2015 The Coast Is Clear

Honours Sachi
Table Water
www.newsgrainmagazine.com
Ihediohas Guber
Quest: 2015
4,
7th November 2014
PRESIDENT
Goodluck
Ebele
Jonathan
2015:
The Coast
Is Clear
ISSN: 2
251- 0397
The publisher,
Newsgrain Magazine,
Owerri, Imo State.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
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FROM THIS STABLE
N this edition we present an array of thought

provoking doses of Literary works from the alert
minds of talented writers.
The cover story centers on the 2015 election and
president Goodluck Jonathan's chances of Emerging
victorious. For president Jonathan it would be a more
difficult task if APC fields a Christian presidential
candidate from the Northern minorities with a Southern
Muslim vice president or a Suthern Muslim presidential
candidate with a Northern Christian as running mate.
The declaration to contest the election by Buhari, Atiku,
Kwankwaso and possibly Tambuwal makes the above
permutation almost impossible thereby making it

more easy for Jonathan to dream of coasting to victory
as the southern Christians and the Northern Christians
who are embittered by the Boko Haram insurgency are
not likely to vote for a Hausa Fulani candidate who
many suspect as sponsors of the insurgency that has
claimed many lives and properties.
In the Guber race, the challenge of Emeka Ihedioha in
the Governorship race of Imo state receives equal
attention. The Award night of the old student
Association Community Secondary School AwoIdemili as well as the Standard Organization of Nigeria
Contents
4
NNEATO OBIBI OCHASI AUTONOMOUS

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES NEW YAM FESTIVAL
COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL, AWOIDEMILI

OLD STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION BESTOWS AWARDS ON
WELL-MEANING NIGERIANS.
10
HONOURS SACHI TABLE WATER
16
RETIRED POLICE OFFICER PAYS ATHANK

YOU VISIT TO HIS COLLEAGUES IN OWERRI
21
24
REV. SR. FESTA NONYELUM OKONKWO

CELEBRATES SILVER JUBILEE (1989 2014)
29
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN

2015: THE COAST IS CLEAR
36
39
46
COVER STORY
WELL ALL ACT ON RECOMMENDATIONS

OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE-JONATHAN
49
HISTORY OF GSM IN NIGERIA
PROF. ONYEBUCHI CHUKWU,

NIGERIA'S MINISTER OF HEALTH
IHEDIOHAS GUBER QUEST: 2015
MASSIVE ALBINO CAT FISH That LANDED IN SPAIN
51
OLIVER CROMWELL
PRESIDENT
52
DR. AKANU IBIAM: THE SOUL OF THE BIAFRAN NATION
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
54
RAPTURE PREPARE NOW
58
NEWSGRAIN SPORTS
60
NEXT SENATOR OKIGWE ZONE
2015: The Coast Is Clear
2 Newsgrain Magazine
Newsgrain Magazine 3
Culture & Tradition
NNEATO OBIBI OCHASI

AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY CELEBRATES NEW YAM FESTIVAL
Fortune Obikwere
T was all joy at one of the New Jerusalem

communities in the former Obibi Ochasi
st
autonomous community, Orlu LGA on August 31 ,
2014 as it celebrates its 2014 New Yam Festival. This
New Jerusalem community in question is Nneato
autonomous community, a land filled with milk and
honey with a vibrant leadership led by HRH, Eze
Samson Mbakwe Okwudinma (Igwe Ohazurume 1 and
Obi of Nnenato, Obibi Ochasi) as he celebrates this
2014 New Yam Cultural Festival. Under a clement
weather, the new yam festival commenced with a Holy
mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church Obibi Ochasi,
where the faithful were enjoined to put God first in all
they do. The celebration later moved to Eze
Ohazurumee's compound for the cutting of the yam.
The king used that opportunity to bless his subjects and
wished them well in all they do.
At Uzoulo primary school field, Igwe Ohazurumee
thanked God for being a God to Nneato people and
asked him to continue to keep them. Hear him: Last
year, we asked God to keep us till this year. He has done
that; we immensely thank Him for that; today, I cut this
yam in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit. Eze Okwudinma enjoined his people to
remain united and work with unity of mind for the sake
of peace, progress and the general development of the
community. He extolled the virtues and giant strides of
the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocaha, whom
he described as God's sent and promised of his

support the governor's rescue mission administration by
ensuring that peace, security and poverty are
eradication in Nneato autonomous community.
In the venue of the occasion, the eleven (11) villages of
the community consisting of Umuede, Elugu Umuede,
Etum Umuede, Ezenwajiaku Umuede, Umumpizi,
Umuchukwu, Okoroezenwa, okoroUmunwaluka,
Okoromeju, Umudim and Dimgu Making were all
represented and had there tables decorated with the New
Yam and other entertaining items. The people were very
happy for the day and thanked God for preserving them
to be part of history.
In his good will message, the state governor ably
represented by the Honorable member representing
Orlu state constituency in the Imo State House of
Assembly, Hon. Chief Mike Ndubuaku said: Our
governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha asked me to greet
Nneato and congratulate them on their new yam; new
yam festival is an Igbo culture, by the grace of God this
celebration has been modernized in a religious way, so
we are happy to come and witness it, we celebrate it in
God. I wish you Nneato people all the best, it shall be
well with you all. He asked Nneato people to give full
support to their traditional ruler, Eze Okwudinma in
order to enable him develop the community.
Speaking to Imo community News correspondent in the
occasion, the youth leader of the community, Comrade
Culture & Tradition

Divine Uchechukwu, thanked God for
being part of the day and Described the
festival as a way of life of the people that
must be sustained by all well meaning
individuals of the community. He also
prayed for unity among his people
pointing out that Nnenato has come of
age with the Eze Okwudinma at the helm
of affairs adding that God will continue
to keep their Eze. Hear him: Our people
should identify with the culture of theirs
because the government of Imo state
tells us not to allow our culture to die; we
should not emulate foreign cultures but
to keep the culture of our forefathers;
Nneato people should regard a day like
this as important and should always
return for its sake. This view was
expressed by Hon. Martin Ewurum
(CLO of the community) and Augustine
Eke Okoroukwu, who described the
event as a way of promoting their
culture.
Also talking to ICNews correspondent,
the traditional ruler of Ezimba Ogberuru
autonomous community, HRH Eze
Mike Igwenma (Ezi 1 Of Ezimba,
Ogberuru) said that the occasion was a
good one especially when God keeps
one alive to celebrate the day. He asked
the people to be behind their Eze and
work with one mind to build a
formidable community. This was echoed
by Chief Kingsley Ajaegbu (Mirioma I
of Nnenato), Mr. Paulinus Osundu (aka
Agabaije of Nneato), Hon. Ben
Dimobika (Okosisi), Ugochukwu
Donatus, Barr. B.M.O. Mbonu and Eze
Mba (Ama II of Amanato Ihiteowerri)
Highlights of the occasion was the
cutting of the yam (Iwa ji) by HRH, Eze
Okwudinma, traditional dances from
different villages of the community,
Ebu-ebu and masquerade displays. In
attendance were all the traditional rulers
in the zone notable among them were the
Obi of Ogberuru, HRH Eze Ugonna
Iriele, Hon. Mike Ndubuaku, who
represented the governor, Owelle
Okorocha, HRH Eze Ugochukwu of
Amike, Eze Mbadiwe Mba (Ama II of
Amanato Ihiteowerri) and HRH Eze
Mike Igwenma (Ezi 1 Of Ezimba
Ogberuru)
Eze Okwudinma eating the New Yam with Imo Zonal Chairman of Council of
traditional rulers, HRH Eze E.C. OKeke of Amaifeke kingdom
Cross section of Eze's cabinet
Cross section of the Ezes in the occasion
Cross section of women group in the
Society & Lifestyle
COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL,

AWOIDEMILI OLD STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION
BESTOWS AWARDS ON
WELL-MEANING NIGERIANS.
bikw
eO
n
ortu
F
T was the gathering of the eagles and cream de

la crme of who is who in Nigeria in the award
night organised by the Old Students'
association of community secondary School,
Awoidemili in Orsu local government area, Imo
state on July 26,2014. The venue was De Legend
Hotel located in a Government Residential Area,
New Owerri in the Imo state capital. In an occasion
scheduled to start by 8.00pm, the invited guests
took their seats earlier than scheduled in a palatial
looking edifice of about 2,000 people capacity hall
owned by one of the old students of the school, Dr.
Bertrand Ozumba, and Umuhu born entrepreneur
based abroad. The night was initially of a cool
weather under a temperature of about 26OC
characterizing the Temperate climate of the
Mediterranean region but the heavens started
crying 4 hours later when the temperature must had
dropped to about 24 C. This in any way didn't

disrupt the well organised event of the night.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the
occasion and the Vice chancellor, Imo State
University, Prof. Aloysius Ukachukwu Awuzie
thanked all for honouring the occasion and the
Organisers for the job well done. He happed on the
need for proper education of the child in any
society pointing out that Community Secondary
School Awoidemili Old Students were blazing the
trail in all aspects of professional life - call it
academics, business and vocations today because
the acquired both proper and qualitative education.
He praised the Awardees for being in the list of the
recipients pointing out that many are called but few
are chosen and enjoined them to continue to work
hard in other to make the society the best for all to
live in. the erudite scholar of our ivory tower and the
Society & lifestyle
1st African Landscape architect professor praised the

present state government in Imo state led by Owelle
Rochas Okorocha for making education free from
primary to university level and asked parents to make
use of this wonderful and rare opportunity to send
their children to school. He maintained that gone are
the days when youths give excuse of financial
constraints for not embracing education going by the
government magnanimity in this regard.
Earlier in a speech, the commissioner for community
government council in Imo state and an Alumnus of
the school, Hon. Val Mbamara congratulated the
Awardees and advised them to continue to be good
ambassadors of their Alma Mata. He opined that part
of the purposes for the gathering was to look for
money for the erecting of a memorable and befitting
edifice in their Alma Mata so that by the time we
celebrate our 50th year anniversary, the structure must
have been erected. Chief Mbamara said. He called
on them to donate generously towards that project.
Delivering a lecture on Speaking out against the
Societal Evils of Corruption and
Immorality, former Attorney General
and Commissioner for Justice and an
Alumnus of the school, Hon. Dr. Livy
Uzoukwu (SAN) posits that the best
way to correct a human error is by
speaking out against it. Hear him: in
the theatre of human affairs, occasion
sometimes emerge to correct human
errors by speaking out. He maintained
that those who do not speak out against
evil are partners in it adding that those
that keep silent in the face of evil are evil
doers themselves and that wisdom
demands that we speak out against evil
at all time. He noted that God wants man
to stand against evil doers according to
psalm 94:16 where He said: Who will rise up

for me against the evil doers? Or who will stand
for me against the workers of iniquity?
However, God warned the evil doers in verse 23
of Psalm 94 when he said: And he shall bring
upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them
off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our
God shall cut them off.
When you take bribe, you give judgment and
deny your victim justice; some people
appointed or elected into positions of authority
sometimes live on boasted ego and demonstrate
arrogance; lecturers extort money from students
from poorly written handouts; have we been
able to speak out against these evils? Barr.
Uzoukwu inquired. The learned Attorney also
quoted Mathew 7:15, where our Lord, Jesus
Christ asked us to beware of false prophets,
which come to us in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves pointing out
that we should know them by their fruits. He
equally frowned at the
misconduct of the police in
uniform and that of a partial
Surveyor in a disputed land
matter all of which are variants
of corruption which has
persisted unabated. He
charged the Olds Students, the
church, the traditional
institutions and the general
public to speak out against
these ills so as to put them in
check and make the society a
better place to live in.
The Guest Lecturer remarked
that Nigeria is one of the most
corrupt nations in the world
Society & Lifestyle

coming only behind third world countries
like Angola, Libya, Guinea, and Zimbabwe
in the poor nation index due to corruption of
those in leadership positions and wondered
why we should remain silent against
corruption; at all times, we must speak out
so as to put these evil actions in check, he
said pointing out that on occasions, where
we don't speak out, there would be no need
to blame the government. He quoted
Abraham Lincoln as saying that Satan
could be silent and become a full than to
speak out and remove every doubt adding
that silence is golden for a person that
lacked courage.
He concluded by saying that the dangers
against not speaking out on evil or criminal
acts is that the consequence of one's silence
goes beyond the immediate boundaries of
those evils' effects, which would adversely
affect the unconcerned sitting the
incidences of Boko-Haram in Nigeria, who
now spread beyond their initial borders with
their shameless actions and the initial lookwarm attitudes of Northerners toward it
alongside a German, who was less
concerned about the activities of Nazi
operations until it touched him as cases in
point.
NewsGrain magazine agrees with the
lecturer because 2 chronicle 7:13 and14
13
says If I shut up heaven that there be no
rain, or I command the locusts to devour the
land, or if I send pestilence among my
people; 14if my people, which are called by
my name, shall humble themselves, and
pray, and seek my face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sins, and will heal
their land. According to the revered human
right activist, Matins Luther King: if we
preach the gospel in all aspects with the
exception of the issues, which deal with our
lives and time, we are not preaching the
gospel at all. We have been reminded here
that it is not the master or the servant of our
time that should be blamed for the evils that
befall us but rather our conscience. Our
greatest pains were not the bullets of our
enemies that hit us but the mischievous
Society & Lifestyle

silence of our friends who watch with ignominy as the
evil prevails. Where is the voice of conscience between
nations? Silence no more, alone could be a voice but
together we can condemn the evils of our land.
Highlight of the occasion was the official launching of
the Old school building project and the certificates of
Award given to the awardees.
Community Secondary School Awoidemili will be
commemorating its golden Jubilee come December this
year. This institution has produced an incredible number
of prominent personalities in all works of life who have
touched lives within Africa and beyond. This present
exercise will be incomplete without giving a glimpse of
some of these personalities that have made their almamata proud. These includes:
Chief Emmanuel Ibegbu one of Nigerias foremost
Chattered Accountants. Chief Emmanuel Izuegbu who
has been involved in over twenty three national
assignments overseas. Prof. Theodore Chineke one of
the most accomplished scientists in Africa. Prof.
Lambert Ngoka the genius who broke all existing
academic records since the inception of the University
of Ibadan. Massey T.O. Udegbe who heads one of the
largest Estate Surveyors and valuers establishments in
Nigeria. Surv. Clement Ipkeama Nwabichie former
chairman Surveyors Council of Nigeria. Chief Oliver
Orjiakor Deputy Director Ministry of Petroleum
Resources and one of the most experienced Petroleum
Engineers in Nigeria. Chief Obiakor Emmanuel
Nwadike who rose to become a police commissioner
through dint of hard work. Prof. C.C. Asiabaka current
Vice Chancellor Federal University of Technology
Owerri. Prof. Festus Okey
Ukwuoma National
President COSECS,
President
African Project and Project
Management Association . Chief
Dickson Ezeala Prominent US
based architect and sportsman. Eze
Festus Odumegwu former
Chairman of the National
Population Commission. Dr. Livy
Uzoukwu (SAN) former attorney
general of Imo State. Justice
Goddy Anunihu. Justice Victor
Okorie. Bishop Geoffrey
Chukwunenye Bishop of Oru
Dioces, to mention but a few.
Newsgrain Magazine
Recognition
HONOURS SACHI
TABLE WATER
Fortune Obikwere
The Director - General of SON, Dr. Odumodu reading his address.
pril 1, 2014 was a special day for a

company of repute, SACHI Water Nig. Ltd
(makers of SACHI Table and Sachet
Water) and a Trail Blazer Director in the
industry, Mr. Sabestine Ibeh as it was a day the
firm was honoured with a MANCAP Certificate
award and LOGOby the Standard Organisation
of Nigeria (SON). The ceremony started under a
clement weather with the introduction of the
guests by the M.C. and an opening prayer by Rev.
Fr. George Iheanacho of St. Martin's Catholic
Church, Ihiteowerri, Orlu LGA. The colanut was
blessed by an Heir to the throne of Owerrieberri ancient kingdom (the community hosting
the industry), Eze George Uzoma (Otawaike 1 of
Owerri-ebeiri). However, there was a minute
silence observed in favour of the deceased
Monarch of the community, Eze Uzoma, who just
passed on (May his soul rest in peace)
In his opening speech, the Director of Sachi
Water (Nig) Ltd, Mr. Sabestine Ibeh, thanked all
10 N e w s g r a i n M a g a z i n e
for coming to the occasion. He was particularly

happy with the customers of the company,
whom he recognised as being behind the
company's success and particularly to the
Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for
finding his company worthy of honour with the
MANCAP Certificate of recognition. He
promised SON that he would not disappoint
them adding that as the name implied; SACHI
water is still searching for the best position in
the water bottling business in the world. Until
we get to that stage, we will not rest. He hinted.
Mr. Ibeh also said that since water is an essential
part of life, the company will ensure the
production of good product of high quality and
expressed happiness that the product has
received the Standard Organisation of Nigeria
recognition within three years of its
establishment. According to him, this certificate
by SON will take SACHI Water to a greater height
and assured the customers of regular supply of
Recognition
their quality products. Hear him: We are not
competing with anybody because we are from
the word go decided to be the best at producing
quality goods to satisfy our customers. If you
drink alcohol, you can get intoxicated, but you
can never do away with water.
Imo Community News correspondent noted
that the Managing Director was full of praises
for his customers whom he described as the
most valuable asset because according to him:
Without your support and patronage, all the
much desired recognition and reputation
would have been a mirage. He called on them to
continue to patronize the establishment
pointing out that he was not in water business
to compete with anybody but to device a means
of uplifting the living standard of the people CHI
manufacturer against the unhealthy practices

and to encourage investments in the country
pointing out that the certificate could be
withdrawn if the company deviates from the
approved standard. He commended the SACHI
water producer for attaining the high standard of
purity which is in line with the policy stipulated by
SON. Here him: It is in the best interest of our
country for standard to be maintained at all levels
of production of goods and materials used by the
people of this nation. As part of this report, the
government is geared at maintaining standard in
order to make life meaningful to all Nigerians.
The staff and management of SON have resolved
not to relent in their effort to continue to maintain
standard and we thank them for that.
Furthermore, the Standard Organisation of er
The Director - General of SON, Dr. Odumodu handing over the

certificate to Mr. Ibeh.
through a genuine product anchored on

Japanese technology and made available to
them consistently and at an affordable price
adding that SACHI water is the only product in
the water business industry that is consistent in
production and does not change its price both
in dry and rainy seasons.
According to the Standard Organisation
Director, Dr. Odumodu, the Certificate and Logo
is an honour well deserved and advised the
company to keep fit to its maximum advantage.
The SON Director- General stated that the
MANCAP award is designed to protect the new f
Nigeria Director, Dr. Gabril Odumodu thanked

