later turned out to be strongholds that could not be easily uprooted. During the period of dating and courtship, it is pertinent that extra care and diligence be put in checking the character traits of the other person, not just as it relates to you but as he or she relates to other people. Check how they treat their parents, their siblings, their colleagues, their superiors or subordinates as the case may be. Check how they treat their workers and those in their space. These are major places where they will most likely display their true character.
    Try as much as you can not to explain away his/her faults at this stage, rather be at alert so you are not taken unawares when they turn around and treat you in like manner.
    SET BOUNDARIES: In the book of Job 1:9-10, Satan told God that the reason Job was serving Him faithfully was because He had put a hedge around him and all that he had. It is important to set boundaries in your relationships, not just your romantic relationships but in every relationship there is. Boundaries are highly ignored and this has ushered in with it unnecessary abuse that could have been avoided if boundaries were set ab initio. In setting boundaries, one has to be,
    Vocal: that is say exactly what you want and your limits. For instance, if you don’t want pre-marital sex, you must verbally say that to your partner and set boundaries to that respect.
    Specific: identify areas that you want respected. For instance, if you don’t want to stay out late, give a time limit as to when you want the date to end.
    In setting boundaries, you protect your space and also make your partner know that you have values that are meaningful to you. Again, setting boundaries requires a lot of discipline because you must be able to bypass your own feelings and insist that those boundaries be respected. Try not to make excuses for your partner when they start exhibiting anger traits. Watch out for how they treat their colleagues, subordinates and workers as the case may be because eventually that is how they will treat you. At any point you start feeling marginalized or coarse, be vocal about it. If you are afraid to voice out your true feelings, that is an indication that you are not in the right environment.
    Abuse of any sort be it physical, sexual, financial or even mental always leaves a deep scar in the heart of the victim and if not properly addressed, these victims turn out to be abusers themselves and unconsciously sometimes. So to prevent that kind of experience, ensure
    That the person you’re entering a relationship with has people they are accountable to, maybe parents, a guardian or a mentor that they answer to. This will help you when they are out of line, you can always have recourse to someone they will listen to.
    Make sure you keep a good distance from the violent partner to prevent fatalities.
    For your own good, when matters are frequent, report to a law enforcement agency to protect your life.
    If there are threats to life, make sure the authorities are alerted and adequate security provided.
    Remember, if you have gone through any abuse that you are not the way your abuser sees you or the image they have painted of you. You are made in the image and after the very likeness of God. That is your identity and it is from that civilization that you should draw your meaning and realign with your purpose. You are not what you have been through. You are a child of God and the very nature of God is domiciled inside of you.
    Take time to heal by speaking to experienced counsellors who will help you navigate the path of healing. Remember that you are loved and special and the best of your days are still very much ahead of you.

    For personal questions and advice, please follow me on twitter @thevoiceofuche and privately send your questions and share your opinions on my dm. God bless you all.

  • ARE YOU READY FOR MARRIAGE?

    ARE YOU READY FOR MARRIAGE?

    1. By Uche Anosike

     

    Marriage is a widely discussed topic that many professionals and religious people have tried to demystify but it seems like the more we are shown, the more there is to be seen and with the alarming rate of divorce, and worse issues springing from the marriage institution, it is not out of place for anyone to ask him or herself the question, “AM I REALLY READY FOR MARRIAGE?”

     

    The above question is rarely asked, talk more of answers coming to young men and women who are taking this bold step into a new phase of life. Part of the reason been that majority of young people have defined readiness only in terms of age and other physical and natural attainments such as making money and getting educated. While these are necessary in their nature, being “ready” is more than that. It is a function of some degree of attainment of preparedness with a level of confidence that the challenge ahead can be surmounted.

     

    Take for example a student that has examinations coming up, he/she must prepare for the examinations in such a manner that some level of confidence that the examination will be attempted and surmounted is developed in him/her as a result of that preparation. It then suffices to say that without preparation, there is actually no readiness.

     

    So in asking the question “AM I READY FOR MARRIAGE?” is actually asking “Am I prepared for marriage?” Talking about preparedness, it is pertinent to note that it is actually the foundation for any successful venture in life. 2Chronicles 27:6 says, “So Jotham became mighty because he had prepared his ways before the Lord his God (NKJV)”. Every institution and phase of life demands a certain level of preparedness from whoever wishes to embark on it. Take for example those who want to gain admission to study in the University.

     

    You must have successfully passed your WAEC with at least 5 credits in your chosen subjects, not excluding English and Mathematics added to a high score of above 200 if you want your course of choice to be given. In the same way those seeking employment into some kind of offices must possess the key qualities needed to fill the desired position. Even weddings are heavily prepared for. Beginning with bridal clothes and showers and food and decorations, and photography. The list goes on and on but sadly the marriage for which the wedding is predicated is not adequately prepared for.

     

    Now there are certain predicates and measures for which an individual presuming to enter upon marriage should check him or herself to ascertain the level of readiness already attained. Let us begin with what I presume to be the most important cadre: THE VISION.

     

    Now what kind of marriage have you envisioned for yourself? A person without vision is a person without direction and how terrible is that. Anything goes, everything goes. That is not a way to enter upon marriage. What are your desires? What kind of woman/man do you see yourself spending the rest of your life with? Do you want a spiritual home with a partner that is completely yielded to Christ and is in constant communion with the Holy Spirit?

     

    Do you want an intellectual, someone who can author books and pursue knowledge? Do you want a party type, someone who is not ashamed to have fun? You must know what you want because it is along those lines that you prepare. The law of attraction states that you attract what you have prepared for. Now many people will come across to you on your path to finding The One but your vision and preparation makes the selection easy. You already have the vision of the kind of home you want and when The One comes, you are not confused in the least because both of you will align.

