Chika Confronts Music 'Industry Games' With Candor & Confidence On Her Major-Label Debut

Chika. Image via Time

The rising 23-year-old Alabama rapper aims to tell her story as a queer, Gen-Z woman in rap who is growing and learning more about herself each day

BY J'NA JEFFERSON

Chika has always been aware of the power of her words, and she continues to hone in on that gift to make a difference. The 23-year-old Alabama-bred rapper (born Jane Chika Oranika) got her start in the game writing and performing slam poetry since she was young. After dropping out of the University of Southern Alabama to focus on her music career, she’s steadily carved out a lane of her own as a "professional truth-teller" with "a pen that's tactical."

After inspiring Internet freestyle crazes like 2017’s #EgoChallenge promoting body positivity and self-acceptance, Chika was catapulted into public consciousness in 2018, when she self-uploaded a freestyle aimed at Kanye West after his doting and incessant tweets about Donald Trump. Over the Chicagoan's iconic "Jesus Walks" beat, Chika says what we were all thinking, with lines such as "It don't matter how much money you got or you lack, when that check clear, don’t forget your children are still Black, and your music has been wack, and your views are movin' back…" She's also covered relevant topics ranging from Pride (she remixed Ed Sheeran's "Shape Of You") to strict abortion laws ("Richey Vs. Alabama").

Throughout the years, her abilities have won high-profile fans such as Erykah Badu, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ice-T and Diddy, and as jam-packed as her rise has been, she’s just getting started. In 2019, she was featured on JoJo's track "Sabotage," and was featured as a musical guest during Lena Waithe's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" hosting stint. She dropped her vulnerable, retrospective track “High Rises,” as well as the Charlie Wilson-assisted song "Can’t Explain It,” which finds her fantasizing about a magnetic woman who she can’t stop thinking about, all while seamlessly interpolating Tamia’s classic “So Into You."

Chika's upcoming, major-label debut project Industry Games (dropping March 13) aims to tell her story as a queer, Gen-Z woman in rap who is growing and learning more about herself each day. It's designed to be intentional, poignant and honest in its content, all attributes encapsulating the approach she took when creating her first EP, 2017's Full Bloom// A Poetry.

"The time that went into 'Industry Games,' was a year of my life, last year specifically," she tells The Recording Academy. "I think that I fleshed out a lot more about myself with this project. You get more of my thought process, and the way my brain actually works––I get to share how crazy and hectic it gets in my brain sometimes. [Laughs.] You hear me versus my ego on it, and what that sounds like for me to be this soft-spoken person, but having a bigger ego, and having to defend certain words."

The EP's title track showcases Chika's ability to spit rapid-fire verses about potential roadblocks on her journey ("I can hear the snakes, they hissing, trying to break my mission/'Cause I know who I'm about to be"), while "Songs About You" finds her reflecting on her endearing persistence despite the naysayers who tried to keep her down ("I know ain't got no hourglass figure, but I can get smaller, while my pockets get bigger"). Whether she's musing about the state of the world or the state of her personal life, Chika is all about telling relatable stories, and people are listening.

"I have those songs [on the EP] where I get to talk how I've been affected by being in the industry, how you lose friends, seeing how it changes the people around you, and how it changes you," she continues. "And even the very beginnings of my story, the first rap songs that I wrote. [The song] ‘Crown’ shows the very beginnings and the decision of me choosing to do rap as my career, but every song is about how I've had to adjust in different ways."

While some rap fans may look for bumpin' beats in lieu of thought-provoking lyrics, Chika makes sure to provide both. She notes that she was raised in a Nigerian (Igbo) household, so the way she approaches songs and production directly correlates to her upbringing, with heavy reliance on "syncopation, percussion and rhythm." The song "Designer" off of Industry Games is about a "very sad situation" regarding lost love and friendship, but the thumping production, mixed-in melodies and pitch changes help make those hard-to-swallow conceptual pills a bit easier to digest ("Even in those moments that aren't fun in life, you have to take the good with the bad," she explains of her musical methods).

What are the "industry games" Chika thinks are the most prevalent today? She believes that the way the media spins stories is "messy for no reason" and hopes that one day, truth will prevail over what she sees as trivial content.

"We still haven't gotten to a point where [artists are] as comfortable with publications as we should be, people have their own mentality and their own thoughts surrounding you," she explains. "Having to undo that and rewrite that... it's a task. Even in talking about my body, and that being such a non-issue, and the media being like, 'Ooh, how do we feel?!' As soon as you provide the floor for conversations like that, whatever gets the clicks, [that’s] ultimately an issue I've been having to deal with."

While she can’t always control the powers that be, Chika ultimately hopes that artists can work to be more honest in the presentation of their work to the masses, in order to spread positive images for fans and consumers.

"Kids are listening," she notes. "We can actually provide ways for them to cope with the things that we're talking about, and stop romanticizing all the negative things… Let's feed the soul instead of just destroying it and finding company for this misery, you know what I mean? That's what I think we can do as a unit, just uplift people. If there are bad things, try to find ways to speak about it in the right way."

Since her career began picking up steam, Chika does note that she’s become a bit more "skeptical" and "cynical." However, she’s aimed to take control of her artistry and personal life, while still enjoying her accomplishments. She took a break from social media for a time in 2019, writing how she needed to focus on life outside of algorithms and negativity.

"I was too interested in [my social media engagement], and I needed to focus on the life I created for myself," she explains. "I was able to untangle those things in my brain that may have led me to having a lot of depression and anxiety, providing context that, honestly, no one's forcing me to make anyway. That's myself holding me to a standard, and I'm glad that I took that time."

In coming to terms with her life’s changes since her rap rise began, she also has to thank her day-ones, who have helped her with experiencing the growing pains that come with major transitions. She met her friend and "big brother," rapper Wale, when she was a teenager, and she applauds him for “[being] there every step of the way.” She also shouts out English musician Duffy, who reached out to her as a fan of her work in 2017, and has encouraged her ever since. Amidst a heartbreaking revelation from the musician after years of silence, Chika says they’ve been close and supportive of each other no matter what.

"[Duffy] really encouraged me when I needed encouragement, which was beautiful," she says of the "Mercy" songbird. "I made a statement about how she had told me her story around the time when she discovered me [in 2017]. It was incredible seeing her come out [with her experience] the way she wanted to, and in the timing that she wanted to. She's an angel of a woman, she's very sweet, she's a fighter… I can't even find the words."

While she continues to learn more about herself and the music industry she was thrust into, Chika is making sure to take her experiences and her impact in stride. On Industry Games' poetic "Balenciagas In The Bathroom," she mentions how she never dreamed that one day she could be someone's idol. However, with a catalog that aims to preach the truth and open up the world to necessary conversations, it’s apparent she’s already on her way.

"I've had to adapt and process what my life looks like now, and where it will go," she concludes. "I'm more grateful for a lot of things that I have, because of the ways that it took to get them. I've definitely grown up a bit."

SOURCE: GRAMMY

INTERVIEW: ‘Nweze’s Dissenting Judgment Will Haunt Us As Nation For A Long Time’

John Baiyeshea


Alex Enumah interviews Mr. John Baiyeshea, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on the recent Supreme Court on the Imo State governorship election

Would you say that the Imo governorship final verdict by the Supreme Court was a convenient escape route by the court to redeem its image?

The Court just decided to insist on its ‘finality’ posture at the expense of Justice.
I truly and sincerely believe that the Court knew that a mistake was made in the judgment that removed Ihedioaha. But I think they had great difficulty reversing themselves so soon, probably thinking of the image of the Court in the international community. It seems to me that Justice was sacrificed on the alter of some mundane and hidden considerations.

Having established several past precedents, why do you think the Supreme Court refused to reverse itself?

The answer to this second question is same as the answer to the first question. Supreme Court found itself in a ‘culdesac’ or a ‘dead end’ of some sort. It just decided to stand by its earlier judgment (even if it was wrong). That is why Justice Nweze in dissenting judgment said the judgment will haunt us as Nation for a long time. It is as if our long established jurisprudence on election matters has been turned ‘upside’ down. We, in the legal profession ,know that we have serious legal issues to contend with now and in future election cases. Nothing is sacrosanct anymore. The Bayelsa judgment too has the same ripple effect.

How do you think the Ihedioha case will affect future litigants in similar circumstance?

I adopt my answer above for this question.

The Supreme Court recently imposed unprecedented heavy fines on counsels. What other measures should the Court take to forestall abuse of court processes, particularly by politicians?

