Category: Entertainment

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  • Will Smith apologises for slapping Chris Rock at Oscars

    Will Smith apologises for slapping Chris Rock at Oscars

    American actor, Will Smith, says his recent behaviour at the Oscars was “out of line” and “wrong,” as he tendered a public apology to Chris Rock, the Oscar Academy and the entire show attendants.

    Will took to his Instagram page to release a statement of apology for assaulting Chris.

    “I would like to publicly apologise to you, Chris. I was out of line, and I was wrong. I am embarrassed, and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be,” admitted Will.

    At the 94th Academy Award on March 28, the show’s host, Chris, made a joke about Will’s wife, Jada Pinkett’s new bald haircut. An offended Will walked to the stage and slapped Chris.

    Although Will said his action was “unacceptable and inexcusable,” he admitted that “a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for him to bear,” leading him to react “emotionally.”

    Jada suffers from an incurable autoimmune disorder that attacks hair follicles.

    “I would like to apologise to the academy, the producer of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world,” he added.

    Chris has declined to press charges against Will.

    (Peoples Gazette)

  • Will Smith wins Oscar for best actor

     

    Will Smith on Sunday won the Oscar for best actor for portraying Venus and Serena Williams’ father Richard in the tennis biopic “King Richard,” taking home the trophy minutes after he went viral for slapping presenter Chris Rock onstage.

    “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” Smith said through tears.

    “Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.”

    Not long before he earned his golden statuette, Smith sparked controversy at the gala by storming onstage and slapping Rock, who made a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

    “I’m hoping the Academy invites me back,” Smith said to close his speech.

    Smith beat Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”), Andrew Garfield (“tick, tick…BOOM!”) and Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”).

    After the altercation and Smith’s speech, host Amy Schumer returned to the stage, saying, “Did I miss anything? there’s like a different vibe in here.”

    (Punch)

  • David Ugwunta salutes Governor Ugwuanyi at 58

    David Ugwunta salutes Governor Ugwuanyi at 58

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    Enugu State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, David Okelue Ugwunta, Ph.D has described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as a man who is amiable and purposeful. He made these remarks on the occasion of the 58th birthday of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

     

    In a statement titled ‘Birthday Felicitation to a Great Governor Extraordinaire’, signed by him and made available to our correspondent, he eulogized the contributions of the Governor to the development of the various sectors of Enugu State.

    While pointing out that the good people of Enugu State testifies of the governor’s traits, he prayed for God to keep and strengthen him.

     

    “Today, we celebrate our amiable and purposeful governor; Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi.

    “With the divine mantle of leadership and governance style, you have contributed to the development of various sectors of Enugu state’s economy. This is why the good people of Enugu state testify of your rare traits and achievements.

    “On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Enugu State Ministry of Budget and Planning, I wish you a happy birthday as you mark your 58th birthday.

    “We pray that the Almighty God will continue to uphold, keep and strengthen you to the benefit of humanity.

    Happy Birthday!

    Hon. David Okelue Ugwunta, Ph.D

    Honorable Commissioner for Budget and Planning.”

  • Igwesi extols Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on 58th birthday

    Igwesi extols Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on 58th birthday

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    The Registrar of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Ugoeze Oby Igwesi, Ph.D, has congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on the birthday celebration to mark his 58th year on earth.

    Igwesi, in a birthday message in Enugu, recalled that in Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, the Governor’s continued provision of intervention and support was responsible for the multi campuses the institution operated.

    “I wish to congratulate our Father, my brother and my Boss, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, on his 58th birthday. You have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision and exemplary leadership which has continued to make you a personality of importance in the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). You are a fantastic role model for all those seeking to understand how to make an impact with their life.

    “Your leadership has meant so much to this State because you are a man of Peace and through your thoughtful leadership, great vision and sincerity, you have had a positive impact on every aspect of our State which has made us really know that Enugu State is in the Hands of God. In the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, you have continued to provide the institution with the wherewithal and support in the already set up multi campuses of the Polytechnic in the state, thereby increasing the chances of academic pursuit for the people of Enugu state in the rural and urban areas.

