At a glance; seven James Bond films of SEAN CONNERY

SPECIAL FEATURE

*Sean Connery

As the world continues to pay glowing tribute to screen actor Sean Connery, we bring you a special feature on the seven James Bond films that made him world renowned and their synopsis. 

The first James Bond film Sean Connery starred in was Dr No (1962).

 In the film that launched the James Bond saga, Agent 007 (Sean Connery) battles mysterious Dr. No, a scientific genius bent on destroying the U.S. space program. As the countdown to disaster begins, Bond must go to Jamaica, where he encounters beautiful Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress), to confront a megalomaniacal villain in his massive island headquarters.

*Connery in Dr. No

 He later featured in From Russia with Love (1963)

Agent 007 (Sean Connery) is back in the second installment of the James Bond series, this time battling a secret crime organization known as SPECTRE. Russians Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya) and Kronsteen are out to snatch a decoding device known as the Lektor, using the ravishing Tatiana (Daniela Bianchi) to lure Bond into helping them. Bond willingly travels to meet Tatiana in Istanbul, where he must rely on his wits to escape with his life in a series of deadly encounters with the enemy.

 

*A scene in From Russia with love

Goldfinger (1964)

The powerful tycoon Auric Goldfinger has initiated Operation Grand Slam, a cataclysmic scheme to raid Fort Knox and obliterate the world economy. James Bond, armed with his specially equipped Aston Martin, must stop the plan by overcoming several outrageous adversaries.

 

*In Goldfinger

Thunderball (1965)

Led by one-eyed evil mastermind Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi), the terrorist group SPECTRE hijacks two warheads from a NATO plane and threatens widespread nuclear destruction to extort 100 million pounds. The dashing Agent 007, James Bond (Sean Connery), is sent to recover the warheads from the heart of Largo's lair in the Bahamas, facing underwater attacks from sharks and men alike. He must also convince the enchanting Domino (Claudine Auger), Largo's mistress, to become a key ally.

 

You Only Live Twice (1967)

During the Cold War, American and Russian spacecrafts go missing, leaving each superpower believing the other is to blame. As the world teeters on the brink of nuclear war, British intelligence learns that one of the crafts has landed in the Sea of Japan. After faking his own death, secret agent James Bond (Sean Connery) is sent to investigate. In Japan, he's aided by Tiger Tanaka (Tetsuro Tamba) and the beautiful Aki (Akiko Wakabayashi), who help him uncover a sinister global conspiracy.

 

Diamonds are Forever (1971)

A diamond smuggling investigation leads James Bond to Las Vegas, where he uncovers an evil plot involving a rich business tycoon.

 

Never Say Never Again (1983)

This was Sean Connery's last film as 007 James Bond.

In the movie, an aging James Bond (Sean Connery) makes an uncharacteristic mistake during a routine training mission, leading M (Edward Fox) to believe that the legendary British Intelligence spy is now past his prime. M indefinitely suspends Bond from active duty. However, when SPECTRE member Fatima Bush (Barbara Carrera) and her fellow terrorists successfully steal two nuclear missiles from the U.S. military, M must reinstate Bond, as he is the only agent who can beat SPECTRE at their own game of espionage.

*In never say never

 

Ace sculptor OBIORA ANIDI; How concrete, iron, metal, marble obey his instructions

 

Showcase

*Ace sculptor Obiora Anidi

By Fred Iwenjora

That celebrated sculptor and arts teacher Dr Obiora Anidi has carved a niche for himself as an artist of note with a very uncanny and peculiar style is not in doubt.

This is because he immediately started diligently working his way up the ladder after his graduation with a HND from Institute of management and Technology IMT Enugu arts department in 1982.

While at IMT and before his graduation, Anidi who has now acquired a PH.d from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and is currently the Chief Art Lecturer at Enugu state College of Education projected and perfected the use of wrought iron and metal to create wonderful artworks that continue to appeal to many lovers of visual arts.

As you read this, Anidi has taken this style to much higher levels with his latest mix of concrete and marble together with metal and iron and creating internationally renowned pieces.

*Akalaka by Obiora Anidi

A visit to his serene private studio in Enugu shows many works at various stages of completion littered around.