     

    Physical development is a very essential part of the preparation process that has been greatly overlooked and causing severe havoc. This centers mainly on the individual and the way he/she considers him/herself. Looking at the book of Numbers 13:33 when Moses sent out the Israelites to spy out the promise land. They came back with bad reports and concluded that before the giants of Anak, they seemed like grasshoppers. Proper evaluation and appreciation of the physical body goes long to portray how an individual views him/herself in the eyes of others. Someone who sees him/herself as not attractive will never be able to accept real compliments on beauty.

     

    They already have a fixed image and no matter what other people see as attractive in them, they will see it as flattering and on the basis of flattering, true and solid relationships cannot last. You must accept and appreciate the form and structure which you have, knowing that there is someone out there custom-tailored for you and will fit into your life without having to subject you to cuttings. If you’re fat, accept it. Are you slim, accept it. Now, this does not in any way invalidate self-improvement, it rather encourages it. If you feel a need to improve on yourself, please do. Do you need to add weight or shed some weight, please do and in other areas of your physical appearance where you feel the need to enhance, please do, provided the basis of this is not from an inferior view of your body structure.

     

    Having explained the above, there is yet another vital area of preparedness which is mental and intellectual in nature. People study to attain degrees and certificates that will ensure them a better position in life and yet belittle the fact that they need to acquire knowledge when it comes to the aspect of marriage. Marriage which is a life time engagement needs more study than any other aspect of life. Reason being that it is on this platform that those other certificates can find meaningful expression.

     

    Have you taken time to read and learn from men and women who has journeyed before you? Have you had time to identify the challenges that are inherent in marriage and how they have been handled before? Experience they say is the best teacher but learning from people’s experience is a better teacher. You can’t presume to ask for a certificate in a course you haven’t studied. Study to show yourself approved, Paul tells Timothy in 2Tim 2:15.

     

    Similar to this is a psycho-social analysis. This is very necessary because society and culture has given a bad premise on what marriage should be. A lot of stereotypes have been imbedded into the hearts of young people and the effect of this is that many young people are myopic and have refused to free themselves to the vast opportunities ahead of them even right in their very faces. If you intend to make a headway in your marital destiny, you must find the roots of these stereotypes and destroy it. These stereotypes are cultural in nature and applies to a specific people and community. You hear things like don’t marry from that tribe or marriage into such and such culture is deadly.

     

    These are all lies and must be rooted out. Then comes the social life of the intending individual. Are you friendly? Are you open to new opportunities? Have you limited yourself to only a certain group of people? Are you flexible? Can you adapt to changes? These are important questions to answer because marriage will change your life. Some people are so used to their space and so authoritarian in running their affairs and even though they presume to enter upon marriage, they have not made room for the possibility of letting someone else in on their space and decisions. You must prepare your mind and heart for these evident realities and be in a mood to submit to another person as Paul admonished in Ephesians 5:21.

    Emotional preparation is another very vital aspect that needs to be looked at. Emotions are feelings that are neither good nor bad in themselves but acting on emotions devoid of the mind and the will can be disastrous. Human beings are not meant to act based on their emotions only but emotions must be applied to thought and the will which decide how actions should be taken. You must train your will to be stronger than your emotions so you can act or react from a place of strength irrespective of how you feel. This gives you strength to say NO in situations that make you feel good in the interim but are harmful to your person, like yielding to sex and co-habitation before the actual marriage.

     

    Financial stability is another vital area of preparation. Anyone intending to get married should have a steady source of income, or a business project or a potential prospect. These are very vital and helps to give some stability to the relationship. This is greatly emphasized for the male folk who will be assuming the authority and responsibility of the head. Apart from making money, there is a need for financial transparency of both parties.

     

    Nakedness of finances must be implemented to build trust. The man and the woman were both naked and were not ashamed in Gen 2:25. If you are not prepared for absolute nakedness in declaring your assets to your partner, you’re not really ready for marriage. You are already building on a wrong foundation that is set up to fail and that has crushed many homes before.

     

    Finally but not conclusively, when you have assessed yourself and have come to a point where you see in yourself an ability to provide help to someone else, then you are ready. Marriage is not about receiving but about giving without any hope of being repaid. John 3:16 says that God loved the world so much that he gave His only begotten son. Marriage does not hold any hope for people who are not ready to give their all for the other person. You must build a mindset predicated on giving and not receiving, on spending and to be spent for the good and prosperity of the other person. If you are yet to come into this understanding, seek help from the promised Helper (John 14:26) He is willing to not just help but guide you into all the truth.

     

    For personal questions and advice, please follow me on twitter @thevoiceofuche and privately send your questions and share your opinions on my dm. God bless you all.

  • Some Highlights of Governor Ugwuanyi’s Developmental Strides in Enugu State Amidst Challenges

    On May 29, 2020, the people-oriented and visionary administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State marked its 5th Anniversary. On August 27, 2020, the Coal City State celebrated the 29th Anniversary of its creation. The epoch making events presented a veritable opportunity to reappraise the governor’s giant strides anchored on peace and good governance, despite the avalanche of challenges befalling the state and the country.

    The Economic Confidential in its 2019 Annual States Viability Index, released on July 26, 2020, listed Enugu among the six (6) economically viable states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations. Listed alongside Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kwara and Kaduna as viable states, Enugu, which, according to the index report, generated N31 billion compared to Federation Account Allocation (FAA) of N103 billion representing 29 percent, was good enough to beat all oil producing states except Rivers.

    A few months ago, precisely on May 22, 2020, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) published its 2019 states’ ranking in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). One of the states which recorded impressive performances, according to the report, was Enugu.

    Enugu State, with no oil, was the 9th best performing state in terms of IGR. Its slightly over N31billion was also good enough to beat all oil producing states except Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom.

