HOUSE OF REPS FRONTLINER GIVES PANACEA FOR UNENDING CRISIS IN ANAMBRA COMMUNITY

Comrade Awogu KSC

APGA House of representatives candidate for Ogbaru federal constituency Comrade Arinzechkwu Awogu has given a strong panacea for peace to reign in Ogbaru communities of Ogwu Ikpele and Ogwu Aniocha.

Awogu was reacting to yet another killing of two people in renewed communal crisis in the community.

Awogu who as LGA chairman of Ogbaru made several efforts to stop the unending patricidal hostilities has written a piece titled Yet another disturbing situation from Ogwu, Awogu wrote: 

"First, my sincere condolences to the  Emordi family of Umunkwokocha village  and Emezie family of Umungashi village and the President General of Ogwu-Ikpele community over the loss of their two promising young men in the skirmishes that ensued over minor and resolvable squabbles. I pray for the quick recovery of those injured.

Violence in my view, has never solved any situation or resolved any problem nor proffered solution to heated disagreements and opposing belief systems world over. Rather, dialogue has over time proved a reliable mechanism with lasting touch to resolving all human disputes and  disagreements. 

Having said this, the time to stop being in the news for the wrong reasons is now for Ogwu-if only words of caution and wisdom could matter anymore; fratricidal bloodletting will always give rise to vicious cycle, it has to be avoided like plague. A little restraint and anger management on the side of all the parties involved could have saved us from this ugly situation. 

 *HOWEVER :* 

The Problem of Ogwu; the two Ogwus (Ogwu-Ikpele and Ogwu-Aniocha) is not security or the absence of peace but the absence of development.

As a former Council Chairman, familiar with the trappings of far flung areas of the Council, with first hand understanding of their peculiarities, the case of the Ogwus is more of *Developmental Issues than Security.* Bring development to Ogwu and Ogwu will regenerate into a model of some sort.

Let us open up Ogwu to civilization and watch its inhabitants shed off extreme reflexes. Let's construct road to Ogwu-Ikpele linking Ase-Ndoni (in Rivers State); Let us construct road from Umunankwo/Mputu to Ogwu-Aniocha (with a bridge over Ulasi River) linking the road to Umudara upto Ihiala. The availability of access road will primarily make Ogwu accessible to many by road including swift movement of security operatives. Security agents will at the slightest impulse move in to arrest ugly situations and will create no hiding place for internal wrong dowers. Access road to Ogwu will bring more people into Ogwu and pull more Ogwu people to environments other than theirs, leading to mixed behavioural pattern and new orientation. One may be tempted to ask: How many non-natives are in Ogwu? Probably none. The way we rate a progressive and livable city by the number of foreign residents-real whites (Anglo-Saxon whites) is how we rate a community by the number of non-natives resident in her; as no community develops without the preponderance of non-natives, if you like-you call them quality residents (visitors)-as they come in they are coming with their different ways of life and social-intros all of which have become elusive at the moment.

Aside access road, comes social amenities and services that represent the social, cultural and economic development of Ogwu such as electricity, healthcare, drinking water, schools, housing, communication, jetties, trading centres and so on. Let's take electricity to Ogwu; Let's take hospital to Ogwu alongside health workers that will reside in Ogwu. Let's bring Federal Government presence to Ogwu- A campus of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (Effurun, Warri, Delta State) won't be bad in Ogwu-an oil reach community. Let Agro-based industries be sited in Ogwu. 

Let Ogwu drive Ogbaru's industrialization effort. We cannot at this stage of human advancement allow Ogwu to wallow in self-destruction when a simple commitment to her development could trigger off an eldorado right in our backyard.

A special attention that is developmental based will be given to Ogwu under my representation. For us as Ndi-Ogbahu, we are as weak as our weakest link and until we help our weakest link to get up, we will ourselves be held to the ground.

 Ogwu should be our collective concern. 

I call for restraint on all parties to the dispute, while urging men and women of goodwill in Ogwu-Ikpele and beyond to intervene and work assiduously to lower the heightened tension and calm frayed nerves. I will be very much willing to assist in the effort at resolving this unfortunate situation.

Peaceful approach is a panacea to all difficulties.

Many thanks,

ENUGU SPEAKER, EDWARD UBOSI SPOTTED AT TINUBU EBONYI RALLY

POLITICS

Hon. Edward Ubosi

Speaker of Enugu state House of Assembly Edward UBOSI was spotted at APC presidential rally in Abakaliki fuelling speculations that he has potted.