The founding member of the world famous AKA Group of exhibiting artists and Chairman of the Enugu state Council of Arts and Culture says “molding these scraps of irons, metals, marbles and concrete into something meaningful gives me utmost joy”

*Anya Ike (axe)by Obiora Anidi

Asked to react to the recent vandalizing and defacing of monuments in Enugu by hoodlums disguised as #Endsars protesters, Anidi whose depiction of the respected Odo masquerade of the Ojebogene clan in a wrought iron and metal piece titled Otukwuru Ojuani many years back still rings bells exclaimed “this is anarchy and very unfortunate. Detractors will always attempt to sabotage a common good movement. But I trust God is standing by. They won’t succeed in the attempt to break our spirit by destroying our treasures. We should pray it never happens again”

*Anidi (3rd L) with members of the LIMCAF with Gov Ugwuanyi in 2016

In a brief lecture, Anidi tutored that “Late Commodore Emeka Omeruah was the Military Administrator of Old Anambra state who directed the then Commissioner for works Dr. John Eluka and the management of IMT to mount some select sculptures of the institute’s garden at some strategic locations and roundabouts within Enugu to beautify the city. My work "Evayiku Odo Symbolism" situated at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus gate and roundabout is part of that project”.

*Anidi

The world of WORDSHOT..popular anchor Solid Jamz from the past

SHOWDISH

*Wordshot slamming the jamz

By Our Reporters

 Right from his years at the University of Port Harcourt, ace anchor of Solid Jamz from the past, one of the most popular music programmes on radio in Enugu Wordshot Amaechi Ugwuele better known to many as Wordshot already knew his direction.

His interest in literary matters had developed while in his days in secondary school.

Over the years, he became more involved in drama, theatre, poetry and all forms of art while contributing to many Nigerian newspapers.

Currently Wordshot is CEO of Words and Shots, a multimedia production company with headquarters in Enugu.

*In word and shot gear

In a chat recently, he said “I am involved in many literary and creative matters which include writing, book publishing, video production, films as well as radio presentation.

“I am so thankful to fans that have encouraged the works of my hands. They do this via text messages, emails, watsapp especially as it concerns my radio programme; Solid Jamz from the past as well as other programmes I am part of. Solid jamz comes up on Solid FM Enugu every Sunday 10pm -12midnight.

*Wordshot with literary giant Gabriel Okara

“Word and Shot is about our media attention in the written words and of course photos and video shots on people, places and events and the issues they form” he enthuses.

 

My encounter with #Endsars mob and how God saved me….pathetic tale of mother of two

Pathetic Experience

*Ada Ide....only God saved me

By Our Reporters

An Enugu based middle aged mother of two Lilian Ada Ide Obiechina has narrated how God extricated her from harm when she ran into a mob of #endsars protesters suspected to be hoodlums who were on a looting and robbing spree of violence and destruction in Enugu recently.

Narrating her ordeal to ECD, Obiechina said “Wednesday 21^st October, 2020 will remain indelible in my mind because it was the day I almost died but God saved me. I found myself tucked inside an #Endsars mob. I mean mob not the regular protesters.

I got trapped in the midst of rampaging hoodlums. I cannot say how I wriggled past them. It can only be God. However my car was hit so hard and it left me visibly shaken and traumatised.

Most Nigerians are not very happy with the state of things in the country so supported the protest on police brutality so I wonder why the mob should also target normal ordinary people like me. They broke my windshield in the melee before God extricated me.

On the day of rage

“I was around Okpara Avenue when news that pockets of mobs were blocking all roads started circulating. My mind went to my daughters who were in school first.  I was heading to Nike to pick them up but suddenly all roads leading to anywhere was blocked. From Trans Ekulu, I turned around back towards Okpara Avenue because they had taken over the area surrounding the CBN Quarters as well as NOWAS round about.

"I thought I was free and safe. How wrong I was as I ran into them again at Ebeano tunnel roundabout traffic light. I quickly made a dash into an apiam way that connected Abakiliki road towards New Market.  As soon as I had past Ekulu primary school and driven further, just around a bend, I ran into the biggest barricade I had ever seen in my life. My heart skipped a beat. This time I was stuck and no space to turn around and flee. I saw myself face to face with death. 