    Prior to these remarkable ratings, Enugu State was rated by the World Bank Group as the second most advanced state in Nigeria on the Ease of Doing Business and third on the Ease of Starting Business. The state was listed by BudgIT alongside Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers. It was also listed among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over 30 percent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities, by Economic Confidential. Equally of note is the report of the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, which listed Enugu as the fifth most competitive state in Nigeria, and the third most debt sustainable state in Nigeria. It is also on record that Enugu was rated as the first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State Final Account for three consecutive years; first in the South East geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against federal allocation.

    What makes these records outstanding is that just four years earlier when Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State took over the mantle of leadership on May 29, 2015, the country was in recession, following the drastic drop in crude oil prices in the international market.

    Consequently, the state with its lean resources was confronted with paucity of funds, high inherited debt profile and other huge wage bills to be serviced. The economic realities were daunting that many were of the opinion that it was not the best time to be a governor.

    The country’s economic challenges adversely affected the states’ allocations from the federation account, to the extent that there were limited funds to attend to development issues and other sundry needs of the public.

    Enugu’s purse grew leaner as federal allocations dwindled to an all-time low – a source of worry the past governor of the state, Mr. Sullivan Chime acknowledged during a thanksgiving Mass to commemorate the end of his administration.

    This posed a serious threat to the speedy actualisation of the governor’s vision for the state as contained in his administration’s four-point agenda.

    The situation was so dire that 27 states, excluding Enugu, could not pay workers’ salaries, let alone embark on capital projects. One by one, governors resorted to bailout funds unlike their predecessors who had access to the excess crude oil funds which enabled them to execute capital projects.

    Despite all the challenges, Ugwuanyi remained undaunted and focused in his vision to build the Enugu State of the founding fathers’ dream, where everybody irrespective of class, religion or political association is given equal right and access to dividends of democracy, in a peaceful and secure environment.

    Consequently, his administration has been championing an unprecedented rural development drive which has made it possible for the rural dwellers and the long-neglected communities to enjoy democracy dividends in a way they have never experienced before.

    But five years down the line, Gov. Ugwuanyi through his sound vision, administrative ingenuity, peace and good governance initiatives, has turned the tide for the better. The results of his sheer dexterity and commitment are evident in his five-year stewardship, some of which are highlighted below:

    ROADS:
    *Constructed/rehabilitated over 600km of roads across the state, mostly in the rural areas.
    *Rehabilitated and remodeled the ancient, historic and undulating 11km Milliken Hill-Ngwo-9th Mile road.
    *Constructed the 12km Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway up to University of Nigeria (UNN) gate
    *Constructed the Ebonyi River Bridge, Ikem
    *Constructed the 31km Udenu Ring road with two high-tech bridges
    *Rehabilitated the Iva Valley roads in Enugu North LGA
    *Constructed the 8.8km Nkalagu-Eha Amufu road in Isi-Uzo LGA, neglected for over 35 years
    *The construction of the 26.66km Ukpabi-Nimbo-Ugbene Ajima-Eziani road in Uzo-Uwani LGA (RAMP-2)
    *The construction of the 22.443km Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti inter-community road linking Isi-Uzo and Udenu LGAs (RAMP-2)

    * The 16km erosion ravaged Eha-Ulo/Eha-Etiti/Eha-Ndiagu-Mbu road and 24km Premier Junction-Umabor-Mbu road (RAMP-2), covering 40km, being constructed across thick forests and difficult terrains.

    *The ongoing 8.580km road project linking Ihe with Ogbaku Town in Awgu Local Government Area (RAMP-2)
    *Constructed the 13km Nike Lake junction-Harmony Estate-Amorji Nike-Adoration Pilgrimage Centre-Orie Emene road linking the ever-busy Abakpa Nike with Emene satellite town in Enugu East LGA
    *Reconstructed the Nike Lake Road and Abakpa Nike Road in Enugu East LGA, which were marred by traffic gridlock in the past
    *Constructed the Amaeke-Ngwo-Nsude-9th Mile and Amankwo-Amaeke-Amah Brewery Junction-9th Mile bypasses in Udi LGA
    *Reconstructed the Airport Roundabout/Orie-Emene/St. Patrick’s College/Eke-Obinagu Road in Enugu East LGA
    *Reconstructed the Enugu Road (Nsukka) Junction-Umuezebi-Nru Junction-University Gate road, the Post Office Roundabout-Odenigbo Roundabout-Ogurugu Road-Ikenga road and the Obechara Road Junction-Umakashi-Mechanic Village-Ikenga Hotels Junction road, all in the University town of Nsukka.
    *Constructed the 8.2km Inyi-Akpugoeze road in Oji River LGA
    *Constructed the Ituku Road in Awgu LGA and the Amurri road in Nkanu West LGA
    *Simultaneously executed 35 grassroots development projects across the 17 LGAs
    *Rehabilitated urban and rural roads in Emene, Abakpa-Nike, 9th Mile Corner and the University town of Nsukka
    *Rehabilitated more internal roads in the University town of Nsukka, covering over 11km.
    *Rehabilitated the old UNTH-Bunker road, Enugu; constructed the Holy Trinity Street -Bishop Michael Eneje Street, Independence Layout; Mount Crescent, GRA; Orofia Street, off Nza Street, Independence Layout; Dental School-Tipper Garage road Trans Ekulu, Enugu; Ugwuaji-Loma Linda-Timber Shed road, Maryland, Enugu; Nwafia Street, Independence Layout; Mbanefo Street, New Haven; The Secretariat Road, G.R.A; Court Avenue by new State Secretariat; Ibuza Street at Independence Layout; Isi Uzo Street at Independence Layout; Owerri Road; Poly Clinic Road, Asata; Carter Street, off Ogui Road, etc.