SACHI water for being a reputable firm within
its short time in water bottling business
industry in Nigeria and said that they were in
Imo state and precisely in Orlu LGA to give its
MANCAP certificate of honour and recognition
to SACHI water Nig. LTD for being a trail blazer
in the zone. Dr. Odumodu challenged other
water bottling companies in the area to emulate
the good works of SACHI water. He eventually
awarded the MANCAP certificate of honour to
the Director, Mr. Ibeh in the company of his
amiable wife, the company staff and other
notable figures in the event.
N e w s g r a i n M a g a z i n e 11
Recognition
The ICNews correspondent reports that the
highlight of the ceremony was the
appreciation of the company's valuable
customers through the giving out of more
than 1,000 giant coolers each of which could
take five cartons of SACHI water bottles at
once by the Director, who also promised them
of a better offer in future, if they continue to
keep faith with the company.
Earlier in an interview with Imo Community
News, the President General, Obibi Ochasi
Development Union, Chief Sir, Kevin Ukabia
(Capitol) expressed happiness over the event
of the day and thanked the Managing Director,
Mr. Ibeh for being an excellent human being
whose aspirations from childhood has been
on how to be the best. He thanked the
Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) for
recognizing the good works of the company
and the customers for their support to the
company and prayed to God to continue to
bless the efforts of SACHI water in the state.
Also speaking to ICNews, one of the
customers, Mr. Cletus Nwadike from
International market, Orlu appreciated SACHI
water because it is one the best international
waters in Orlu: We like it because it is all
season even in December time, everyone has
water, no scarcity and the water is good, no
taste, no particles. This is my 3rd year of buying
this product and there are no stains inside the
sachet; it is the best water I have ever seen in
Orlu, we are happy today because SACHI has
made us well. He concluded.
Collaborating with the above is another
customer, Mr. Nicholas Nwanosike who said:
We are happy today because we left
everything we have to attend to today in order
to be here so as to show our likeness to SACHI
water. SACHI water as a product has no rival;
there is no water company in this area
comparable to it. Those who used to buy 50
bags are now buying 100 bags and so on
because of the innovation in the company.
SACHI is the best, it is the hero, it is No.1. I am
happy with SACHI water. This view was
Mrs. Ibeh displaying the MANCAP Certificate
Cross-Section of Sachi Water Staff in a group photograph

with guests
The Director of Sachi water, Mr. Ibeh with wife displaying the
MANCAP Certificate
The president Obibi Ochasi Development Union, Sir Kevin

Ukabia (Capitol)- 2nd from left at the event.
Recognition
HRH, Eze George Uzoma (Otawaike I of Owerri-ebeiri reading
The Director of Sachi Water, Mr. Ibeh in a hand shake with

Rev. Fr. G. Iheanacho
ICNews) with other Traditional Rulers.
HRH, Eze Okwudinma with his wife and other guests
The Director of Sachi water, Mr. Ibeh (3rd from right) with
wife and other guests
Cross-Section of Sachi Water Staff
Mr. and Mrs. Ibeh in a photograph with Obibi-Ochasi Elders
Some of the gifts for the customers of Sachi Water
Round The Nation
INTEGRITY AS REQUIREMENT FOR GOOD

LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
Ambrose Nwaopara Jr.
man of integrity is best described as

that person who adheres to moral
and soundness of moral character.
He is usually seen as one who is always out
to do the right things even without being
persuaded. He is that careful person who is
after protecting his image and cannot for
any reason soil his hard earned name. He is
always known to be transparent and
straight forward in all his dealings. Such a
person is not a pretender, but constantly
renders selfless service to the people. He
does not make unnecessary promises he
cannot keep. At every point in time, he is
always very careful in what he says or does.
Some people attach the word,
Honorable to their names, which means having or
showing honesty and good moral character. But just
as the bible indicated in Mathew 7:16 that by their
fruit we shall know them. It is very disappointing
that some of these people bearing this honorable
title are not really honorable in what they do or say.
Character is what you do when no one else is
looking. Men of integrity value what is honest, true,
noble, trustworthy, kind and right, ahead of
personal gain. The root enemy of integrity is
selfishness. The golden rule requires treating
others the way we would like to be treated and it is
difficult to follow the Golden rule without boosting
personal integrity. For instance anyone who does
not pay people that worked for him especially when
he has the capacity to pay, cannot be described as a
man of integrity and honor. This is because integrity
makes one to have the spirit of God, conscience and
feelings for others.
Many of us have had the experience of
working for those whom we look up to as men of
honor, but who at the end of the day refuse to pay for
services rendered to them, there by frustrating the
people concerned. Let me share this experience
here; some time ago as I was about entering a
marketing store down town Owerri, I met this

young man with sand all over his body, complaining
bitterly to some people around him. Initially I
thought he fought with someone which made his
body to look very dirty, but when I asked him what
was the problem, he informed me that a particular
man who used honorable as a title refused to pay
him the N15,000 which was the cost of the
materials he supplied to his hotel. According to him
after going to the man for many weeks without
getting my money, I decided just less than an hour
earlier before you met me here to lie down on the
ground where the man packed his SUV vehicle and
refused to leave the place when he wanted to drive
out, but on discovering that his threats and that of
his security guide could not persuade me to stand
up for him to drive out, he was forced to pay me
immediately before I cleared the place for him to
move. He equally narrated to me a similar story
about a young man who did a plastering work for
the same man, who also could not get his ten
thousand Naira after going to him for many weeks
but had to give up when he lost N 8,500 (eight
thousand five hundred) to robbers who picked his
pocket at control post while rushing into a keke
tricycle during one of his journeys to meet the man.
Round The Nation

tricycle during one of his journeys to meet the man.
People of conscience may be surprised at this story,
especially when the money involved may not be
significant, but unfortunately it is becoming a
common thing in the society now, which does not
really portray such persons as men of honor and
integrity.
The bible stated clearly in proverb 10:9 that
whoever walks in integrity walks securely but
whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
This particular verse encourages all of us to be
sincere, upright and straight forward in what we do
as against living a life of pretence and deceit which
at a time will be exposed. Because according to
Abraham Lincoln, you can fool all the people some
of the time and some of the people all the time, but
you cannot fool all the people all the time
As a matter of fact, development is always
faster when people of integrity are involved in the
administration of a place. That is why in
progressive societies you find people who are ready
to do everything possible to move their country
forward. They place their country and people first
before themselves. They render what can easily be
described as selfless service. In the past in Nigeria,
we have had such people like:
Dr. M.I. Okpara: During his regime as the premier of
eastern region, in spite of the absence of oil wealth,
he used agriculture to make the then eastern region
the fastest growing economy in the world. He laid a
solid industrial base for the development of the
region. For instance, he established the Niger gas
plant and Niger steel Emene, Onitsha international
market, Pepsi Cola plant in Onitsha, Owerri shoe
industry, Aba textile mill, Golden guinea Umuahia,
Modern ceramics industry Umuahia, the popular
Trans Amadi industrial layout Port Harcourt,
Cement factory Calabar. He modernized the
Nkalagu cement factory etc.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo: He transformed the
former Western region in the area of education,
health service and economy. He set up Nigeria's
first industrial complex at Ikeja, set up Nigeria's
first commercial Housing Estates at Ikeja and
Ibadan and many more.
Chief Odimegwu Ojukwu: Most Igbos see him as the
greatest man they have had. He risked his life and
used his family resources to fight for the protection
of his people in the then Eastern region, which he
later proclaimed independent from Nigeria and

renamed Biafra.
Chief Sam Mbakwe: During his reign as the
Governor of the Old and bigger Imo State, he made
four years he was in power to look like 20 years
which he used to build many industries, power
plants, water schemes, several rural electrification
projects, road networks, drainages and many more.
He also founded the Imo state university,
established the Imo television authority, progress
bank, the new Owerri capital territory and Onitsha
road industrial layout.
Other credible Nigerians who were
exemplary include; Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu
Kanu, Anthony Enahoro, Chief Gani Fawehinmi etc.
A distinguished University don, Prof. Chinedu
Nwajiuba during the 2014 Odenigbo lecture at
Assumpta cathedral Owerri told his listeners that
selfishness, greed and moral hollowness of the elite
were responsible for the problem of Nigeria. He
went further to challenge his audience to name any
Igbo leader they could consider to be good in
recent times. The Odenigbo lecturer however
singled out Mr. Peter Obi, the former governor of
Anambra State who according to him, unlike the
others was said to have been prudent in spending
public money and had at the end of his rule left a
reasonable amount for his successor. Elaborating
further Prof. Nwajiuba said He didn't even fly with
first class or business when he travelled but
economy. He didn't take a lot of people in his trip as
other governors. A lot of people have testified to his
financial prudence and conservative ways. This we
understand is why he was able to improve health
and education system in the State and also leave a
substantial sum for his successor.
As a matter of fact People at various times have
attributed the emergence of Anambra State as the
best among all the states in both the 2013 West
African senior School Examination and the
National Examination Council(NECO) as testimony
to the educational revolution in the State. Anambra
did not only have the best overall result in NECO but
an indigene of the state also emerged the best
candidate which is a very remarkable feat.
First and foremost, a politician must be able and
willing to govern the country, state, city or other
political entity for which he was elected according
to the will of the people. In fact a politician elected
Issues of the Mind
ARPON Chairman, Hon. Albert Mbachu DSP (RTD) addressing the group
RETIRED POLICE OFFICER PAYS ATHANK

YOU VISIT TO HIS COLLEAGUES IN OWERRI
Fortune Obikwere
EMBERS of the Association of Retired

Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON)
were Wednesday, September 24, 2014
treated to a banquette at the police Officers'
Mess, Owerri when a member of the association,
Chief Barr. Nicholas Daru Nkemdeme CP RTD,
who went to the just concluded national
Conference, came back on a Thank You visit to
his colleagues, that sent him there. I want to
thank God for all of us because it is not easy to
work and retire in a police force and come out
with your limbs complete and every part of your
body alive, I have always encouraged ARPON
members to prepare for retirement while in
service and most importantly thank you for
sending me to the National Conference. Barr.
Nkemdeme said. He told his colleagues that they
had done him a very big honour he would not
forget in life pointing out that Nigeria as a nation
had everything possible to make a good country
but regretted that the nation lacked proper coordination for her to achieve what she wanted to
achieve in its life and hoped that there was still
room for improvement.
Addressing the group, the state police
commissioner, Mr. Abdul Mojid Ali ably
represented by the DCP in charge of
administrations, Mr. Austin Afolabi said he was

happy being in the midst of his retired colleagues
and thanked ARPON for successes it had so far
recorded and described the group as a reserve
force full of experience that should always pass
some information to those around them, who are
still in service. He solicited for their assistance in
policing the LGAs and state while assuring them of
the Command's support in all their activities,
especially those areas they might need police help.
Presenting his score card to the association, Chief
Nkemdeme opined that he was lucky to be chosen
among fellow contestants from the five states of the
south east to the confab after his nomination by the
ARPON, Imo state chapter pointing out that the
confab proper started on 18/03/14 with a plenary
session after the presidential address on 17/03/14
preceded by accreditation of delegates. The
President told us that the reason for the conference
was because people were yawning on the way
forward for Nigeria. The ARPON delegate said. He
told his colleagues that the confab was not a
sovereign conference but a national one, which
would eventually be subjected to the National
Assembly for ratification unlike the sovereign
conference.
Issues of the Mind

The RTD CP of police said that components of the
confab were people from all facets of life in
Nigeria including the disabled and the total
number of participants was 492 delegates that
were later split into committees and
subcommittees in order to ease the operation of
the confab. Some of the important decisions
reached at the confab according to him included:
That it ended up with Federal Government
structure instead of regional democracy and that
mapped out for the sake of welfare package to

the senior citizens as being practiced in some
parts of the world and for the sake of gender
equality, women now to enjoy 35% share in
every organization.
That in the next 4 years, owners of cattle should
build their own ranches and movement of the
animal from place to place would stop
throughout the federation, among other
decisions he reported.
Responding, the ARPON
Chairman, Imo state chapter, Hon.
Albert Mbachu DSP (RTD)
thanked the Confab delegate for
giving them first hand
information on what transpired
during the national debate and
opined that his members were
better informed now than before
thereby eliminating guess work
in their affirmations with respect
to the issues concerning the
confab.
Confab Delegate Member, Chief Barr. Nicholas Daru Nkemdeme CP (RTD)
Earlier in his welcome address,
addressing the group; at his left is HRH Igwe Emmanuel Obiako CP (RTD)
the state ARPON Chairman, Hon.
the federating units are the states not LGAs;
Mbachu while welcoming Barr. Nkemdeme told
That upon dissolution of LGA officials, state him that appearing to the group in a different
government should form a Transition capacity then had made him a special guest of
Government that would operate for only 90 days honour. He used the forum to intimate him on the
before normal election and that states have right hardship associated with the police pensioners
to either create new LGAs of merge existing ones.
of Imo state and asked him to use his newly
That the present Bi-Cameral system of established connections to reach out to the
government in the country would be maintained
powers that be with a view to ameliorating this
That a technical committee was set up to address cankerworm bedeviling our senior citizens
the issue of resource allocation when there was pointing out that many of their members had
no agreement in that issue among the delegates. died without collecting their pensions for many
However, 5% each was allocated to mineral months. In fact, one of us, a retired DSP died in
resource development and emergencies like September, 2013 without collecting his 26
insurgencies, flood disaster and other natural months pension. Hon. Mbachu said. He decried
disasters.
frequent verification exercises that ended up
That Immunity clause was to be removed from without much results adding that those we refer
the constitution and that the country should to as Pre 91 have not been paid their harmonized
continue with democratic system of government pension arrears on 150%, 30% and 142%
since the nation is not operating a closed pension increases approved by the Federal
st
st
economy, where government owns everything;
Government between 1 January 1999 and 1
That certain percentage of money was to be y May, 2000 despite our letters to different
organization.
Issues of the Mind

authorities to that effect. He
therefore appealed to Barr.
N k e m d e m e t o a s
aforementioned, reach out on
their behalf to President
Goodluck Jonathan, according
to him to come over to
Macedonia and help us before
the last pensioner standing
dies.
The ARPON Chairman
concluded by eulogizing the
present Imo state
commissioner of police for his
giant strides against organised
crimes in the state such as
armed robbery operations,
baby factory and child
trafficking while praying to God
to continue to reward his efforts
with successes. He advised him
t o c re a t e a re l a t i o n s h i p
between him and ARPON
members living in communities
as such would be a plus on the
police efforts in crime
prevention and detection.
Contributing, one of the RTD CP
in the state and current security
consultant to Imo state
government, who is also a
traditional ruler in the state,
HRH Eze Emmanuel Obiako
noted that passage of time
made their gathering very
essential and thanked the Barr.
Nkemdeme for a job well done.
On senior citizens' welfare, he
said: What gives us problem is
our inability to enforce our
right; we talk a lot at meetings
and fail to resolve how to effect
our right. He advised his
colleagues to find out what is
happening elsewhere on their
issues with a view to finding out
how to make the world know
State DCP in charge of administrations, Mr. Austin Afolabi representing the state CP
speaking at the occasion
Cross Section of ARPON Members at the occasion.
that they were suffering.

In an interview with Imo Community News, the Chairman of ARPON,
Hon. Mbachu expressed joy over the report of Guest Speaker and
believed that it was a successful event. He advised his colleagues to
have faith in ARPON pointing out that the association remains the
only avenue to solve their problems while emphasizing the need for
regular attendance to meetings, payment of dues and making their
useful contributions on the way forward for the group. This view was
supported by Igwe Emma Obiako, who happed on the need for
ARPON members to properly meet the right persons in government
for solutions to their problems instead of using insults and abuses.
Also speaking to ICNews correspondent in the occasion, the guest
lecturer, Chief Nkemdeme said that he applied the principles of
feedback in information management pointing out that he was
happy doing that and as a way of showing appreciation to his
colleagues for the honour done him. He described his national
confab experience as very exciting and experience-oriented adding
Forever
In our
ITH deep sorrow but with

total submission to will of
the Almighty God the
entire families of Udokwu of Umueze
Amaifeke and Ihejirika of Ezioha
Amanator Okporo both in the Orlu
Local Government Area, of Imo State
announce the passing onto eternal
g l o r y o f o u r w i f e , m o t h e r,
grandmother and sister NNEOMA
VIRGINIA AFORNEKEZI
UDOKWU (NEE-IHEJIRIKA)
which sad event occurred on August
25th 2014. She was aged 78 years
Nneoma Virginia Afonekezi
Udokwu
Aged:
78
Signed: Dr. Vin Udokwu

(The Anaefobi)
For The Families
BURIAL ARRANGEMENT:
Thursday 30th October, 2014
8:00am: Body leaves St. Damians Hospital Okporo to her home.
10:00am: Burial mass at St. Josephs Catholic Church, Ezioha
Amaifeke.
WELL ALL ACT ON RECOMMENDATIONS

OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE-JONATHAN
oday marks the 54th anniversary of our

country's independence as a sovereign
nation. This is also the 10th month of our
journey into a new century, having marked the
centenary of our nation in January this year.
The first 100 years were marked by triumphs and
tribulations, benefits and burdens, opportunities
and challenges. We made some far reaching
advances in building a strong, united and
prosperous nation. We also overcame the forces of
disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war.
We have also renewed our faith in one another, and
in our country. We have proven that we are truly a
resilient nation.
In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasise
that we were in a sober moment in our country. We
are still in that mood in spite of the many
accomplishments of our administration. Our
sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood
occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements
who have done the unimaginable to challenge our
unity as a people.
On an occasion like this, it is important that we
remember all the precious souls that have been lost
in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on

some parts of our country by these individuals who
want to compel us to live our lives their way. They
will not succeed!
In their mission, they have maimed and raped. They
have killed men, women and children, rendering
many children orphans and several women widows.
They have made violence their ideology and are bent
on destroying our country. Dear countrymen and
women, we will not allow them.
Night after night, day after day, our security forces
continue to engage the terrorists in battle. My
gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will
has been greatly challenged by this insurgency more
than any other time, since the civil war.
Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied
in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger.
Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by
their prowess and determination. As Commanderin-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable
them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the
heart of terror. Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective
duty as patriots to avail our men and women in
uniform of all the support they need to fight and win
this war.
This administration is committed to making Nigeria
safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our places of
birth, how we worship God and our political
persuasion. To all those waging war against our
country, I ask that you lay down your arms and
embrace peace.
To those who have genuine grievances, I affirm that
Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring your
grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good
people of Nigeria, let me restate that our task of
building a better and greater country must not
waver.
While we continue to deploy our resources in the
fight against the terrorists, we do recognise the great
toll the conflict is taking on our people . This is why,
to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims
Support Fund, an independent multi-sectoral
charity, which will aggressively solicit resources to
augment government's statutory intervention, in
bringing succour to the injured, the displaced and
the bereaved.
In partnership with Nigerian business leaders and
international partners, we have also introduced the
Safe Schools Initiative, which is aimed at promoting
safe environments for education nationwide,
starting with the North East region. The Presidential
Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive
programme to fast-track the economic restoration of
this region, which has been the epicentre of terrorist
activity, has been set up.
Our overall objective is to do all we possibly can, to
sustain in the North-East, the momentum of
economic advancement, which is on-going in other
parts of the country, despite the machinations of the
terrorists and their sponsors.
It should now be clear to anyone who was ever in
doubt that these terrorists do not mean well for
anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their
persistent choice of the weakest and most
vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides
an insight into their abnormal mind-set.
I urge every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional
or other parochial considerations, and support
whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and
the military, in checking this evil.
We are grateful to the international community, and
especially our neighbours who are working closely
with us in confronting this challenge, for their
increased partnership and solidarity. Our steady

progress in weakening the insurgency has certainly
justified our cooperation.
Fellow Nigerians, in my independence anniversary
address last year, I informed you that we had taken
cognizance of the suggestion over the years by wellmeaning Nigerians on the need to focus attention on
rebuilding and strengthening the ligaments of our
union. It was in that regard that we announced the
convening of a National Dialogue on the future of our
beloved country.
We have successfully delivered on that promise as
we established the 2014 National Conference
headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of
deliberations, which did not come without its
challenges, the conference concluded its assignment
and has handed its Report to me.
I have made a firm commitment that we would act on
the recommendations of the conference. This, I have
started by setting up the Ministerial Committee
headed by the Honourable Attorney General of the
Federation to work out the modalities for
implementing the Report. Every promise I make,
God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure you,
we shall implement the report.
One major lesson, which the 2014 National
Conference has taught us as a country is that a multiethnic country like ours must learn to embrace
painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.
To me, the National Conference is the greatest
centenary gift to our country that we must cherish
and sustain.
Fellow Nigerians, our 54 year-journey as a nation
has not been easy. There have been tough periods,
but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience
of our people have seen us through. We will continue
to march forward to greater heights.
We have been able to sustain a big, strong and
influential country with a robust economy. We are
currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted
democratic rule, daily improving on the
consolidation of our democratic process.
Our administration has made a commitment to
ensure that we build and sustain a democratic
infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections.
International and local observers have attested to
the positive evolution of electoral credibility and we
cannot afford to relent.
We will continue to ensure that the will of the
this war.
This administration is committed to making Nigeria
safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our places of
birth, how we worship God and our political
persuasion. To all those waging war against our
country, I ask that you lay down your arms and
embrace peace.
To those who have genuine grievances, I affirm that
Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring your
grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good
people of Nigeria, let me restate that our task of
building a better and greater country must not
waver.
While we continue to deploy our resources in the
fight against the terrorists, we do recognise the great
toll the conflict is taking on our people . This is why,
to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims
Support Fund, an independent multi-sectoral
charity, which will aggressively solicit resources to
augment government's statutory intervention, in
bringing succour to the injured, the displaced and
the bereaved.
In partnership with Nigerian business leaders and
international partners, we have also introduced the
Safe Schools Initiative, which is aimed at promoting
safe environments for education nationwide,
starting with the North East region. The Presidential
Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive
programme to fast-track the economic restoration of
this region, which has been the epicentre of terrorist
activity, has been set up.
Our overall objective is to do all we possibly can, to
sustain in the North-East, the momentum of
economic advancement, which is on-going in other
parts of the country, despite the machinations of the
terrorists and their sponsors.
It should now be clear to anyone who was ever in
doubt that these terrorists do not mean well for
anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their
persistent choice of the weakest and most
vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides
an insight into their abnormal mind-set.
I urge every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional
or other parochial considerations, and support
whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and
the military, in checking this evil.
We are grateful to the international community, and
especially our neighbours who are working closely
with us in confronting this challenge, for their
increased partnership and solidarity. Our steady

progress in weakening the insurgency has certainly
justified our cooperation.
Fellow Nigerians, in my independence anniversary
address last year, I informed you that we had taken
cognizance of the suggestion over the years by wellmeaning Nigerians on the need to focus attention on
rebuilding and strengthening the ligaments of our
union. It was in that regard that we announced the
convening of a National Dialogue on the future of our
beloved country.
We have successfully delivered on that promise as
we established the 2014 National Conference
headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of
deliberations, which did not come without its
challenges, the conference concluded its assignment
and has handed its Report to me.
I have made a firm commitment that we would act on
the recommendations of the conference. This, I have
started by setting up the Ministerial Committee
headed by the Honourable Attorney General of the
Federation to work out the modalities for
implementing the Report. Every promise I make,
God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure you,
we shall implement the report.
One major lesson, which the 2014 National
Conference has taught us as a country is that a multiethnic country like ours must learn to embrace
painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.
To me, the National Conference is the greatest
centenary gift to our country that we must cherish
and sustain.
Fellow Nigerians, our 54 year-journey as a nation
has not been easy. There have been tough periods,
but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience
of our people have seen us through. We will continue
to march forward to greater heights.
We have been able to sustain a big, strong and
influential country with a robust economy. We are
currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted
democratic rule, daily improving on the
consolidation of our democratic process.
Our administration has made a commitment to
ensure that we build and sustain a democratic
infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections.
International and local observers have attested to
the positive evolution of electoral credibility and we
cannot afford to relent.
We will continue to ensure that the will of the
national food import bill has declined from 1.1

trillion naira (6.9 billion dollars) in 2009 to 684.7
billion naira (4.35 billion dollars) by December
2013, and continues to decline.
Modern hybrid schools are being provided for less
privileged children across the country, resulting in
significant increase in the national school
enrolment figure.
In order to further enhance access to education at
the tertiary level, 14 new federal universities have
been established; and, to encourage persons of
exceptional abilities, our administration has also
introduced a Presidential Scholarship Scheme
based strictly on excellence and merit.
On infrastructure, we are building roads, bridges,
and new rail lines to make it easier to traverse
Nigeria and increase the integration of our people
and our ability to do business with each other. In this
regard, we have commenced the process of building
the Second Niger Bridge. The Loko-Oweto Bridge
over River Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States, will
significantly reduce travel time by road between
Northern and Southern Nigeria. The on-going
dredging of the River Niger up to Baro in Niger State
is opening up large parts of the Nigerian hinterland
to maritime activity.
The Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro-electric power
projects are on course, and the Kashimbilla dam,
which we started a few years ago, is nearing
completion. The successful privatisation of our
power sector will in the long run enhance industrial
growth. Policies such as this and others have raised
Nigeria to the enviable status of being the number
one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Africa
in the past year.
The result of this infrastructure drive is that two and
a half million jobs have been created over the past
two years. This is a record, which we are committed
to improve upon to continue to provide jobs for our
youth.
An unprecedented number of airports across the
country, are not only being reconstructed at the
same time, but being re-equipped and reassessed
with emphasis on maintaining global standards.
Fellow Nigerians, the goals we set to achieve for our
country involve expanding the frontiers of economic
freedom. Let us therefore unite with one heart and
one mind. All our people must have access to the
good things of life.A ll our people must be d to
empowered to pursue the gift of life with happiness.

This is our country; we must build it for our common
posterity.
As we move into an election year, desperate moves
to overheat the polity are becoming a regular
occurrence. Our political leaders in particular must
know that the contest for power should not
translate to the destruction of the polity. The contest
for the leadership of our country must yield good
governance, and not ungovernable spaces. The love
of country should rank higher than our individual
ambitions.
We must remain committed to a united and
indivisible Nigeria within democratic parameters.
The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality
before the law, freedom of thought, and a
progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be our
goal.
I cannot end this address without commenting on
the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which was
sadly brought into our country recently. My
directives to the Federal Ministry of Health saw the
ministry leading the charge in curtailing the spread
of this deadly scourge and managing its impact. This
is how it should be: swift, efective and
comprehensive action in defence of citizens.
It must be pointed out that the Ebola battle is still
raging elsewhere in our sub-region. I therefore
enjoin all our citizens to continue to adhere strictly
to all the guidelines that have been given by our
health officials to keep Ebola out of our country.
I appreciate and welcome the spirit of collaboration,
unity and partnership with which we confronted the
threat of the Ebola Virus Disease. I thank all
Nigerians for working together to prevent what
could have become a major epidemic. I particularly
thank the medical personnel, some of whom made
the ultimate sacrifice.
This is the spirit which we must demonstrate at all
times as we face up to our challenges as a nation: one
people, united by a common resolve, in the pursuit
of one common national interest.
AsIndependence
we look forward to another
year in our national
Day broadcast
by
life, I am more than confident that our tomorrow
President Goodluck Jonathan
will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria
has got the human and material resources to excel
and we shall lead the way in that journey to our
manifest destiny.
Fellow countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our
Society & Lifestyle
REV. SR. FESTA NONYELUM OKONKWO

CELEBRATES SILVER JUBILEE (1989 2014)
By Fortune Obikwere
th
It was jubilation galore on Sunday, the 14 day of

September, 2014 precisely at St. Joseph's Parish,
Ezioha, Amaifeke, Orlu LGA, when Rev. Sr. Festa
Nonyelum Okonkwo turned twenty five working in
the vineyard of God as an ordained Rev. Sr. People
from all works of live were present at the
magnificent building built by the Catholics in this
town and later at the premises of late Pa Engr.
Innocent A. Okonkwo (Sr. Festa's Father) at the
blessed Ezioha Amaifeke village in Orlu LGA of Imo
state.
Preaching a sermon in the Mass where the
celebrant read the first reading taking from (Num.
21:4-9), the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Bede Dike
enjoined Christians to look on God for salvation and
for everything in life pointing out that without God,
man can achieve nothing but with God everything is
possible. He said that gospel of the day said it all and
he quoted in part: As Moses lifted up the serpent in
the wilderness, so must the son of man be lifted up,
that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

'For God so loved the world that he gave his only
begotten son, that whoever believes in him should
not perish but have eternal life. For God sent his
Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but
that the world might be saved through him. (Jn. 3:
13-17)
The man of God extolled the virtues of the
celebrant, Sr. Okonkwo and said that she had
chosen the right path towards life pointing out that
Rev. Sr. Okonkwo was a bible of everything good in
her calling, which people read and asked her not to
relent in this onerous call in the service of God. He
thanked Okonkwo family for their great support to
their daughter. The prelate of St. Joseph catholic
parish enjoined all to live a good life bearing in
mind that the journey to eternity starts from here
and until one wears that crown of salvation, the
hunger for Christ through good living should
Society & Lifestyle

continue. Rendering his vote of
thanks at the church, the brother
to the celebrant and former V.C. of
IMSU, prof. Chuka Okonkwo
thanked all for honourning their
invitation and wished them well
as they traveled to their different
destinations.
The reception later moved to
Okonkwo family compound,
where distinguished guests from
far and near were welcomed and
entertained. Different musical
renditions were made to tune up
the day. Testimonies were given
about the celebrant. This was
followed by expression of love
through gifts to the celebrant.
Although the weather was not so clement as to
sharpen the looks of those gifts, which were given
with open minds and love as occasional
conventional rainfalls appeared to send guests
under canopies.
The Profile of Rev. Sr. Festa Okonkwo
Reading the profile of his sister, the former Imo
State University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chuka
Okonkwo said: At the birth of a child, providence
drops along with the baby, the chart of his or her
life which we mortals call destiny. But the funny
aspect is that this chart appears invincible to the
average mortals. The only people equipped to
identify this chart and interpret it are the
religious and more specially the formators within
these religious formations.
The celebrant (Jubilerian) Sr. Festa Nonyelum
Okonkwo was born on the 7th July, 1964 to late Pa.
Nnaoma Engr. Innocent Okonkwo and late Mrs.
Christiana Mgbokwo Okonkwo of Umucheke,
Amaifeke, Orlu LGA. Sr. Festa was born a twin. Her
educational journey started from far away distant
Nsukka at Urban Primary School, Nsukka but
eventually completing her primary school at
home here at Community Primary School,
Amaifeke. For her secondary education, Morning
Star (now Girls Secondary School, Orlu) was her
choice. The school though not a convent but was
under tremendous influence by the Nuns who
probably constituted close to 50% of the staff

strength.
Before Sr. Festa enrolled at morning Star, she
instantly joined one of the popular lay apostolate
called St. Theresa's Society otherwise known as
the little way association. While in the school, she
closely associated with the Nuns to the extent that
people hardly knew she was not one of them as at
that time.
By the time Sr. Festa completed her secondary
school in 1982, being the last daughter in the
family, she was very close with our father. The man,
having observed Sr.'s demeanor, composure and
unique carriage resolved within himself that this
little daughter of his should study medicine. As an
obedient child, she wouldn't want to displease her
father. She started first with nursing training at
Enugu. But come to think of it, why the father
attempted to make a career choice for her. The man
saw the invincible sign that this child is destined to
touch human life. Indeed he was right but he
signed that the closest profession through which
she could accomplish her destiny would be to
become a medical doctor. Little did he know he
wasn't properly equipped to read her destiny.
Nevertheless, she did not last long at the nursing
Training school before she went knocking at the
door of the little Sisters' of the Poor Convent,
Enugu where her formation as Nun started
earnestly in 1984.
Society & Lifestyle
The authorities of the convent, as if with a

promotion of her coming, barely a year of her
joining the Order, precisely in 1986 Sr. Festa was
sent to Leeds in England in furtherance of her
formation, and from Leeds, she was moved to
Dublin Ireland, where she did her Postulancy and
Novitiate. In 1989, precisely on the 5th of August, we
received the heart warming news that she made
her first profession.
From this time onwards, Sr. Festa had become a
resource person to the Order of the Little Sisters of
the Poor worldwide, so also her progress in the
Order. On 4th of September, 1994, Sr. Festa
Nonyelum Okonkwo is now a firmly
stakeholder, firmly entrenched in the
Order and we look forward when she
would be called up to head any of the
strategic positions in the Order.
Since her final profession, Sr. Festa has
travelled far and near taking on
responsibilities unbehalf of the Order.
She has travelled from France to Nigeria,
Kenya, Malta, and Ireland. Now, she is
stationed in Congo Brazzaville.
Twenty five years in the service of God
and humanity has earned her a star
position in two worlds (the world of God
and that of man). Bravo Sr. Festa for achieving this

rare fete, though you couldn't have achieved this
without the Grace of God. You achieved this
because Chukwu Nonyelu gi, congratulations! Ad
Multos Annos.
Responding, the celebrant, Sr. Okonkwo expressed
happiness over the whole event; hear her: I had
wanted a simple jubilee but hear am seeing an
elaborate arrangement from Prof. Okonkwo, my
uncle and others; I don't expect that; it is well
organised and everything is moving smoothly, so I
thank everybody in the family of Okonkwo starting
from my uncle, Chuka, Rev. fr. Emma, my sisters, all
my cousins, they put head together to make sure
that this jubilee goes well and joyful. I pray that this
celebration will be a successful thin and would
unite everyone together through Christ, our lord.
Thank you all for coming and may the good Lord
bless you all. Thank you.
In an interview with NewsGrain Magazine
correspondent at the occasion, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel
Okonkwo, a brother to Sr. Festa Okonkwo posits
that he had done his own and her junior sister was
coming behind him and prayed that God to
continue to lead her in that path till the end. He
described her sister as very gentle, humble and
God-fearing pointing out that he would advise her
to carry her cross to follow Christ for the sake of
salvation. This was collaborated by Dr. Lady Nkem
Ukozor, leader CWO; and lecturer, mass com,
IMSU,
Assoc. Prof Fab Ukozo Chairman of the
occasion
POLITICS
DELTA 2015: SENATOR OSAKWE

ENDORSES OBUH FOR GOVERNOR
ENATOR Patrick Osakwe has endorsed the

governorship aspiration of Peoples
Democratic Party frontline gubernatorial
candidate, Sir Tony Chuks Obuh, describing him
as a humble and intelligent gentleman who has
been a key player in the PDP political
engineering in Delta State.
Osakwe said Obuh has been sponsoring and
financing various political pressure groups that
have assisted the party in mass mobilisation of
eligible voters for PDP victories in various
elections.
Chief Osakwe told the huge crowd he assembled at
his country home in Ndokwa West to receive the
key governorship aspirant, that the PDP will queue
behind the leader of the party in the state,
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, for the consensus
adoption of the most qualified aspirant.