    “The entire management, staff and students of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, felicitate with you and wish you greater years ahead” the Registrar, Oby Igwesi said.

  • Orba Patriotic Movement calls on Nigeria to engage Ugwuanyi, at 58th birthday

    Orba Patriotic Movement calls on Nigeria to engage Ugwuanyi, at 58th birthday

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    A political group in Enugu, Orba Patriotic Movement, has called on Nigerians to see and engage the selfless leadership of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, whom they described as their son, brother and father, who has brought peace and good governance to Enugu State.

    The group made the call in Enugu, on behalf of the Orba Udu Ancient Kingdom, on the occasion of the celebration of the 58th birthday of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

    In a statement sighted by our correspondent and signed by the President/National Coordinator, Orba Patriotic Movement (OPM), Ichie Engr. Onyema Odo, the group noted that “youths are empowered and infrastructures are springing up everywhere”.

    “Your Excellency, Orba Udu community is proud of you, Udenu local government appreciates you and Ndi Enugu State celebrates you for putting smiles on our faces.

    “Our prayer is that God will keep you alive and strong and Nigerians will see you and engage your selfless services for a better tomorrow.”

  • Photos: Ekweremadu, Ofor, Nnaji, Igwesi, others, grace burial of Nkanu West LG Chairman’s mother

    Photos: Ekweremadu, Ofor, Nnaji, Igwesi, others, grace burial of Nkanu West LG Chairman’s mother

    His Excellency, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, PhD, CFR (Ikeoha Ndigbo) was among dignitaries who were at Umuatugbuoma, Akegbe-Ugwu, Nkanu West, during the weekend to commiserate with the Council Chairman, Nkanu West LGA, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani (Ikeoha), over the passing on of his dear mother, the late Ezinne Susan Uzo-Nwanshi Nnamani (Nee Nsude). Ekweremadu described her death as a collective loss to the entire Enugu State and prayed for the peaceful repose of Mama’s souls.

    Ekweremadu and Nnamani

    Also present were Captain Evarest Nnaji (Odengene), CEO, Odengene Air Shuttle, Rt. Hon. Nnoli Nnaji (Ozoigbondu), Member Representing Nkanu East & West Federal Constituency,

    Nnaji & Nnamani exchanging pleasantries
    Rt. Hon. Nnoli Nnaji

    Rt. Hon. Chief U.S.A Igwesi (Ikemba) former Member Representing Nkanu East & West Federal Constituency and Rt. Hon. Prince Ofor Chukwuegbo, Member Representing Enugu North & South Federal Constituency.

    Ofor Chukwuegbo & Nnamani
    Amb. Goddy Agbo & Chief Nnamani

    Others were Amb. Goddy Agbo, Dr. Ben Nwoye, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, Hon. Henry Okenwa,

    Ohaa & Barr. Emeka Okeke
    Nnamani & Ike Obi
    Chief Friday Chukwu
    Dr. Ben Nwoye

    Hon. John Ogbodo (Ọ ji efi eme ogo), Chief Friday Chukwu (Akpazieaku), Dr. Ike Obi, Enugu State Honorable Commissioner for Health, Hon. Solomon Onah, Enugu State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Uwabunkeonye Nnamoko, Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Hon. Onyeka Onwe, Traditional rulers, the Clergy, numerous top local & state government functionaries, among others.

  • 10 Years of Marriage: The Stunning Journey of Rt. Hon. Kizito Awalu’s Beautiful Marriage

    10 Years of Marriage: The Stunning Journey of Rt. Hon. Kizito Awalu’s Beautiful Marriage

    By Prince Ejeh Josh, Esq

    In the undying words of Burton Howards, President of Madrid Spain Temple and an all times General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to elements. You don’t make it look common or ordinary. You appreciate it with every of your breath. If it ever becomes tarnished or blunt, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by.”

