IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

....Marks 50th Anniversary in grand Style in Owerri 

It was celebrations all through Thursday 12th and Friday 13th October, 2023, the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria held the forty seven (47) annual conference and equally mark their fifty years (50) anniversary in grand style in the city of Owerri, the Imo State Capital. 

Speaking to the excited audience and members of the association at Grand Amari Hotels and Resorts, Graceland Estate Egbeada, Owerri, Imo State, the Local Organizing chairman, Prof. Chinyere Ukaga expressed her heartfelt joy and happiness with the turn up of the members of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, describing this year's event as the best in the annals of history of the association. 

Prof. Ukaga said that the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria is celebrating fifty years of dream come true, fifty years of good mentorship, fifty years of great leadership and fifty years of growth, pointing out that the society has witnessed a very big growth compared to when High Chief Prof. Acholonu, Prof Iwuala and other founding fathers of the society held sway.

She commended the four hundred and twenty eight (428) early bird, saying that the commitment and dedication of the members of the society can be overemphasized and called for continuous cooperation of members towards the growth of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria. 

Speaking further, the President of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Prof. Sammy O, Sam-Wobo said that it was a great privilege to be the President of the association, while commending the founding fathers of the association for being present to witness the fifty years anniversary. 

He maintained that the association has made remarkable progress in all fronts, pointing out that since he took over the mantle of leadership of the association, the grey areas in the constitution that is not in tandem with the modern realities been amended to make way for the new ones.

Prof. Sammy O said that the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria is committed to doing its best to ensuring that the association moves forward. 

The President of the association used the opportunity to thank the seventy (70) distinguished persons and organizations who supported the association financially to make the fifty years anniversary a memorable one.

He applauded the chairman of the opening ceremony, Prof. A.D.W. Acholonu, Chief Dr. Chidiebere Okoroafor, (MD Eberelink oil and gas), the three VCs of the three Universities in Imo State, namely; IMSU, KOMU and University of Agriculture and Environmental sciences Umuagwu for co-hosting the event, Prof. C. Eze, Prof. Iyke Dozie and Prof. Uchefu Chukwumaeze and a host of others.

Earlier on, the chairman of the opening ceremony, Prof. A.D.W Acholonu expressed his joy for being present to witness the fifty years anniversary of association, saying that it was because his high regard and respect for the association that made him to fly from America to witness the event live.

He praised the current leadership of the association for living up to it's billings and expectations, pointing out that the association is moving in the right direction. 

Also, the representative of the Honorable Minister for Health, Dr. Fatai Oyediran, Director of NTD, Federal Ministry of health appreciated the contributions of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria towards the  control and elimination of diseases. 

He added that the Federal government under President Tinubu is committed to ensuring the total control and elimination of the diseases and called for continuous partnership between the federal government and the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria. 

The colloquium at fifty years had Prof. Uche V. Amazigo, discussant, Prof. Prof. Luke Edungbola, discussant and Prof. Eka Braide Moderator with the topic: Global Control, Elimination and Eradication of Public Health Diseases- A Reflection and the trio of Prof. Uche, Edungbola and Prof. Eka thrilled the audience to the admiration of all and sundry. 

Dr. Francesca Olamiju who is one of the keynote speakers highlighted the role and collaboration all concerned in the fight against diseases.

She described role as a comprehensive pattern of behavior that is socially recognized, providing means of identity and placing an individual in a society. 

The high point of the two day celebrations is the recognition of some persons with fellowship awards. 

A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT  THE END OF THE 6TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE IMO STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (IMSUAA)  HELD AT GOLDEN TULIP HOTELS, YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE FROM THE 10TH - 14TH AUGUST 2023.

PREAMBLE

The Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA) held its 6th Annual convention tagged GloryLand 2023, at Golden Tulip Hotels, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Annual Convention and General Meeting was attended by over 200 Alumni members (including the IMSUAA President Barr Okey Ozumba and other officers) from across the 9 registered Chapters in IMSUAA . The Annual General meeting of the Association was presided by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Barr. Chinwe Mbakwem.