    BUILDINGS:
    *Renovated the House of Assembly Complex
    *Rehabilitated and re-asphalted the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu
    *Completed the new Lion Building, Government House, Enugu, with additional works such as landscaping and installation of floodlights and security lights
    *Renovated the Deputy Governor’s office, Abuja Building, parking lots, and fuel Dump, within the premises of the Government House, Enugu, among others
    *Ongoing completion work on the International Conference Centre, Enugu
    *Construction of the first phase of the Enugu State Secretariat annex in Nsukka satellite town
    *Construction of the Nsukka Township Stadium
    *Fencing and massive works of arts at the Unity Park, formerly known as Forest Reserve, Enugu, to serve as a tourist attraction and a place for relaxation and recreation
    *Construction of 10 units of Executive Guest House at the old Governor’s Lodge, G.R.A, Enugu, for routine guests of the state government
    *Construction of first Christian Chapel of Worship at the Government House, Enugu
    *Remodeling of the Old Government Lodge and construction of Annex, GRA, Enugu
    *Construction of 24 units of Guest Flats at Old Government Lodge, GRA, Enugu

     

    RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
    *Uncommon rural development policy, concentrating more infrastructure in the rural and long-neglected communities, such as simultaneously executed 35 grassroots development projects across the 17 LGAs and the N10 million “one community, one project” scheme in each of the 471 autonomous communities in the state

    HEALTH SECTOR:
    *Completed the state-of-the-art Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre, Enugu
    *Construction and renovation of district hospitals and health centres in the state, especially in the rural areas under the primary healthcare programme
    *Upgraded Udi District Hospital and Poly Clinic, Asata to General Hospitals, after their rehabilitation
    *Constructed a Tertiary Hospital in Igbo-Eno, Enugu North Senatorial District, to serve as one of the facilities for the ESUT College of Medicine that has been relocated to Nsukka.

    *Massive construction/reconstruction of the Enugu State Infectious Disease Hospital, Enugu, formerly known as Colliery Hospital Enugu, for isolation and treatment of patients with infectious diseases.

    *Launch of the Universal Health Coverage
    *Intervened and integrated faith-based rural health facilities into the Free Maternal and Child Health Programme
    *Massive construction of 7 units of Type 3 Primary Health Care Centre in 7 LGAs, and upgrade and rehabilitation of the General Hospital Ogrute, Enugu Ezike, and Nsukka District Hospital, among others.

    * Ongoing massive construction of a Specialist Hospital for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Igbo-Eno, in Enugu North Senatorial District.

    *Site clearing for the construction of 2 nos. 12-classroom faculty buildings, 2 nos. 10-classroom faculty buildings and 2 nos. 8-classroom faculty buildings, for the ESUT College of Medicine, in Igbo-Eno, adjacent to the Specialist Hospital, as well as the ongoing construction of industrial water borehole projects.

    *Construction of Cottage Hospital with isolation wing in Awgu, Oji River, Ogrute (Enugu Ezike) General Hospitals, and also in Orba, Udenu LGA

    RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
    *Released N350 million to the state’s COVID-19 Multi-Sectoral Rapid Response Team
    *Establishment of Isolation and Treatment Centres for COVID-19 in Nsukka and the ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu
    *Equipped the ultra-modern Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre and designated it as an isolation and treatment centre

    *Massive reconstruction and construction of new structures at the Colliery Hospital, Enugu, now an Infectious Disease Isolation and Treatment Centre
    *Approved welfare packages for all health workers in the state as incentive to battle COVID-19
    *Purchased two additional ambulances and one incident vehicle
    *Enforcement of the Presidential directives on nationwide curfew and inter-state movement restriction order.
    *Rehabilitation of facilities and provision of essential supplies in 34 health facilities across the 17 LGAs, to scale up delivery of linked services and preparedness against community spread of COVID-19 pandemic by the Enugu State Save One Million Lives (SOML) Project.

    *Life assurance policy for frontline workers

    *Distribution of palliatives to persons, vulnerable groups, poorest of the poor and religious groups.

    *Granted tax relief and incentives to taxpayers in the state to cushion the adverse economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents, especially ordinary masses.

    WORKERS’ WELFARE:
    *Enhancement of civil servants’ welfare
    *Among the first to implement the new Minimum Wage in Nigeria
    *Regular payment of workers’ salaries on the 23rd of every month and retirees’ pensions before the end of the month
    *Payment of the 13th month salary to workers as Christmas bonus
    *Payment of 54 percent equity contribution for 100 lucky civil servants who won the 100 units one bedroom apartments at Elim Estate, Enugu through open lottery.

    SECURITY:
    *Procured and donated 100 units of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) patrol vans with communication gadgets to the security agencies to aid their operations
    *Employed 1,700 Forest Guards, first in the South East geo-political zone
    *Repositioned the Vigilante/Neighbourhood Watch groups and purchased 260 security vehicles for their Community Policing operations.
    *Procured and distributed 260 motorcycles and 300 bicycles to the 260 electoral wards in the state, to complement and facilitate the operations of the Forest Guards
    *Construction of the 76 Police Mobile Force Squadron Facility at Ekwegbe, Igbo-Etiti LGA

    FIRE SERVICE:
    *Procured five (5) IVM fire-fighting trucks for the five ultra modern fire service stations across the three senatorial districts of the state, newly constructed by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, after 56 years
    *Recruited 66 firefighters to the workforce of the state fire service and provided them with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for safety, etc.

    INTERVENTIONS IN THE STATE JUDICIARY:
    *Constructed the first Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters complex in Enugu
    *Construction of 14 new court buildings and open registries in the judicial divisions and magisterial districts across the state
    *Construction of 34 modern Customary Courts across the state, two (2) per LGA
    *Massive renovation of the State Judiciary Headquarters complex, Enugu
    *Renovated the former DAD Building Enugu and converted same to the State Ministry of Justice Headquarters
    *Establishment of Multi-Door Court House in Enugu, among other interventions.