    The Couple & Priests on their wedding day

    The above is the golden rule of marriage, and indeed, everything darling to our hearts. Marriage, no matter how long or how classy it has been, is always meant to be nourished. Marriage is like a fragile egg encircled by thorns. The rule of every successful marriage is simple; appreciate what you have and make it look like the best. The mastery of this principle is underscored by our friend and brother, Hon. Kizito’s decade-long marriage anniversary. It’s a whooping 10 years since the nuptials was tied, and the relationship, from all perspectives one could ever imagine, keeps growing, renewing and refreshing itself. You will think the couple just wedded yesterday with the stunning chemistry between them. That’s what God can do. That’s what commitment can do. That’s a message signaled by love and respect for spouses. Inspired by what I’ve seen and the testimonies propping up from different quarters about a marriage that have withstood turbulent storms, I feel compelled to celebrate my brother and friend, Rt. Hon. Kizito, a Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Public Enlightenment.

    The Awalus’ children

    10 years ago, they were at the altar saying; “I do”. From bride and bridegroom to Mr. & Mrs. Kizito Awalu. Didn’t the Holy Bible say that “whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour from the Lord?” Proverb 18:22. This was exactly what happened in November 2011. All roads to Enugu State from different parts of the country. One could remember how the excitement of preparing for that special day. It was a day that a beautiful damsel was to be given out to a man of honour who would later turn out to be more than an in-law, to a part of the larger family. We were all excited! It was awesome!

    With patience and anxiety, the wedding came up at the Christ the King Catholic Church, GRA, Enugu. That day, I heard the priest saying, “if there’s anything or anybody who has any cogent reason why these couple should not be joined together as one, let him come out and spill the beans, lest, what God has joined together, let nobody put asunder”. A 5-minute silence was observed, but nobody and no dissident voice was raised. Immediately after that, a sort of mighty applause erupted from worshippers and wedding guests. I could see Hon. Kizito smiling intermittently, looking away from the teeming crowd. How happy he was!

    The wedding ceremony was over, but the new journey just began. The couple went home as Mr. and Mrs. Kizito Awalu. We were all praying for them. Praying for love, peace and progress. As the Good Book says; those who hope and put their trust in the Lord are like the Mount Zion which can never be shaken because they have built their home on the Lord”. Mr. Kizito’s home was not just built on the Lord, it was dedicated to the Almighty God. When we read the Book of Psalm 23, 27 and 91, we’ll understand the magnitude of the promises of God for His people. Indeed, God has been faithful to the family of Hon. Kizito in all corners and ends.

    Today, to the glory of God, the family of Mr. & Mrs. Kizito has become a large family. It was like a Mustard Seed, growing up gradually until it becomes the largest tree in the world where the birds make their nests and find rest. This family has been blessed with kids; male and female. They are growing in strength and in wisdom. It’s interesting to state that the fruits from this marriage are doing well, and growing in wisdom. Such abundant love and favour from God. The Bible says that children are gifts from God. These gifts from God are all inspiring geniuses to the glory of God.

    Interestingly, Hon. Kizito, even after decade of marriage, remains committed as a Catechist in the Holy Catholic Church, rendering service to God and humanity. He refused to allow family distractions to turn him away from the House of God. In fact, his family is a staunch devote to the Church. Having obtained favour and mercy from God because he found a beautiful, god-fearing wife, God has been blessing him immensely. He’s an emerging successful businessman and an entrepreneur, who usually talk less and believes in action. His taciturnity could be likened to that of King Louis of France. He would listen and listen. At the end, he leaves a simple statement behind. “I will see what I can do”, he would say. Usually, his statement is followed with immediate actions. Action, they say, speaks louder than voice. Hon. Kizito, as we fondly call him, is a celebrated “Omenuko” of our time. It’s a great joy that our path crossed. As a budding political figure, Hon. Kizito, through the support of his lovely wife, has profoundly done great in his capacity as a Public Enlightenment boss. Discharging such duties in the department requires strategic thinking and an all-round support. Thanks to the beautiful, ever-glowing woman for her support.