He said: He who the system says will be our
governorship candidate will certainly be the one
that will carry the day.
It is either you are in or you are out, period.
Those working against Governor Uduaghan are
wasting their time.
He is our party leader and we shall go with him in
the present political dispensation.
He knows the best among the aspirants.
Governor Uduaghan has done well.
Asaba International Airport is one of the legacies of
His Excellency.
His vision for Delta State is great and we need
someone that is not the enemy of the governor to
finish and improve upon the enviable performances
of the Uduaghan administration.
Tony Obuh is well known to me because of his key
roles in government, particularly his silent but deep
involvement in several PDP activities across board.
I say here and now that my political structures in
Ndokwa and beyond have today adopted Sir Tony
Chuks Obuh as our governorship aspirant and come
November 29, 2014, he will surely clinch the PDP
governorship ticket, by the special grace of God.
Speaking earlier, Obuh told the senator and political
tactician that his success at the party primaries and
at the polls requires the total support and push of
Chief Osakwe's political structures within the
Ndokwa Nation and across board.
He said his sole objective of aspiring to the office of
Governor of Delta State is to build on the huge
success of Uduaghan's administration and take
Delta State to a higher socio-economic and political
level.
Sir Obuh further asserted that Deltans will enjoy the
dividends of democracy in a greater measure if
elected in 2015, pointing out that his administration
will focus on youth and women empowerment
Dailyreviewonline
POLITICS
PRESIDENT
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
2015: The Coast Is Clear
Mike Onuegbu
& Ifeanyi Nwulu
POLITICS
HE intense heat and what will be the fate

of the nation, Nigeria and who will hold
the mantle of leadership come 2015 is on.
Thus, the need to access and check the
achievements of the present administration
becomes necessary. In May 29, 1999 Democracy
was put to bed in Nigeria after many decades of
Military Dictatorship and abruptness of Civil
Political life in the country, throwing the nation
into a state of gross dismay and disarray
domestically resulting to international sanctions
and indebtedness. Structural adjustment program,
that affected the country's currency resulting to
devaluation and infrastructural decadence.
However, what the future holds for the
continuation of democracy and its veritable
dividends in Nigeria after 15 years of successive
democratically elected leaders will be determined
in 2015 general elections.
The first democratically elected Head of State in
Nigeria in the third republic, Gen. Olusegun
Obasanjo earnestly achieved unprecedented
improvement in the reduction of foreign
indebtedness inherited from previous regimes.
Our focus will be to examine the chances of the
incumbent Head of State; President Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan's re-election, if he decides to run
for a second term. It would be recalled that on 6th
May, 2010, the country officially had her 14th
leader in the person of President Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan. At the inception of his administration,
he met a threatening terrorist group, an enemy to
Nigeria's survival as a nation and as a secular state.
The Goodluck Jonathan-led administration has
committed more than expected both in
military/tactical personnel and finance to end this
insurgence which erupted between 26th and 29th
July, 2009 in Maiduguri, Bornu state, which has
posed a great threat to world peace. It is obvious
that the country has lost so much in engaging these
terrorists (BOKO HARAM) in a new war to
sustain the peace and unity of Nigeria, but
President Goodluck Jonathan's administration has
never relented in its pursuit and sustenance of
Nigeria's existence as a federation and a secular
state. In her effort to crush and eradicate the
enemy of Nigeria (BOKO HARAM), the
Jonathan administration and great powers of the
world i.e. USA, U.K, Russia, among others had

helped in no small measure they could to end this
scourge.
Day in day out, the Nigerian defense ministry
keeps watch on the BOKO HARAM with a
view to keeping it under check. Some Nigerians
view the insurgence and Jonathan's gentleman
approach to it as an act of weakness, but these
Nigerians seem to be myopic in their perception of
this insurgency, they fail to understand that this is
not an open war but a fight with someone you don't
know. The terrorists cannot be identified because
you don't see them in uniform, but you see their
attacks. President Jonathan's administration has
achieved much by not allowing these insurgents
spread throughout the country, So far, the Present
administration has spent huge sum of money to
end the insurgency and other related security
challenges.
Tactical war takes longer than field war. Nigerians
should understand that the war is not Goodluck
Jonathan's war but a war against Nigerians and
Nigeria's existence. Amidst the existence of
terrorism in Nigeria and the prevalent distraction
from infrastructural developments, in an effort to
put an end to the existence of BOKO HARAM,
the present administration has achieved much in
alleviating Nigeria's problems. Its achievements
are worth examining for a vivid understanding.
President Goodluck Jonathan has written his
name in the annals of history as one of those
leaders that has changed the face of Nigeria
politics. For instance, among all the dividends of
democracy, he has been able to enforce and
strengthen transparency and respect for individual
opinion, this led to signing into law in 2011 The
Freedom Of Information Act (FOI). This has
given Nigerians rare opportunities to air their
views and opinions on National matters or their
public concerns as to strengthen our democracy as
obtainable in advanced democratic nations. On
the other hand, as part of his seven point agenda,
President Goodluck Jonathan has launched a road
map setting out a clear implementation plan for
the power sector as a reaffirmation of his
commitment in resolving the power sector
decadence. The Power Holding Company of
Nigeria was scrapped and replaced by Nigerian
POLITICS
Electricity Regulatory Commission with a

regulatory body charged to revitalize the sector.
Today this administration has invested 15% equity
in Power Project in the country, summing up to
10,000 Mega Watts capacity by the year 2020.
The President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
administration has improved the power generation
from 2000 mega watts to 4502 mega watts in
December 2012, the highest since Nigerian
returned to Democratic government in 1999. It's
exciting to note that Nigerians believe that Power
will surely hit 10,000 Mega watts in short time
courtesy of the faith the President Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan administration has in the Power sector so
far. The Privatization was a tremendous boost to
the administration's purpose and vision for the
power sector. Today, large part of the country's ere
(towns/cities) are enjoying between 14-16 hours

of uninterrupted power supply, except in some
areas where localized problems exist.
Moreso, Agricultural sector has received a
massive boost in the President Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan led government in Nigeria. The
administration has been giving improved agric
facilities to address food crop insecurity in the
country bearing in mind that this is one of the
problems facing the nation. Nigeria is partnering
with Colombian University, New York, USA, in
the areas of collaboration, which was established
by President Goodluck Jonathan in September 10,
2013. This has instilled a digital soil map for
scientific researches and improved agricultural
plan for Nigerians and the world. Certainly, this
will make it easier to precisely determine soil atus
POLITICS
health status and soil management. This is done by
testing the soil right in its natural position, rather
than packaging the soil to the labs for test.
On the Educational sector, the Present
administration approved critical segment of four
year strategic plan for this sector, which is using
technical and vocational education and training
(TVET) to empower the less privileged Nigerians.
The celebrated successful implementation of
Alimajiri Education Program, the Implementation
of Universal Basic Education (U.B.E), special
vocation schools for the South East and the SouthSouth Geo-political zones has been carefully
planned in the last two years (2012). This has
reduced drop out from schools and led to further
increase in literacy rate among the populace. The
administration, on July 14, 2014 pledged to ensure
the revitalization of this long neglected sector. And
the results of his commitment are therefore:
125 Alimajiri Schools delivered, 72

electronic Libraries in 72 out of the 104 federal
Unity colleges rehabilitated in the phased
rehabilitation programs. Over a million Basic
Education Teachers and administrators trained and
60 million free textbooks distributed to less
privileged Nigerian children. The least of his
achievements in the Education sector is endless
but the need for more emphasis on other sectors
like health care will be necessary.
Still in the area of education President

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan took an unprecedented
step by setting up Federal universities in some
states that hitherto had no Federal University. The
universities are in Kogi, Taraba, Ebonyi, Jigawa,
Bayelsa, Gombe, Ekiti, Nasarawa and Katsina
states.
The health sector is the most needed attention
Zone. The urgent need to invest in this sector made
the President Jonathan administration to take a
bold step to launch SAVING ONE MILLION
LIVES - an ambitious and comprehensive
initiative to increase access to essential primary
health services and commodities for Nigerians
especially women and children. This has become a
yardstick for measuring health sector performance
in Nigeria today. Through this initiative this
administration has pledged to save one million
lives by 2015.
It is important to mention here the administrations
strength and determination to combat Ebola Viral

Disease (EVD) scourge. Unlike other countries in
Africa which could not put an end or contend the
deadly Virus in their domain. Today, it is written in
annals of history that the president Goodluck
Jonathan led administration was able to contend
the deadly virus and Nigeria became the first
country to be applauded by the United Nations and
the first Ebola free nation amongst the affected.
The federal government in a concerted
effort/collaboration using the federal ministry of
health released N200 million each to Lagos and
Rivers state to assist in combating the Ebola Virus.
This has proven the essence of trust in (GEJ)
administration and positive dividends of
democracy.
Vast road networks in the country has received
face lift as part of the great dividends of
democracy. The administration of President
Goodluck Jonathan has accorded priority to the
provision of motorable road networks as a way of
positively touching the lives of Nigerians. His
emphases on roads are a big threat to future
aspirants and successors of Nigerian Presidency.
While declaring open the first Africa Regional
Congress meeting of international road federation
held recently in Abuja, he reiterated his
commitment to provide good roads across the
federation. For this vision, this administration has
approved the construction of several roads too
numerous to mention. The East-West roads and the
several road networks in the North, the second
road, Lagos-Sagamu express road N65.5 billion.
The zeal to build second Niger Bridge deserves
much kudos for remembering to give an
alternative to the aging first Niger Bridge.
Prominent Nigerians, PDP State governors, the
party hierarchy, Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo and some other
socio-cultural groups have endorsed the man GEJ
for a second term; he has not officially declared his
intention. Such encouragement from prominent
leaders means they see the Goodluck Jonathan led
administration as veritable means for the
betterment of the nation.
Fortunately for president Good luck Jonathan, in
the National Question of 13th October Ndiameeh
Babangida Babreek in an article titled APC'S
Manual for defeating PDP in the 2015 Presidential
election, came to the conclusion that the formula if
POLITICS
applied is capable of
unsettling the PDP but he
does not see the possibility of
the Hausa-Fulani hardliners
accepting it and failure to
accept it means victory for
Jonathan all the way. Hear
him. The only chances and
possibility of this APC party
beating the PDP in 2015
presidential election is
through the following
formula:
Presenting a Northern
Christian as their Presidential
candidate with a southern
Muslim as their running
mate. Presenting Tunde Raji
Fashola as their presidential
candidate with a Northern
Christian as running mate.
Presenting Adams
Oshiomhole as their
presidential candidate with a
Northern Muslim as his
running mate. According to
him, the permutation of the
front page cover of Sunday
Trust of the 5th October 2014,
presenting supremacists, like
Buhari, Atiku Abubakar or
even Musa Kwankwaso will
never work again in Nigeria of today. Insisting that it is
the turn of the Northern minorities to produce the
President, he noted that APC should have known that
Kwankwaso, Buhari and Atiku are divisive
personalities in the Nigerian body politics. He equally
noted that APC has forgotten too soon that in 2011, the
south west deliberately voted the PDP during the
presidential election and turned around in one week to
vote for the then ACN in the gubernatorial elections.
He pointed out that the remaining tribe s of Nigeria are
tired of the Hausa Fulani for now and will be ready to
vote anybody but Hausa Fulani candidate . The 2015
Presidential election he said is there for APC to win
provided that their presidential candidate is not a
Hausa Fulani Muslim. This he said is a bitter truth
which many hardliner of the Hausa Fulani stock will
not want to hear. He averred that he is happy that a
Hausa Fulani man Dr Hakeem BabaAhmed braved the odds and spoke the truth
in the same Sunday Trust interview Columwith the tag of being sponsors of Boko
Haram hanging on its neck perpetually,
with all the insinuation across the country,
the APC is a janjaweed party. This APC
must act to disprove the critics and present a
Christian presidential candidate or southern
Muslim as the case may be.
He concluded by saying that the quartet of
Atiku, Buhari, Waziri Tambuwal and Musa
Kwankwaso must sheath their ambition for
now as no sacrifice can be too much for the
Hausa Fulani to preserve the so called
forced unity of Nigeria. Anything short of
this will be Good luck all the way in 2015 to
2019. Good luck Nigeria.
FOREIGN POLICY
Advancing American Energy
RESIDENT Obama's All-of-the-Above Energy

Strategy is making America more energy
independent and supporting jobs. Since the
President took office, domestic energy-related emissions
have fallen to their lowest level in 20 years, and our
dependence on foreign oil is at a 20-year low and
declining. America is producing more oil, gas, and
renewable energy, and the U.S. is becoming more energy
efficient overall. These trends are increasing our energy
security, cutting our carbon pollution, and enhancing our
economic growth.
Safe and Responsible Domestic Oil and Gas Production
In 2010, in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in
the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama administration launched
the most aggressive and comprehensive reforms to
offshore oil and gas regulation and oversight in U.S.
history and put in place new safeguards to protect the
environment. These measures help to ensure that our
nation can continue to safely and responsibly develop
offshore energy resources.
Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technologies
Continued progress in reducing pollution to improve
public health and the environment can be accomplished
while supplying the reliable, affordable power needed for
economic growth and advancing cleaner energy
technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration
(CCS). CCS is technologically feasible for implementation
at new coal-fired power plants, and its core components
carbon dioxide capture, compression, transportation, and
34 NNeewwssggrraai inn MMaaggaazzi innee
storage have been implemented successfully at

commercial scale.
As part of the President's Climate Action Plan, the U.S. has
invested several billions of dollars into the research and
development of CCS technologies, including those aiming
to develop innovative, second-generation technologies
that will help improve the efficiency and drive down the
costs of carbon capture processes for new and existing
coal-fired power plants.
Advancing Clean Energy
President Obama has also taken an all-in approach to
innovation that starts with a strong commitment to basic
and applied energy. That is why this Administration has
made the largest investment in clean energy in American
history and has launched several initiatives to advance
clean energy deployment. Since President Obama took
office, the U.S. has increased solar electricity generation
by more than ten-fold, and tripled electricity production
from wind power.
Building on the progress of the first term, this
Administration continues to take new action to drive
clean, American-made energy. Through initiatives such as
public-private partnerships and renewable energy
projects on public lands, we are on track to meet our goals
of installing 100 megawatts of renewable capacity across
federally subsidized housing by 2020, permitting 10
gigawatts of renewable projects on public lands by 2020,
deploying 3 gigawatts of renewable energy on military
installations by 2025, and doubling wind and solar
FOREIGN POLICY
electricity generation in the United States by 2025.

The President called on Congress to make the renewable
energy Production Tax Credit permanent and refundable,
which will provide incentive and certainty for investments
in new clean energy. Instead of continuing century-old
subsidies to oil companies, the President believes that we
need to invest in the energy of the future.
And we've seen progress: Only four years ago, President
Obama announced SunShot a goal to make solar energy
cost-competitive with traditional energy sources by the
end of the decade. Today, U.S. solar is more than 60 percent
of the way there. The cost of geothermal and advanced
biofuels is also dropping, and since 2008, the cost of
manufacturing advanced electric vehicle batteries has
dropped by more than 65 percent. Additionally, in May
2014, the Obama administration launched a process for
securing commitments from the public and private sectors
to cut energy waste and deploy more renewable energy.
Advancing Energy Efficiency
Cutting our energy waste is one of the fastest, easiest, and
cheapest ways to create jobs, save families money, and cut
down on harmful carbon pollution. The Obama
administration has taken several actions that advance
energy efficiency in our vehicles and homes. Through
partnerships with rural electric cooperatives, home
efficiency upgrades, and private-sector partnerships such
as the President's Better Buildings Challenge, America has
been able to cut its carbon emissions, create jobs, and save
families hundreds of dollars at the pump and on their
utility bills every year. In fact, since President Obama took
office, U.S. oil demand has declined, in part because of these
efficiency initiatives.
Developing Clean Fuels
Biofuels are a key component of President Obama's all-ofthe-above energy strategy and play an important role in
reducing America's dependence on foreign oil. The Obama

administration has supported research and engaged in
public-private partnerships to pursue new innovations in
biofuels technologies, increase production of U.S. biofuels,
strengthen American energy security, and create jobs.
Reducing Our Dependence on Foreign Oil
Our all-of-the-above energy strategy aims to harness
American innovation and develop a diverse portfolio of
American-made energy. We are safely and responsibly
developing our energy resources while advancing cleaner
forms of energy, such as natural gas and renewables. In
November 2013, America hit a milestone of energy
independence: For the first time in nearly two decades, the
U.S. produced more oil domestically than it imported from
foreign sources. And the U.S. is now the number-one natural
gas producer in the world.
Thanks in part to these initiatives, America's dependence on
foreign oil is at a 20-year low and declining. As we decrease
our carbon emissions, our economy continues to grow. Our
all-of-the-above approach is advancing our energy
independence, supporting American jobs, and building the
foundation for a clean-energy economy.
Advancing American Energy
President Obama's All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy is
making America more energy independent and supporting
jobs. Since the President took office, domestic energyrelated emissions have fallen to their lowest level in 20
years, and our dependence on foreign oil is at a 20-year low
and declining. America is producing more oil, gas, and
renewable energy, and the U.S. is becoming more energy
efficient overall. These trends are increasing our energy
security, cutting our carbon pollution, and enhancing our
History
HISTORY OF GSM IN NIGERIA

Global System for Mobile Communications (cellular phone technology)
BY CHIMA EKUMA
Its ten years since GSM, the

Global System for Mobile
communications was introduced
to Nigeria. The launch of GSM in
2001 liberated Nigerians from
the shackles of the once
powerful, but now virtually
insignificant, national telecoms
monopoly NITEL. NITEL
insulted and humiliated
Nigerians for many years with
their 'wicked' style of service. So
Nigerians must have breathe a
sigh of relief when Econet (now
Airtel) and MTN Nigeria
launched their GSM mobile
services in 2001.
GSM has contributed positively
in boosting economic activities
in Nigeria. It has also improved
the quality of living of Nigerians.
Thanks to GSM, Nigerians now
enjoy services like mobile TV,
POS (electronic payment),
affordable internet services,
mobile tracking services,
cheaper international calls,
internet banking, and mobile
banking.
However, 10 years on, the
quality of GSM services are
getting worse. Cross connections
and dropped calls are now very
common. For example, this

month alone I have experienced
up to 3 cross connection where
my call is routed in error to a
GSM user different from the one
I wanted to call, and trust me the
GSM operator will still bill me
for it.
Even the one dial philosophy
unknown to us until the launch
of Glo mobile in Nigeria has
suddenly disappeared. These
days, you cannot make any GSM
call with full certainty that it will
go the first time. You have to try
two or more times.
GSM operators are more
interested in building market
share than offering quality
services to their consumers.
Every now and then they
proudly announce the number of
millions of subscribers they now
have. Some of them are even
rolling out new number ranges
every time without asking how
existing GSM customers are
faring.
In fact, services of GSM
operators are so bad these days
that sometimes it feels as if we
broke free from the shackles of

the very wicked NITEL only to
end up in the shackles of the less
wicked GSM operators. It is an
improvement, but it leaves more
to be desired. The only
difference is that now we have a
choice. We can choose which
GSM operator (it feels like
oppressor) to oppress us. At
least it is better than being
helpless under one oppressor.
Some of us have been turned to
night watchmen all in the name
of free night calls. Others have
been turned into gamblers as
they send text to short codes to
win this or that ending up
poorer in the process with
service providers and GSM
networks smiling to the bank.
So, is it all bad news? Does it
mean that there has not been
any improvement in GSM
services since 2001? Does it
mean I will be celebrating
nothing as GSM clocks 10 years
in Nigeria? While I have a lot to
be unhappy about there is one
aspect of GSM services that I will
be celebrating. It is Internet or
Data services.
History
If there is a silver lining in the
cloudy story of GSM in Nigeria
for the past 10 years, it has to be
the internet. GSM has made
internet more affordable and
accessible than it has ever been,
hence giving people like me a
voice on the internet. Millions of
Nigerians now access the
internet via their GSM phones or
a GSM enabled device.
Nigerians have taken their place
on Facebook, Yahoo, GMail,
Twitter, and Google with
millions of them visiting these
sites everyday all thanks to GSM.
Nigerians are very active in
these sites that some of them are
even optimizing their sites for
Nigeria, something to be proud
of and something that would not
have been possible without
affordable internet services
offered by GSM operators.
accessing the internet, it is now

making sense for businesses to
go online, creating more
opportunities for web
developers, application
developers, graphics designers,
and consultants. Shops are also
going online for this reason
creating more business for the
financial services and logistics
industries.
So, as you can see I have
something to celebrate as GSM
clocks 10 in Nigeria, so do you.
Credits on GSM at 10 in Nigeria
While we celebrate it is
important to recognise some
organisations that have
contributed to it and the history
GSM in Nigeria will not be
complete without mentioning
them. I may miss some, you can
add more via the comment box.
Glo Mobile:
Via the internet, GSM has

empowered thousands of
Nigerians like me who make
money on the internet. Yes some
of us engage in fraud but
thousands of Nigerians make
honest living on the internet as
web publishers, bloggers, apps
developers, internet security
consultants, social media
consultants, and online
marketing consultants.
With more people now ries.
For me, Glo mobile is the

company. Although we were
broken free from the shackles of
one monopoly NITEL, most
Nigerians will recall that for
about two years we were at the
mercy of a new GSM monopoly
MTN, which dominated the
market as the other GSM
operators were not able to
compete.
Glo mobile brought
competition, innovation, and the
popular breath of fresh air to