Well, the issue of imposition of heavy fines on the senior lawyers for approaching the Supreme Court to review its judgment is unprecedented and frightening. Actually, no Lawyer should be happy about that because it could have been anybody. The question whether or not the application for review was an abuse of Court process is judgmental. That is what the Justices said. I personally believe that whether they were right or wrong to come to that conclusion, time will tell. But one thing I am sure of is that there is no unanimity of opinion on that issue in the legal profession. So, the debate will go on for a long time.

God who is ultimate Judge, and he is the Almighty one that will eventually have the final/conclusive say in the matter.

Are you concerned that elections, in many instances, now appear to be decided by the courts and not the electorates?

The trend of the decision of the Supreme Court in the cases of Zamfara, Rivers, Imo and Bayelsa, cannot add value to our democratic and electoral processes in this Country. Any judgment that changes the will of the people expressed in voting at elections, through such judgments is what I refer to as ‘judicial shortchange’. It is doing more harm than good.

What is your take on the dissenting judgment by Justice Centus Nweze?

The dissenting judgment of Justice Centus Nweze was bold, courageous, factual and truthful.
I foresee a situation in which that minority judgment will one day (very soon), be not just the ‘majority’ judgment, but it will be the only (celebrated) judgment.

Should the right of a litigant be sacrificed because the Supreme Court is final?

It is not just that the right of a litigant is being sacrificed by the finality of the Court. Justice is being sacrificed. If people are not convinced that Justice has been done, then the Supreme Court itself cannot be happy and must be concerned that it is not serving the people well. After all,the Court’s ultimate relevance is that it is looking after the welfare and wellbeing of the Nation. There is too much criticism of the Court’s showing in recent times. So,the Court must do a critical appraisal with a view to making necessary adjustments.

With signal from the Supreme Court can we conveniently say that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

SOURCE: THIS DAY LIVE

TINA TURNER MUSICAL: These Charlotte Area Actors Never Met

Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, who grew up performing in Union County schools, said Tina Turner has “boundless energy I can relate to.” Image: Manuel Harlan via The Charlotte Observer

BY LAWRENCE TOPPMAN

Daniel J. Watts and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe have a uniquely satisfying relationship.

On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, he insults her, throws a cymbal at her, pulls her by the hair, slaps her, chokes her and punches her. She bites his ear, kicks him and knees him in the groin. An hour later, they’re holding hands.

That’s how things go in “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” now playing to near-capacity houses at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York. Watts stars as volcanic Ike Turner, Tina’s abusive husband, in his ninth Broadway show but the first where he’s created a leading role. Obi-Melekwe steps in for top-billed Adrienne Warren on matinee days, because no sane actress would do this taxing performance twice in nine hours. (The show ends with a 12-minute mini-concert.)

How did two actors from Union County end up side by side at the curtain call of a Broadway hit? That’s a strange story — two strange stories, really — but their shared heritage makes them comfortable together. British director Phyllida Lloyd, who made her own Broadway debut in 2001 with “Mamma Mia!,” saw that when she cast them.

“I was looking for actors whose personalities and qualities went beyond their acting talents, people who look beyond ‘What is my next role?’ and think of the world,” she said. “That Nkeki and Daniel come from the South means they have a special understanding of the world from which Tina and Ike came. (Tina grew up in Tennessee, Ike in Mississippi.)

“Daniel is a person of the greatest integrity, a caring and passionate man — an instinctive actor and musician without any vanity who helps to lead the Broadway company, but in a discreet way. Nkeki is a force field —she is so magnetic she makes you believe she’s actually creating Tina’s choreography in front of your eyes. I have to remind myself sometimes that she is so young and just setting out in the profession.”

Though Watts and Obi-Melekwe never knew each other growing up, both were buoyed by supportive family members and single-minded in their determination to perform. Here’s how they reached their goals.

THE MAN FROM INDIAN TRAIL

Between 2006 and 2019, Daniel J. (for Joseph) Watts appeared in eight Broadway musicals that racked up 21 Tony Awards. If you remember seeing him in any, you are likely a member of the extended Watts family, a classmate from Sun Valley High School or maybe a CPCC Summer Theatre veteran who worked with him in the 1990s.

That’s no longer true. As Ike Turner, he has become a star by projecting sinister seductiveness through the first act of “Tina.” (Ike gets only one brief scene in Act 2.) New York Times critic Jesse Green wrote: “Watts is terrific delivering his gleaming menace.”

How does a genial human being, one raised in an atmosphere of love and acceptance, find the core of Ike’s rage? How does the guy Obi-Melekwe said “has a brotherly quality toward everyone he meets” play this bitter loner?

“Hurt individuals hurt individuals,” Watts explained. “Ike grew up in the pre-Civil Rights South in the ‘40s with a lot of trauma: a father killed by a lynch mob, an abusive stepfather, one wife who left and another who ended in an asylum. The world told him who he was and who he would not be. He wrote one of the first rock songs (“Rocket 88”), but he would never be allowed to be Elvis.

“I started going to therapy a couple of years ago to find out what anger I was holding onto. I grew up in the South around the Confederate flag, and kids called me n----- when I was a kid. There were times I wasn’t positive if I was being treated equally, because I was black. My dad wasn’t around. You can try to put your pain (somewhere) — Ike put it into music — but maybe that’s not enough. Theater and dance were my outlets.”

Watts’ life has differed from Ike Turner’s in two crucial ways. First, he can articulate deep feelings, most recently in an ever-evolving, one-man autobiographical show called “The Jam.” (He did it at the Public Theatre in January.) That makes sense, as he committed to acting after watching John Leguizamo in a similar endeavor titled “Freak.”

“I had been writing as an outlet since I was 11 or 12: stream of consciousness stuff, poems, stories. I saved everything. In 2011, I was touring in ‘Aladdin’ in Seattle — I was supposed to be a carpet, but they cut the carpet — and had nothing to do. I started going back through my old material … and subtitled the show ‘Only Child,’ because being an only child (shaped me).”

Second, supportive women urged young Watts forward and kept him focused:

“I always knew I was loved. My mother (Artez) broke her neck to make sure I had what I needed; she understood the necessity of keeping me busy in a positive way, with dance and basketball and baseball and soccer. All my grandmother cared about was love, and she adopted every friend I had as a surrogate grandchild. Sue Mead, my French teacher in high school, has been to every production I’ve done, except ‘The King and I’ in Rock Island, Ill.”

They watched him grow dramatically, from a 1997 “Big River” at CPCC Summer Theatre — as the smallest cast member, he hid inside a log to roll it across the stage — to plays at Elon University, where he graduated in 2004.

Two years later, he joined the ensemble of “The Color Purple” on Broadway. Until “Tina,” he was always in the ensemble on Broadway, or a swing available to cover many roles, or an understudy, or a replacement in a small solo part. Through “The Little Mermaid” and “Memphis” and even “Hamilton,” that seemed to be enough.

BROADWAY KEPT CALLING
“Everything is timing,” he said at 37. “I didn’t know how to get out of the ensemble and didn’t believe I would. They’re safe. By the third year in New York, I was making the most money I had ever made. I never stayed in a show more than six months, and I liked to keep things moving. The artist in me couldn’t stay put: I would go on to something else (such as regional theater), my bank account would suffer, and I’d find my way back to Broadway.

“Around ‘Hamilton,’ I got tired of that pattern. I was not on Broadway for three years after that and worked a lot in television. If I was going to come back, it had to be on my own terms.”

Adrienne Warren, who met him during a brief run of “The Wiz” in 2009, believed him ready for something big and put his “name in the hat for ‘Tina’.” Bernard Telsey, casting director for “Tina” and countless other shows, had met Watts on “The Color Purple” and kept him in mind for something substantial.

“I did some research on Ike and thought, “I know this guy, and he might be fun to play,” Watts said. “For all his wickedness, there’s a human being in there doing the best he can, but his best is subpar. An audience can disassociate itself from a monster and not think, ‘That might be me.” But I wanted people to be able to see themselves to some degree in Ike Turner.”

THE WOMAN FROM WAXHAW

Her first name means “one who owns the future” in the Igbo language of her father’s native Nigeria, and the future arrived last spring in London. At 22, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe was hired to take over the title role of “Tina” six nights a week when Adrienne Warren departed.

The girl who’d gotten serious about theater just seven years before would have to carry a hit musical in the West End. She was trying to rise to that occasion when she met the 79-year-old icon she played.