    Today, the marriage between the two couple is 10 years old and still counting. It is as if the love and bond between them was just starting. Fresh. Lively. Sweet. Envious. Beautiful. It’s just God. It has always been a happy home. A God-fearing home. When a friend called to remind me about the anniversary, I thought it to be a dream. How time flies. It has all been rosy and beautiful.

    It’s my prayer that God will continue to bless your matrimonial home. He will continue His love and mercy upon your family. This is just the beginning of your joy. May the protection of the Almighty God be upon your home. I pray for more progress and expansion of happiness. Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary. Good health of mind and body in Jesus’ name. Amen. Once again, dearest Rt. Hon Kizito, Congratulations.

  • Frontier Discourse Awards has started off credibly- Onu, Iloegbouba, Chilo-Offiah

    Frontier Discourse Awards has started off credibly- Onu, Iloegbouba, Chilo-Offiah

    Frontier Discourse Awards has started off credibly- Onu, Iloegbouba, Chilo-Offiah

    Automobile and Construction mogul and CEO of Ingrace Group, Hon. Chinedu Onu, has described The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine Awards as one that has started off credibly, saying his recognition by the magazine will spur him to do more with his business.

    Hon. Chinedu Onu

    Onu spoke when he received members of the editorial board of the magazine that came to present his letter confirming him as a recipient of the 2020 Business Personality Award. He said “This is a great honour. I have followed The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine since they debuted last year and I can attest that the magazine appears to be filling a huge gap in the media, east of the Niger. I feel delighted, most importantly because you are not influenced in choosing winners. That shows that the awards are truly merited.”

    Paul Basil Iloegbouba, Chairman, Horizontal City Property Developers Ltd. did not also hesitate to commend the magazine for coming up with such a packaged program, which maintained its peculiarity from the nomination and voting stages, up to the point of his emergence. While promising to be present at the award ceremony, he said “I want to assure you that all my friends and family members will join me on that day to receive the 2020 Business Personality Award.”

    Iloegbouba receiving his letter

    Arinze Chilo-Offiah who emerged as a recipient of the 2020 Youth Icon Award also expressed gratitude to the magazine and the teeming youthful population that massively voted him, leading to his emergence.

    Hon. Chilo-Offiah and the editorial board/HOC

    The Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards is slated for Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Bon Hotel Sunshine, Presidential Road, Independence Layout, Enugu.

    Other recipients of awards include;

    LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
    His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo
    Prof. Barth Nnaji

    BUSINESS PERSONALITY AWARD
    Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii

    YOUTH ICON AWARD
    Mr. Debo Adedayo (Debo Macaroni)

    WOMAN OF THE TIME AWARD
    Mrs. Aisha Yesufu
    Prof. Joy Ezeilo

    GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
    His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi (Executive Governor of Enugu State)

    FRONTIER PERSON
    Mr. Oseloka Henry Obaze

    MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENT OF THE YEAR
    #EndSars Protest (Nigerian Youths).

  • The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine awards is an elixir to do more- Barth Nnaji, Joy Ezeilo

    The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine awards is an elixir to do more- Barth Nnaji, Joy Ezeilo

    The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine awards is an elixir to do more- Barth Nnaji, Joy Ezeilo

    Former Minister for Power and Chairman, Geometric Power Limited, Professor Barth O. Nnaji, CON, and renowned Girls/Women Rights Activist & Fmr. UN Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, Prof. Joy N. Ezeilo, OON, have both described their recognition by The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine as an elixir to continue to work for good governance in the country and render selfless service.

    Speaking separately when they received a delegation from The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, who came to present letters announcing them as winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2020 and Woman of the Time 2020 in Enugu, the duo said they were humbled by the honour.

    Nnaji receiving his letter

    Nnaji said he was delighted at his emergence from the voting process that heralded the honor to be bestowed on him as a Lifetime Achiever. He said he was quite surprised when people called him on phone to let him know that he was leading in a voting poll under the Lifetime Achievement Awards category, noting that the surprise was heightened by the fact that he couldn’t receive the letter of nomination sent to his mail by the magazine.