GSM in Nigeria. Before Glo,
connecting any mobile number
on one dial was only possible in
the realm of science fiction, Glo
mobile thanks to new
technology made it possible.
For months MTN and others
were busy telling Nigerians that
making calls by the second on
GSM will take a few more years,
Glo offered us per second billing
before they could end their
sentence. MTN and co even told
us that accessing GSM is not
meant to be cheap. They used
grammar like "over capacity",
"high operational cost", "high
demand" to justify why
Nigerians should be spending so
much for a little plastic card they
called SIM.
My dad bought his MTN SIM
N6,000. Some claim to have
bought theirs for up to N20,000,
but since I was not there I
cannot confirm that. While MTN
and other GSM operators (you
may also use oppressors) said it
was impossible for SIMs to be
cheap, Glo mobile made it
possible with the N1 SIM
miracle, adding new momentum
to a sluggish GSM market.
Although most of us are
celebrating an explosion in
mobile communications in
Nigeria, it is important to note
that Glo was very crucial in
History
making it possible. By making SIMs
cheap Glo empowered millions to
join its GSM network, making it the
fastest growing GSM network at the
time.
To maintain her market share MTN
had to respond, cutting prices and
offering similar services as Glo
mobile. To me what we call the GSM
revolution (or explosion in mobile
communications) is just competition
between MTN and Glo mobile with
Etisalat and Airtel joining later.
Glo also gave us packet data services
and BlackBerry. However when it
comes to BlackBerry, I have problem
with Glo launching BB for only
postpaid users, alienating ordinary
guys like me.
But, is Glo living on past Glory? Well,
I don't think so Glo has some of the
cheapest call rates in Nigeria.
Although the quality of service is no
longer as sexy as it used to be, Glo
still manages to be the best. Glo also
has the best priced internet services
today and has the best quality of
service on 3G.
Nokia:
While Glo contributed to the GSM
revolution by offering us cheaper
GSM access, Nokia completed the
cycle by offering us cheaper GSM
hardware. While other OEMs
expected us to shell out our three
months salary just to buy a GSM
phone, Nokia offered us GSM phones
that we can afford without
compromising quality.
Who can forget bestsellers like the
Nokia 3310, Nokia 1200, Nokia
1208, Nokia 5130 Xpressmusic,
Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition, Nokia
5230, Nokia 1280, Nokia 2690,
Nokia C3, etc? GSM Phones that offered us the best mobile
technology at affordable prices.
Samsung: Samsung is also worth mentioning, at least they came
up some great but affordable GSM phones like the Samsung C140
and introduced a number of dual-SIM phones that reduced the
burden of carrying multiple GSM phones.
MTN: MTN Nigeria may have milked us for years and may still be
milking us, but they also contributed to what we enjoy today.
MTN made BlackBerry an all comers affair by being the first GSM
network to offer the service to postpaid and prepaid customers,
something Glo mobile missed.
MTN Nigeria also deserve commendation for standing up to Glo
and preventing it from becoming another monopoly, thereby
ensuring that Nigeria's mobile communications remains
competitive and vibrant. If not for MTN, Glo would have become
a monopoly today with all the disadvantages it brings to the
market.
You: Yes you. Despite the dropped calls, cross connections,
network congestion, nightmares with customer care people, and
all round poor quality of service, you have not given-up on GSM.
You still load your GSM phone. As long as you have not used it to
commit a crime or bring the name of this country to disrepute,
bravo!!, your contribution made it all possible.
President Obasanjo: although he contributed very little to the
success of GSM, I still think he deserves a mention. Like every
good striker or goalkeeper knows, it is not easy to be at the right
place at the right time. Bravo baba for being at the right place at
the right time.
Yes there are others like the NCC, Etisalat, Equipment vendors,
and who will forget Airtel the GSM operator that has changed its
name more than most. Launched in Nigeria as Econet, they
changed to VMobile, then Celtel, then Zain, and now Airtel. Bravo
to all of you, you made the 10 years of GSM in Nigeria what it is,
keep working and the next ten years will also celebrate you.
Round The Nation
Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu,

Nigeria's Minister of Health
ROFESSOR C.
O. Onyebuchi
Chukwu, a
distinguished academic,
health administrator and
a renowned orthopaedic
and trauma surgeon is
the Minister of Health of
the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. He is a fellow
of both the West African
and the International
College of Surgeons and
a member of the Board
of Partnership for
Maternal Newborn and
Child Health. He served
as Chairman of
Assembly of Health
Ministers of the
Economic Community
of West African States
(ECOWAS) 2010-2012;
Chairman of the 60th
WHO Regional Committee for Africa and also the
first Vice President of the 64th World Health
Assembly in 2011. He is currently the Chairman of
the Country Coordinating Mechanism (Nigeria) of
the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and
Malaria (GAFTM) and the West and Central
African Constituency representative on the Board
of the GAFTM; as well as the Chairman of the
Committee of Ministers of Health of the African
Union (CAMH6).
Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu was first appointed
Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck
Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, in April 2010 and reappointed in June 2011. As

Minister of Health of
Nigeria, he has championed
the Transformation Agenda
of the President in the health
sector with considerable
success. He ensured the
approval of the National
Strategic Health
Development Plan (NSHDP)
by the Federal Executive
Council and the signing of
the International Health
Partnership (IHP+) compact
securing partners
commitment to the
implementation of the plan.
Under his stewardship, the
health sector has recorded so
many achievements:
Improvement in the
countrys health indices
declining infant, under five and maternal mortality
ratios; decreasing HIV prevalence and increased
uptake of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
(PMTCT); increased domestic funding for
reproductive health services; increased number of
skilled birth attendants in our Primary Health Care
Centres through the Midwives Service Scheme
(MSS); introduction of the MenAfric vaccine for
cerebrospinal meningitis and the pentavalent
vaccines; flagging off of the Community Based Social
Health Insurance Scheme and buy-in by many States;
establishment of the Nigeria Centre for Disease
Control (NCDC); approval by the Federal Executive
Council of the National Policy on Oral Health,
approval by the Federal Executive Council of the
Round The Nation

N a t i o n a l P h a r m a c o - Vi g i l a n c e P o l i c y ;
institutionalization of clinical governance in federal
tertiary health facilities; improved coverage of
immunization services; use of cutting edge
technology to fight counterfeit drugs; increased
private sector investment in health care delivery;
the Saving One Million Lives Initiative and the fagoff of the National Stroke Prevention Programme
by President Jonathan; introduction of a new
security-featured International Certificate of
Vaccination (Yellow Card); among others. Under
his leadership, Guinea Worm Disease was
eradicated in Nigeria for which the WHO in
December 2013 certificated Nigeria as a Guinea
Worm Free country.
He was born on 22nd of April 1962 in Yaba,
Lagos, Nigeria. He hails from Afikpo North in
Ebonyi, State. A true Nigerian, Onyebuchi
Chukwu he had the opportunity of receiving
primary, secondary and tertiary education in the
eastern, northern and western parts of the country,
respectively. His primary education was at
Igweledunma Primary School in Anambra State,
where he had a Distinction in the First School
Leaving Certificate Examination (1974).
Thereafter at the Federal Government College,
Sokoto, he also made a Distinction in the West
African School Certificate Examination as well
as the Best Result in the school for 1979. He
was trained as a medical doctor at the College
of Medicine of the University of Lagos where he
finished as the Best All-round Student in
Medicine in the Final MBBS Examination
(University of Lagos 1986). He also won
awards as the Best Student in Primary Health
Care (University of Lagos, 1986), the Nigerian
Medical Association Annual Prize and the May
& Baker Prize for Best Performance at the Final
Professional Examination for MBBS,
(University of Lagos, 1986).
On graduation, he continued to excel. He won
the 2nd Prize in the 8th Baxter Health
Care/Africa Health Essay Competition (1990)
(Title of Essay: Financing Health through
Cost-Recovery); He was an International
Scholar of the American Academic of
Orthopaedic Surgery 2003 (one of four
surgeons selected worldwide - the second
Nigerian to achieve this distinction). He also
won the Friend of Pharmacy Award of the

Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Ebonyi
State Branch) 2004; Rotary International
Presidents Citation for Outstanding Effort in
the Four Avenues of Service 2004/2005;
Vocational Service Award of the Inner Wheel
Club of Abakaliki 2005; Distinguished Service
Award of the Nigerian Medical Association
(Ebonyi State Branch) 2005; Special Award for
Outstanding Performance of the Nigerian
Union of Journalists Ebonyi State Council
2006; Fellowship Merit Award of Excellence for
Effective Social and Human Development of
the Institute of Treasury Management and
Corporate Finance of Nigeria 2006; Honorary
Fellow (FCPS) National Association of
Professional Secretarial Staff of Nigeria
(NAPSSON) 2007; Award of Excellence (In
appreciation of numerous contributions
towards medical education in Nigeria) of the
Nigerian Medical Students Association
(NIMSA) 2008 and was inducted into THE
ROLL OF HONOUR of the Nigerian Medical
Association (Ebonyi State Branch) in 2008.
Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has distinguished
himself in many endeavours of life, both in
academics and in service to humanity. In
service to his fatherland, Prof. Onyebuchi
Chukwu also excelled in various managerial
and administrative positions held:
He was Head, Accident and Emergency
Department, Abia State University Teaching
Hospital, Nigeria (1996-1998); Senior Lecturer
in Surgery/Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon,
Abia State University/Abia State University
Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria (1999-2000);
Head, Department of Surgery, Abia State
University/Abia State University Teaching
Hospital, Aba, Nigeria (1998-2000). He
became an Honorary Consultant Orthopaedic
and Trauma Surgeon Ebonyi State University
Teaching Hospital Abakaliki in 2000; Chairman
Medical Advisory Committee Ebonyi State
University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki,
Nigeria (2000-2003); Senior Lecturer in
Surgery/Senior Consultant Orthopaedic and
Tr a u m a S u r g e o n i n E b o n y i S t a t e
University/Ebonyi State University Teaching
Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria (2000 2007) and
the Chief Medical Director/Chief Executive
Round the Nattion

Officer of the Ebonyi
State University
Teaching Hospital,
Abakaliki (20032008).
In 2007, he was
appointed a Professor
of Orthopaedic
Surgery, Ebonyi State
University Abakaliki;
the Deputy Provost,
College of Health
Sciences, Ebonyi
S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y,
Abakaliki 4th
November, 2008 and
a Visiting Professor of
Surgery, University of
Nigeria Enugu
Campus (with effect
from 6th April 2010),
until his appointment as Nigerias Minister of
Health in April 2010.
During his tenure as the Chief Medical Director of
the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital
(2003 2008), the hospital witnessed
phenomenal growth in personnel, physical
structures, utilities, clinical services, the number of
clinical departments accredited for internship and
residency training, and the number of staff who
underwent in-service training. The management
team, with the cooperation of staff, raised the
hospital to a level of excellence that earned it the
reputation as the most functional teaching
hospital in Nigeria and made it a major centre for
undergraduate and postgraduate medical training
in the country.
The distinguished professor is not found wanting
in the areas of community and social service. A
Rotarian, he served as president of Rotary Club of
Abakaliki South, Captain of Abakaliki Golf Club
and Assistant-Governor Rotary International,
2008/2009; 2010/2011, District 9140 Zone 22.
Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu also holds the
membership of many national and international
professional bodies. He has received many
national and international awards among which
are:
* Rotary International Presidents Citation for
Outstanding Effort in the four Avenues of

Service 2004/2005.
* Distinguished Service Award of the
Nigerian Medical Association (Ebonyi State
Branch) 2005
* S p e c i a l Aw a r d f o r O u t s t a n d i n g
Performance of the Nigerian Union of
Journalists Ebonyi State Council 2006
* Fellowship Merit Award of Excellence for
Effective Social and Human Development of
the Institute of Treasury Management and
Corporate Finance of Nigeria 2006.
* Honorary Fellow (FCPS) National
Association of Professional Secretarial Staff
of Nigeria (NAPSSON) 2007
* Award of Excellence (In appreciation of
numerous contributions towards medical
education in Nigeria) of the Nigerian Medical
Students Association (NIMSA) 2008
* Inducted into the Roll of Honour of the
Nigerian Medical Association (Ebonyi State
Branch) 2008.
Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu holds the
membership of many national and
international professional bodies. He has
also attended and participated in several
academic and professional conferences
and workshops.
He is happily married with children.
HEALTH
By Joseph Jibueze
SCIENTISTS discover
cure for DIABETES
GERMANTOWN, MD- Orgenesis Inc. (OTCQB: ORGS),
leader in the emerging fields of cellular therapy

and regenerative medicine, today announced that
it has received a patent for the technology
supporting its unique cell-based therapy, which is being
developed as a potential cure for Type 1 Diabetes. The U.S.
patent No. 8,778,899, was granted for "Methods of
Inducing Regulated Pancreatic Hormone Production in
Non-pancreatic Islet Tissues" and recognizes the
pioneering work done by Dr. Sarah Ferber and the research
team at Orgenesis who have used the technology to
successfully reprogram human liver cells into glucoseresponsive, fully functional Insulin Producing Cells (IPCs).
"While our newly issued patent is very broad, and covers
the use of any adult cell type that might be used to generate
Insulin Producing Cells (IPCs), we have chosen to use liver
cells because of how very closely they are physiologically
related to pancreatic cells," said Scott Carmer, CEO of
Orgenesis North America. "Both the liver and pancreas

derive from the same embryonic lineage (endoderm);
both share a common progenitor; both share many
genetic transcription factors; and importantly, both
have a built-in glucose sensing system. It is the genetic
and physiologic similarities between liver and
pancreas cells that have promise to overcome the
issues now being seen that relate to using other cell
sources, such as stem cells."
Orgenesis is a pioneer in the field of "cellular transdifferentiation," a technology that has potential to
regenerate glucose-responsive insulin production and
restore glycemic homeostasis for patients suffering
from various insulin-dependent disorders. By
transforming a patient's own liver cells into new
insulin-producing cells, Orgenesis hopes to develop a
breakthrough therapy for people living with Type 1
Diabetes. The new patent further showcases how
innovative the Orgenesis methods are and will provide
protection for this intellectual property that may have
curative potential for insulin-dependent disorders
such as Type 1 Diabetes.
"The science behind this patent marks new hope for
the millions of people around the world who suffer
from Type 1 Diabetes," Carmer said. "We are confident
in our science and technology, which has been
validated in numerous preclinical models of insulindependent diabetes. This patent not only protects the
fiscal investment of our work, but it authenticates our
purpose. Orgenesis seeks to cure diabetes;
developments such as this patent will only continue to
help pave the way towards that end."
A b o u t
O r g e n e s i s ,
I n c .
Orgenesis is a development stage company that is
committed to curing Type 1 Diabetes. In pursuit of this
goal, the company is developing a novel technology
that combines cellular therapy and regenerative
medicine. Through a proprietary biologic process
called 'cellular trans-differentiation,' Orgenesis has
HEALTH
proven that, when exposed ex vivo to certain pancreatic
transcription factors and in specific sequence, human
adult liver cells can be transformed into fully functional,
beta cell-like insulin producing cells (IPCs). After ex vivo
expansion, the IPCs are reinfused via the portal vein. In
pre-clinical models of Type 1 Diabetes (Non-Obese
Diabetic mice), the re-introduced IPCs remain in the
liver, effectively respond to glucose challenge and
successfully maintain glycemic homeostasis. In the
same NOD model, the implanted IPCs were not subject
to auto-immune attack or cellular ablation. Orgenesis
plans to initiate P1/2 trials in the next 12-16 months.
For more information visit: www.orgenesis.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking
statements" which are not purely historical. Such
forward-looking statements include, among other
things, the expectations of management that our
regeneration technology can be developed as
therapeutic treatment for diabetes which could become
a cure for diabetes; and that our patent will protect our
intellectual property. No assurance can be given that any
of the events anticipated by the forward-looking
statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits
Orgenesis will obtain from them. Actual results could
differ from those projected in any forward-looking
statements due to numerous factors, including, among
others, the potential failure of development candidates
to advance through preclinical studies or demonstrate
safety and efficacy in clinical testing; the ability to pass
clinical trials so as to move on to the next phase; our
ability to retain key employees; our ability to finance
development and operations; our ability to satisfy the
rigorous regulatory requirements for new medical
procedures; and competitors may develop better or
cheaper alternatives to our products. These forwardlooking statements are made as of the date of this news
release, and we assume no obligation to update the
forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons
why actual results could differ from those projected in
the forward-looking statements. Investors should refer
to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our periodic
reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
ometimes, it may seem easier to pop a pill
or even take a shot than to put on your
walking shoes and hit the trail. But the truth
is that exercise, in combination with a healthy diet,

is one of the best things you can do to take care of
yourself if you have diabetes.
Exercise burns calories, which will help you
lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Regular exercise can help your body respond

to insulin and is known to be effective in
managing blood glucose. Exercise can lower
blood glucose and possibly reduce the
amount of medication you need to treat
diabetes, or even eliminate the need for
medication.
Exercise can improve your circulation,

especially in your arms and legs, where
people with diabetes can have problems.
Exercise can help reduce your cholesterol

and high blood pressure. High cholesterol
and high blood pressure can lead to a heart
attack or stroke.
Exercise helps reduce stress, which can

raise your glucose level.
It can lower your risk for heart disease,

reduce your cholesterol levels and your
blood pressure.
In some people, exercise combined with a

meal plan, can control Type 2 Diabetes
without the need for medications.
HEALTH
Aloe Vera:
The Wonder Plant
ALOE VERA: THE WONDER
PLANT
Aloe is the name given to a variety
of perennials of the
Liliacceae/Aloeaceae family.
There are over 325 species in the
genus. Aloe ferox, Aloe perryi,
Aloe barteri, called West African
Aloe, and Aloe Barbadensis, also
called Aloe Vera, are the better
known species.
Aloe Vera has been in much use
from time immemorial. Wall
paintings of Ancient Egypt
showed that Aloe Vera was used
by the Egyptians to treat catarrh.
Among the Jewish people, Aloe Vera was used as an
ingredient for embalming. The body of Jesus was
wrapped with linen soaked in myrrh and Aloe:
Nicodemus brought a mixture with linen soaked in
myrrh and aloes, about seventy five pounds. Taking
Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the
spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance
with Jewish burial customs. (jn.19:39-40)
Aloe Vera, a native of southern and northern Africa,
th
came to Greece in the 4 century BC, to China in the
10th century AD and finally to Europe in the 11th
century AD. Even though there are many species,
they all have similar constituents, namely
Antraquinone, Glycosides, Aloin, Resin, etc.
Aloe Vera is the most common specie of Aloes
found in Nigeria today. This species grows well in
flower pots. It needs a balanced measure of
sunshine and water to survive. It does not grow
very tall, (1-4ft),is light green in colour with white
spots . It is good to remember that there are many
species of Aloes. One should therefore not be
surprised to see Aloes of different shapes, colour or
texture. The West African Aloe (aloe Vera barteri)
has very broad, succulent leaves and bright red
flowers, which can grow as high as seven feet.
Since Aloe Vera grows so quickly, it