THE THEME:

The theme of the 2023 Convention/AGM is  "THE INSTITUTIONAL ROLE OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS IN OUR SOCIO-CULTURAL EDUCATIONALISM: A TOOL FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. This theme guided the discussion during the courtesy call on the Chairman of Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers,  King Bubaraye Dakolo JP, as well as formed the bases for the convention lecture ably delivered by the Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Federal University, Otueke, Prof. Akachi Cornelius Odoemena, (an Alumnus of  Imo State University, Owerri).

RESOLUTIONS 

At the end if the AGM, which was attended by all chapters of the association, the following resolutions were reached:

THAT THE ALUMNI IMSU ALUMNI DENOUNCES SPLINTER GROUP, IMSU ALUMNI GLOBAL; ACCUSES THEM OF EXTORTING STUDENTS

1. Commends and appreciates the Local Organising Committee (LOC (, National Convention Planning Committee (NCPC) for a job well done as well as the Bayelsa State (Gunshot) Chapter for hosting the convention.

2. Appreciates the Bayelsa State Government for the peace & progress recorded in the State and for appointing our member, Hon. Tonyon Ebitei as Commissioner for Power. 

3. Strongly condemns in totality, the criminal activity going on in our Alma mater, the Imo State University, Owerri, whereby some members of the University management in active connivance with a band of renegades (who are no longer members of IMSUAA), criminally exploiting and extorting N5,000 from every graduating student of the institution, under the guise of "Alumni levy"  in the name IMSUAA and sharing the money amongst themselves without the knowledge of the Imo State University Pro-Chancellor, the Visitor to the University and the unsuspecting public.

4. The Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, (in his capacity as Visitor to the University & Grand Patron of IMSUAA) and the Pro-Chancellor of the Imo State University Owerri are enjoined to immediately institute a forensic audit of the Alumni levy collection and disbursement from its inception till date and put a stop to the apparent criminality going in that space, to serve as a deterrent to other impostors as well as restore the dignity of the University and the integrity of IMSUAA.

5. Disassociates herself and members of the IMSU ALUMNI  from the so-called CONVENTION being planned by the "GLOBAL IMSU GRADUATES" in an attempt to pass off as the Imo State University Alumni to unsuspecting members of the public. The promoters of the said convention are expelled  members of IMSUAA  who were pilloried for financial malfeasance and for illegally collecting and sharing Alumni levy from graduating students in the name of  IMSUAA without the authorisation of  IMSUAA BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

6. Mandates NEC  to use all lawful means to stop the criminal enterprise ongoing in the University with reference to the collection and disbursement of the "Alumni Dues".

7. Encourages the Imo State Government and her officials and  Management of the Imo State University and the general public to stay away from such illegal activity/Convention as the IMSUAA Board of Trustees has not authorised the holding of any such convention in the name of IMSU Alumni having obtained a subsisting Court Order (Suit No. HOW/931/2021 The Incorporated Trustees Of Imo State University Alumni & 2 ORS V. Prince Ferdinand Akano & Dr Anayo Uhiara) restraining Ferdinand Akano, Dr Anayo Uhiara, their agents and privies or anyone acting on their behalf from holding any convention in the name of IMSU Alumni. 

8. Mandates NEC to reopen a channel of communication with the University Management to strengthen the partnership between the Alumni and the University with a view to facilitating the growth of the institution. 

9. Implores all members of IMSUAA to take ownership of the association through proactive participation and financial contributions to the IMSU Alumni and our Alma Mater.

10. Awarded Abia State Chapter of IMSUAA the hosting right for the 2024 Convention/AGM. 

Barr. Chinwe Mbakwem 

BOT CHAIRMAN 

Ik Ogbonna, fcai, anipr 

 SECRETARY-GENERAL

The Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has unveiled the Imo State Law Reports of 2004 to 2022.

In his address, Governor Uzodimma reassured the Judiciary that the 3R mantra of the Shared Prosperity Government will continue to reconstruct, rehabilitate and recover the dignity of the Justice sector in the State. 

Speaking earlier, Justice Teresa Chikeka commended the Governor for being supportive of the judiciary and making the unveiling of the state's 20-year Law reports a possibility. She also recommended law reports for lawyers and aspiring judges. 

In her remark, Hon Justice Mary Peter-Odili who was the guest of honor described the event as Governor Uzodimma's legacy. 

According to her, "This great man has silently put in place historic infrastructures and has done that which has been left unattended in more than 20 years”.

"Mr. Governor, God will bless you. God have blessed you my Governor and will continue to bless you.