    While glancing through a complimentary copy of the magazine, he appreciated the class the magazine reflected in her publications.

    For Ezeilo, she commended the magazine for continuing to make a stride in time, pointing out that in recent times she had begun turning down awards but was convinced to receive yet another from the magazine because the magazine has continued to set the pace, while maintaining a great poise in Journalism.

    Ezeilo receiving her letter

    “The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine has continued to set an impressive precedence for which all progressive minded persons ought to associate with. I appreciate awards that are not solicited for and this is one of them”, she said.

    The Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards is slated for Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Bon Hotel Sunshine, Presidential Road, Independence Layout, Enugu.

    Other recipients of awards include;

    LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

    His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo

    BUSINESS PERSONALITY AWARD

    Engr. Paul Basil Iloegbouba

    Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii

    Mr. Chinedu Hillary Onu

     

    YOUTH ICON AWARD

    Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah

    Mr. Debo Adedayo (Debo Macaroni)

    WOMAN OF THE TIME AWARD

    Mrs. Aisha Yesufu

     

    GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

    His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi (Executive Governor of Enugu State)

    FRONTIER PERSON

    Mr. Oseloka Henry Obaze

    MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENT OF THE YEAR

    #EndSars Protest (Nigerian Youths).

  • Chief Barrister Uwakwe Azikiwe’s Birthday: The Making of a Modern Legend

    CHIEF BARRISTER UWAKWE AZIKIWE’S BIRTHDAY: THE MAKING OF A MODERN LEGEND

    By Prince Ejeh Josh, Esq.

    In the immortal words of the renowned American novelist, Chuk Palahniuk, “The unreal is more powerful than the real, because nothing is as perfect as you can imagine it, because it is only intangible ideas, concepts, beliefs, fantasies that last. Stone crumbles, wood rots. People, well, they die. But things as fragile as a thought, a dream, a legend, they can go on and on.” In the last couple of years, perhaps the past six years that I’ve come in contact with Hon. Chief Barrister Uwakwe Azikiwe, the son of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, I’ve always been convinced of the legendary status hanging delicately like the umbilical cord around his neck. This can be fathomed through his uncanny display of character of moral fortitude, uprightness and insistence on integrity, due process and transparency at all times.

    Barrister Uwakwe believes in living a simple but impactful life. From all indications, his humble lifestyle does appear the young elitist doesn’t see himself, or rather, could have preferred not to accept the fact that his actions have always given him away as a contemporary legend. We’ve got overflowing testimonies from members of the public on the impact of Uwakwe on their lives. Today, his inspiratory life has given youth credible confidence to aspire greatness and to look up to him.

    Few months ago, I made a post of appreciation. I had marched back from the Nigerian Law School after the strenuous two years of legal training. The journey was supposed to be a year walk. Thanks to Covid-19, it ended two years. Anxiety. Anger. Frustration. Intellectual fatigue occasioned by the Nigerian Law School’s suspense of putting students in the dark, leaving them to conjecture imaginary date of resumption and non-resumption, or voyaging a fruitless journey of deciphering the thought of the legal institution. Our clairvoyance, after all, ended up the opposite direction to the institution’s directive. In February, we were marched back to our campuses. Time-table was adjusted. In less than two months, we went into the labour room. The fear of failure became the beginning of wisdom. Sadly, more than a thousand failed. It was an ugly outing.

    Throughout that period, I was never alone. Some people were reaching out to me. It was, indeed, a sort of courage that I could do better despite the stress. It was a week exams. We checked out. The results were published. It was awful. However, some of us made it with outstanding colourful outing. We headed Abuja in preparation for the call to the bar ceremony. Finally, we “put on our wigs”. We were addressed as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. We escaped from the status of untrained and unlearned to specially trained and learned virtuoso. It was a dream come true. In all this, the journey sailed because I had some people standing high as my pillars: financial, social, spiritual and moral.