“I was nearing my opening and had learned all the lines and songs and dances — it was quite a whirlwind — but I didn’t know what to do with any of it,” she recalled. “I had all this information, and I knew who this person was, but I didn’t know how to make her someone I could relate to. Then she invited me to her home in Switzerland. (Turner, now a Swiss citizen, lives near Zürich.)

“Getting to meet her lined everything up for me. I think of myself as spiritual. I believe in many things — karma and God and gods — and she’s a Buddhist. I didn’t know how to talk about Buddhism with her, but she was excited to hear that I would like to chant, and we did. The way she kind of enveloped me in her spiritual realm … I can’t describe it.”

Obi-Melekwe hadn’t cared about acting at all until middle school. Her parents, Obiajulu Melekwe and Bernice Obi-Melekwe, moved to North Carolina from the Bronx when she was 9, and her dad got a Ph.D. from the School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina.

Little Nkeki watched the Disney Channel and thought idly “I could do that.” She made her stage debut with three lines as narrator number four in the Marvin Ridge Middle School “Beauty and the Beast,” then moved to Cuthbertson Middle School and played Grace Farrell in an eighth-grade “Annie.” Her father’s insistence that she watch the movie “Fame” was about to pay off.

She landed in the high school theater program at Central Academy of Technology and Arts in Monroe. There she won acting awards at N.C. Theatre Conference and Southeastern Theatre Conference as the Lady in Red in Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls.”

‘IT’S MY LIFE’
“I don’t think I realized theater was going to be my job until my senior year of high school,” she said. “I wanted be a writer, a journalist, a public health doctor, a teacher. Performing was just a hobby that turned into a more serious hobby. I’m still getting used to the idea that theater isn’t a hobby anymore — it’s my life.”

She made that transition at the University of Michigan, after Charlotte director-choreographer Linda Booth showed her how to audition for colleges and vocal coach Susan Roberts Knowlson fine-tuned her voice. She sang “Let It Go” for a halftime show at a Michigan football game, starred in multiple musicals and graduated in 2018. Within a year, Phyllida Lloyd cast her in that London production of “Tina.”

At the time, Lloyd told Playbill Magazine, “This role must be one of the most demanding in world theater and requires a human being of exceptional gifts and massive inner strength. Nkeki has both. Nkeki just has that thing — ferocious power — without which you can’t even think of playing Tina.”

Asked about that, the actress laughed.

“Guys I’ve dated have said, ‘You are simultaneously a 13-year-old girl and a 30-year-old woman. You have the energy of both.’ I have always been told I have a certain maturity, but I also feel like someone who’s going through puberty at times.

“In researching Tina and watching her and then speaking to her, she has this kind of ageless quality, this boundless energy I can relate to. That’s what I try to capture onstage.”

SOURCE: CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

Ekweremadu On State Police

Ike Ekweremadu. Image: Twitter

BY GABRIEL AMALU

The flurry of meetings by governors of the southeast, south-south and northeast zones, to establish regional security outfits, akin to the south-west experiment, was predicted by this column. Last week, as the legislative assemblies in southwest states were simultaneously passing the security network bills, otherwise known as Amotekun, the governors of south-south met in Asaba, to plan a regional security initiative. Of note, the media projected the Amotekun laws as not authorising the bearing of arms by the security outfit.

Each state will subsequently apply to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to authorise its outfit to bear arms. Of course, by the provision of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the IGP has powers to authorise the bearing of certain categories of arms, while the authority to bear more sophisticated firearms can only be granted by the president. So, the arms with which the various mutating security outfits will use to defend their states will depend on the discretionary powers of federal office holders, not law.

Well, Amotekun, according to knowledgeable insiders may also rely on traditional methods, like charms and magic, to defend and ward off armed bandits, and kidnappers. I look forward to when eminent office holders, visiting the states in the region, would ask the regular police to hand over their protection to these security outfits relying on charms and amulets. Well, in fairness to the promoters of the zonal security network, the outfit will also gather intelligence for the police and other security agencies.

But will the proposed state security outfits and the touted collaboration deal the needed heavy blow to the high level of insecurity across the states in the country? I doubt. While this column is not an authority in African mysticism, to gauge the efficiency of charms, amulets and magic; my father who worked with the correctional services, before fakes took over our everyday lives, (may God rest his beautiful soul) told me that such things were ineffective when government wants to enforce law and order.

Going forward, a more plausible answer to the grave challenges of insecurity trying to torpedo our dear country, should be a further amendment of the 1999 constitution, the Police Act, and the Firearms Act, to allow a shared policing power between the federating units and the central authority. Why state governors are excitedly working hard to convince the people they govern that oranges and apples are one and the same, instead of demanding for powers to buy apples, which they know is what is needed by their people, beguiles this column.

Perhaps, the art of governance includes playing the ostrich? Interestingly, the former deputy senate president, and the senator representing Enugu West, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has presented a bill seeking relevant amendments to enable the federating units – the states, share policing responsibility with the federal government. Except the governors are merely grandstanding about confronting the crisis facing them as chief security officers of their states, they should all latch on the Ekweremadu bill, to deal the challenge a heavy blow.

Of note, sections 214, 215 and 216, of the 1999 constitution (as mended), which provides on the Nigeria Police Force, is very jealous of the creation of another police force. Section 214, magisterially provides: “There shall be a Police Force for Nigeria, which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section no other police force shall be established for the federation or any other part thereof.”

To completely emasculate and embarrass the federating units, section 215(4) first provides: “subject to the provisions of this section, the governor of a state or such commissioner of the government of the state as he may authorise in that behalf, may give to the commissioner of police of that state such lawful directions with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public within the state as he may consider necessary, and the commissioner of police shall comply with these directions or cause them to be complied with.”

But in a proviso, the power seemingly donated by the constitution was desecrated. It says: “Provided that before carrying out any such direction under the foregoing provisions of this subsection the Commissioner of Police may request that the matter be referred to the President or such Minister of the Government of the federation as may be authorised in that behalf by the President for his directions.” Such a nebulous provision, can be relied upon by the commissioner of police, for instance, when a state government wakes him up, that a village is under attack by herdsmen.

To make this anomalous proviso secure and inviolable, subsection (5) provides: “The question whether any, and if so what, directions have been given under this section shall not be inquired into in any court.” So, while the establishment of an alternative police is unlawful, if the president and his IGP decides to make the governor of the state miserable with respect to use of the federal police in the state to maintain security of lives and property, the constitution provides them opportunity to lawfully do so.

To put concrete on the emasculation of the federating units to provide reasonable security by themselves, the Firearms Act seals their fate. Of the three categories of firearms, referred to in sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Act, the governor cannot authorise the licencing of any. Section 3, which deals with category of firearms in the schedule part l, authorises the president to issue licence at his discretion, while section 4 which deals with personal arms, listed in Part ll of the schedule.

It is with respect to the firearms listed in the Part lll of the schedule referred as muzzle loading guns, that the Commissioner of Police is expected to consult with the governor to issue licences. How the regional security outfits will use the muzzle loading guns to confront the bearers of AK-47, not to talk of the self-loading RPGs which has flooded our country is anybody’s guess. To compound the dire security situation, the ineffective security networks and absence of federal police in the remote villages across the country, makes the villages sitting ducks for the dare-devil criminals working to upend our country.

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State acknowledged his helplessness some days ago, when 51 indigenes of his state where mercilessly massacred by bandits. While his apology is appreciated, uncharacteristically, he didn’t offer a solution to the menace. Perhaps, apologies will now replace the condolences we have been used to getting from ineffective state authorities. To change the paradigm, the bill sponsored by Senator Ekweremadu, makes a lot of sense.

ACADEMIC: FUTO Develops Indigenous Recycling Technology

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

OWERRI (VANGUARD)--The Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, says it has developed indigenous technology for recycling wastes into marketable and useful products. 

The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, VC, Professor Francis Eze, who disclosed this weekend, while addressing parents guardians and the 4,841 matriculating students of FUTO, also announced that the project has already received a boost.

“This initiative of turning waste to wealth, received a major boost last week, when the University signed a memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, on reclamation and recycling of plastic wastes”, Eze said. 

He was optimistic that the collaboration would deepen the University’s waste recycling programme, especially in their current effort to generate electricity from heterogeneous waste. 

His words: “As we pat ourselves on the back for the appreciable progress of our University, a lot still needs to be done in the area of provision of facilities and infrastructural development.

“On our part as the University Management, we have ensured the provision of facilities within the limit of available resources needed for teaching and the overall wellbeing of our students.” 

The VC lamented that “insufficient funds have adversely affected our ability to upgrade facilities and implement some of our novel ideas.” 