should be planted in every compound. I
have seen this plant growing in flower
pots in many compounds as an
ornament. In some compounds, the plant
is abandoned and starved of water.
Surely, Aloe Vera deserves more honour
and loving care. Below are some of the
medicinal values of Aloe Vera, the miracle
plant.
CANCER: A lot of research has been and is
being done on the effectiveness of Aloe
Vera for curing cancer, especially cancer
of the breast. I challenge our scientists to
do more analysis of this wonder plant.
Rather than spending useful energies in
condemning and suppressing new ideas about health,
let our medical health practitioners focus their
attention on more intense research of medicinal
plants, which can save the life of our people. Some
time ago I called one of my doctors friends, an
orthodox doctor and told him that I would like to
discuss cancer with him. He said there was not much
to discuss except, that it was incurable, and so I should
not bother to talk of curing cancer with herbs. Must
our Nigerian orthodox doctors continue to fold their
hands and expect their counterparts in Europe and
America to do the thinking for them? In using Aloe
Vera for the treatment of cancer, one fact to keep in
mind is that the older the plant, the more potent it is.
For the treatment of cancer the plant must be at least
five years old. The formula is as follows
Materials:
3 leaves of Aloe Vera
1 bottle of honey
1/2 bottle of dry gin
Recipe: Cut the leaves into pieces.
Mix B &C together and use to grind A.
Dosage: 3tablespoonsuls twice daily for 2 months.
CONSTIPATION
HEALTH
Constipation is a very dangerous ailment. It is a
window for all other diseases. Constipation means
an inability of the body to expel waste materials
from the system. In constipation, metabolism is
very slow, leading to decay of waste materials in the
system. Aloe Vera offers hope for those who suffer
from this ailment. To treat constipation, cut the
root of Aloe Vera plant into pieces. Soak one
handful of the root in beer bottle of dry gin for
one week. Then add water to fill the bottle. That will
give you a full bottle. Dosage is one shot every night.
This preparation is not to be taken by pregnant
women.
INTESTINAL ULCER
Aloe Vera is one of the most effective remedies for
ulcer that we know of. Since we have so much Aloe
Vera plant among us, I feel sad to see so many
people still suffering from ulcer. I remember a
religious sister who came to me two years ago. She
was suffering from a very stubborn peptic ulcer.
She had gone to almost every hospital in Nigeria
without finding a permanent solution to her
problem. She was eventually told that her problem
was psychological and psychosomatic. She went to
consult a number of psychologists, yet the problem
persisted. When she came to me I prepared an Aloe
Vera mixture for her as it is prepared
for cancer above, the dosage being
two tablespoonfuls thrice daily. By
the third day most of the symptoms
had disappeared. She continued the
medication for a month. Since then
she has never experienced any of the
symptoms. I hope more people will
get to know about this wonder plant
and avail of the wonderful blessings
of nature.
IMPOTENCE
Impotence is one of those illnesses
not spoken about publicly, but which
is very common. Whether we face it
or not, impotence is a major factor in
divorce among married couples
today. Once again, Aloe Vera is there
to offer hope and live. Cut the root of
Aloe Vera into pieces. Remember that
the older the plant the more potent it
is. Soak two handfuls of the root in
one beer bottle of dry gin for ten days.

Endeavour to shake the bottle each of those ten
days. The dosage is six tablespoonfuls twice or
thrice daily, depending on your need. However,
do not exceed six tablespoonfuls thrice daily.
SUPPRESSED MENSTSRUATION
Aloe Vera is an effective remedy for all forms of
gynecological problems, especially suppressed
menstruation, anovulation and irregular
menstruation. For the treatment of all these
complaints, Aloe Vera is prepared in the
following way:
Materials:
4 leaves of Aloe Vera
1 beer bottle of honey
beer bottle of water
4 tablespoonfuls of dried, powdered ginger
Recipe: Mix B &C together and use to grind A.
Then add D and mix together.
Dosage: 3 tablespoonfuls thrice daily for 1
month
OTHER ILLNESSES:
The beauty of the Aloe Vera plant is that it is
useful for so many ailments. It is one of the most
potent antibiotics in the world. Apart from the
uses mentioned above, Aloe Vera can also be
POLITCS
Ihediohas Guber
Quest: 2015
Ndubuisi Ugah
OLLOWING his declaration to contest the

governorship of Imo State in 2015, Hon. Emeka
Ihedioha, deputy speaker of the House of
Representatives seems to have become the issue as far
as contending with incumbent governor Rochas
Okorocha for the plum job is concerned. This report
measures up both men and submits that the race
ahead will not be an easy ride for either.
Owelle Rochas Okorocha rode into public
consciousness over two decades ago mainly through
his philanthropic works and botched attempts to
become president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
So when he 'stooped' to contest the governorship of
Imo State in 2011, not a few knew that the then
incumbent Chief Ikedi Ohakim, who was also seeking
re-election, was in for a tough political battle.
Eventually, large-scale dissatisfaction with the PDP
government of Ohakim and the popularity of

Okorocha denied the former another term in office,
even if it took a supplementary election for the
electoral contest to be finally settled.
Riding on that popularity and the victory of defeating
an incumbent, Governor Rochas who won on the
platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
which he has now abandoned for the megaopposition party, the All Progress Congress (APC),
instantly became the toast of Imolites. But with less
than two years into another election year, the reality
of another political contest on the field is staring the
governor on the face. While he is still popular among
some segments of the Imo people and continues to
embark on some people-oriented programmes and
policies, the largely speculated governorship
ambition of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, deputy speaker of
POLITICS
the House of Representatives, is said to be giving
Owelle Okorocha goose pimples. Several factors are
at play here for both men: performance; the geopolitics of Imo State; as well as party platforms
among others are issues that cannot be wished away
in considering the strengths and weaknesses of both
men.
Take geo-politics of Imo State for instance, Owerri
zone where Ihedioha comes from is laying a strong
claim to the governorship because it has not enjoyed
the seat since the current democratic dispensation.
Between 1999 and 2003, it was Orlu zone,
represented by Chief Achike Udenwa. He was
succeeded by Ohakim from Okigwe zone who
unfortunately could not do two terms before he was
booted out by Okorocha from Orlu thereby making
the cry of political marginalisation from Owerri zone
louder. Political pundits say this may be to the
advantage of the deputy speaker while it may be a
disincentive for Owelle's second term bid.
Another factor going for him is that Ihedioha is well
loved and courted among the elite in Imo State. He
has played and continues to play in top political
circles since 1999 when the Udenwa administration
succeeded the military sole administrator-ship. He
was also prominent in the mix that threw up Ohakim
as governor in 2007 on the platform of the
Progressive Peoples' Alliance (PPA) before the much
expected mass movement back into the PDP midway into his term in office. Although, Ohakim and the
PDP lost the bid for re-election in 2011 to incumbent
governor Rochas Okorocha, Ihedioha is known to
have shown respect and restraint in relating with the
man at the helms of affairs currently. He is thus noted
for playing politics of maturity especially with
respect to the incumbent Rochas Okorocha
administration.
But more significantly, Ihedioha's connection with
and popularity among the generality of Imolites
relates to the myriad of people-oriented projects and
programmes he has used his office as federal
lawmaker to attract to Imo State. The N21.4bn
Owerri- Elele road project for which he has
consistently influenced budgetary provision in the
federal budget in the last two years is a mammoth
infrastructural project credited to the deputy
speaker. There is also the 59km Mbaise Ring Road
ambitious project that runs through the three local
government areas of Mbaise with the first phase put
at N6.178billion, already ongoing.
Other ambitious infrastructural projects attracted to

Imo State by Ihedioha include: The ongoing
N6.4billion Okpala-Igurita road; the injection substation at Okpala (ongoing); jetty projects at
Owerrinta; 33/132KVA sub-station electricity
project at Aboh Mbaise; planned rehabilitation of
two major roads in the state: OwerriUmuahia/Owerri-Okigwe roads respectively; and
the Ahiara Roundabout with accompanying spurs
from Enyiogugu to Aboh and Nkwogwu to Amuzi
jointly awarded for N4.2billion and being done by
Zerock is a project also credited to Ihedioha.
Significantly also, the N5.3billion Nsiweke-OnuchaMboma road in Okigwe zone, is a project of huge
magnitude for which no politician in Imo state can
boast of just as the important 13km Douglas Link
Road connecting six communities from Nguru
through Ibeku through Umuhu through Mbutu and
Uvuru is being done by the federal government
through the committed efforts of Ihedioha. The
Chokoneze-Ife road in Ezinihitte Mbaise is 50%
complete through the efforts of the deputy speaker
in addition to many other infrastructure projects
across Imo state which can be credited to the
indefatigable Ihedioha.
In terms of skills acquisition and capacity-building
and development, Ihedioha has undertaken
obviously the most ambitious empowerment project
by any government official. 700 youths and women
in the first phase and another 500 individuals were
trained and thereafter given kick-off grants to start
off on their learned trades.
These landmark projects and programmes Ihedioha
has been able to attract to his constituency and
indeed, the entire Imo state informed a recent
spotlight on the national network of the Federal
Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) describing
Ihedioha's activities thus: The quality of
representation he gives his constituency can be
described as innovative and productive. The deputy
Speaker has been able to bring Democracy to the
people in tangible form. Specifically, he successfully
attracted Federal Projects and other forms of
Political Patronages to citizens of Imo State as well as
institutions based in the State. The radio network
broadcast the spotlight as part of its appreciation of
some projects attracted to the Owerri station of the
FRCN which included procurement of an 18-seater
Toyota vehicle, Installation of 200KVA Generator;
and acquisition of eight units of desktop computers
POLITICS
and laserJet printers, respectively; Installation of
internet facility; rehabilitation of the access road to
the station and installation of eight units of twohorse power air conditioners; and procurement of
digital recorders.
According to the FRCN broadcast, the point to note
in the philosophy behind these projects and
patronages generated by the Office of the Deputy
Speaker is that they are sited and dispensed without
discrimination. The only credential to qualify as a
beneficiary is for an organisation, individual or
group to fall into the target bracket of such projects;
the benefiting entity's state of origin or social status
are inconsequential. In spite of the huge resources
being expended, these projects were undertaken,
completed and dispensed without fanfare. It is
pertinent to note that the Deputy Speaker's
intervention is taking place where life seemingly
w o r k s
a g a i n s t
t h e
n o r m .
The lessons to learn from these projects include that
love; otherwise called compassion should be at the
heart of all actions. It has also redefined politics
which unfortunately assumed notoriety in the nation
as a dirty game. With human-centred interventions
by people like the Deputy Speaker, politics should be
seen as a call to service, and not a vocation for
avarice.
It is pertinent to highlight that the Deputy Speaker
could have chosen the less than noble option of
treating the people patronisingly, by dropping a bag
of rice here and few naira notes there to grease palms
and earn ovation from poor citizens. But knowing
that such actions will further to debase the people, he
chose to edify the citizen by strengthening
institutions to enable them discharge their
mandates.
With all of these and many more considered, it is not
for nothing that Imolites see in Ihedioha a credible
hand to bring about meaningful, sustainable and
enduring development in the state. It is hardly
arguable that the deputy speaker has the undisputed
reputation of being the only politician in Imo State
that has attracted more federal projects to the state
than anyone else.
It is not for nothing that the Mbaise nation is falling
over him as their standard bearer to pick up the
gauntlet and seek to become the next governor of
Imo State. The Mbaise nation led by some prominent
sons recently called on the deputy speaker to contest
the governorship as its most prominent leading light.
His people and indeed numerous members of the ht
general public in Imo perceive some admirable

qualities in Ihedioha including credibility, high
integrity and a strong pedigree that will enhance
restoration of order. Ihedioha is also very sociable as
he creates time to attend social functions like
weddings, burials, and other ceremonies across Imo
State. He is also seen as very unassuming with a flair
for brilliance in performance. Other parts of him
shows close affinity with the church. Though a Knight
of the Anglican Church and a pillar of strength for the
Mbaise Diocese, Ihedioha's relationship with the
Catholic Church is very encouraging. He is known to
have been involved with the
construction/rehabilitation of a number of Diocese
of Catholic Church. In addition to these, Ihedioha is a
good friend of the clergy. He is one politician with
instant name and facial recognition nationally and
across the nooks and crannies of Imo State and he has
built a wide network of friends cutting across
political and religious divides.
These are well-heeled credentials that can no doubt,
cause some sleepless nights for political opponents.
But whether these are sufficient to rout the
incumbency factor of Okorocha is a tough question
that cannot be answered in this piece. The Imo
History
Massive Albino Cat

Fish That Landed In Spain
By Pete Thomas
ASSIVE albino catfish landed in Spain John Edwards

and Tom Herron were fishing for bragging rights
recently in Spain, but could not have imagined catching
back-to-back giant albinos; 'A world first'
Tom Herron poses with 221-pound albino catfish; photo via
CatMaster Tours
Like just about all fishermen, John Edwards and Tom Herron
compete for bragging rights whenever they're on the water.
But none could ever have imagined a scenario like the one that
played out recently on the banks of the River Segre in Mequinenza,
Spain.
Edwards had reeled in a 209-pound partial albino catfish, believed
to be the world's largest albino catfish, and wasted no time boasting
about his remarkable catch. (The term albino is used in catfishfishing circles to describe any of these lighter catfish, which lack
normal pigmentation. They vary in coloration.)
He was running up and down the bank shouting, 'Yes, yes, I've
caught the biggest fish!' Edwards told the Plymouth Herald.
John Edwards (left) and Tom Herron pose with bookend giant
albino catfish; photo via CatMaster Tours
But before Edwards' bragging had begun to wane, Herron hooked
up, and an hour later he landed an albino catfish that weighed 221
pounds, giving him bragging rights, and presumably the record.
Both catfish were massive, measuring 7 feet, 11 inches, and 8 feet, 1
inch, respectively.
Albino catfish are not their own species of catfish, so there is no
official world record for the lighter-colored fish.
But fishing charter groups keep track of the larger catches of normal
and albino Wels catfishwhich are popular throughout Europe and
not found in the U.S.and a spokesman for the British-based

CatMaster Tours, which booked the Edwards-Herron charter, said
these were the largest ever caught.
Tom Herron (middle) gets help lifting his monstrous albino catfish;
photo via CatMasters Tours
We are as certain as we can be that nobody else has ever had a brace
of normal catfish that big before anywhere in the world, the
spokesman said. So a brace of albino catfish that big it must
surly be the first time that has ever been done So yes, this is a
world first.
The incredible double-haul undoubtedly was accomplished thanks
to a good measure of luck. But the anglers also were persistent.
Edwards, 75, and Herron, 68, had been fishing for eight hours
before the first of the mammoth catfish was caught, generating the
day's first exciting moments.
When they were photographing his catch my rod started to go, and
I said, 'I've got a big fish here, I don't know what it was, but it's one
big fish, Herron told the Herald. It was like dragging two sacks of
potatoes through the water; it was unbelievable. I've been fishing
for 50 years and this was the biggest fight I've ever had.
Anthony Edwards, John's son, also was present, and recalled the
competitive atmosphere leading to the bookend catches.
There was a lot of banter flying between themhalf of what they
were saying you wouldn't be able to print, Anthony said. When
we meet up again I'm sure dad will be trying to take the title off him
somehow.
Said Herron of his catch: It was the biggest albino they have ever
seen caught on the river. Apparently they make good eatingbut
you'd need a lot of chips.
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History
Oliver Cromwell
The First To Execute Coup D'etat In The Western Hemisphere
LIVER Cromwell occupies a unique

place in English history. Between 1653
and 1658 he ruled the UK, with more or
less the same powers as a monarch, but as he
was 'Lord Protector' of the Commonwealth, he
had no crown. However, in the beginning he was
just a Member of Parliament for Cambridge,
from a fairly humble background, but with a
strong Puritan faith and a desire to ensure the
country was ruled justly.
Cromwell was able to rise to his unique position
of power because he was a man of many skills.
He was a skilled politician, with a strong
personal power base. He had the foresight,
determination and strength of will that carried
the parliamentarian cause through the crucial
trial and execution of King Charles I and its
messy political aftermath.

He was also a very talented military leader, a fact
which helped his political career. In a short
space of time after joining the army in 1642, he
was put in charge of the 'Horse' of the cavalry of
the Parliamentary Army, which contributed to
Parliamentary success in the first period of civil
war in 1642-1646. Then, later on, he helped to
create the 'New Model' Army - a centralised
fighting force which won Parliament many
victories such as at the Battle of Naseby in 1645.
By the final phase of civil war in 1650-1,
Cromwell had become the Lord General of the
Parliamentarian army.
Cromwell was also a very controversial figure.
He was hated by royalists for his role in the trial
and execution of Charles I. He was also
unpopular with many parliamentarians who
disliked the 'tyranny' of the army and after
realising he could not work with them,
Cromwell disbanded the Rump Parliament in
1653. In one sense, he replaced a monarchical
regime with a puritanical republic. His ideal of
religious toleration, which was probably too
advanced for its time, was viewed suspiciously
by his contemporaries. And his destructive
Scottish and Irish campaigns have blackened
his historical reputation as statesmen.
All this makes Cromwell's iconography very
interesting. Although Cromwell was not a
particularly regal to look at - contemporaries
noted his austere features and sober, slightly
unkempt clothing - he understood it was
important for a ruler to look the part. Charles I
had set a very strong precedent for how a
monarch should be portrayed, and it is
interesting to see how far this style continued
under the Commonwealth. And the many
History
Dr. Akanu Ibiam:The Soul