    One of the persons I had specially recognized during my thanksgiving is Chief Barrister Uwakwe Azikiwe, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Special Duties, renowned administrator and successful entrepreneur. After the post I made, I received some messages on my personal email with people expressing excitement that our path crossed. Many said they had longed for an opportunity to meet him, and perhaps, have some progressive interactions. For them, that window will be legendary.

    I had assured those striving to meet him of Barrister Uwakwe’s simplicity, and humane approach to life. Notwithstanding his high standing in life and the Olympian height people ordinarily expected him to operate, the tactical and strategic intellectual lawyer would not allow that to define his relations with members of the public. When he first came to office, all we saw was a tall, colourful, succulent and towering figure. We saw an Aristocratic-Platocrat. He’s the replica of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and since the named had assumed the uncommon status of a mystical being, it became a privilege seeing the fruit of the former nationalist and Nigeria unifier. Soon, Uwakwe showed us his true colours. He caught us unaware and altered our perception. Quite interesting indeed.

    It was the colour of love. The colour of philanthropy. The colour of integrity of character and scholarship, and the colour of simplicity. We saw a man gently doing ordinary tasks in extra- ordinary way, and we could not but love him. Making a legend out of him is simple, and we have no doubt about it. Uwakwe has always shown responsiveness to the cause of humanity. He speaks for the voiceless and defends the defenseless. What more could have been more legendary than that!

    Today, as the philanthropist celebrates yet another year, we’re afforded the opportunity to identify with him and say; thank you for reaching out and for standing gallantry for justice in a society of elitist conspiracy. We say, thank you for standing out and for your continued self sacrifices for the love of humanity.

    What do we wish such a legendary posture? An amazing happy birthday to the great mind. May God’s love perpetually be upon him and upon his family. Happy Birthday, Boss. Congratulations and best wishes.

  • 2021 Democracy Edition’s Personality of the Time- Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo

    2021 Democracy Edition’s Personality of the Time- Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo

    2021 Democracy Edition’s Personality of the Time- Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo

    Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is a miracle to humanity. He betters and saves lives on a daily basis as a doctor, philanthropist, educator, a pillar of motivation, a pillar of positive example, a true definition of what it means to conquer impossibilities, and many more.

    He holds an MB, Bsc degree from the University of Nigeria, a post graduate diploma in Family Medicine from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

    Dr. Odo is a private investor in hospital and allied Health Care Services. He owns and operates MERIDIAN HOSPITAL LIMITED, as her group medical doctor. The 25-year-old Meridian Hospitals is about the best private hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is the International President of Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation which is a non-governmental organization committed to health support campaigns in Nigeria through free medical missions, human capital development and social advocacy. He also is the National President, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN).

    In 1995, Dr. Odo decided to start a privately owned hospital after his attempt to secure a visa to the USA failed the fifth time. The dream to start a hospital did not just seem impossible, anyone then would say, and with apt justification, that it was impossible, especially because he lacked the financial strength to do so, knowing well how cost-demanding such a project is. But where there is a will, there is an assurance of success. In his words, “I set out begging from friends and strangers alike. I saw the good, the bad and the ugly. After begging for six months, I was able to finally pay up the rent. Then, I begged and borrowed materials to partition the rooms in the building.”

    Dr. Odo continued by sheer determination, hard work, God’s grace, a faith in oneself and a total belief that possibilities knows no bounds, till Meridian Hospitals attained the height it has in the society today. He and his team live by an awareness of what their journey is about and what their values are and a total commitment to them. Today, Meridian Hospital has broken bounds and grown beyond the expectations of many, and is presently equipping her newly constructed branch in Nkanu west LG, Enugu state. Dr. Odo decided to bring the wonders of the hospital to his home, after all, for the Igbos, wealth is best when it’s taken home.