Professor Eze said that extortion of students, sexual harassment and sale of grades, is highly prohibited, as any staff found culpable, would be sanctioned, in line with our regulations, adding that “to demonstrate FUTO’s commitment to the fight against sexual harassment, the Governing Council has approved the University Sexual Harassment Policy, which is aimed at discouraging any form of unhealthy sexual relationship between staff and students.” 

He also warned that the University does not condone any act or unethical behaviour that could breach the peace of the University or bring the esteemed image of the University to disrepute. 

The VC warned the fresh students that the University often wields the big stick to sanction students convicted of examination malpractices, robbery and cult activities, either through outright expulsion or rustication for one or two academic sessions. 

“Currently, some students, who were found culpable of various offences, have been expelled from the University, while others are serving punishment of rustication. I plead with you, to avoid acts and behaviour that could terminate this golden opportunity you have, as a student of this University”, the VC cautioned the new students.

ABUCHI ILOANYA: Enterprise And Growing The Abutex Brand

Abuchi Vinbcent Iloanya. Image: Facebook

Abuchi Vincent Iloanya started and established the Abutex Food Equipment company some four years ago, headquartered in Alaba International Market, Lagos State, after he gained ‘freedom’ or graduated from a master he served for six years. He was under his big boss as an apprentice, like many young Igbo boys do, learning the rudiments of the food equipment business.

Of course, he wanted to be like his master but had a different idea on how the business could be fine tuned to keep in line with the demands and pace of the digital age. He knew to keep with the evolving markets, he had to employ the Information and Communications Technology approach which he embraced with both arms. Then Jiji and OLX presented him the opportunity he wanted.

“My business expanded long time ago using Jiji and OLX for marketing tools. But it expanded and blew the moment I started using Instagram. Instagram has been a blessing to me, I won’t lie.

Instagram brought my business out there and connected me to so many big people in the society. Celebrities and politicians all patronize me, all thanks to my mentor, Mark Zuckerbek,” he said in a recent interview.

The business, grew in leaps and bounds because Abuchi Iloanya, beyond making use of social media tools applied the best ethics of business which is evident in their vision and mission statement.

“A passion for professional equipment. We are passionate about our each and every piece of our equipment. Our highly trained technicians are constantly working to develop new and more
efficient systems and processes.

All our machinery either meet or exceed international standards.
A long-term approach for our products. Each product purchased from Abutex comes with a long term commitment. We fully support all our machinery and back that up with warranties on all parts,” says a statement in their vision and mission booklet.

Abuchi Vincent Iloanya, the Managing Director of Abutex Food Equipment company was born in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria on March 11, 1992. He is a native of Awkuzu in Oyi Local Goverment Area of Anambra State.

His company, Abutex Food Equipment company is Nigeria’s leading company in industrial kitchen equipment, with headquarters in Alaba International Market and an ultra modern showroom in Lekki Phase 1, all in Lagos.

He has also won many awards as an entrepreneur, including Abutex’s 2013 quality system certification. His company, Abutex has developed competences in a wide range of world standard quality products,complete services and self-innovation. From mixers to ovens,cooking equipment to refrigeration, Abutex Food Equipment has carved a niche for itself,

He finished his secondary school in 2008 at Showlight International School, Onitsha Anambra State but couldn’t go for university education because of financial difficulties. He has one elder sister and three younger brothers.

SOURCE: THE NATION

Full Statement By Emeka Ihedioha After Supreme Court Decision

Emeka Ihedioha

Dear Ndi Imo and fellow Nigerians,

On Tuesday 3rd March 2020, the Supreme Court of Nigeria gave a ruling rejecting our application to set aside its earlier judgement of 14th January 2020 on the Imo State governorship election. This is certainly not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for and I know how disappointed you must feel. While it is disheartening to note that your desire to introduce good governance has been halted, at least for now, it is also gratifying that our modest efforts have not gone unnoticed. I, therefore, feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the wonderful energy and commitment that we deployed together to secure the mandate that has now been brazenly stolen from us.

Permit me to use this opportunity to thank all those who played one role or another in this historic quest for justice and truth. I must thank members of the diplomatic community for voicing their concerns for the stability of our country. I commend the Chairman and Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for their vanguard role and leadership during this period. 

In particular, my special thanks go to all Imo citizens for their uncommon support, solidarity, and collective outrage. Never have people been so united and committed to a cause. You prayed, fasted, marched, protested and even cried. You sacrificed your time, resources, and endeavour for this just cause. On this matter, the people of Imo State collectively rose to demand for justice and fairness. Imo people rose up in defence of their right to elect leaders of their choice. Our people resoundingly rejected oppression and power grab, defied imposition, injustice and tyranny. I salute Imo people for this display of courage in the face of oppressive state power.

I will forever be in the debt of Nigerians of all walks of life, across ethnic, religious and political divides, senior citizens, journalists, civil societies, ordinary men and women of good conscience, who added their voice to condemn the injustice done in our case. These are people unknown to me personally but who could not bear the illogic of turning number four to number one on the basis of a fraudulently procured result, and appealed to the Supreme Court to save itself and our judiciary. 

Whatever may be the personal injury I suffer as a result of the miscarriage of justice, my main concern in this whole tragic episode is not about me. It has always been about the implications this judgement could have for the future of our democracy and the right of the electorate to have their votes count. If institutions that are critical to the entrenchment of the rule of law could thwart the wishes of the people in a cynical manner, where lies the future of our democracy? That was why I sought a review of the Supreme Court judgement. Even though justice was not served at the end, the well-articulated dissenting judgement delivered by His Lordship, Justice Centus Nweze, has vindicated our stand. I am sure that history and posterity will be kind to him.

To those who are rejoicing about their successful political fraud at the expense of Imo people, as well as their collaborators, let me leave them with the immortal words of the late journalist, Dele Giwa: “No evil deed will go unpunished; any evil done by man to man will be redressed; if not now then certainly later; if not by man, then by God for the victory of evil over good is temporary’. We believe that God will render the ultimate judgment. He has been with us through this peaceful struggle. And our future is in His hands.

In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to members of our legal team who pushed the frontiers of electoral jurisprudence to advance our constitutional democracy. I wish also to thank my team of committed colleagues who served in various capacities during our administration. It has been a great privilege to serve the people of Imo State as Governor. I am proud to have been the recipient of their genuine mandate. I will forever cherish the support, solidarity and cooperation given to me during my tenure. My belief in the ultimate triumph and supremacy of the will of the people remains intact. I pray God to bless and reward all those who stood firm on the path of justice and fair play.

On a personal note, I accept trials and difficulties as part of life as they enable one to become wiser and more sympathetic to the plights of others in similar circumstances. But I am firmly resolved NEVER to give up on the struggle for a better Imo State. And for a better governed Nigeria. May God bless Imo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Thank you and God bless.

Aba: Generating Billions, Groaning Under Infrastructural Decay

Aba Enyimba City

BY LINUS EFFIONG

Aba, popularly known as Enyimba City, the commercial city of Abia State and industrial hub of the entire South-East and Nigeria, is variously described as the Japan of Africa. But despite the commercial activities in the city, which rakes in millions of naira on a daily basis, the state of infrastructure in the God’s Own State is very poor, to put it mildly. It is no longer news that almost all kinds of commodities, including shoes, bags, leather wears, clothing etc, are manufactured in Aba, just as there are many small and medium enterprises, and all kinds of engineering fabrication.

Unfortunately, there are no good roads to transport manufactured goods and other services. Sadly also, streets and roads in the city, which are in deplorable conditions, are infested with dirt, including artificial marshes and mountainous roadside refuse dumpsites. Unlike what it used to be, almost everything in the city contradicts its commercial status. Basic social and economic infrastructures are elusive in Aba. Aside Faulks Road, which was newly fixed to link the Ariaria International Market, almost every important major road leading to business and industrial centres in Aba are in deplorable conditions.

Important roads within the city, such as Ngwa Road, Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Obohia Road, Omuma Road, Ohazu Road, Cemetery Road, Eziukwu Road, Uratta Road and many others, are now nightmares, with adjoining streets rapidly becoming horrible ghettos.

To further worsen the situation, beggars are seen at every major entrance, relentlessly making life difficult for pedestrians and demonstrating a culture that is alien to the indigenous people of the land.

As one enters the city through Uyo, Port Harcourt, Enugu or Owerri routes, one encounters deplorable roads, annoying activities of touts, especially at the popular Bata Junction, unorganised street trading, dirt and smelly environment. 