"I resigned myself to whatever fate was destined for me as wild eyed looking men wielding clubs, bottles and other dangerous weapons and singing war chants were terrorizing passersby, hitting at vehicles and picking whatever they could. I thought I was going to die. I am so grateful to God.

Unholy encounter/ God in action

“On most part of my car were leaves in solidarity with the protesters. But I soon discovered that these were no more protesters. One of the men hit a club on my car and a long line of crack drew on the wind shield. Some of the men were already peering into my car which had files and documents littered. I shrunk. I was really distraught and hysterical. I was screaming that I was looking for my children and my screams may have touched one of the men who entered my car. I have never been as close to choking like I was on that day. Neither had I seen that kind of siege before in my entire life. 

"The one who had entered my car told his colleagues to leave the situation for him after listening to me in my terrified state. He then controlled the traffic commanding me to make a left turn and drive off while they continued their attack on innocent Nigerians. After parking at the NCFC building for a while, my mind told me they may return to where the car is because it is a public building. I drove off again through the new secretariat building and towards the former Ikenga Hotels. 

"The road I took drove straight to a hotel. I could see cars before or behind me reversing at this discovery but I reasoned that I needed to cool off. I was in my car for a while drenched in sweat and visibly petrified. MY Blood pressure must have risen to the skies. I had worried about my children who had safely reached home but they had told me to be where ever I was because they were safely home and all was not well. I could not imagine getting out of the frying pan and jumping into the fire. God had saved me so why could I not save myself. I checked into the hotel because I did not want to be told that there were no more rooms or that the room cost had increased.

" That night news of the burning and looting started to pop up. It continued unabated days after. Almost all the banks on Abakpa axis and fuel stations were attacked. I ended up staying at the hotel for three nights. The country must be counting its losses. No one had thought that violence could escalate in Enugu. I guess the news from around the country emboldened the hoodlums who regrouped.

 “We cannot destroy public property like bus stops and art works and monuments and think we are doing the right thing. We have often complained that we do not have enough amenities and infrastructure so destroying the few won’t serve us best. Again to also target me as well as other innocent residents is not right”

She also condemned the destruction of monuments and private and public properties across the nation including the carnage and destruction in Ogidi her home town which was widely circulated on social media.

I can restore Otigba if ..Afuba, father of Otigba

 News

*Otigba junction on a good day

 By Fred Iwenjora

There’s good news that the recently burnt Enugu's monumental sculpture  Otigba will soon be restored to its shinning glory.

This hint comes from renowned artist Chris Afuba the sculptor who created the artistic masterpiece that has become a major landmark in Enugu when he spoke for the first time since the news of the sad incident of wednesday night got to him.

*Otigba burning

Afuba who still runs busy schedule at his studio and Gallery in Enugu told ECD that "if given the opportunity, I will put Otigba together again”.

The  renowned impressive sculpture work Otigba was set ablaze recently by an irate mob who may have hijacked the #endsars protest in Enugu, a development he describes as “very sad”.

*Afuba..father of Otigba

The founding member of the famous AKA group of exhibiting artists with local and international experience said he had "not seen the Otigba since it was burnt but I will do so when tensions cool down in Enugu and free movement is guaranteed.

“I must try to go and see what happened to the project which took me almost two years to complete. It is indeed lamentable that some people do not understand the importance of development and preservation of our arts and monuments for our country.

"I believe the burning of Otigba must have been done out of ignorance”.

Photo of Otigba junction; Enugu connect

It took me almost two years to complete Otigba---Renowned sculptor Chris Afuba speaks

 

Showcase

*Chris Afuba, sculptor of Otigba

By Fred Iwenjora

Internationally renowned sculptor Chris Afuba whose monumental sculpture work Otigba was recently burnt by an irate mob who were pretending to be part of the endsars protest in Enugu has opened up on what he considers “a sad development in our history”.

In a chat with ECD, Afuba a founding member of the famous AKA group of exhibiting artists with local and international experience said he had "not seen the Otigba since it was burnt but I will do so when tensions cool down in Enugu and free movement is guaranteed.

“But I must try to go and see what happened to the project which took me almost two years to complete. It is indeed lamentable that some people do not understand the importance of development and preservation of our arts and monuments for our country.

"I believe the burning of Otigba must have been done out of ignorance”.