Ubosi was seen dressed in his usual Isi Agu and red cap seated at the back of the  terraces at the Abakaliki stadium.

UBOSI who was angling to be Enugu governor felt short changed when PDP named Peter Mbah as its flag bearer in Enugu.

Insiders believe that with all his loyalty to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, he deserved a soft landing.

Political watchers also believe that Ubosi has moved on with his life when he discovered that go no go  in Enugu PDP.

No one knows if the two time speaker has thrown his weight behind Uche Nnaji, the Enugu APC flag bearer.

Watch the video 

BREAKING: CHARLY BOY STRUCK BY CANCER .

 

PEOPLE

CHARLY BOY

Very strong indications are that Charles Oputa the Areafada and the self acclaimed President of frustrated Nigerians may be suffering from prostate  cancer.

These indications came to light last Saturday during the march for men programme , a prostate health awareness event held in Lagos.

72 years old Oputa who was supposed to lead the event which included a march from Jibowu under bridge to Teslim Balogun stadium Surulere, Lagos after massively promoting it but  was conspicuously absent at the last minute raising questions about his health status.

This unavoidable absence in a programme he massively promoted with the hope of leading left the rumour mill running wild in a free for all postulations.

Charlyboy who says it like he feels and sees it, a brutally honest open spirit circulated a video 2months ago telling the world he is no longer interested in sex because he can no longer get it up. It is rumoured that our health freak, gym rat is abroad taking treatment for his prostate issues, others doubted how the very virile grand father with flamboyant outlook and lifestyle could be managing a big health issue as prostate cancer  without being weighed down by it.

When contacted, the US educated gregarious artist actor, broadcaster and general communicator who is at the forefront in promoting the presidential candidacy of Peter Obi and Dati Yusuf retorted" what do you want to hear? What do you want me to tell you? Do you want to hear that I have prostate cancer or that I don't have it. So I have it and am not going down without a fight. This will not cramp my style so biko don’t feel sorry for me. Life happens. My life has been one big fight. Fight for my independence, fighting not to let anyone kill my dreams, fighting for the underdogs and the masses who even sometimes fight me back. So am used to hard life, what can I say.

Continuing he explained "Well let me warn you: one out of four black men in the world today are likely to have prostate cancer or enlargement in their lives or already having it.  And as you know, these men are 2 times likely to die from it. Nevertheless there's 96% survival rate if it is screened and detected early. I feel concern for black men like me. This is why I joined and promoted the prostate cancer awareness initiative by Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation in which over 1000 men where screened because early detection is key to survival. "

When asked specifically if he had prostate cancer, Charly Boy said "Cancer no fear me, am beating this, watch me.

U wey dey ask me question you don go check yourself. Prostrate Cancer is a number one killer for black peopleooo.

I have to run, am shooting my video today”

Typical of the AreaFada who even in the face of danger expresses no fear. May he be healed.

By Fred Iwenjora

HOW NIGERIAN NGOs CAN GET FUNDING...LAJA ADEDOYIN

The thorny issues of funding for non governmental organisations will take the front seat as Nigerian NGOs gather in a two day workshop in Lagos.

The workshop organised by Hearts of Gold children Hospice in conjunction with Nexygen international will attract many Nigerian functional not for profit organisations at the Folatin Coker staff clinic Alausa, Lagos.

In a chat with Laja Adedoyin, founder of Hearts  of Gold  children Hospice, she said the issue of funding has always been a thorny issue for not for profit organisations as many who run such organisations find it difficult to operate .

Adedoyin said many people think that running an NGO is a bed of roses but it is not so. It is a call to big service.

According to her " not every one can run an NGO. It is only those who are called to serve that can. 

She also said the two days workshop and course which holds 21/22 November 2022 is not a free course as intending participants are expected to pay an attendance fee.

Culled from newsmakers.com.ng

Charly Boy leads walk against Prostate cancer..

Charly Boy 

Areafada Charly Boy Oputa will join teeming Nigerian men in a walk against prostate cancer known as the most deadly killer of men in the world.

The walk will be on Saturday 19 November 2022 starting at the Jibowu under bridge Yaba and terminating at Teslim Balogun stadium Surulere Lagos to create awareness on the killer disease.