Unfortunately, major industries have disappeared from the industrial city, with most of them relocating to neighbouring states, where there are better environments, security, people and business-oriented governments. 

A member of the Abia State Executive Council once said if the revenue generated in Aba was properly accounted for, the state could realise over N2billion monthly from the city. 

When our correspondent visited Aba, it was observed that the condition of the city was worse than what is obtainable in slums and war-ravaged countries in Africa. Vultures were seen openly scavenging on heaps of refuse, which were found at almost every junction. Piles of human waste also littered many streets. 

Reacting to the situation in Aba, Comrade Omeku Udensi Uche, the national secretary of Easy Life Initiative for Rural Youths, wondered if Abia State had a government, noting that everything is fast decaying. Uche said, “One of the problems I have with this government is that they equate infrastructure with only roads. We are talking about things that make life easy and businesses to thrive. These include roads, good health and even the transport system. 

“Majority of the roads are now dead traps, like what we see on Port Harcourt Road. For the very first time in Aba, it is under the regime of Okezie Ikpeazu that an important road like Ngwa has entered a deplorable state that cannot be described. 

“It is unfortunate that an Ngwa son cannot at least work on Ngwa Road as a legacy. Our hospitals are glorified mortuaries. They are not eve clinics. “When you get to the General Hospital in Aba, you will only see painted structures with zero medical facilities to meet the standard of a rural clinic. People in Aba spend quite a lot on sanitation for nothing. 

“In few weeks time, if you go to Ifeobara, where the government claimed they have built 5.6km underground water channel that would collect water from the basin near Ukwu-mango to Aba River, you would see how flood has sacked the people there. This government is not sincere. God is watching them and whatever they do. 

“Everywhere is littered with refuse and smelling because positions for environmental agencies are used to settle those who helped them to win election.’’ Also speaking on the situation in Aba, Dr. Coleman Oduputa said, 

“It is unhealthy and deadly for humans, especially children, to breathe a corrosive matter. It is extremely hard to rate the level of risk to health from the dirty environment in Aba. It will soon become disastrous.

“You cannot dismiss the possibility of infections from water, land and air pollution. People eat and drink in such environment. From what I have seen so far, if nothing is done and fast too, infections of all kinds would be the order of the day. 

“Diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, malaria and typhoid will be more common and severe than ever. Even people like truck pushers who walk barefooted inside such places risk contacting tetanus as well.” Also, Pastor Chisom Oriaku, a resident of Uratta Road, which adjoins Port Harcourt Road, said the lives of residents were in a serious danger. 

“The lives of people who live along Uratta and Port Harcourt roads axis are in a very big risk. We have been crying, but nobody seems to care about us. Things are getting worse. I believe you passed through that heavy refuse dump that has taken over Port Harcourt Road. 

“It has been there for over six months and nobody is doing anything about it. It has taken over several metres of that road. People there still pay sanitation fees to the state government, yet they cannot breathe in good air. 

“Everywhere is smelling. Before you can move from Crystal Park to Aba Main Park you will spend over an hour in what shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. They promised and gave a date when the road project would be completed, but right now, we don’t know what is happening. 

“The contractor has disappeared. This road has been under what they termed re-construction for the past two years, and they have done absolutely nothing so far. Everybody’s life is in danger. We are calling on the government to save lives before an epidemic spreads like wildfire.’’ Speaking further, Oriaku said, 

“The smell is too much. We have parked our vehicles because we are in trouble. Some boys have resorted to hiring pumping machines to pump out water from major roads into adjoining streets, just to create paths for motorists. 

“The re-construction of Uratta road, which was said to be under the Ecological Fund of the Federal Government, came because of flood issues here, but those who claimed they were working on the road abandoned the main problem, which is drainage, and people are exposed to flood during the rainy season. 

“They opened that drainage for about two poles and abandoned it again for no reason. They are not doing any job on Uratta Road. They are just playing and making jest of people who live along streets like Onyike, Jaja, Ahuronye, Eme, Mathew, Nwaogu, Ibenji and Railway Avenue. These places are better described as disaster zones, and nobody is coming to the aid of the people.’’ 

Also speaking, the chairman of Civil Liberties Organisation, Aba zone, Prof. Charles Chinekezi, called on the state government to rescue Aba before it is too late. 

“Aba is the most important city in the southern Nigeria, along with Onitsha, but the level of infrastructural decay is embarrassing and worrisome. 

“But truly, the present day government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State inherited a lot of anomalies. Maybe that’s why they are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. 

“If you look at our refuse disposal method you would see that the agency in charge has not been able to control refuse flow in the city. There are few receptacles and collection points. 

“Mountainous filths have taken over major streets and visitors usually wonder about the kind of human beings who live here. 

“Everybody is embarrassed, including those in government. The decay in Aba is heavy and completely unacceptable, and I think we can do something about it. 

“I recognise the efforts of this government so far, but it will be necessary to state clearly that their efforts keep us yearning for more work. 

“However, recently, the governor had a meeting with the contractors handling state projects in the last four years and gave them ultimatums. I think they will follow that up. 

“The only way the governor can come out of the blame is to ensure that whoever is handling projects here completes it, and anyone who fails to do so should face the law 

“The governor can do better than what we are seeing, but when you have some persons whose characters cannot be properly defined working against you in the guise of working for you, there will be problem,’’ Chinekezi said.

A resident of Obohia Road in Ndiegoro axis, Mr. Shedrach Ofodile, blamed both government and Aba residents for the city’s rapid decay. He noted that both parties were not helping matters. 

“The situation has become so pathetic that roads which were motorable 10 years ago now have weeds and mountainous refuse dumpsites and artificial marshes, with musty smell oozing out with reckless abandon. 

“This decay has given criminals and social deviants the opportunity of converting some of these once bubbling areas into their safe haven. Illicit drugs are being sold in those areas, which have become absolutely difficult to police and secure. 

“I have totally lost hope in this government. In a state where the payment of workers’ salaries sounds like a kind gesture, then the re-construction of roads and setting up good sanitation system are certainly a luxury they can’t afford for the citizenry,’’ he said. 

Also, a retired lecturer and landlord in the area, Chief Hilary Ebo, said Aba was fast becoming a big slum. 

“What baffles me is that the current governor has all it takes to end this mess, but I think God is just angry with Abia State and has not favoured us when it comes to leadership. 

“If that is not the case, then tell me who could have solved this problem if not Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who has seen it all and knows it better than everyone. 

“He was a deputy general manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA). 

“As I speak to you now, there’s no refuse receptacle on Omuma Road. They cannot bring in receptacles here because there’s no road. It was not so 10 or 12 years ago. 

“When a government fails to provide social and economic infrastructures like roads, health centres and things as minor as refuse receptacles enough to cover certain areas, then such government may have indirectly certified environmental pollution. 

“Tell me how and why criminals will not convert a major road that is deplorable from beginning to the end into their own? We have never had it this bad,’’ Ebo said. But Sir Richard Anaekwe, a resident said, 

“The decay in Aba didn’t start with Ikpeazu. In fact, the creation of Abia State is the worst thing that happened to Aba. From 1999 to 2007, Orji Uzor Kalu tried, but he could have done better. From 2007 to 2015, former Governor T. A Orji was a disaster to Aba. Every motorable road in Aba went bad under him. 

Under Ikpeazu, it has been a theatre of drama. His method is a tricky one. He has left every part of the city littered with projects he knows very well he will not complete. 

“Ikpeazu knows that the Osisioma flyover is a waste of time and money. He should have channeled that fund towards completing the Port Harcourt Road. But he chose to let people sing his praise for starting the first ever flyover in Abia. When he flagged off the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road two years ago, he promised it would be completed in 18 months. 

“The deadline has elapsed, with few kilometers of drainage as the achievement there. He knocked down peoples buildings in Osusu Road, Port Harcourt Road and some shops at Immaculate Avenue, yet, nothing has happened there.’’ 

Reacting, the Abia State Government, through the commissioner for information and strategy, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, said the recovery plan of Aba was in phases. He said government had successfully completed the first phase, which includes Faulks Road, through to the Ariaria International Market. According to him, there are three units of roundabout at Brass junction, Express junction and Okigwe Road junction. 

In the public record of the Abia State Government, this project is ongoing, but not all the components have been fully executed. With more than 70per cent of the 9.6km road executed, according to the record, Governor Ikpeazu opened the road temporarily in 2019 to give President Muhammadu Buhari a seamless passage to the Ariaria market for the purpose of commissioning the Ariaria Independent Power Project attracted by his administration and executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of the Federal Government. 