History of Otigba

Afuba told of how he has always been fascinated by magnificent works since his early years as an arts student of the Institute of Management and Technology “IMT” Enugu.

Otigba according to him was his graduating project and was inspired by Nne Igba, a dance music cultural troupe in Nimo,  Anambra state, his home town.

“The work was standing at the IMT sculpture Garden like many of such works when one of the Military Governors of old Anambra state whom I may not recall now initiated a policy to move some of them into the streets for aesthetic beautification”

That was how Otigba became an instant symbol at New Haven/ Ogui Road roundabout of the Coal city and one of Enugu’s most celebrated monuments.

However, all is not lost on the Otigba as Afuba heartily announced that "if given the opportunity, I will put Otigba together again"

Sacrilege; What the mob did before burning Otigba, Enugu's most impressive monument...Enugu artists lament

*Otigba ..burning

By Fred Iwenjora

Residents of Enugu woke up on Thursday to behold their most celebrated monument, the Otigba(the drummer) burnt down.

Otigba, the impressive statue of a drummer used as the major décor at the roundabout connecting New Haven and Ogui road in the Coal city became a victim of hoodlums who hijacked the endsars protests to unleash mayhem upon the city destroying both banks, fuel stations and other public and private properties last Wednesday night leaving all asking why? What did Otigba do to them?

Eye witnesses say a mob was on rampage destroying everything in sight and robbing passersby.

Said the source “when they got to Otigba, they started chanting and dancing around it before first breaking its right hand to stop it from beating the drum and then went ahead to set the statue on fire.

Otigba is a magnificent sculpture made by ace renowned sculptor Chris Afuba, a renowned member of the respected A.K.A  group of exhibiting artists and became a landmark in just a few days after it was mounted.

In a few years many resident came to like Otigba for its huge aesthetic value on the city.

A member of the AKA group art teacher Obiora Anidi lamented the destruction describing it as “anarchy”.

He said “detractors will always attempt to sabotage a “common good” movement. But I trust God is standing by. However they won’t attempt to break our spirit by destroying our treasures”

Also speaking, Prof Chu Krydz Ikwuemesi of Pan African Circle of artists spoke to ECD saying “ the destruction of Otigba is both sad and tragic. It is a reflection of the superlative barbarism that abides in our time. When I saw the clips of the burning statue on facebook, I was greatly shaken”.

Stop the carnage in Ogidi, other parts of Nigeria now!-- Comrade Lilian Obiechina

View Point

*Comrade Lilian Obiechina

Woman leader and public commentator  Comrade Lilian Ada Ide Obiechina has called on Ogidi youths and indeed all the youths of south eastern Nigeria and Nigeria in general to desist from the maiming of fellow citizens and the destruction of private and public assets currently going on in the guise of #endsars protests.

Following the recent uprising of violence by the youths across Nigeria and especially in Ogidi her home town who went on a rampage, killing, maiming security agents, destroying some valued properties and assets,  Comrade Obiechina, voices out her frustrations, dissuading the youths against the ongoing violence.

In a statement sent to ECD news room,  Obiechina urged the youths to desist from carrying out further destruction of private and public properties in the zone.

According to Obiechina, “I am a concerned citizen and a mother who can’t sit and watch the youths in the name of protest, embark on a looting spree with wanton destruction meted out on shops, businesses of ordinary citizens like themselves and government infrastructures in our states.

“Who is deceiving the youths of South East if I may ask? Markets are being destroyed, landmark statues in Enugu especially at Otigba Junction and elsewhere in Enugu state have been destroyed. Is that #EndSARS or #Police brutality? Why destroy what is in your state under the guise of protest?

“The bodies that are piling up are ours, the cars being destroyed are ours, the shops looted are ours  and the institutions destroyed are all ours.

“I strongly urge that these rioting be stopped and anyone urging our youths to destroy properties in their states is indeed the enemy.

“The nation is already bleeding and self-destruction is not the way out. Don’t self destruct and blame the system that you destroyed!” Obiechina pleaded...allow the panels on police matters set up by the various State Governments, look into the demands of the protesters and bring to book all culprits as well as address the loss of lives encountered.