Of The Biafran Nation
Former Premier Of The Eastern Region
administration in Enugu.
Dr. Akanu Ibiam
ENERAL C. Odumegwu Ojukwu may have

been the Biafran Head of State and
Commander-in-Chief of the Biafran Armed
Forces but it was Dr. Akanu Ibiam who provided the
ultimate moral anchor for the Biafran nation. At
Independence in 1960, Dr. Ibiam was appointed the
Governor of former Eastern Region, the position
which he held until the 1966 bloody coup d'etat that
swept the military into power. During the ensuing
crisis that quickly degenerated into the 30-month
Civil War, Dr. Ibiam pretty much stayed out of public
view and played an advisory role to the military
Like any other Easterner, Dr. Ibiam was

incensed by the horrors of the pogroms that
Ndiigbo were subjected to in Nigeria,
especially the North. When it became clear
that General Gowon and the junta in Lagos
were not interested in seeking a peaceful
solution to the crisis that gripped Nigeria at
the time, all Eastern political leaders,
including Dr. Ibiam, came out and threw
their weight behind the founding of the
Republic of Biafra. Apart from a stellar
medical career since he became a doctor in
1936, Dr. Ibiam was a devout Christian who
held many leadership positions in
international church organizations, even
after he became Governor of Eastern
Nigeria. In the colonial era, he received
international recognitions, including
British knighthoods and honors like
(K.C.M.G., O.B.E. and K.B.E.).
But Dr. Ibiam's conscience was not bought.
He remained fiercely devoted to the service
of his God and people throughout the dark
days of Biafran struggle. He was
particularly irked by the fact that excolonial master, Britain, the founder of the
Christian order which Dr. Ibiam served
faithfully as a missionary doctor for more
than 30 years, was the major backer of the
Moslem-dominated military junta in Lagos
in its genocidal war to subdue Biafra.
Bewildered by the callousness of the British
government's calculated abandonment of
History
Christian Biafra in the
h e a t o f a s u r v iva l
struggle to resist a
Moslem-inspired
invasion for conquest,
an enraged Dr. Ibiam
s n a p p e d a n d
repudiated Her
Majesty's government
as he returned all his
British imperial awards
to Queen Elizabeth II of
England with these
words: For these great
honors and special
re c o g n i t i o n s , I a m
humbly grateful to Your
M a j e s t y a n d Yo u r
Majesty's Britannic
Government. They are a
happy reflection of the
importance of Africa
and her people before
God and man.
Howbeit, I must renounce
all of them at this time. I
do so to register the
strongest protest at my
command against Your
Majesty's Government of
United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland for
supplying military
equipment and arms to
Nigeria which has waged
a senseless and futile war
of aggression against my
country, the Republic of
Biafra. My objection and
protest are directed solely
and entirely to the British
Government because I
believe that the staunch
British friends of Africa,
particularly the CHURCH,
and informed British
public opinion will
deplore this unkindly act
of the British Government to

the Republic of Biafra. With
the highest sense of
responsibility, therefore,
and bearing clearly in my
own mind the moral issues
which are at stake, and my
own stand thereat, I return
the Insignia and
paraphernalia of my title to
Your Majesty's Britannic
Government through the
British Deputy High
Commissioner who is
resident here in Enugu - the
capital city of the Republic
o f
B i a f r a .
In the circumstance, Your

Majesty, I no longer wish
to wear the garb of the
British Knighthood.
British fair play, British
justice, and the
Englishman's word of
honor which Biafra loved
so much and cherished
have become meaningless
to Biafrans in general and
to me in particular.
Christian Britain has
shamelessly let down
Christian Biafra. -D
r.Ibiam
The angry and defiant Ibiam

concluded his missive to the
Queen thus: In the
circumstance, Your Majesty,
I no longer wish to wear the
garb of the British
Knighthood. British fair play,
British justice, and the
Englishman's word of honor
which Biafra loved so much
and cherished have become
meaningless to Biafrans in
g e n e ra l a n d t o m e i n
particular. Christian Britain
has shamelessly let down
C h r i s t i a n B i a f ra .
In these immortal words
from one of the great sons of
Africa, Dr. Akanu Ibiam has
forever established and
entrenched a moral
yardstick which present and
future generations of
Ndiigbo must inculcate and
utilize to defend our honor
and dignity in face of
overwhelming odds.
Religion & Faith
RAPTURE
ECENTLY, one-way tickets to heaven and hell were on sale in Ukraine. The Ukrainian tourist
agency responsible for the sale said ticket to heaven costs $15 while that of hell costs $18
ahead of the December 21, 2012 rumoured doomsday. Online reports also had it that post-
apocalypse survival kits were on sale in some Mexican and Russian cities. The scare was based on the
5,125 year Long Count Calendar of the Maya people (native Americans who form parts of Mexico and
Central America) predicted to end on that day with global fiery cataclysm, leaving three weeks for
Given Dates
This foolery of deceivers and the deceived is not as
publicized in the mass media as earlier predictions
from William Miller, 1843,1844; Charles Russell
(and the Jehovah Witnesses) 1914, 1918, 1925, 1975,
1984 and 1994; Pat Robertson, 1982; Edgar
Wisenant, 1988; Lee Jang Rim, 1992; Harold
Camping, 1994; Michel de Nostadame, 1999 and
Richard Noone. 2000 based on misinterpretation of
Scripture, scientific discovery, human calendars and
observed signs of Christ's promised return. Preceding
the aforementioned dates, many people who had
earlier paid deaf ears to the gospel were scared off
drinking, prostitution and other evils and began
attending churches, albeit temporarily, as part of their
preparations for the expected D-day. Others sold
what they had to give to the needy and charitable
causes though they had long defied the scriptural

instruction to give. Soon after, the drama ends with
many people returning to their old sinful habits.
Like the previous ones, future doomsdays
(2016,
2020s or 2030s, 2029 and 2060 given by Lloyd
Cunningdale, Bill Joy, Mike Flipp and Isaac Newton
respectively) and the scare, panic and fear they will
generate arise from ignorance of the truth and
unpreparedness for Christ's promised return. Setting
such dates, in the first place, does not surprise
believers who know from Scripture that prevalence of
false prophets and prophecies, which these represent,
are part of the signs that will herald Christ's second
coming and end of the world.
Christ revealed this truth while addressing the
basic questions underlying date-setting and the re
Religion & Faith

accompanying hoax. It was out of genuine
concern to know the truth that His disciples asked:
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be
the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Prioritizing on the most essential thing for them to
know, He begananswering their last two questions
before the issues of time and date of His coming
(Matthew 24). Obviously, believers who are ignorant
of the signs of His coming and the implications on
their present lifestyle will not only live at the mercy of
false prophets and prophecies but will also likely miss
the rapture.
Sure Signs
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed
that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my
name, saying, I am Christ;
and shall deceive many. And
ye shall hear of wars and
rumours of wars... nation
shall rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom:
and there shall be famines,
and pestilences, and
earthquakes, in divers
places. Then shall they
deliver you up to be
afflicted, and shall kill you:
and ye shall be hated of all
nations for my name's sake.
And then shall many be
offended, and shall betray
one another, and shall hate
one another. And many false
prophets shall rise, and shall
deceive many. And because
iniquity shall abound, the
love of many shall wax
cold. These and other signs
in Scripture such as
lawlessness, widespread
heresies, large-scale
backsliding andmovement
toward one world
government have been fulfilled in unimaginable
proportions. Evolving reality of increasing
integration of all parts of the world into a global
community through integrated computers, internet,
wireless networks, cashless society, electronic
surveillance and monitoring with global positioning
devices, insertable grain-like microchip (VeriChip),
etc., shows we are living on the fringe of time.
Preceding His Second coming with His saints to
earth for which most given signs have been fulfilled,
Christ will appear in the air to take people who have
obtained salvation through the sacrifice He made on
the Cross when He came the first time. This catching
away of dead and living saints - the rapture - is the allimportant event saints are waiting for now. Thus, God
only has ticket to heaven on offer through repentance
and salvation in Christ.
No Date
Flight schedule is also once for all His saints. But no

airbus, date and set time of departure! Having
achieved His well-intentioned suspense, the Lord
said: But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no,
not the angels of heaven, but my Father only
(Matthew 24:36). Paul the apostle clarified that it is
needless to be curious about the time of rapture;
instead, he turned the thoughts of the Thessalonian
enquirers to its suddenness and accompanying
surprise comparable to the unannounced attack of
robbers in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-9).
Wonderful Reunion
Three things, according to D. L. Moody, that will
surprise us at rapture are: to find people we did not
expect there; to discover many people missing who
we expect to see there; and to
find ourselves there. Beyond
the surprise of making it at
rapture, the joy of reunion
with loved ones will be
eternal. This is a source of
present comfort and
encouragement to believers
whose loved ones die in the
Lord. For, if salvation,
healing, deliverance,
prosperity, and fulfilment of
all other promises for
abundant earthly life are all
we have in Christ without
hope of meeting God, angels,
saints of old and loved ones in
heaven, then, misery befits us.
Separation from loved
ones through death truly
inflicts sorrow. The eyes of a
man Moody once asked about
his wife and children initially
welled up with tears. In an
affected voice he replied, all
gone, and I am left here,
desolate and alone as he let his tears flow. If you are
in a similar situation in life, let the hope of rapture
heal your hurts. Do not sorrow in ignorance of the
wonderful re-union at rapture. But I would not have
you to be ignorant, brethren... For the Lord himself
shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which
are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so
shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians
4:13,16,17). But you must not be among believers
who will be missing at rapture.
Greatest surprise
The suddenness of the rapture of saints will deliver
the greatest surprise to the unprepared.
Religion & Faith

the greatest surprise to the unprepared.
One can know the truth but still miss it. Please,
pause; look around or make a call to be sure believers
haven't gone. The reason is, take off time is
illustrated by the twinkling of an eye. Behold, I
shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we
shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of
an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51,52). The
average length of a blink is 100- 400 milliseconds
which leaves no room for any preparations.
Quickened by the Spirit at the blast of the Lord's
trumpet.
victorious believers shall
soon beat the law of gravity
and ascend to heaven the
same way Enoch, Elisha and
Christ sped through the air
with a greater force to their
eternal abode. They all went
to heaven without dying and
we are eagerly expecting the
return of the Lord to take us
home.
Final Separation
Events building up to the
rapture and plight of the
unprepared after it will be
similar to those of Noah's
days when he prepared the
Ark. The sinful and sceptic
did not see reasons to enter
the ark and be saved from the
deluge. Many people still
live in defiance of God's call
to salvation today reminiscent of the indifference of
that time. For as in the days that were before the
flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and
giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered
into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and
took them all away; so shall also the coming of the
Son of man be. Soon, one righteous out of two
people on the field of business and one virtuous
woman out of the two grinding at the mill in
preparation for naming, marriage and
burialceremonies will be taken and the other
covetous, quarrelsome and tale-bearing neighbour
left.
Post-Rapture Drama
Careless believers, represented by the five foolish
virgins in Scripture, will be among those who will be
, as a professing believer, you have added a new wife
left behind! They will flap their arms and jump in

attempt to ascend but will be resisted by the force of
gravity. Then, they will cry and shout their loudest but
belated prayer, Lord, Lord, open to us. But His
reply will be as sure and repelling as, Verily I say
unto you, I know you not (Matthew 25:1-12). This
will be His answer to you if, as a professing believer,
you have added a new wife or husband to your living,
legally married wife or husband; if there is hatred,
unforgiving spirit, malice, bitterness, envy, lust,
covetousness or pride in your heart; if you practice
partiality, witchcraft and cultism; if you whisper,
gossip, murmur or sow seeds of discord; if you are
addicted to alcohol, drugs, cigarette or sexual
immorality. These sinful habits
and attitude describe those who
lack genuine testimony of
victory over sin, self, the flesh,
the world and Satan.
Required Preparation
The rapture requires urgent
preparation from everyone
since it can take place any
moment from now. Prepare
now! If thou prepare thine
heart, and stretch out thine
hands toward him; If iniquity
be in thine hand, put it far away,
and let not wickedness dwell in
thy tabernacles. For then shaft
thou lift up thy face without
spot; yea, thou shaft be
stedfast, and shaft not fear
(Job 11:13-15). If you don't
want to be left behind, repent
now and be saved or restored to
the faith; make restitution;
obtain sanctification experience; overcome
temptations to yield members of your body as
instruments of unrighteousness; and set your
affections on things above and not on things on earth,
as wealth and pleasure cannot repay for loss of
heaven.
The Price
Though Christ has paid the ultimate price of our
redemption (Galatians 2:20; Titus 2:14;
Ephesians 5:25), every believer has a lesser price to
pay to be always ready for the rapture. It's like a
scholarship for education that usually grants the
beneficiary entrance into school free of charge. But
obtaining any certificate however depends on the
student's efforts to study and pass required
examinations. An American song writer, Edwin
Religion & Faith

Othello Excell aptly articulated this lesser price
thus: "1 am determined to hold out to the end.
Jesus is with me, on Him I can depend;/And I
know I have salvation, for I feel it in my soul;/I am
determined to hold out to the end."
Knowledge of the truth about Christ's sudden return,
according to Paul the apostle should make every
believer to maintain righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, patience, meekness. You therefore need to read
the Bible, claim the promises, exercise faith,
overcome temptation, attend fellowship, pray
always, win souls, obey His word and daily live a
holy life to confidently affirm with Othello that:
When I hear the trumpet sounding in the sky,/And
see the mountains trembling, to Heaven I will
fly;/For Jesus will be calling,/there'll be no time to
mend,/With joy I'll go up singing,/I've held out to the
end.
Paul's admonition above was actually borne out of his
constant readiness and determination to meet the
Lord by keeping his oody under control lest he is
cast away (1 Corinthians 9:27). .seeing the Lord at
rapture also I requires you restrain/refram your ey
es from pom, ears from gossip; hands from wife
battery, forgery/falsification of receipts/accounts,
legs from bars ar a brothels, tongue from
abusive anguage, curse, lying or mamnuring, and
your heart from fcbounng evil. If you persevere in
self-control and sobriety, you will nmt suffer with
the ungodly during me Treat Tribulation after
saints are pare.
lack of self-control, sobriety or
moderation responsible for careless living is what the
Lord repeatedly warns against each time He spoke
about His promised return. Take ye heed, watch and
pray: for ye know not when the time is. And what I say
unto you I say unto all. Watch. When Christ says
watch, He meant that there is something valuable in
your life you must not lose in order to gain a blissful
eternity. Therefore, watch against losing your life of
faith, love for God, language of faith, labour of love,
liberty in Christ, light in the world and learning of
the truth of
Scripture. In difficult or good times, while single
or married, jobless or employed, "take heed to
yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be
overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness,
and cares of this life, and so that day come upon
you unawares. Therefore be ye also ready: for m
such an hour as ye think not the Son of man
cometh (Luke 21:34; Matthew 24:42).
Eternal Prizes
The rapture will end all nightmares, suffering,
afflictions, toils, loneliness and pain on earth for
saints. It will be the beginning of endless and
timeless bliss in the city of God - a city that
cannot be compared to Venice, Paris, New York,
Lisbon, London, Amsterdam, Florence, Rome,
Shanghai and Rio De Janeiro reputed to be
among the most beautiful in architectural
attributes and natural wonders. Ours is a city

built by God.
Christ who promised to go and prepare a place for
you also said, And, behold, I come quickly; and my
reward is with me, to give every man according as his
work shall be (Revelation 22:12). His rewards for
saints who endure and continue in righteousness to
the end includes eternal life, home, joy; excellency,
glory, inheritance, crowns (Titus 1:2; 2
Corinthians 5:1; Isaiah 65:10; 60:15; 2
Corinthians 4: 16; Hebrews 9:15). The glory
awaiting us in heaven where Christ Himself will
wipe our tears makes our present pain
insignificant.
Beloved, if Enoch and Elijah knew the Lord, lived
a holy life and served the Lord till they were
literally taken to heaven before the dispensation
of grace, gospel and the availability of the entire
Scripture, we can make it. We can make it if we
serve the Lord and remain faithful to Him till He
comes. We can make it if we continue to look
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,
endure and overcome challenges like He did.
By His mercy, intercession, faithfulness and power,
the Lord is able to keep [us] from falling, and to
present [us] faultless before the presence of his glory
with exceeding joy (Jude 24).
CULLED FROM LIFE MAGAZINE

MARCH /APRIL 2014
News Briefs
DEATH OF A WORLD
WAR II VETERAN
A
JD 'Okhai Ojeikere:
Nigeria's top
photographer dies
NE of Africa's most prominent photographers, JD

'Okhai Ojeikere, has died in Lagos, Nigeria, aged 83.
His family announced that he had passed away on Sunday

afternoon, after a brief illness.
He was best known for his series of about 1,000 black and white
photos of African hairstyles.
Last year a selection of them was shown at the Venice Biennale.
They were also exhibited at Documenta in 2007, and in many
galleries and museums.
A selection of Ojeikere's hairstyle photographs was shown at the
Venice Biennale in 2013
Ojeikere grew up in a village in south-western Nigeria and
started taking pictures with a Brownie D camera when he was 20
years old.
Start Quote
The state has never really cared about the arts here and, although
we have many people who are very rich, we also lack good
private institutions for the promotions of the arts
End Quote JD 'Okhai Ojeikere
In 1954 he began working as a darkroom assistant in the
photographic department of Ibadan's Ministry of Information.
Five years later, shortly after Nigeria gained independence, he
became a photographer for the Western Nigerian Broadcasting
Services, and in 1963 he moved to Lagos.
"We had so many dreams at the time. We thought a country so
rich in natural resources could really go ahead on its own. But
our dreams were shattered by tribalism," he told the BBC's
Manuel Toledo in 2010.
"Then came the military dictatorships, one after another, for so
many years. It makes me sad to think that things have not
changed much. You see the same elites holding on to power and
getting richer and richer," he said.
"The state has never really cared about the arts here and,
although we have many people who are very rich, we also lack
good private institutions for the promotions of the arts," he
lamented.
He began working on his Hairstyle series in the late 1960s after
he joined the Nigerian Arts Council and began documenting the
country's culture.
At the same time, he was taking hundreds of pictures - many still
unpublished - of some of the now iconic buildings of Lagos as
they were being built, including the National Theatre.
But he did not forget his village life and in his private album of
architectural photos he kept some of ant hills. "For me, they're
the first skyscrapers," he joked.
His family said that his burial arrangements will be announced
later.
T 115 years,
Sgt. Kanu
Okafor of
Ndianiche Ndibe
Ogbuda Arondizuogu,
Aro- Amuro
Autonomous
Community okigwe
L.G.A Imo State
passed on.
Perhaps the oldest
surviving world war ii
veteran, a retired
Sergeant in the
defunct West African
Frontier Force who
fought in Burma.
He was born in 1899
Fuel Tanker Explodes In Calabar
HREE people reportedly lost their lives on

Wednesday, after a fuel tanker exploded close to
Eburutu Barracks axis of the Murtala Muhammed
Highway in Calabar, the capital of Cross Rivers State.
Tribune reports that the tragedy which occurred at about 1.00p.m
resulted to a heavy traffic, keeping commuters, pedestrians and
motorists for several hours.
It was reported that the raging fire also razed some residential
buildings, parked vehicles and other properties estimated at
millions of Naira.
News Briefs
Okorocha And Anwuka

Family In A Union As
Uju Weds Uzoma

BY FORTUNE OBIKWERE
GBOKO, the home town of the state

governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha was
something to behold on Thursday, October 9,
2014, when Okorocha family handed over their
daughter to the Awuka family in Oguta local
government area. Dignitaries from across the
country came to witness the traditional wedding
ceremony of Uju the 2nd daughter of the governor and
Anthony, the first son of Prof. Awuka, secretary to the
government of Imo state.
The chairman, Imo state council of traditional rulers,
Eze Samuel Ohiri, who led the group of maidens
adored in traditional regalia declared the ceremony
open: by the power given to me by the government of
Imo state and fellow traditional rulers, I hereby
pronounce the traditional marriage ceremony
between Okorocha and Awuka family officially open
now, he said. Traditional marriage rites were
performed by the groom's family in accordance with
the norms of Ndigbo.
Handing over his daughter to his in-laws, governor
Okorocha showered praises on her and prayed God to
grant the couples a successful married life. He
expressed gratitude to God that two of his daughters
got married when he is still the sitting governor of the
state: this marriage will bring blessing to them;
Father (God) we thank you for doing it all; may they
be united all the days of their life and my daughter be

blessed with the fruit of the womb as many as she can
carry... may God grant them grace to have a wonderful
life together in Jesus Name Gov. Okorocha prayed.
The governor of Oyo state, Dr. Adeola Ajimobi, who
also blessed the couples, said that he came to honour
them because of his relationship with the governor,
Owelle Rochas Okorocha, whom he described as a
man of impeccable character. The former chairman of
the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu
Ogbe commended the governor for being a
detribalized Nigerian and for the giant strides he has
achieved through his rescue mission government
adding that he has brought fresh air into the dungeon
of Nigerian politics. you shall both be blessed he
prayed.
The Abia state governor, Chief Theodore Orji while
blessing the couples noted that the desire of every
parent is to live and witness the marriage of their
children.
In an interview, the commissioner for special
education, Prof. Ubah Nnabue, the commissioner for
Community Government Council (CGC), Culture And
Traditional Affairs, Chief Val Mbamara and that of
youths and sports, Mr. Kenneth Emelu said that the
coming together of the two political leaders showed
that good things attract each other pointing out that
POLITICS
EXT SENATOR OKIGWE ZONE 2015 Prof OBIARAERI, NNAMDI ONYEKA, Agunaechemba, Owelle Okigwe
ACCOMPLISHED LAWYER, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA SINCE OCTOBER
1987 INTERNATIONAL LEGAL SCHOLAR AND JURIST AND DEAN FACULTY OF LAW IMSU OWERRI SUAVE
POLITICIAN, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ANALYSTDOGGED HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND DEFENDER OF
THE OPPRESSED.
CUTTING-EDGE ADVANTAGE
WE are favoured by intergenerational equity and
possess the requisite political experience, physical and
mental agility, critical professional competences and
cognate private and public sector experiences and
capabilities to make impactful representation and
command congressional respect in the Red Chambers of
the National Assembly.
MISSION AND VISION
WE believe that the law is and should be an effective
instrument for social engineering. WE believe that the
living socio-economic conditions of our people are not in
tandem with our GOD given resources and that proactive
laws are key to sustainable development, peace and
progress. WE believe that we can and should use our
laws to build strong institutions, wipe out corruption
and create maximum happiness for the greater majority.
WE believe that strong people masquerading as leaders
do not and should not have a pride of place in our
national political space and that our laws can be retooled
so that people in authority shall hold power on trust for
the masses.
WE shall have Human Capital Development as our
priority focusing on youth and women empowerment.
Youth are leaders of tomorrow beginning from NOW!