    EDUCATION:
    *Recruited over 5000 primary and secondary school teachers
    *Constructed, renovated and equipped 897 classroom blocks and other school projects under Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB).
    *Procured and distributed 22,150 lockers and 22,150 chairs for primary school children, 1,228 tables, 1,228 arm chairs and 2,456 armless chairs for the teachers, as well as 1130 marker boards for teaching and 1,960 ceiling fans, for conducive learning environment (under ENSUBEB)
    *Procured and distributed 12, 480 writing desks and chairs for primary school pupils in the state and 868 tables and chairs for teachers to improve the standard of learning (ENSUBEB).
    *Massive construction and reconstruction of classroom blocks, offices and hostels in the secondary schools across the six education zones of the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB)
    *Supplied Science equipment to 135 secondary schools (under PPSMB)
    *Supplied and installed computers to 200 secondary schools (under PPSMB)
    *Converted 1,000 volunteer teachers to permanent staff and release of all outstanding arrears of promotion to date (under PPSMB)
    *Initiated a process for the construction and renovation of more classroom blocks
    *Ongoing construction of the state-of-the-art administrative building of the first degree-awarding institution in Education in the South East zone, the Enugu State University of Education in Ihe, Awgu LGA, established by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration to serve as a centre for training of teachers for primary, secondary and tertiary education.
    *Massive infrastructural development and upgrade of facilities in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu
    *Transition of IMT into a degree-awarding institution and the holding of its first convocation, after 11 years
    *Numerous education transformational interventions in other state-owned tertiary institutions, namely the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); the Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET); and the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo.

    EMPOWERMENT:
    *Empowered 3,600 traders with N50,000 each under the Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme
    *Empowered 750 youths in skills acquisition under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme
    *Offered scholarship to 680 indigent engineering students of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Ezeagu L.G.A. and the IMT, Enugu
    *Awarded scholarship to 22 post-secondary school indigent students presently studying at Mewar University, India
    *Engaged 1000 youths to clean up the state, under Enugu Clean Team Project, with additional 1000 workers underway

    * Granted Bursary allowance to 246 students of the state at the Nigeria Law School.

    * Waived the payment of Personal Income Tax as well as Market Tax, for all traders in the major markets of the state, since the inception of the administration, in May 2015, with a recent resolve to sustain the pro-poor policies till the end of the tenure.

    AGRICULTURE, WATER, HOUSING, INVESTMENT PROMOTION
    *Procured twenty (20) tractors for Mechanized Agriculture
    *Launched the Coal City Rice, Enugu – a highly sought-after staple in the South East and beyond
    *Approved the establishment of two World Bank projects, namely IFAD and APPEALS programme for women and youths agricultural empowerment and pays the state’s counterpart funds regularly.
    *Rehabilitated facilities at Ajali and Oji River Water Treatment Schemes which has consequentially improved the supply of water to Enugu metropolis and its environs
    *HELIU Residence project – a world class Residential Estate with infrastructure worth N25 billion embarked upon by the state government in partnership with Fit-Consult and China Shenyang International Economic and Technical Cooperation Limited, Shenyang, China through Public Private Partnership (PPP) to provide quality and affordable houses to address the accommodation deficit in Enugu because of high inflow of people into the state.
    *Site and services of Valley Estate, GRA, Enugu; WTC Estate; Victory Estate; Trinity Estate; Fidelity Estate adjacent to the popular Ebeano Tunnel with massive erosion /flood control work, Diamond Estate, Rangers Estate, among others.
    *The Enugu Industrial Park – FTZ (ENPOWER Free Trade Zone) at the 9thMile Corner, Enugu, to be known as Lion Business Park, modeled after the Dragon Market in Dubai.

    SPORTS:
    *Gov. Ugwuanyi’s love and support for sports saw Rangers International Football Club of Enugu lifting both the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title after 32 years and 2018 AITEO Cup after 35 years

    ECONOMIC RATINGS:

    *Rated among the six (6) economically viable states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations, by Economic Confidential.
    *Rated as the second most advanced state in Nigeria on the Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank Group.
    *9th best performing state in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the year 2019.
    *Best state in the judicious utilization of the bailout funds (Senate Verdict)
    *Enugu listed alongside Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers (BudgIT).
    *Listed among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over 30 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities (Economic Confidential magazine verdict).
    *The fifth most competitive state in Nigeria, according to the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria
    *The third most debt sustainable State in Nigeria
    *The first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State Final Account for consecutive three years.
    *First in the South East geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against Federal Allocation.
    *One of the twelve states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations.

    *AND STILL COUNTING…

    Enugu State is in the hands of God!

  • MINISTRY OF HEALTH, ENUGU BIDS FAREWELL TO ITS IMMEDIATE PAST COMMISSIONER

    The management and staff of the state Ministry of Health, Tuesday paid their last respect to the former Commissioner for Health, Late Prof. Anthony Ikemefuna Ugochukwu at the the Ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.

    Speaking during the lying in state, the Hon. Commissioner for Health Dr Obi Emmanuel Ikechukwu commiserated with the family of the late Prof. and prayed that God would give them the fortitude to bear the loss. He charged the staff to always remember the legacy left behind by the Late Commissioner and live up to expectations. He described the late Professor Ugochukwu as a rare gem that couldn’t be forgotten and prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest.
    The Permanent Secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi amidst tears described late Prof. Anthony Ugochukwu as a good, humble, caring and a loving father whom he cherished so much. He said that late Prof. Ugochukwu was an erudite professor who dedicated his life to the service of humanity and that he came to reposition the health sector but his dreams and aspirations for a better health sector under his administration was truncated by death.

    The Permanent Secretary promised that the Ministry will honour his legacy by ensuring that his expectations for the sector is achieved under the new administration. He prayed for God to accept his soul to rest in the bossom of the Lord.