How NSCDC men saved the famous CCB building from burning down

 

*Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state

By Our Reporters

Save for the prompt intervention of the men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps who arrived at the nick of time, the famous CCB building housing Enugu state Ministry of Education, Board of Internal Revenue, Enugu state Council for Arts and Culture as well as other Enugu state government agencies may have been razed down by hoodlums who seem to have hijacked the peaceful protest against police brutality across the nation.

ECD reporters in Enugu tell of how the hoodlums had yesterday evening marched through the Abakaliki road towards Okpara Avenue, piled up heavy duty tyres at the staircase of the historic building, doused it with enough fuel and almost set the fire when the NSCDC men arrived and dispersed them.

Already, some parts of the building were aflame.

These as well as other activities of hoodlums may have prompted Governor Ugwuanyi to impose curfew in some parts of the state and Enugu metropolis.

According to Enugu state Commissioner for Information Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi ordered the imposition of the 24-hour curfew in Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu South Local Government Areas, effective from 7 pm today, Wednesday, October 21, 2020, until further notice.

The action follows “the observed hijack of #EndSARS protests, which had been peaceful in the past days, by miscreants who plan to unleash mayhem”.

Calm returns to Ejigbo after yesterday’s mayhem

*Lastma Ejigbo office this morning 

By Our Reporters

Palpable calm returned to Ejigbo 24 hours after the wanton destruction of public property by hoodlums who were protesting for an end to police brutality tagged endsars.

In a rampaging mob action yesterday, the protesters had torched about 6 vehicles within the LCDA headquarters around NNPC junction before breaking into LASTMA Iyana Ejigbo office were they seemingly had a field day.

The LASTMA compound also housed the Lagos state skill Acquisition center, VIO offices, FRSC, the health supervisors as well as other Lagos state agencies and was looted of everything in sight before being set alight.

Eye witnesses told ECD how the mob was moving the many generators. sewing machines, the ovens and many property of the skill training center and indeed everything in wanton looting spree.

A drive through the LCDA by ECD reporters today showed a community that has become at peace with its self as compared to yesterday when high tension prevailed on the major Egbe road of Ejigbo.

People could be seeing marching the streets going about their businesses.

The LCDA office was under lock with dark signs of heavy bonfire at its entrance.

The carcasses of the six burnt vehicles were still lying charred.

At the LASTMA office at Iyana Ejigbo which seemed to have suffered much more of the losses, a destroyed tricycle was lying at the gate, fire was still smoldering with smoke as some workers filled in to see what remained of their former offices.

There was a yellow cordoning rope to prevent people from entering into the compound but it did not stop stakeholders from entry.

Also some of those whose vehicles were seized and parked by LASTMA officers who heard the news have been trooping into the place to behold but not recognize what used to be their cars.

They were utterly vandalized beyond recognition.

ECD reporters confirm that movement has eased up a bit with a few tricycles and okada running  but no fuel station is open in the community as at the time of filling this report.  

Almost all states in Nigeria have imposed curfew to stop the violence that has enveloped Nigeria since the endsars protests turned violent with wanton destruction of property, murder of police officers and burning of police stations.

How mob burnt down Nation newspapers office..Editor

The Nation Newspaper Editor, Mr Adeniyi Adesina has narrated how the headquarters of the newspaper was on Wednesday set ablaze by unknown armed men. According to Adesina, “Armed men on motorcycles invaded the headquarters of The Nation on Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos on Wednesday afternoon.

In a commando-like manner, they kicked their way into the premises after scaring away security men on duty, brandishing their sophisticated guns. “They poured petrol on the frontage of the building and set fire to it

 “Some of the vehicles parked within the premises were set ablaze, others vandalised. “Many boys came thereafter and swooped on the office, looting everything they could lay their hands on. “These include desktop computers, laptops, air conditioners and other office equipment. “At the time of the attack, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Mr Victor Ifijeh, was among those trapped within the office while the fire raged on.

According to Vanguard “They were evacuated when men of Operation Mesa security outfit arrived. Their arrival ended the free rein of the invaders. “It was obviously a targeted attack on the free press. The Nation had been listed on Twitter and other social media platforms by sympathisers of the ongoing destructive activities, as a target of attack. “The Nation has robustly reported the protests fairly, giving voice to the agitation of youths for a better Nigeria. The Management is at a loss as to why the company should be a target of such an unwarranted attack.”