After the president’s visit, the governor considered closing portions of the road to enable Setraco execute the laying of asphalt on the road, but decided that doing so would hurt the business of the traders who were gearing up for the Yuletide. He directed Setraco to return to site late in December 2019 when the traders must have travelled for the season. But the company appealed that their workers would also close for the season by December 22, 2019, to resume in January 2020. 

Governor Ikpeazu directed the contractor handling the ongoing Osusu Road project to ensure that he delivered enough drains to carry storm water from Osusu, Omuma and Faulks Road areas of the city. That has been successfully executed and Setraco is set to connect the Faulks Road drain pipe through Osusu. 

The commissioner said Governor Ikpeazu was determined to delivering sustainable dividends of democracy to the people of the state. 

It was, however, learnt that the infrastructure deficit in Aba and Abia State as a whole has never been the inability of respective governments but more because those projects, especially roads, were rushed for political and momentary applause; hence they didn’t last long. Instead of embarking on new projects, subsequent administrations are known to reconstruct the same roads. 

It is hoped that the present Abia State Government would change the narrative in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state.

SOURCE: DAILY TRUST

POLITICS: The Immediate Challenge Of Imo APC

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma. Image: Facebook

BY EMEKA ASINUGO

The tussle between the main Opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State took a 360-degree turn when the Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Election Tribunal and the Appeal Court and confirmed Senator Hope Uzodinma of the APC as the legitimately elected governor of Imo State on 3 March 2020. In an attempt to get an earlier verdict repealed, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and his team of lawyers from the PDP camp had requested the apex court to review the case in the light of new evidences of mass discrepancies during the elections. But among its 7-man panel of jurists, six members stood their grounds while one insisted that the Supreme Court erred and should reverse its earlier decision.

Many observers had hoped that the Supreme Court was at least going to call for a re-run of the elections. But the eminent jurists stuck to their guns and insisted that Senator Uzodinma remained the governor because they could not possibly afford to lose face by swallowing the saliva they had earlier spat out. They probably relied on the often quoted dictum of the erudite Supreme Court jurist, Chuwudifu Oputa, who said the Supreme Court is not supreme because it was infallible, but it was infallible because it is Supreme.

The Imo gubernatorial case immediately raised very important political questions which the judiciary in Nigeria must be careful to consider in future electoral judgments. Was it constitutionally lawful for the court to impose a leader on the voting masses by virtue of legal technicalities? In the case of Uzodinma versus Ihedioha, for example, none of the two candidates secured the mandatory spread of votes across two-thirds of the local government areas of the state. Therefore, for any of them to be declared the winner, based on legal technicalities, clearly ran against the provisions of the constitution.

The unwillingness of the apex court to consider the fact that the number of votes accredited to the incumbent governor was far in excess of the total accredited number of voters was another glaring case of complacency. There were other arguments for and against the justification of the verdict. But at the end of the day, the Supreme Court had its way and declared Senator Uzodinma as winner.

It is important, at this juncture, to appreciate the fact that both Senator Hope Uzodinma and Hon. Emeka Ihedioha are sons of Imo land. So, since Uzodinma has been recognized by the highest court in the land over and above Ihedioha as the incumbent governor of the state, any further agitations against his continuation as governor would not only be a distraction of his focus on fulfilling his electoral promises, it would be a draw-back on the development of the very state everyone claims to love. So, the best bet would be for the people of Imo State to stop every form of agitation, rally round Uzodinma and his APC government, and help them deliver on their electoral promises.

When Senator Uzodinma unveiled his campaign manifesto to the good people of Imo State on 14 January 2019, he promised to focus on infrastructural development and to turn around the public image of the people of Imo State if elected into office. The event, still very clear in the memory of many Imo people and their well wishers had attracted dignitaries from across the state, which included traditional rulers, civil servants, market men and women, and the clergy. Party faithful and supporters were there also to chant accolades to the APC governorship candidate.

He had promised then, that his 5-point blueprint for the economic revival of the state would be consummated in a purpose-driven government, anchored on a tripod vision of economic recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation. In a nutshell, Senator Uzodinma promised to overhaul the structure of the civil service and cognate institutions to ensure a merit-based system. He promised to pay salaries promptly, especially those of civil servants and pensioners, to ensure greater productivity.

This is very important considering the fact that when civil servants are not paid as at and when due, there is a tendency for them to resort to corrupt practices to be able to provide food for their families and to pay their house rents and other bills like electricity bills. In the process, they unwittingly create the opportunity for their superior officers to cart away huge sums of public funds into private bank accounts because everyone is practically corrupt, leaving no one to blow the whistle when the big shots mismanage public funds.

Senator Uzodinma spoke on his desire to enhance education in the state. He would turn Imo State into a knowledge-driven economy and accelerate manpower development through a highly functional and qualitative educational system that would focus on science and technology. He would also establish or more like improve on the scope and spread of skills acquisition and vocational centres in the state. More importantly, he would establish job centres to enhance job search and placements for the myriads of school leavers in the state, desperately in need of jobs. This would also be important in warding off Imo youths from the temptation of involving in criminal activities.

But, somehow, Senator Uzodinma did not mention anything about child poverty in the state, which is also a worrying recurrent decimal indexing the real development of the state. In many communities in the state today, in villages and towns and even in the cities of Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri, so many young Imo children, some as young as eight years, can be seen hawking commodities like akara, banana, oranges, pure water and similar commodities on the roads and streets, even during school hours when they should be in school. In such a way, they are shamelessly exposed to hazards that include motor accidents, rape and even kidnapping. Imo children deserve a lot better treatment from their government. And Imo people hope that their children’s hope in Governor Hope Uzodinma to turn their fortunes around for the better would not remain an empty dream through the tenure of the governor.

The governor had also spoken of his vision of recovering the state economy and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of core infrastructure and micro, small and medium enterprises. This is indeed a bright idea. But the governor must appreciate that the place to start from with this beautiful idea is the revamping of strategies for the supply of electricity in the state which has remained most epileptic. No small or medium size business can succeed without constant electricity. In fact, many Imo sons and daughters in the Diaspora would rush home to help in the development of the state the moment it is known that the state can boast of electricity supply 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, important trading routes between villages and urban areas need to be tarred to ensure that agricultural products are safely and quickly moved from the rural producing to the urban consuming areas. All these call for proper feasibility studies which can be easily carried out if the governor has a dependable team to work with.

In assuring the good people of Imo State that his government would be accountable to them, the governor had promised to conduct fair and credible local government elections in the state within the first 12 months of his tenure and to reconstitute the local government joint accounts allocation committee to manage and superintend local government funds. This is also a step in the right direction. For some years now, state governors have depended on the use of administrators appointed by them to run the affairs of local governments across the state. Many people had come to associate the process with the desire of the governors to also manage local government allocations from Abuja. And with their hands economically tied by the state governors, these administrators are unable to run the councils efficiently. So, now that Governor Uzodinma has promised to put the money for the running of local councils where it rightfully belongs, the people of Imo State would have to hold local government chairmen and their councillors who underperform responsible for the under-development of their rural communities if it becomes necessary.

All in all, Imo people have learnt through their experiences that when politicians come to seek their mandate, they say all kinds of things and make all kinds of promises to win their hearts and their votes. But as soon as they get the mandate, very little is done. The politicians strategize to remain in office for as long as they possibly can and thereafter they find a way to install their puppets in governance. There is no likelihood that the style would change during Uzodinma’s tenure but it would also be wrong to take him for granted. There have been instances where the stone that was rejected by builders became the cornerstone pillar of the house. No one knows yet what goodies Governor Hope Uzodinma will bring to Imo State.

Before he became a known politician during the 2000s, Uzodinma was the youth leader of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Imo State of the Second Republic. He became prominent in Imo politics as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. In 2003, he contested for the governorship of the state under the auspices of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) party and failed. In 2006, he came back to the PDP and sought to contest the governorship election again but lost at the primaries to Senator Ifeanyi Ararume. He was then appointed into the PDP Board of Trustees, from where he was elected into the Senate in 2011, and re-elected in 2015.

Uzodinma is a known businessman who has been involved in the oil and gas sector through his SMIEC Chemical Engineering & Construction Company Limited with which he executed many projects for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He obtained his West African School Certificate from Mgbidi Secondary School, Orlu West in 1982 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a Diploma in Transport Studies. He also has an honorary doctorate degree from Imo State University.