    The Anglican Priest from the Cathedral Church of Good Shepherd Independence Layout, Enugu Rev. C. Chiagozie who accompanied the family to the Ministry of Health admonished staff and members of the family to have a reflection of their life now while still alive. He said that death is not a respecter of anybody, rank, academic qualifications or status and that they should bear in mind that it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the Judgment.(HEB 9:27) He urged everybody to repent and live a holy life because nobody knows the appointed time.

    Prof. Ebele Ikepeazu, a Professor in University of Nigeria Nsukka and the younger sister to late Prof. Ugochukwu was highly delighted and she expressed gratitude to the commissioner of health Dr Obi Emmanuel Ikechukwu and the permanent Secretary Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi and the members of management and staff for the honour they gave to her late brother by coming out enmasse to pay her brother his last respects.

    It will be recalled that Late Prof. Anthony Ugochukwu was appointed the Commissioner for Health in October 2019 to pilot the affairs of the Ministry. He will be remembered for his peaceful disposition and passion to eliminate quackery in Enugu State.
    His remains will be laid to rest on 30th October, 2020 at his home town Obinagu Isikwe Achi, Oji River LGA of Enugu State.
    Adieu Erudite Professor!
    Adieu Peaceful Man!
    May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

  • Good Deeds Do Not Die; The Legend Yet Lives On

    Good Deeds Do Not Die; The Legend Yet Lives On

    By Onochie Jon-Igwesi

    Let us go back in time to the evening of June 9, 2020. While putting finishing editorial touches to the maiden Democracy Edition of Pacesetter Frontier Magazine which was planned to be released on June 12, 2020, I received a call from my father, H.R.H Eze Barr Igwesi O. Igwesi. My father, who had taken to farming as one of his ventures, had called to let me know that his car broke down around Obeagu community, as he made his way back to his palace in Omuoha, Obuoffia from the farm.

    My father’s inclination to always call me in times such as what was at hand wasn’t lost on me. Perhaps he had a strong belief in me to always, promptly step up to the matter and get it done, and although working on seeing the magazine released exactly on June 12, 2020 was a priority, I just couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him out there and not being the usual me. By the time he called back to tell me not to bother coming again since his mechanic was on the way, I was already some minutes close to where his car broke down.

    Fast forward to minutes later, I arrived at Obeagu-Amechi Road, precisely the junction leading to the palace of the Traditional Ruler of Obeagu Uno Autonomous community, HRH Igwe Linus Okafor, a fine gentleman. I got to know that he is a successful businessman based in Jos; Ah! the typical Igbo man and his pan-Nigerian mindset again. Let’s not wander too far joor; my father’s car, according to the mechanic’s diagnosis wasn’t going to be fixed that evening so the only available option was to push it into Igwe’s Palace so that the next day, the mechanic would fix it. The only problem was that the car was an SUV and the gate leading to Igwe Okafor’s Palace was up a slight hill.

    While thinking of what to do, we noticed a locked church compound across the road and a residential building with its gate slightly ajar, adjacent the church. I approached the compound to speak to the owner to permit us push in and park the car till the next day.

    “Cast your Bread upon waters, for after many days you will find it again”. Those were the words of King Solomon. As at the time I took decision to enter that compound, I didn’t know that I would see those words play out just as it was written.

    When I got into the compound and knocked, a woman, whom I guess was in her mid or late fifties answered and asked what I wanted. I thought it necessary to speak the beautiful Nkanu dialect to see if it would water the ground for the request I was about to make. I introduced myself as Onochie and recounted my father’s experience with his car and all that had happened till that moment but to my chagrin she said “No”. She said “Daddy”, referring to her husband, wasn’t around and as such she couldn’t decide alone. Thinking about it in hind sight, she displayed the nature of a well-bred, traditional Igbo woman who would never attempt to usurp her husband’s powers without getting a nod of approval (Exhales), Nwanyi bu Ife.

    I left to tell my father and he decided to speak to her by himself. He introduced himself as Obi Igwesi. The moment the woman heard “Igwesi”, she asked “Is it the Igwesi from Obuoffia?’’ My father nodded in the affirmative. She wasn’t satisfied, she asked again “Are you the son of the late John Igwesi?” My father nodded again and immediately, her face lit up and she said “My husband is Philip Ani. He always talks about John Igwesi. He said your father (John Igwesi) trained him back in the days at Umudike (I feel she was talking about the then School of Agriculture, Umudike which is presently known as Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu). He said that if it weren’t for your father, things would have become really hard for him. He said he wasn’t the only one your father was training at that time. He also talked about how your mother would always give him a very big portion of food because she and my husband were both from Amechi and she always called him her brother”.

    Onochie Igwesi
    HRH Eze John Egbo Igwesi

    She said so many other beautiful things about my Grandfather while I just watched and listened in awe and admiration of a man who was a Colossus while he lived. My father went ahead to make again, exactly the same plea I made and this time she quickly gave her nod of approval. While we left to push in the car, I overheard her say to her visitor who was there while all these went on: “Daddy wouldn’t have been happy if he came back and heard that I turned back the son of John Igwesi without rendering him the assistance he needed”.

    Yet again, she didn’t disappoint. I think she should be called Obidiya for she could tell what her husband would do at any given situation. Her approval of the request after she came to know whose seed my father was – wasn’t a usurpation of her husband’s powers, it was a strong and undisputable confirmation that good deeds do not die. If they did, how come we came to reap the benefits of the deeds of a man who died many years ago?

    His Royal Majesty, King John Egbo Igwesi (Eze Chinawaeze II of Obuoffia) was a civil servant with the then Nigerian Coal Corporation. He represented Udi Central Constituency in the then Eastern House of Assembly under NCNC. He was the Chairman, Nkanu County Council for 7 unbroken years, a record no other has held till date. He led the formation of Awkunanaw Welfare Association. He was a Scholar, seasoned Parliamentarian and a conscientious civil servant. He was the King of Obuoffia and the clan head of Awkunanaw. He will always be fondly remembered for moving the historic motion that bestowed autonomy on Nkanu Local Government from the old Udi Division.