    Dr. Odo is marked by how he holds his patients and humanity at the highest level of importance.
    Meridian Hospitals renders timely attention and care to her patients, in most cases, without deposits and writes off bills for those that are incapable of affording them. He treats the deaf and dumb free and even gives out donations and Christmas packages to villages and communities. He is a man with a large heart, who understands what it means to live for one another. With his wealth and achievements, one would think pride will take over him. But no, Dr. Odo is humble to the core, both in relating with his patients and people in general, regardless of class.

    As the International President of Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation, he has touched lives in various communities, as it concerns medicare and general human wellbeing, not to mention scholarships to indigent students. Through him, Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation has awarded scholarships to over 15 students of various tertiary institutions in his home, Obuoffia, Awkunanaw. The students do receive the sum of N100,000 annually until their graduation from their respective institutions. Some who never thought they would survive as students were given a bright hope all because of this miracle in human form, Amb, Dr. Iyke Odo. The scholarship is aside the tuition of hundreds of other students that he pays in his community, and other random persons that come to him for help who never regretted it.

    He also, with some support from Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation, built an ultra-modern library in his community, Obuoffia. The library has one of the best e-library departments there is in any community library around. His community will always be thankful for the rare gift that he is.

    Dr. Ikechukwu Odo holds lots of awards including the Award of World Ambassador for Peace, United Nations POLAC, The African Leadership Excellence Award in Medicine, London 2018, The Nelson Mandela Life Achievers Merit Award and lots more.

    Amb, Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is a commanding force on everything he touches. He does everything with diligence, love, determination and an overall care for humanity. He stays true to his oath as a medic, with dedication and defiance.

    His personality is worth celebrating over and over again. Amb, Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is not just the Personality of the Time, he is one of the personalities of the century, far above par.

     

    Watch out for the Independence edition’s Personality of the Time. 

  • Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa’s Child dedication: Chief Evarest Nnaji (Odengene) in attendance

    Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa’s Child dedication: Chief Evarest Nnaji (Odengene) in attendance

    Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa’s Child dedication: Chief Evarest Nnaji (Odengene) in attendance

    On 29th August, 2021 Sir and Lady Chinyeaka Ohaa dedicated their twins, Princess Kassie Kristine and Prince Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa(Jnr) to God Almighty at Methodist Church Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Reception took place at Papillon Restaurant, Sheraton Hotel, Wuse Zone 4. As always in any event that has the name of Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, Odalije, the cream de la cream of the society are in attendance.

    One of the standouts among the personalities that graced the occasion was Chief Evarest Nnaji (Odengene). Chief Nnaji is a renowned Pilot, Businessman and a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where he studied Political Science.

    For many months now, the media, mainstream and social, have been agog with articles insinuating that Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa (Odalije) and Chief Evarest Nnaji (Odengene) might contest for the governorship of Enugu State in 2023.

    Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, whom after 35 years of meritorious service to his fatherland, bowed out gallantly and in grand style recently, is an astute administrator, self-content, unassuming, humble and friendly, with extra-ordinary sense of philanthropy in community service, attributes that endear him to his people.

    He is a builder of men and women. The most powerful factors in socio-political engineering in any society are clear ideas in the minds of, and actions by, energetic men of good will, geared towards human capital development. You find Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa in this class of men. It has been said by many that he is an iconic philanthropist.

    On his own part, Chief Evarest Nnaji (Odengene) is philanthropist of note. Recently, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the governor of Enugu State flagged off the construction of 5.4 killometre Amagunze Asphalt Road, being funded by Odengene.

    The presence of Chief Evarest Nnaji as a godfather to Sir Chinyeaka’s son on this occasion in far away Abuja shows the nature and extent of the brotherhood shared by these illustrious sons of Nkanuland, not minding a potential conflict of interest in the build up to 2023 governorship contest. The other day, both were spotted, sitting side by side, in Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogbete, exchanging banters during the flag of the 2021Catholic Bishops Conference in Enugu.

    It is the prayer of the good people of Nkanuland that the better candidate of this two illustrious sons of theirs becomes the governor of Enugu State in 2023.

    NKANU EBUKA

    FROM NWENE (ADA OKUNANO)