From the look of things, there is little doubt if any, that Governor Uzodinma is an astute politician who was able to manipulate virtually all members of the Imo State House of Assembly to defect to the APC on assumption of office after Ihedioha’s nullification. He obviously knew that it would be difficult and very expensive for him to succeed as a governor who had no party member in the state House of Assembly. Members of the House would simply have arm-twisted him to get whatever they wanted for themselves and their constituencies. But by massively defecting to the ruling APC, they would now literarily take direct instructions from the governor as members of the same party. How that is going to affect development in Imo State remains to be seen.

Be that as it may, it is now time for Imo people to embrace their fortune with pride and move on with the APC government to further develop their state. It will be necessary for all Imo to key behind the governor to build trust among people from the various local government areas of the state, and by extension, the Igbo Community world-wide because the Igbo abroad cannot claim to be united when those in the country are not. And the governor cannot unite the different factions, some supporting him, some supporting Ihedioha, some supporting Uche Nwosu, some supporting Ifeanyi Ararume and so on, unless Imo people are willing to come together now for the love of their state.

Governor Uzodinma should take his time to gather a good team. That is what makes government work in the interest of the people. He should also try and tolerate dissent. That is what makes democracy work. That is what makes a government become a listening ear. That is what points the governor to the knowledge of the desires and aspirations of those he is governing. The growth of democracy in Imo State is very crucial and very critical to the political history of Nigeria. So, the PDP must remain relevant in the governance of Imo State by maintaining its position as a responsible Shadow Government which the APC in the state cannot ignore or take for granted.

Whatever the APC government can achieve in these three remaining years will definitely define their position in 2023, barring electoral malpractices. One pressing demand is to ensure that APC legislators have properly located and identifiable constituency offices in their areas of jurisdiction and that they take the concerns of their constituents seriously. Imo people must move on and realize that no government can solve all the problems of the people. They should help themselves. They should make good use of the opportunity Governor Uzodinma will be willing to offer them. Our people have a saying that the taste of the pudding is in the eating. The APC government must now settle down to get Imo people to work together with Governor Hope Uzodinma, with the hope that it shall be well at the end of a long night. This is the immediate challenge of Imo APC.

In Honor Of The Great Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike

Chukwuemeka Ike (1931-2020)

BY PRINCESS MIKKY ATTAH

I mourned within me late last year when I read of the death of Dr Ore Falomo, late Chief M.K.O Abiola’s personal physician. That was because I had a secret to share with him I would never again be able to. But concerning this demise now, I will not keep this secret so that, possibly, a grieving widow’s multiplied pains would be eased. In a most unsavoury way, I have stumbled on news that has led me to conclude that Professor Chukwuemeka Ike died from a grieving heart; one that was not only broken, but shattered by sorrows and pains of tragedies, in addition to family issues gone terribly wrong.

This is how it all went for me – upon hearing of the demise of one of Africa’s greatest novelists, Chukwuemeka Ike, as many people heard too, I ‘clicked online’ to sympathise with my lifelong “Big Brother” , Prince Osita Ike, the only son of Chukwuemeka Ike. As I was browsing, I was making mental plans to support Prince Osita and travel to Anambra, their homestead for his famous father’s burial, once he let me know the date.

The page on my phone opened and I was hit by what seemed like thunderbolt that struck me right in the forehead – Prince Osita Ike Dead! What? When? How? I was filled with grief, and was confused. I scrolled further down only to find out that he had even passed on since December 2016!

Where in the world have I been then? In the midst of my sorrow, my mind flew to his precious parents. Oh no, the trauma of losing your one son, I thought. And just three years later, Prince Osita’s mother now becoming a widow! It was simply tragic. However, I got thinking and, knowing that Chukwuemeka Ike was also an Igbo monarch, his burial would not be done in a hurry. My resolve to attend, whenever announced became even stronger, in honour of the memory of Prince Osita.

A few days back, I went browsing again in search of news of the great wordsmith’s transition arrangements. Firstly, I reckoned I should check for the Anambra airport, and flights going there. Big shock there – there is NO AIRPORT at all in Anambra – an old, old state, a state of renown; a bastion of national productivity! I was astounded. The nearest airport is Asaba Airport in Delta, state-built; even though that’s a federal preserve. Worse, it’s 32km away from Anambra, on federal roads that are notoriously dangerously dilapidated! Pressing on with my main task nevertheless, I got to discover a much sadder state of affairs with the Ikes, much worse than I ever imagined. In fact, reading through people’s responses on social media to the whole scenario, l saw one saying that it all sounded “more like a movie script”- Tookool (Nairaland.com). One pointedly asked why the Prince’s estranged wife would kill a son and also kill the father! I was reading from bottom up, so MORE questions came to my mind- estranged wife? Who is killing who, and killing who else?

But before all the mystery:

His Majesty, Eze Professor Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike OFR, Eze Ikelionwu XI, Ugwu Aro- foremost Nigerian novelist passed away in Nnewi, Anambra State on the 19th of January 2020 at 88. Chukwuemeka Ike was a distinguished scholar, renowned author, former Registrar of WAEC, university don as well as administrator; and visiting professor at the University of Jos. He was also the traditional ruler of Ikelionwu Kingdom of Anambra. Chukwuemeka Ike was a prolific novelist and author of: Sunset at Dawn, The Potter’s Wheel, Toads for Supper, The Naked Gods, Expo 77, and Our Children Are Coming, among several others.. He was married to Bimpe; Ugoeze Professor Adebimpe Ike, librarian emeritus. They met as students in the then University College, Ibadan. Chukwuemeka Ike later lectured at his alma mater. He was the first Nigerian to hold the post of Registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). He was also the first indigenous Registrar of UNN. He co-ordinated the Nigerian Book Foundation for many years. His wife, a library scientist, has a doctorate degree. His grandson, Chukwuemeka Junior, is named after him.

Prof Ike was just three months to his 89th birthday when he passed on in January 2020. Reports say his health went downhill after the sudden death of his son, Prince Osita in 2016. It gets even more tragic. The Ike family had for over a decade been denied access to their only grandson! Chukwuemeka Ike died of the heartbreak of it all!

What really happened was that Prince Osita had gotten married to Princess Osaru, the daughter of Professor Emmanuel Emovon , and they had a son as earlier said. Prof Emmanuel Emovon – CON, FAS – is the Ogbayagbona of Benin Kingdom. I also know that his wife is the daughter of an Edo king, as well as being an academic herself. But Prince Osita’s marriage ended in bitter separation and he was in the process of getting a proper divorce before he died suddenly in 2016 of an asthma attack. When they separated, his wife took their son away to an unknown destination; this happened when the boy was 11 years old ( he is now 21). I never knew any of this till three days back when I made another attempt at getting any burial information, online and then through phone calls.

Attah can be reached via Twitter @mikky_princess

AHIA MGBEDE: Obstacles Overcome, TFC Rookie Achara Now Hoping To Set MLS On Fire

Ifunanyachi Achara. Image: Toronto FC

BY STEVE BUFFERY

Trying to get a professional athlete to reveal his personal goals for an upcoming season can be as difficult as getting a Fort Knox guard to give you the combination to the vault.

Nobody, it seems, wants to say something that might come back and haunt them.

But Toronto FC rookie Ifunanyachi Achara certainly isn’t afraid to lay it on the line.

“My first goal this year was to get drafted, and then sign, which was awesome,” the young TFC forward said following a training session at BMO Field. “My goal now is to try to make the team, try to come (off) the bench and see how I can help the team. And keep working hard. And personal goals … winning (MLS) rookie of the year is achievable for me. I think if I get my chance on the field, I can do a lot.”

Hey, when your journey to the professional ranks has been as improbable as Achara’s, you’re not afraid to aim high and go for it.

When Achara was 15 years old, he had made a name for himself playing youth/street soccer in his hometown of Enugu, in southeastern Nigeria, and was invited to try out for the Nigerian U17 team. Despite a good camp, he didn’t make the national team — an exceptionally talented squad that went on to win the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates.

“That was really disappointing,” said Achara, who thought that perhaps he had missed a huge opportunity to get recognized and further his career. “But I used that to work harder.”

The work paid off. Later, while playing in a tournament back home, Achara was spotted by American coach Jon Moodey and — through the MTN Football Scholar program — recruited to the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass. While there, he played with England U21 international Jack Harrison, Charlotte Independence winger Mutaya Mwape and, later on, future TFC teammate Jacob Shaffelburg. Going to Berkshire was a turning point in Achara’s life, though travelling to a new country and barely speaking English was not easy.

“The first year was really tough because it was really cold in Massachusetts and I had to adapt to the weather and the food,” he said. “It was hard for me to communicate. It was difficult writing papers, talking to teachers and doing presentations. I couldn’t really express myself. I knew what I wanted to say, but I just couldn’t say it.