    He trained and oversaw the establishment and rise of many sons and daughters of Awkunanw and Nkanu Land, some of whom are still alive till date. He personified Justice as a defiant and strong willed WAWA man, little wonder, a typical Nkanu man who had been denied justice will tell you “I will show you John Igwesi.” He was an Iroko and he came, saw, conquered and surpassed a lot of his contemporaries, a man whose political and historical records have been treasured at the Archives of the Enugu State Ministry of Information. This, in summary, was the man whose name at that moment opened onto us a door that was shut.

    King John Igwesi is dead and yet he lives on. Those who are vexed and envious of the great life and times of John Igwesi have at times turned the truth about him and his descendants, to make it stand on its head. Because that position is uncomfortable for the truth, the truth has always, against all odds, reverted to its normal position which is standing on its feet.

    Some days after the car incident, I got to know that Mr. Philip Ani died as a result of an illness he had been down with for some time. Ah! (Hisses) I felt so bad, but I still felt somehow happy, happy because fate was very kind to him. Fate kept him alive till he did a last act of kindness to the first son of the late John Igwesi. I’m sure that as he journeyed to the great beyond, he must have felt fulfilled because he was able to say “Thank you” in his own little way to the late John Igwesi for all the good deeds he did to him and many others in his life time.

    Like someone once said, carve your name on hearts because legacy is not just leaving something for people but leaving something in people.

    Before you die, if you haven’t, ensure that the world owe you a favour, a debt which they would pay to your children and descendants unborn. Leave the inheritance of a good name for your children in a world that will feel indebted to them because of the kindness, goodness and compassion of their parents. It was Jonathan’s kindness that caused his crippled son Mephibosheth to eat for the rest of his life at the table of the king, David.

    I have now learnt to at all times introduce myself as Onochie, without forgetting Jon-Igwesi, so that perhaps one would show me kindness because of the good deeds of Igwe John Egbo Igwesi.

    Shalom.

    Onochie Jon-Igwesi writes from Omuoha, Obuoffia, Awkunanaw. 

  • Non-Fiction: A Single Mum and the Staring Eyes

    Non-Fiction: A Single Mum and the Staring Eyes

    By Chinwe Ukairo

    I read somewhere that “Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.”

    I was only nineteen, and as the first daughter of an Igbo family I had a lot of responsibility, not on the basis of finance but character-wise and moral-wise. I grew up seeing my mum doing virtually everything; school fees, rent, food, spiritual growth, etc, and how she was able to balance work life and family was something I could not understand at that point. We were average in finance but could afford to eat more than three square meals and feed others without feeling it.

    There were times during discussions after school with my close friends, I mentioned asking my dad about a particular assignment and one of the girls’ reply was, “Is your dad alive?” I had a spin down my throat because at that point, unconsciously I had mentioned a lot about my mum on different occasions and my dad’s presence felt obscure.

    My mum taught me how to pray, read the Bible, teach and explain after morning prayers while she rushed to the office quite early. Everyone had high expectations of me. I had a few delays before I got into the higher institution. I got admitted to study Theater Arts in the University of Abuja after two years of applying. But I decided to take another JAMB and apply to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which I eventually got, to study English and Literary Studies.

    Before I left for UNN, I was three months pregnant; a lot of people in their opinion would say I was foolish. Yes, I was.

    I was exposed to life, at least as a young girl. I met this young man through a friend and we got along. At some point he started insinuating we get married but we needed to start off dating at some point so I could get to know him better. At least he had a Masters and encouraged my education. He was so knowledgeable that he had the right answers to everything and I was willing to learn from an experienced figure.

    He made me feel like a queen around my friends; he spoilt me with money and gifts. I knew I was pretty young to settle down and my mum would not agree to the whole idea, so I had to put things on hold. At some point he was my friends’ spec, they all wanted him around. I traveled to Enugu to write PUTME, he came to visit me at my best friend’s place and as distance would have it, we both decided to make use of the opportunity before my friend’s arrival.

    When I came back from PUTME I was not comfortable in my skin, I decided to go to the hospital to carry out blood test. When the test result came out, I confirmed I was pregnant. I was shocked. I decided to carry out a scan to confirm how valid the test result was.

    When I told him about it, he felt okay about the idea and insisted I keep the child but I was scared of my family background, so I insisted I would take out the unborn child. He persisted. I thought about it; I planned to run out of the house a couple of times instead of rubbing off the shame on my parents. Each time I made the move, my mum would send me on an errand I needed to bring feedback on.

    I respected my mum so much; I could not disobey her. Two days before the day I planned to leave the house unnoticed, my name came out on the admission list. I felt at ease to leave the house, at least before my mum gets to find out about my pregnancy.

    Meanwhile, before I traveled, I went to a salon to wash my hair. While at the salon, the women were discussing about a lady who tried to take out a pregnancy and died in the process. At that point, I was shaking and sweating profusely. I felt like they were talking to me. I decided to call the young man and tell him I was ready to keep the child but he changed; he said I should remove it.

    I was taken aback because this was the same person who was trying to convince me to keep the child. He said he had spoken to my friend and they had both concluded that I was not ready to be a mother. He gave me ten thousand naira to go book an appointment with the doctor.

    I collected the money and bought folic acid and Preg-care. I decided to leave for school. While in Enugu, I visited my aunt and opened up about everything that was going on. She invited my mum to Enugu but she could not come because of work so my aunt then decided to tell her over the phone. She was so shocked that she fell ill. She was so disappointed that she cut off my monthly allowance.