"By embarking on this law report, showing the hard work of the judges of Imo State and the work of lawyers in Imo State, it will encourage them to work extra hard knowing that their labour will not be forgotten”.

Others present at the unveiling were the Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, Attorney General, COC Akaolisa, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Mike Ahamba SAN, Deputy Speaker Imo House of Assembly, Rt Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu and a host of Government appointees, lawyers, judges, and traditional leaders which was held at Imo Concord Hotels, Owerri.

By Alexandra L. Ihugba

One of the leading NGOs in human capital development known as Ohams Global Initiative has once again offered a provisional scholarship to another twenty two vulnerable Imo youths who just gained admission or about to quit the citadels of learning as a result of financial constraints.

Unveiling this gladdening news, the Director General of OGI, Comrade Chiemezie G. Ozurumba (ARIRI-ERIMBA)  congratulated the beneficiaries as he charged them to make judicious use of this golden opportunity provided by this humanitarian Colossus, High-Chief Chuba Ohams (ONWA-OYOKO). He prayed God to continue to bless and take good care of him as he provides socour for the downtrodden.

About the NGO, Comr. Ozurumba enumerated some giant strides achieved by the Initiative in barely two years of her inception which did not exclude; giving scholarship to over seventy (70) Imo youths in different tertiary institutions of their choices, giving skill acquisition/financial empowerment to over fifty vulnerable youths, hospital visitations, Operation Feed the Streets, community visitation & social enlightenment, to mention but few.

The Chairman of the scholarship program and the Director For Skill Acquisition Mr. Bede Mbah & Comr. Obinwa Augusta in their respective speeches, called on all well meaning Nigerians to emulate the humanitarian lifestyle of High-Chief Chuba Ohams  instead of engaging our dearly beloved youths in political thuggery and other frivolous programs that will only benefit their political class or immediate families.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, UAES, Umuagwo, Imo State, Prof. Chiedozie C. Eze has taken his quest to make UAES a well sought-after University, east of the Niger to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory by visiting the Joint Admissions & Matriculation Board, (JAMB), the National Universities Commission, (NUC) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETfund).

The VC at the various agenciess, emphasised that as a young institution, UAES needs all the support it can get. He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma for being enthusiastic about the school and his continued assistance. However, the institution still needs more support from other national and international  institutions and agencies, hence the visit. He called for partnerships to leapfrog the development of UAES assuring that all assistance received would be effectively utilized.

At TETfund, the UAES team thanked the agency for approving the construction of a 500 seater capacity lecture hall. Also the approval last week granted for library development to UAES as well as Intritutional based research grants to UAES last year. 

Key departmetal heads of the agency all pledged to assist the UAES within the limits of their offices. They all expresed delight at the responsive, appreciative and friendly disposition of the Vice Chancellor.

At the brief parley in JAMB, a Desk Officer at the agency for UAES would be unveiled soon for ease of communication..

The Ag. VC and his team had a long meeting with the Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed

and his management team who all pledged to assist the VC realize his intentions for the University. Prof Rasheed, a former VC of BUK and age-long friend of Prof. Eze offered strategies on how to increase students population, raise funds and move the institution forward. He specifically promised to work with sister agencices to ensure UAES Umuagwo receives the desired support and assistance. 

Prof Eze was accompanied by the Registrar, Prince Edward Njemanze, PRO, Ikechukwu Ogbonna and Ag. Director of Physical Planning, Osuagwu Chike.

…. Rewards Teams, 5 Best Players

By Wilson Amaefule, Imo State

Yesterday evening, Hon. Kingsley Onyegbula aka KINGSEOUL had the pleasure of hosting a Novelty match between Young Stars of Umudioka-Ukwu and Young Stars of Orlu Football clubs.

As a lover of youths, Kingseoul was at the Football field of Progress Primary School Umudioka to watch the game live. As a progressive, he saw talent display by the young lads.

Moved by the tactical display, He promised to sponsor Five (5) best players from both teams through KINGSEOUL FOUNDATION for onward Football trade in Spain, Europe after 3 weeks of tutelage in Kaduna by football ace Tijani Babangida. 

Yes, it will be an All Expense paid trip from Orlu to Kaduna on Wednesday 8th February 2023 and from Kaduna to Spain after the 3 weeks training.