“I was alone, but at the same time I had a lot of people who cared about me, like Jon Moodey and some of the faculty at Berkshire and then later at Georgetown,” he said.

Berkshire opened doors for Achara in soccer and in other ways. He embraced new experiences with both arms, such as playing ice hockey for the first time. In his senior year at the prestigious New England boarding school, the young Nigerian was told, as part of a course, to pick an intramural winter sport to try.

“All my friends were doing basketball, but I’m just terrible at basketball,” Achara said with a laugh. “So I thought I’d try something I’ve never done before. We don’t have ice rinks in Nigeria and I wanted to try a different culture’s sports.”

Achara spent two weeks learning to skate before finally playing a game.

“I learned to skate, but I couldn’t stop. I’d just run into the (boards),” he said, laughing. “I got better, but our team was terrible. We were bad because it was all new people learning how to skate and play hockey. And then we played against the (junior varsity) girls team.

“I scored the game-winner!” he said, laughing.

One sport other than soccer that Achara did excel in at Berkshire was track. In fact, he was a member of the Berkshire team that won the New England Prep School Track Association 4×400-metre relay title. Another member was Shaffelburg (who later won a NEPSTA 4×100 title with Ifunanyachi’s younger brother Ugochukwu, now a forward with Northwestern University). When asked who is faster, he or Shaffelburg, Ifunanyachi smiled and said his Canadian teammate can beat him over 100 metres but probably not over 400. When relayed that information, Shaffelburg smiled, slyly, and said that he can beat Achara over any distance.

From Berkshire, Achara went to Georgetown University and flourished in the Big East Conference, captaining the Hoyas to the NCAA national championship in 2019. His career with Georgetown, however, was marred by injuries, including lateral collateral ligament in his right knee in his first and second years, and a sprained left meniscus requiring surgery prior to his senior year. It was clear that Achara had all the qualities to be a tremendous player — strength, pace, skill and athleticism — but he seemed snake-bit and there was some question, at least in his mind, whether his name would be announced at the MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old said his plan, if he wasn’t drafted, was to work for a while in the U.S., save some money and then return home and perhaps work in his dad’s small retail business in Enugu. Happily, the Reds selected Achara 25th overall in the 2020 draft, though he likely would have gone much higher if not for his injury history at Georgetown.

“That was awesome,” said Achara. “But it was a difficult pick for (TFC). If it was a U.S. team that had drafted me, I would have been able to go there right away. But I had to get a VISA (to come) to Canada. And I couldn’t do my VISA (application) because I didn’t know if I would make the team yet. I was in a difficult spot.”

To add to the uncertainty, just before the Reds opened preseason training in Orlando in January, Achara came down with the flu and was told to stay home. Again, he felt like a tremendous opportunity to move his career forward was falling by the wayside.

“My feeling was, they’re aren’t going to see me enough,” he said.

But Achara was able to join TFC in Los Angeles for the second part of pre-season where he put the coaching staff on notice that he waqs ready to play in MLS right now, scoring three goals in preseason games. Before the regular season began, TFC signed Achara to a first-team contract.
Shaffelburg was at the Canadian national team training camp when he heard that the Reds had drafted Achara, his former teammate at Berkshire.

“I was shocked,” said the Port Williams, N.S. native. “I had no idea (the team was considering him). I was rooming with (TFC forward) Jayden (Nelson) at Canada camp and he said: ‘Look who we drafted.’ So I looked and it was Achara. I couldn’t believe it. But it’s crazy to be here with him.”

Shaffelburg, now in his second year with the Reds, said when he first arrived at Berkshire as a freshman, Achara was a senior and went out of his way to help him get acclimatized to the school and the campus. Now Shaffelburg wants to do the same for Achara in Toronto.

“He’s a super nice guy,” said the second-year winger.

Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney is careful not to place young players too high on a pedestal. And rightly so. Players don’t need that kind of pressure. But he certainly wasn’t stingy on Thursday in his praise of Achara after seeing what the young man can do on the field.
“I think he’s a player who’s going to help us this year,” said Vanney. “Over the years, we haven’t had a lot of draft picks who, in their first year, were going to bring something new to the team. But I think he will be able to.

“Very interesting player,” Vanney continued. “Very intelligent kid. Whenever we’ve given him tactical information or even adjustments in-game, he’s very quick to apply them. He’s quick, he can play on the move, he can play short, he’s technically gifted with his right foot and his left foot. He’s a player that we’re excited about and we believe can help us and add some difference. He can come inside, he can stay outside, he can play as a nine (centre forward), he can play as a winger. He’s a really nice player in all aspects. And defensively, he understands his role and he’s in the right positions. He brings a unique skill set to our group that we need.”

Vanney said there’s a chance Achara may get some time on the field during the club’s home opener on Saturday against New York City FC.

“For me, it’s looking for the right moment and opportunity to get him out in front of the big crowd, get his feet wet and take the emotion of it in,” said the coach.

Vanney said he received several texts from friends in soccer after the Reds selected the young Nigerian.

“(They) said: ‘This kid is really talented. If you can get the best out of him, he’s going to help you a great deal,’” said Vanney. “And he’s probably further along than we thought in terms of his tactical intelligence, his understanding and feel for the game and his ability to apply things quickly.”

The best news of all for Achara is, physically, he feels great – no lingering aches or pains from his time at Georgetown.

“The injury stuff is all in the past now,” he said. “I’m strong, I feel great, nothing hurts. It’s just amazing.”

The Reds’ return to Toronto from San Jose last Sunday marked Achara’s first-ever visit to Canada and training at frigid BMO Field on Thursday certainly didn’t throw him for a loop. He can’t stop smiling.

“I love it here,” he said. “Coming here and playing and being around the guys, they just make you so much better. They’re all good players.”

Sitting inside the dining room at BMO Field, Achara admitted that he has one other goal this season — to be able to bring his parents to Toronto from Nigeria. The personable footballer hasn’t been back home since Christmas 2016 and admits that he gets homesick and really misses his family.

“I don’t think my mom has actually ever seen me play soccer at all,” he said. “That would be nice if they come.”

INJURED RETURNS ARE ON HOLD

Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney said on Thursday that winger Jacob Shaffelburg (hamstring) and midfielder Nick DeLeon (back) will likely not be in the lineup for the club’s home opener at BMO Field on Saturday against New York City FC.

“I still have to find out the severity of it and the timeline,” said Vanney, of Shaffelburg.

“Nick is getting closer. He had some work done on his back to try to relieve some nerve pain and he’s moving in the right direction. Everybody else who was in San Jose (for the season opener last Saturday) will be ready to go.”

There was actually a Pablo Piatti sighting at BMO Field on Thursday, though the club’s new Designated Player did not train with his teammates on the field.

Piatti suffered a strained hamstring during pre-season camp in Los Angeles. There is no timeline for his return.

“Once I start to see him around the field and running and working, then I’ll have a better indication,” Vanney said.

“I don’t have an exact time at the moment. One, we’ve got to get the hamstring healthy and, two, continue to get his fitness level up and get him ready to play.”

SOURCE: THE SUDBURY STAR

IKEDI OHAKIM: Nigerian Leaders Including Myself Have Failed In Terms Of Security

Ikedi Ohakim, former Governor of Imo State.

BY ADINDU OBIALOR

A former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim has blamed the current security situation in the country on the nation’s political leaders who have remained unmoved and indifferent in tackling the security challenges confronting the country.

Ohakim stated this today while delivering a lecture He said that insecurity has hitherto become the national anthem on the lips of every Nigerian, a situation, he noted will continue to portray the country in a bad light before the international community.

“Our lands have suddenly become graveyards as a result of incessant killings which have become the order of the day.”

“The late Nobel Laureate, Chinua Achebe was right when he put up his first artwork, ‘Things fall apart’ and ended it with, ‘There was a country’. Indeed, things have fallen apart in Nigeria.”

“I charge Mr. President, as a matter of urgency, release the presidential Marshall plan for security because we shall not continue to fold our arms and watch our people die like fowls everyday.”

“Just last week, bandits killed another 52 in Kaduna state. These are not 52 cows but human beings. What a country! Meanwhile, the Governor of Kaduna state has apologized for his inability to protect his people. It is indeed a sorry situation.”

Ohakim who spoke as a guest at the event further said that Nigeria will hardly make a headway while leaving with the enemy called ‘insecurity and corruption’, urging the leaders to apply human face in the fight against the menace.