WE shall use our legal and forensic expertise to be
frontline vanguard for repeal of obsolete, anachronistic
and archaic laws and promote promulgation of new and
contemporary legislations to midwife pan-Nigerian
sustainable development milestones.
WE shall play and encourage Digital Developmental
Politics for effective nation building laced with
r e s p o n s i b l e a n d r e s p o n s ive r e p r e s e n t a t i o n ,
commendable advocacy and erudition.
OUR WORD IS OUR BOND
Leaders do not begin to serve, until they put service in
their leadership. Leaders do not begin to lead until they
put followership in their leadership. To lead is to follow.
Truly, Okigwe Zone deserves strong representation, a
vibrant and highly knowledgeable voice to stem the tide of
under representation and outrageous marginalization at
both state and national scheme of things. Prof Obiaraeri,
Nnamdi Onyeka (AGUNAECHEMBA, OWELLE OKIGWE) is
tried, tested, trusted and experienced. He is an
uncompromising and fearless defender of Okigwe zone,
Imo State and Nigerian interest and a man generally
acknowledged as possessing an impeccable track record
of patriotic insight and foresight built on diligence, hard
POLITICS
An ex-commissioner, Sir O. U. Ugochukwu once
told a story of how a Priest made concise analysis
of the books of the Holy Bible during a sermon.
According to him, the Priest started with the book
of Genesis to Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and
until he arrived at Habbakuk. At this point, the
Priest looked up and down, and exclaimed, Oh
Habbakuk, oh Habbakuk! Where will I place
Habbakuk?
A member of the wearied congregation stood up
to go, and said, My Lord spiritual, place Habbakuk
here, (while pointing at his seat). Also, others
took to turn and beckoned the Priest to place the
Habbakuk on their seats, instead. In this way, the
entire congregation left one after another.
At this juncture, this story brings me to the issue of
Okigwe zone in respect of its place in the comity of
the zones of Imo state and Nigeria in general. Oh
Okigwe zone, oh Okigwe zone! What is actually
amiss?
Was it not in Okigwe zone that the main campus of
the Imo state University located in Ihitte/Uboma
LGA at its inception in 1982 was allowed without
any strong protest or resistance to be relocated to
Uturu (now in Abia state) in 1985 by the then
military administrator of Imo state, Major General
I.O.S. Nwachukwu? Also, was it not in Okigwe zone
that people could not give two hoots about a state
government project, the Independent Power Plant
at Amaraku, which was brazenly carted away and
sold as scraps in 1997 by the erstwhile military
administrator of Imo state, Navy Captain J.N.J.
Aneke?
Furthermore, was it not Okigwe zone that had
3LGAs compared with 4 and 5LGAs for Owerri and
Orlu zones respectively at the inception of the
reformed local government system in 1976?
Today, why is it that the margin between the zones
is too wide for comparison? Okigwe zone has mere
6LGAs compared to 9 and 12LGAs for Owerri and
Orlu zones respectively. What was amiss?
In fact, prior to the advent of the GSM, it was only
in Okigwe zone that there was no presence of the
then NITEL telephone line system. Too, it is only in
Okigwe zone that none of the prominent tertiary
institutions in the state are located in the zone. For
examples, we have Imo State University (IMSU)
and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education
(AIFCE) in Owerri city, Federal Polytechnic and
Federal University of Technology in Nekede, and

Imo Polytechnic in Umuagwo, all in Owerri zone.
IMSU Teaching Hospital is at Orlu. Yet, nothing is
being done to give Okigwe zone a sense of belonging
and importance in this regard.
Moreover, it was only in Okigwe zone that one of its
promising sons, Hon. (Barr) Chukwuemeka
Nwajiuba who after defeating about 18aspirants in
the governorship primary of his party, ANPP in
2003 had his flag and certificate of victory
withdrawn on account of the frivolous reasons
bothering on the jinx that held Okigwe zone
backwards. Similar fate befell another son of
Okigwe zone, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume who
defea ted a b ou t 20a sp ira n t s in t he PDP
governorship primary in 2007, but was denied the
support of the party in the general election. Yet,
another son of the zone, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim was a
victim of conspiracy by the other zones and the
Presidency, which culminated in losing his second
POLITICS
term bid. What was amiss?

What more can be said about Okigwe zone that is
not of public notice? Is Okigwe zone the weakest
numerically, politically, economically, and
culturally? Is Okigwe zone the most backward in
education and civilization? What is amiss with
Okigwe zone?
Let's walk down the memory lane. In the good old
days, there was a particular derogatory song used
to taunt or malign the people of Okigwe extraction.
The full import of the folk song was a two-pronged
attack on the people of Okigwe extraction. Firstly,
the folk song expressed how other areas had
developed or witnessed civilization except Okigwe
extraction. Secondly, the folk song conveyed a rude
remark that the leaders of Okigwe extraction
amaghi akwukwo (were stark illiterates). Such a
gloomy picture of Okigwe extraction and its
political leadership in the recent past did not bode
well for the future of Okigwe people. And, the only
way this history can be fully rewritten is for
Okigwe people to shun money politics in 2015 and
vote for credible aspirants with extraordinary
versatility that will command respect and exude
aura of confidence in the national political space.
At this moment, I am particularly concerned with
who will represent Okigwe zone in the Red
Chambers of the National Assembly. Succinctly
put, I mean who will succeed Senator Matthew
Nwagwu in 2015, and be able to address the
pertinent question of Okigwe zone: what is
amiss?
Undoubtedly, the entire
nation will rewrite the
Okigwe history of amaghi
akwukwo to i ma
akwukwo only if there is a
paradigm shift in who will
be the next Okigwe
Senator. We have tried and
tested the business class
for a long time, and what
we benefit from the yearly
N500million constituency
fund was utter nonsense.
Their profit motives do not
allow them to invest mere
1% of the fund in the
constituency where it is
meant for. Who do not know these businessmen
who captured power and used it to mesmerize us
with what is ours?
As I earlier said, Okigwe people should look beyond
the businessmen who want to go to the Senate for
profiteering ventures. Obviously, the business class
is blinded by profit motives and narrow individual
pursuits. In the same vein, any retiree in the 2015
Senate race should be considered as tired or a spent
force, and therefore cannot brainstorm or create
room for maneuver. Also, the been-tos in the Senate
race are sheer dreamers who think that they can
actualize their daydream in an intriguing political
clime such as Nigeria. Acceptably, the Okigwe
Senate race is a typical case of male chauvinism and
insularity; thence it cannot favour the women who
are in the race as smart front for their protg or
husbands that cannot contest for obvious shortfalls.
Now, the key question is what is the preferred
direction?
Considering the chequered history of Okigwe zone,
we no longer want any imposition or any
importation. Thus, the next Senator of the zone
should by all means be a professional whose voice
can be heard continually on the floor of the Red
Chambers of the National Assembly. This is because
the zone deserves strong representation, a vibrant
and highly knowledgeable voice to stem the tide of
under-representation and outrageous
marginalization at both the state and national
scheme of affairs. In fact, such a professional should
parade the requisite academic prowess, political
POLITICS
exposure, youthful enthusiasm, and critical
professional competence. He should be able to
bridge the generational gap for effective
representation.
Given the foregoing, only the best is good for
Okigwe zone, and for the moment, the best aspirant
in question is Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri. He is a
professor of law that would seek to project, foster,
and maximize the interest of Okigwe zone. He is
tried, tested, and trusted. He
is one of the courageous
leadership models that
Okigwe zone has produced.
Undoubtedly, he is one of
the lamp posts from our
recent political
dispensation that can play
greater role in remodeling
Okigwe zone.
I must not gloss over
another good breed that is
aspiring for the Federal
House of Representatives,
precisely Okigwe North
constituency. He is Chief
Bright Chimezie Njoku, the
publisher/CEO of the
Nigerian Horn newspaper.
Also, he is the chairman of
the Independent
Newspaper Publishers
Association, Imo State. His
exploits in the media world
go a long way to buttress
how he will lend his untiring
voice and inviolable pen in
resolving that which is
amiss with Okigwe zone.
His chieftaincy title, Agunaechemba which
coincides with that of Prof Obiaraeri is extremely
revealing and a food for thought for Okigwe people.
If the Lions, which are the kings of the jungles,
cannot offer protection, will it be tortoise, snake,
chameleon or goat that will offer essential security
blanket? I need an earnest answer to the pertinent
question.
Unarguably, one of Prof Obiaraeri's virtues, which
place him on a political advantage position, is that
he is easily accessible as well as being a good mixer. I
have seen him indulge in njakiri (or cracking

jokes). But, some people misconstrue his
confidence and sagacity as arrogance and pride.
Such people forgot that such negative attributes
cannot be found in a man who maintains an
uncompromising and fearless stance. Methinks
that Prof is brutally frank and considerate.
Accordingly, Okigwe zone will not regret to have
Agunaechemba (as Prof Obiaraeri is fondly called)
as the next Senator of
Okigwe zone because
wealth of experience,
wealth of education,
and wealth of
innovation, he possess
them as an icon. But,
for wealth of money, he
has it like any average
Igbo man. This is why
he is generally
acknowledged as
possessing an
impeccable track
record of patriotic
insight and unalloyed
foresight built out of
diligence, hard work,
and profound morality.
In conclusion, Prof
Obiaraeri is in the
Senate race because he
is worried to resolve
that which is amiss
with Okigwe zone. He
does not believe that
he is competing with
a n y b o d y, b e c a u s e
politics is certainly not
a leveler. This does not distract attention from the
truth that Agunaechemba is very hungry for
victory and to be in the Red Chambers. This
accounts for why he is continuously striving to
improve his circumstance in life and that of
humanity with his God-given ability, resources and
prowess. Listen to Prof Obiaraeri, Should you get
there before me, do accept my congratulations.
Life is an express road, and overtaking is allowed.
By
Sir Roy Iwuala
SPORTS
Serena Williams beats

Caroline Wozniacki for Open title
EW YORK Serena Williams was 17 and still in beads when she

surprised the public and even her own family when she won the
1999 U.S. Open against Martina Hingis.
Her 6-3, 6-3 defeat Sunday of good pal Caroline Wozniacki in Sunday's
U.S. Open final her sixth in New York and third consecutive comes 15
years later, the longest span between Grand Slam titles in history.
That sustained arc of excellence may one day stand out more than the 32year-old's number of major championships, her vaunted serve or
competitive (and sometimes polarizing) ferocity.
"I'm sure you have your ups and downs, and every time she's so
competitive," said five-time Grand Slam champion Hingis, who is one
year older than Williams and reached the women's doubles final. "I mean
there's no words. I mean Serena is Serena. Geez. Wow."
In a season where eight different women reached Grand Slam finals,
Williams cemented her status as the top player. But it took the biggest
stage and home turf for Williams to win her first major of 2014.
Shaking off some early nerves on 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium, No.
1 Williams cruised past 10th seeded Wozniacki in 75 minutes to win her
18th career major singles crown, tying her with Chris Evert and Martina
Navratilova in fourth place on the all-time leader board.
It also made Williams the second oldest major female winner in the post1968 Open era behind Navratilova, who was 33 when she won
Wimbledon in 1990. Williams already the oldest No. 1 since computer
rankings were introduced in 1975 turns that age on Sept. 26.
"It is a pleasure to win my first Grand Slam here and number 18," said a
teary Williams during the trophy ceremony in which Navratilova and
Evert joined her on court. "I'm really emotional. I couldn't ask to do it at
a better place."
For much of the year it looked like she might remain stuck on 17 majors
and go Slam-less for the first time since 2001 when competing in all
four.
In 2013, Williams had one of her best seasons. She hit career highs in
titles (11) and match wins (78), including major championships at the
French Open and U.S. Open. But she arrived in New York two weeks
ago having failed to advance past the fourth round at any Slam since.
Her up-and-down year took a bizarre turn two days after losing in the
third round at Wimbledon when she stumbled around a doubles match
before defaulting with what tournament officials called a viral illness.
But nothing is as predicable as a re-charged Williams with something to
prove.
She hit the North American hardcourt swing ready to shoot down the
naysayers and reel in more history. In July, she scratched her way to the
title at Stanford, winning despite subpar play. She regained some needed
confidence.
"I'm sure if that tournament would have turned out differently
who knows how the season would have went," said her
longtime hitting partner, Sascha Bajin on Sunday. "It kind of set
the stone rolling."
The next week, Williams started to find her form in Montreal
where she lost in the semifinals to older sister Venus Williams,
and then hit her stride with another title in Cincinnati a week
later.
She is now 19-1 since Wimbledon, and didn't drop a set in
seven matches in New York.
"I have been trying to reach it for so long, since last year," said
Williams of her latest trophy. "I didn't really think would I get
there. I just felt so good."
After her very public breakup with No. 1 golfer Rory McIlroy
days before the French Open in May, Wozniacki has
orchestrated a strong comeback of her own.
She has gone 25-6 since, won a title at Istanbul, and will return
to the top 10 when next week's rankings come out.
"It definitely gives me a lot of belief for the end of the year and
for next year," said Wozniacki, 24.
Williams will remain, as she has since February of last year, at
No. 1.
Navratilova said Sunday that Williams could challenge Steffi
Graf's Open-era record of 22 majors or Margaret Smith Court's
all-time mark of 24 despite her advancing age.
Due to a lighter schedule and some time off from injuries and
illnesses, she has played far fewer matches than Navratilova at
the same age. "She hasn't played as many matches and she's
really eager," said Navratilova. "She's sees how working hard
really pays off."
As long as she stays motivated and healthy, "the sky's the limit,"
said Navratilova.
Williams said she was already thinking about No. 19 and vowed
not to get complacent.
"I have said this before: I don't want to become that," she said.
"I want to continue to rise and continue to play really hard and
do the best that I can.
PSG 3-2 Barcelona: David Luiz, Lionel Messi, Marco
Verratti, Blaise Matuidi and Neymar find the net in starstudded affair in Paris
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Honours Sachi

7th November 2014

FROM THIS STABLE

N this edition we present an array of thought

permutation almost impossible thereby making it

NNEATO OBIBI OCHASI AUTONOMOUS

COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL, AWOIDEMILI

HONOURS SACHI TABLE WATER

RETIRED POLICE OFFICER PAYS ATHANK

REV. SR. FESTA NONYELUM OKONKWO

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN

WELL ALL ACT ON RECOMMENDATIONS

HISTORY OF GSM IN NIGERIA

PROF. ONYEBUCHI CHUKWU,

MASSIVE ALBINO CAT FISH That LANDED IN SPAIN

DR. AKANU IBIAM: THE SOUL OF THE BIAFRAN NATION

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

RAPTURE PREPARE NOW

NEXT SENATOR OKIGWE ZONE

2015: The Coast Is Clear

Culture & Tradition

NNEATO OBIBI OCHASI

T was all joy at one of the New Jerusalem

he described as God's sent and promised of his

Culture & Tradition

Cross section of Eze's cabinet

Cross section of the Ezes in the occasion

Cross section of women group in the

Society & Lifestyle

COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL,

T was the gathering of the eagles and cream de

dropped to about 24 C. This in any way didn't

Society & lifestyle

1st African Landscape architect professor praised the

psalm 94:16 where He said: Who will rise up

Society & Lifestyle

Society & Lifestyle

The Director - General of SON, Dr. Odumodu reading his address.

pril 1, 2014 was a special day for a

for coming to the occasion. He was particularly

manufacturer against the unhealthy practices

The Director - General of SON, Dr. Odumodu handing over the

through a genuine product anchored on

Nigeria Director, Dr. Gabril Odumodu thanked

Mrs. Ibeh displaying the MANCAP Certificate

Cross-Section of Sachi Water Staff in a group photograph

The president Obibi Ochasi Development Union, Sir Kevin

HRH, Eze George Uzoma (Otawaike I of Owerri-ebeiri reading

The Director of Sachi Water, Mr. Ibeh in a hand shake with

ICNews) with other Traditional Rulers.

HRH, Eze Okwudinma with his wife and other guests

Cross-Section of Sachi Water Staff

Mr. and Mrs. Ibeh in a photograph with Obibi-Ochasi Elders

Some of the gifts for the customers of Sachi Water

Round The Nation

INTEGRITY AS REQUIREMENT FOR GOOD

man of integrity is best described as

marketing store down town Owerri, I met this

Round The Nation

later proclaimed independent from Nigeria and

Issues of the Mind

RETIRED POLICE OFFICER PAYS ATHANK

EMBERS of the Association of Retired