The names of the Best players are:

1. Console Nworisa from Emuama Orlu Gedegwum

2. Nzerem Uchenna from Abor village in Orlu Gedegwum

3. Odoemena Chidiebere from Umudioka Ukwu

4 Igwe Miracle from Umudaduru Umuowa, and

5. Justus Ikenna from Amaifeke, Orlu.

Young Stars Club Orlu went home with a star price of =N=150,000 while Young Stars Football Club of Umudioka-Ukwu went home with =N=100,000.

This is one of the very many good deeds the PDP Candidate of Orlu/Orsu/Oru-East Federal Constituency is doing.

Vote PDP,

Vote the Umbrella Party,

Vote Hon. Kingsley Onyegbula, KINGSEOUL.

Today the 2nd of February, 2023, the Acting Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, UAES, Umuagwo, Prof.  Christopher C. Eze received in audience  members of Okigwe Media Practitioners Association  led by Evang. Kelechi Uzoma of Sunshine Express  Newspaper. Evang. Uzoma said that the group had come to celebrate with the Ag. Vice Chancellor on his merited appointment by the Governor His Excellency Sen. Hope Uzodinma. He also thanked the Governor for choosing one of their own whom he described as spotless and eminently qualified for the great honor.  He said  the association is ready  to partner with the Ag Vice Chancellor to assist him achieve his goals for the University.  He went further to state that one of the purposes of the group was to help give a voice to Okigwe sons and daughters doing well in their various endeavors. 

The Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. C.C. Eze in his reaction expressed his joy at their visit . He assured then that the zeal and motivation to work is high not withstanding the challenges of running a new institution. Furthermore,  he encouraged the media practitioners to thank the governor for finding him worthy and also make sure they put out true reports which he believes are positive about the performance of the Governor. He thanked the group for coming and assured that that the school would be open to any form of partnership for mutual benefit. 

The University Librarian gave a heartfelt vote of thanks , encouraging the media practitioners to be professional , to report the truth and to always reach out to find the correct information before putting out any report about the University.

Other principal officers in attendance include the Registrar, Prince Edward Njemanze, University Librarian, Prof. Chidi Nwosu, University PRO, Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbonna.

Chimboy Ozumba

For The University PRO/Information Unit

By Chibuzor Iwuoha, Owerri

Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA) will be inaugurating its 7th Executive to pilot the affairs of the organization.

In a release signed by the Chairman, Media/Publicity Sub-Committee, Ikenna Onuoha and made available to newsmen in Owerri, the occasion will take place on Tuesday, December 27th 2022 at Krystal Penthouse Hotel, behind Concorde Hotel, Owerri by 2pm.

The release maintains that the new Executive to be inaugurated will be led by Chief Barr Okey Ozumba, for a second term who currently is the President of the outgoing Executive.

The statement also reveals that a known critical writer and Sociologist, IK Ogbonna will be heading the National Secretariat for a second time.

According to the statement, activities have been lined up to herald the inauguration including lecture series.

The statement therefore invites members of Board of Trustees, all Imo Stars, friends, well-wishers and former NEC members to be in attendance.

Meanwhile, all preparations have been concluded ahead of the inauguration, hence an ongoing effective media presence.

Barrister Okey Ozumba has been reelected the President of the Imo State University Alumni Association for a second term in office after displaying laudable leadership credentials.

Ozumba, a onetime Rivers State Chapter Chairman of the Alumni is a legal luminary and a great son from Ozumba dynasty in Orsu LGA of Imo State.

He was elected unopposed by delegates across state chapters of the noble body weekend in Portharcourt, the Rivers State Capital.

He emerged alongside with Chyka Ukaga (Deputy President), IK Ogbonna (Secretary), Fyneface Dorcas Erio (Assistant Secretary), Nze Chibueze Anukanti (Treasurer) and Ikenna ONUOHA as National Publicity Secretary.

Others are, Ohaekwusi Innocent (Financial Secretary), Gerald Ikwuneme (Assistant Financial Secretary), Nze Chimaraoke Nwosu (Organizing Secretary), Mathew Ogu (Assistant Organizing Secretary), Ibe Obinna Ogechi Assumpta (Welfare Secretary), Okpotolomo Ebitari Eric (Provost), and  Ekpendi Mike Rufus will serve as Deputy Provost respectively

Their emergence were announced by the Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr. Victor Iwuala amidst jubilation.