Culled from Vanguard

Ejigbo LASTMA office on fire....massive looting spree on going

 

*Buhari

By Our Reporters 

The Ejigbo office of Lagos state Transport Management Agency LASTMA is currently on fire.

A mob wielding dangerous weapons had set the office alight a few minutes ago.

The rampaging mob were chanting slogans like Give the Youths a chance, Buhari must Go...Endsars etc and had started with setting bonfire around the NEPA bus stop area of Egbe Rd before marching down to force their way into the majestic LASTMA compound and looted the parked cars and offices dry before setting the place ablaze. 

The fire is currently blazing with bellows of smoke and intermittent explosions reaching the skies.

Stay tuned for more 

Ejigbo beloved cop Bisi Okuwobi off to Abuja on transfer

 

*CSP Olabisi Okuwobi..on the move

By Our Reporters

CSP Olabisi Okuwobi, the Ejigbo DPO noted by many as beloved has been transferred to Abuja.

As you read this, ECD gather that Okuwobi may have handed over to his successor and taken on the new job said to be “with immediate effect”.

The past days  as been valedictory meetings and vote of thanks for and from her. Friends and well wishers as well as organizations continue to inundate her office to wish her well.

Even the LCDA led by Executive Chairman Monsuru Obe is spearheading a send forth event to be held soon.  

Okuwobi served first as Divisional Crime officer before her elevation to the onerous task of becoming Officer in charge (OC)at Ejigbo Division.

During her two years stint, residents are unanimous in saying her tenure still remains best because of her zeal to act fast and decisively and her communication skills as to the true situation of things.

She was firm and took no nonsense and was soft at the same time endearing herself to all.

On her arrival, she met with rampant rival cult activities and armed robbery but when she seemingly acquiesced herself with the community, robbers fled and those who fled were nabbed in far flung remote places.

Even cultists reported themselves and denounced cultism just as the Local Council as well as residents gave her all their full backing.

On the social scene, CSP Okuwobi did not slack. She organized her formation procured construction materials and rehabilitated a portion of the NNPC road leading to Canoe which was damaged.

Her biggest achievement is the new ultra modern architectural masterpiece of the Nigeria Police station Ejigbo Division which was suppoerted by good spirited individuals in the division and commissioned by Lagos CP, Hakeem Odumosu recently.

Another achievement she holds dear is the recent arrest of some members of the gang of rapists who killed 11 year old Favour after raping her. She vows to continue to work towards that even in her new posting. 

Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu appointed CSP Olabisi Okuwobi to head the PR department of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) set up by President Buhari.

More on CSP Olabisi Okuwobi’s 2 eventful years in Ejigbo soon

Why Ebonyi is latest investment destination in the South east --Chamber of commerce President speaks on Ebonyi Mall

 

*Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh

BUSINESS

Ebonyi state was in the news recently for the grand opening of the Ebonyi state Mall considered by many as very impressive for a state relatively unknown for such expositions with lean resources.

In this chat with FRED IWENJORA, celebrated printer Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh who is CEO, Immaculate Group of Companies and also President Ebonyi Chamber of commerce, Mines and Agriculture EBSCCMA could not hide his joy and excitement at the grand event which saw Nigerian investment community swarming on the sleepy state capital of Abakaliki.

He is also full of commendation for Governor David Umahi saying he has opened the state to the world as the new investment destination in the south east of Nigeria. Read on.

Ebonyi State seems to be opening up for business, how do you feel about the grand opening of Ebonyi mall?

I feel highly enthused about the Mall...first, because I feel proud at the concept and delivery on this project. Ebonyi needs such purposefully conceived ideas that give us quantum lift into national limelight. The mall is a statement that Ebonyi has arrived and it is a very bold statement. As you can see, it is not just the mall, all the projects in the state are connected dots that tell a story of a state ready for business.

 

As president of Ebonyi chamber, what is your expectation on this new development to the economy of the state?

The economy of the state is now positioned to rise beyond contemporaries. Ebonyi is now positioned as the investment destination of SE. I feel proud to lead entrepreneurs into my dear state and show them the miracle that is on ground. As they say in marketing, a good product does not require rigorous convincing. The facts are here for all to see.

 

Many commend Gov Umahi for visionary leadership; do you see the mall as an example of his huge vision?