    I was angry at myself because I thought I knew some stuff, but obviously I knew nothing. Being oblivious of the fact that I was pregnant for three months before I found out was a deep level of stupidity. I felt a bit relaxed, not completely relaxed but being away from an environment where I grew up and where everyone knew me helped a little to level with the anxiety.

    However, I wasn’t comfortable that a part of me was going down the shell. I had serious inferiority complex, timidity and feeling of being judged owing to the fact that the school environment where I was got lots of students staring at me, then I was often wondering if they already found out I was pregnant. It was a terrible feeling. Later in third year when one or two stories started passing around about my conception and all, it took me every morning looking at the mirror to convince myself that I could go to class and not feel bad or condemned.

    I didn’t blame my mum for stopping my allowance. I later learnt that such time is terrible for mothers too. I felt I needed to apologise to her and to myself for being weak, then build myself to be better. I worked on winning the default mother and daughter relationship we shared.

    I met good friends who helped me through the process in school and when I put to bed, it affected my second semester results. I spilled four courses due to no attendance and lack of continuous assessments. Financially, it was not easy for me but when I met Christ through a friend who introduced me to Dominion City, Nsukka, things began to fall in place. I found Christ, I forgave myself, and it gave me so much peace.

    During the long vacation, I had to work to make ends meet while my aunt took care of the baby. When school resumed, I’ll bathe him first, dress him up, then I would prepare and take him to school before going for lectures. People fell in love with him so much that I had to sometimes plead with them after school that it was time to go home.

    It was a difficult period for me because it felt like I had lost everything when I didn’t graduate with my mates, even when I made efforts to write all the courses I had carried over.  My family at some point saw me as a complete failure. When I followed up my file thinking something could be done and nothing came out of it, I left for Abuja. I applied for the post of a Secretary in a construction company and when my boss started making advances at me, I resigned. I decided to volunteer with an NGO that was into Mental Health and it helped me psychologically.

    After a year, my name came out for service. Meanwhile, my mum took the case to Women Affairs Commission and opened a file for me against the young man. They invited him but he flew to Germany. Investigations went on by the lawyers and they found out he had lied about his family. He was actually married, with kids and I was just a girl he wanted to take on a ride.

    When I gave birth to the young King, I fell in love with every bit of his cuteness. He is so adorable and peaceful. The young man called me sometime last year (2019) that he wanted his son and that I was not a single mother. Whatever he meant by that….

    It’s like the issues most ladies face in our contemporary society. A lot of girls find it very easy to take in for a man sometimes as a result of love, finance, assured marriage etc., but still regard themselves as single mothers. No, it’s not. There is a difference between being a baby mama and being a single mother.

    A baby mama is one who conceives for a man and he takes full responsibility of that child. On the other hand, single mothers are ladies who bore a child due to age, failed marriage, rape, drugs, adoption, out of wedlock, and single-handedly takes full responsibility of that child.

    Being a single mum in our society, due to religion, cultures and our general understanding of value system is, among other things, emotionally draining. Many will reject you, bully you, put you to the bottom. They look at you like you have feces stuck all over you. Some would even be bold to call you a prostitute, among other names to mock you, ride you into pain, anguish or worse, depression.

    The eyes on me most times made me feel the need to crawl away into myself. The eyes made me feel less of a worth about myself. The worst was the eyes and stare that came with burdensome pity. Some that come with care, also come with pity. It hurts deep, reminds me of another part of the story I work hard to forget; the fact that single mothers, especially my kind, are seen from the negative aspects in my society. I am trying not to remember “the pride of a woman is her husband” mantra of my people.

    However, no one remembers this line when it has to do with a baby mama, after all they are usually showered with necessary finance and all that. Ain’t some shame clouded by money and power? Well, for me, all I got is God and my spirit to keep being me, to keep moving.

    So, the crime is not having a kid(s) outside wedlock, but having the kid and not having so much money. A Baby mama is okay, but a single mum who is grinding on by herself for her kid is the one to be chastised with shame and bullying. The pain runs deeper than wells most times until emotional balance is achieved. This balance, for me, does not come easily and is not always stable. Relapses are bound to happen.

    Most young men run away from talking marriage with single mothers, even when the single mum is willing; makes it look like being a single mum is a taboo or something worse. For me, there are times people discuss marriage and settling down and I say nothing. Nowadays it feels like it is normal for me to say nothing because I won’t be accepted either ways. It sometimes hits me hard.

    I fell in love years later and we dated for eight months without sexual contact. When I opened up to him about my son because things were getting serious, he decided we end things because he could not come to terms with the fact that I already have a child. The stigmatization on single mothers has from time past been groomed from a negative perspective. This time it got deep into me like a needle.

    The young man is human and harmless. However, I felt that even if he should break the relationship, it should be on a good ground and not because of an innocent child who knows nothing. Maybe I was just overly emotional that’s why I reasoned that way. I didn’t blame him after all, it was a very difficult reality for him to assimilate, considering the corner the society we are in puts single mothers.

    I felt I was in a cold world with a stigma that cannot be erased, I felt unwanted for life and maybe it would always be so. I never thought of suicide though. But I was locked up in anger and bitterness with my past. I felt I would never be accepted by any prospective young man.

    On the light side, I’ve met a couple of persons who just loved my son regardless and wanted something serious but each time I feel like I want to take a bold step into a relationship there’s this cold chill that runs down my spine, and it feels like there’s a high wall that sets a bridge in my heart. It has really affected the people that loved me regardless. The past has left a scare in me, each time I take a step forward, I find myself taking three steps back. I feel like I’ve not completely come to terms with reality.

    As a single mum, I try every day to stay afloat all the state and feeling my society tries to soak me in; I try to paddle my mind away from it. Anytime I feel blue or maybe at the brinks of regret, I look at my son, my King, and I become immensely grateful for everything.