Ozumba is trustworthy, dedicated, passionate and committed to the visions and programmes of the Alumni. He will definitely drive the laudable visions he has for the Association forward beyond measures.

In his embarks, Ozumba promised to ensure that the Association lives up to its responsibilities as a development partner to the university, while advancing the welfare of all its members.

While thanking the Rivers State Chapter for providing conducive environment for the election, also lauded members of the Alumni in general for given him another opportunity to serve.

By Kelechi Uzomah, 08064075316

The appointment of Dr. Stella Ngozi Lemchi as the Provost of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education has shown that the citadel of learning is moving to the right direction because the new Provost has proven beyond every reasonable doubt to be a woman of impeccable character and result oriented.

The very woman of the moment has shown through actions and inactions that she is truly the best person to head the affairs of students in the institution. 

For the less than few months she has been at the saddle, the approach has been that of pragmatism and dynamism towards ensuring the welfare of the students.

This is no doubt why they said that a golden fish has no hiding place. Dr. Stella Ngozi Lemchi has demonstrated her willingness and eagerness to change the narrative in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education thereby creating a conducive environment for learning.

She has shown capacity and the students are full of gratitude for her appointment because they believes in her ability to turn things around and improve on the already laid down foundation of the school.

Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Ngozi Lemchi holds PhD in Home Economics Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, M.Ed Home Economics (UNN), and B. Sc Home Science and Nutrition from UNN. She attended the Federal Government College, Okigwe between 1981 – 1986 where she studied on a Federal Government scholarship.

It will interest you to know that Dr.(Mrs.) Stella Lemchi was the Deputy Provost of the College prior to her appointment. Before that, she had served as the Head of the Department of Home Economics from 2011 to 2015 and the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship from 2015-2019. As a Home Economist, her main areas of interest include entrepreneurship, promotion of skill acquisition and curriculum development. Over the years, she has served on many College Committees most recently as Chairman of the 27th Convocation committee. Others include College Research Committee, Quality Assurance Committee and Academic Board Business Committee. She is a member of the Alvan Volunteer Corps.  She has served as resource person severally to such bodies as United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and Gender and child Rights Organisation (GCRI) (a non-governmental organisation).  Lemchi is a member of several professional organisations including Home Economics Research Association of Nigeria (HERAN), Curriculum Organisation of Nigeria (CON), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) and International Research and Development Institute (IRDI).

Dr Stella Lemchi is an accomplished academic with over 70 publications, in both national and international journals.

She is currently the Vice-Presdent for Africa region, International Federation of Home Economics (IFHE)

Dr. (Mrs) Stella N. Lemchi hails from Ehime Mbano LGA, Imo State. She is married to Professor Jones Lemchi and they are blessed with wonderful and amazing children.

A product of University of Nigeria Nsukka, Dr. Lemchi sterling leadership qualities has endeared her to many in the college who now see her as not just a role model but a case study both in the field of Economic and administration.

It is an obvious fact that the story of Dr. Mrs. Stella Ngozi Lemchi has persistently remained a reference point among students of University of Nigeria Nsukka where the then young Lemchi was schooled before she was employed by the Alvan Ikeokwu college and she has continued to enjoy the support of fellow teachers and students alike.

The Ehime Mbano born academia and humanitarian has shown that she is the ideal person to head the college given the obvious fact that she is a woman endowed with wisdom and knowledge to restore normalcy back to the institution and she knows too well that the students and non academic staffare not to be handled with iron hand hence her friendly approach to student's issues has paid off greatly and instantly within the few months in office as the Provost.

She is humble, honest, sincere and would always pursue agenda and programmes that is of good interest to the students and staff, even before her elevation as the Provost.

This accounts for the close and cordial relationship she enjoys with the students, unlike his predecessors who made themselves inaccessible for the students. Dr. Mrs. Stella Ngozi Lemchi no doubt, is a team player who believes so much in team work and this is evident in the manner she has worked with other deans and heads of departments to promote the ideals of the college. 

The college is now singing a new song because the woman who understands the body language of the students, deans and head of departments is handling the affairs right now.

The former Deputy Provost of the college will soon make history as she has returned the glory days of the college back within this few one or two months of her stay as the Provost.