My take on Umahi is that he is a man with passion. When you hear him talk and watch his action you cannot but give it to him that he is a passionate man. The mall speaks to his passion and vision for my dear state. I have always said that entrepreneurs are value creators. When you look around Ebonyi, you can only but wonder where the money is coming from. The entire state is a big construction site.  

 

With silverbird coming with full entertainment options and computer village with IT do you foresee  that Ebonyi will be out of the proverbial woods so soon?

Enterprise is a force for good always.  The coming into the state of these established brands goes to show that the governor's vision is paying off. Ebonyi is already positioned and stepping out of the woods. My prayer to HE is to handover to a man who will continue the vision of making Ebonyi State greater. As a student of leadership, I understand the delicate risks involved in handing over to one without a clear understanding and vision of His Excellency. My fear is premised on the fact that when you look at the history of leadership in Nigeria, you will always get the sense that most of us do not understand the importance of handing over to a right person. A bad successor will be suicidal. I pray the governor appreciates this fact.

 

What is the scope of your job as President of chamber?

The chamber movement all over the whole world plays significant roles in commerce and industrialization. The chambers of commerce in Ebonyi is the umbrella and leader of OPS..the organized private sector . We represent the interest of the private sector. Most times, we do not agree with every government policy; in such situations we engage and dialogue with the government.  The chambers of commerce movement is very important as a strong voice of advocating while partnering with various governments to achieve economic development.

My tenure started in July 2019. You know Chambers movement is hierarchical....you grow from position to position. I am also the 2nd Deputy President of SECCIMA the regional body.

You must have been trying to settle down to business when COVID struck…how has it affected business both at the chamber and

 Yes...we were just settling into our programmes when it struck. The Nigerian government failed the private sector and the entire economy. There are so many inconsistencies...but here we are struggling to make sense out of it all. If nothing, COVID-19 thought us that we need to look inwards and create internal traction.

And on your business….?

Generally COVID-19 is one of those black swan events businessmen regard as the unknown unknowns. Its impact has been disastrous. Our core business model is premised on: Social events, academics and religion...all three were knocked out of existence by COVID-19. Every printer and publisher knows how it feels it all. We lost totally...we are just beginning to pick the bones. But then, as entrepreneur the cheese just moved we shall continue to find solutions.

Currently we are changing our business. model and market strategies..as entrepreneurs we are always scanning the environment for challenges we can covert to opportunities

Let's talk immaculate press and your unending drive for modern printing solutions

Immaculate Publications Limited is one of our major brands. The Immaculate family is made of many companies spanning from Media, ICT, renewable energy and consultancy. We have grown to be the leading printing and publishing outfit in the SE and SS Nigeria and we have continued to expand the frontiers of the industry. We pioneered Computer-to-Plate technology in the zone. We have the first B2 digital press in Nigeria. Despite the Covid-19 impacts, we have continued to push through using our signature Lean Printing and Operations Techniques to weather the storm and maintain our various offices located in every state of the SE and SS Nigeria. We have presses in Enugu, Onitsha, Owerri, Aba,  Uyo.  Abuja was coming up before covid struck.  PH we closed because of security.

 

Did you go all out to become a printer?

In Nigeria very few people plan to be what they become eventually...that's a luxury for those with godfathers and rich parents. For most start-ups, you have some skills, exploit it and convert it to business. That is the journey of most entrepreneurs...identify need gap, use personal skills to exploit it and create a business. The role of God factor in all these cannot be discounted. Then the will to build gradually apply delay in personal gratification.

See the names of NYSC members who just wed in Awka

 

The names of the NYSC members who wed in Anambra state last week have been released.

The 6 couples are Eze Obinna and Oluchi Peace, Henry Nwachoko and Charles Ruth, Oluchukwu Davis and Ahedo Etiosa.

Others are Nsofor Obianuju and Ohale Nkemakolam, Ogburie Collins and Nwokearu Chinyeremaka, Bernard Faith Amarachi and Okafor Chukwudi who all said they all met during Orientation camp activities.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State on Wednesday celebrated the 12 serving corps members in the Batch C 2019. 

NYSC State Coordinator Kehinde Aremu described the event as unique, saying there had never been an assemblage of marriage in the history of the scheme.