The woman who started her journey in the academic world as a home Economics teacher believes that graduating and mobilizing students immediately they are ready and due for service will create a good image of the college and restore lost public confidence. 

She will completely bring out the best in the students and with the same approach she used to do wonders as the former Dean and Deputy Provost respectively.

 This is why I took the bold step to commend the college for appointing her as the Provost of the college and within the short period of her appointment, the students has discovered that the right woman is incharge.

It is based on this available evidence that I sincerely applaud the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu for appointing Dr. Stella Ngozi Lemchi as the new Provost of Alvan Ikoku Federal college of Education. 

Kelechi Uzomah is a practising journalist and a public affairs analyst based in Imo State.

- As Media Aide To PDP Nat’l Scribe, Onuoha Elected PRO

Imo state University Alumni Association has elected new leadership to pilot the affairs of the body in Imo state, the mother chapter.

The new executive include, Dr Majesty Duru (Chairman), Arc Chukwunonso Nnaji (VP), Mrs. Amarachukwu Nwachukwu (Secretary General), Nwamkpa Chikaodi (Assistant Secretary), and Mrs Asogwa Becky as Treasurer.

Others include, Kelechi Amadi (Financial Secretary), Ikegwuonu Godwin (Assistant Financial Secretary), Ikenna Onuoha (PRO), Barr Chima Onumajuru (Legal) and Wilson Amaefule as Director of Socials.

Inaugurating the new Exco, a former Alumni President, Mr Vitus Ukwuoma charged them to be proactive in the discharge of their duties, appealing to them to work in synergy with each other to realize the objectives.

Mr. Ukwuoma expressed optimism that the leadership would keep no stone unturned in ensuring that the vision of the Alumni was achieved, warning against act capable of dragging the Association’s image to the mud.

In her remarks, the outgone Chairperson, Mrs. Nkeiru Iwuorisha advised the new Executive to be respectful, dedicated and committed in the things that concern the Alumni, saying that the association would not tolerate any insubordination.

Mrs. Iwuorisha said that in trying to bring the association together, her leadership succeeded in boosting the membership and ensured that everyone were on one page.

In his speech, the Electoral Committee Chairman,Mr Uche Omeihe said that his team conducted the freest and fairest election in the history of the association, adding that the new leadership emerged after a keenly contested election.

Speaking on behalf of the executive, the new Chairman, Dr Majesty Duru thanked members of the Alumni for given them the opportunity to serve, promising to galvanize the association aimed at taking it to an enviable height.

According to him, “we shall work together and will never relent until results are achieved. The team under me shall not be found wanting in everything. If we must be talked about, it shall only be for good and nothing less than that” he said.

By Chidiebube Okeoma, Owerri

Lecturers at the Imo State University, Owerri on Tuesday said that they had not pulled out of the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The chairman of ASUU in IMSU, Odinakachukwu Ejiogu, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Owerri, said that they were still part of the ASUU’s nationwide strike.

Ejiogu, who was reacting to the announcement made by the Public Relations Officer of the varsity, Ralph Obinjoku, calling on lecturers and students to resume academic activities immediately, said that IMSU ASUU chapter was only answerable to the national body.

He said that the university’s lecturers would continue to be on strike until the national body of the union said otherwise.

Ejiogu said, “We have not pulled out of the ASUU strike. We are not back to the classroom either. We will continue to be on strike until the national body of ASUU says otherwise. It is not within the capacity of the University Public Relations Officer or the Vice Chancellor to call-off the strike.”

The House of Representatives is scheduled to meet with the Academic Staff Union of the University and other stakeholders in a bid to end the lingering strike embarked upon by the varsity lecturers. Mr Yahaya Danzaria, the Clerk of the House of Representatives disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

The meeting, Danzaria said, would take place on Tuesday at the National Assembly, the House of Representatives wing. “The House of Representatives is deeply concerned about the renewed strike which seems to have defied all efforts made to find a solution or reach an agreement between the Federal Government and the striking University lecturers,” the statement read.

“The House is more worried about the negative consequences of the strike on the future and quality of education of our teeming youths who have been kept at home for the past six months despite the intervention of the House and several well-meaning Nigerians overtime to see that the matter was resolved.” According to him, the planned meeting with ASUU and other critical stakeholders is geared toward finding a lasting solution to the lingering strike embarked upon by ASUU.

Noting that the House was more worried about the negative consequences of the strike on the future and quality of education of the teeming youths, the clerk lamented that the youth had been kept at home for the past seven months despite the intervention of the House and several well-meaning Nigerians over time to see that the matter was resolved.

ASUU had on February 14 declared a nationwide strike pressing home their demands for revitalisation funds for universities, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, release of earned allowances for university lecturers, and deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution.

Some flights were affected on Monday when members of the National Association of Nigerian Students blocked a section of the access road to the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos.

It was gathered that the protesting students carried placards having various inscriptions as they used vehicles to block inbound and outbound traffic from the Ajao to Hajj Camp area of the airport road.

The aggrieved varsity students protesting the seven-month industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities blocked the road around 8 am till press time at 4 pm, a situation that caused gridlock along the axis as the vehicular movement in and out of the airport was stalled.

BY CHUKWUEBUKA ABAZU, OWERRI.

My Experience at NIPPS, Kuru Plateau State.

I was at National Institute of Policy and Strategic  Studies Kuru, Plateau state for a short programme.

I stayed in this hostel for weeks, I need all of us to watch this video. 👇👇👇

The biggest problem with our institutions is that we are too selective about doing the right thing, we choose where to give the best attention, I asked a question in this video I made some months ago, if the entire Hostels in Nigeria are like this, what will happen?

Study environments matters alot.

While at NIPPS, I discovered that the power we complain about is not there problem because they had uninterrupted power supply.

That environment is what Nigeria should be if we are serious in fixing this country. 

VIDEO: EBUKA ABAZU 

Featuring Darlington Chidera Ibekwe

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of one of its colleges, the Federal Government College, Kwali located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Mr Ben Goong, who is the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, announced this in a statement on Monday in the nation’s capital.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, gave the directive in the early hours of July 25 in a bid to prevent any attack on the school. He said the closure became necessary following the security breach on Sheda and Lambata villages in the suburbs of Kwali Area Council.

While Adamu said the timely intervention of security operatives saved the situation, he directed the authorities of the school to make arrangements for final year students to conclude their National Examination Council (NECO) examinations.

The minister also directed principals of unity colleges across the country to communicate with security agencies within their jurisdictions in a bid to forestall any security breach in the government schools.

There was a mild drama at the Supreme Court premises in Abuja on Thursday when a human rights activist Malcolm Omirhobo appeared in his lawyer robe complemented with other traditional apparel.  

The human rights lawyer, who said he is a traditionalist, argued that his decision was based on the Supreme Court judgement that ruled in favour of Muslim students wearing their hijab in Lagos schools. “I am a traditionalist. I have been missing all along until the Supreme Court gave the judgment on Friday that people can now appear in their religious attires of worship in their school and public school for that matter.

“So, in the circumstance, I just interpreted everything and said they have done the right thing by guaranteeing more of our rights under Section 38 of the Constitution that gives Nigerians the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion from that decision that female students can wear hijab because it is the mode of their worship and any attempt to stop them from wearing it amounts to a violation of their fundamental right. I said, ‘It is good!’ “So, I said I need to also be appearing in my religious attire of worship because it is good for man to be with God all the time. This is my mode henceforth.”

Omirhobo said he will encourage others to wear their religious attires to work, expressing gratitude to the Supreme Court for the ruling. “My children will go to school like this. I will encourage my relations, my friends; those in the army; those in the police; those in the Navy; doctors; lawyers; they will dress in their mode of worship,” the Delta-born added. “I am very grateful to the Supreme Court. I am very happy about this.”

Adamazi Foundation, a registered non governmental and not for profit organisation embarked on a School Outreach on 15th June, 2022

The organisation which is notable for their commitment towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals especially Goal 2( Zero hunger), Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 13 (Climate Action) visited Ofekata Community Primary School, Orodo to support them with educational materials. 

All the pupils were given exercise books and writing materials while pupils who won the quiz competition got School bags and Sandals.

We also rewarded the Headmaster, Mr Iwu and their favourite teacher, Aunty Juliet to encourage them because a Happy teacher creates a happy classroom. 

The team spoke passionately to the pupils, our future leaders whilst urging them to take their education seriously as education is the passport to the future and the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. 

We concluded by praying for them as Adamazi Foundation stands for God and Humanity. 

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#ForGodandForHumanity