The celebrated communicator, musician, broadcaster, actor and public  commentator took to his Instagram link to promote the event aptly tagged "March 4 men."

He writes "1 out of 6 black men will have prostate cancer throughout their life time and are 2 times more likely to die from it.

Nevertheless there's 96,% survival rate. Thanks to early screening and detection.

Continuing he wrote that he is lending his voice " to the prostate cancer awareness initiative by Dozy Mmobuosi foundation ....I will be joining, supporting and showing my solidarity to the foundation on the march 4 men against prostate cancer awareness walk in Lagos.

" The walk is aimed at creating awareness, educating and giving opportunity for over 1000 men to get screened for free. You can see it is a free for all walk"

In a chat yesterday, Oputa said men should be more open and submit themselves to early tests because that way, lives would be better managed.

When asked if he has prostate cancer, the chief promoter of ourmumudondo group retorted "talk your own first"

POLICE ERRED BY ASSAULTING CHARLY BOY, APPEAL COURT RULES

JUDICIARY

CHARLY BOY during the protest

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a judgement awarding N50 million damages against the police for violating the rights of Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, in 2017.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had awarded the N50 million compensation in favour of the 72-year-old entertainer in a judgement it delivered in October 2018.

A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja led by Ifeoma Jumbo-Ofo unanimously affirmed the lower court’s decision by dismissing the appeal filed against it by the police on Tuesday.

The court agreed with Charly Boy’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, that the musician proved his case with credible, convincing and unchallenged evidence.

Ms Jumbo-Ofo, in the panel’s lead judgement, decried the police officers’ use of teargas and hot water cannon to disperse peaceful protesters during a demonstration led by Charly Boy in 2017.

The protest was against President Muhammadu Buhari’s protracted medical vacation in London, the United Kingdom (UK) in 2017.

She described the attack by the police on the protesters as an of impunity as well as “a naked and blatant violation of the rights of the Respondent (Charles Oputa)” to dignity, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The appellate court therefore reaffirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja and ordered that the police must pay Charly Boy the N50 million awarded him by the lower court.

It also directed the police to tender a written apology to him in two national newspapers and pay him N100,000 as cost of prosecuting the legal actio

The appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal was jointly filed by the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, and the Nigeria Police Force.

Reacting to the judgement on Tuesday, Charly Boy’s lawyer, Mr Effiong, said it “will enhance Nigeria’s democracy.”

Background

Charly Boy had sued the police for violating his rights during the ‘Resume or Resign’ protest he led on 8 August 2017 against President Buhari’s then protracted medical vacation in London.

The protesters had said Mr Buhari’s stay abroad had exceeded 90 days, the development they claimed had brought serious embarrassment to the country.

They demanded that Mr Buhari should either return to Nigeria to resume his official duties or resign from office.

Mr Oputa alleged that the police violated his rights during the second day of the protest on 8 August 2017 by using teargas canisters, water cannon and police dogs to harass and disperse him and his fellow protesters at the Unity Fountain in Maitama, Abuja.

Mr Oputa, through his lawyer, Mr Effiong, filed the fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the police at the Federal High Court in Abuja on 29 March 2018, saying he and other protesters were attacked by policemen numbering over 100 from the FCT Police Command.

He said in the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/343/2018, that the attack was so severe that he collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital.

The septuagenarian urged the court to hold that the treatment meted out to him was unjustifiable, illegal, unconstitutional.

Delivering judgment in the case on 22 October 2018, John Tsoho, now the Chief Judge of the court, held that there was no evidence that miscreants invaded or stormed the protest venue and that the protesters were not violent in any way.

The judge rejected as baseless, the argument of the police that they acted to maintain peace, law and order.

The police had, through their lawyer, O. M Atoyebi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, filed an appeal against the decision.

But the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision on Tuesday.

Culled from Premium Times

Nollywood legend Mac Collins Chidebe veers into property development

PROPERTY

Chidebe

Nollywood director Mac Collins Chidebe better known to many as Mr China has veered into property development.

China is the head merchant and chief property developer of MCC properties Ltd, an Asaba based estate and property people.

Chidebe also known as Mazi Ukonu because of his drama series  on YouTube and other social media channels of that title is currently marketing Nollywood Garden  Estates with many 50/100 plots to give away to discerning property interested people.

In a chat recently. Chidebe said it is very hot give away for only 80 plots.

The MCC properties according to him are located between Akwukwu igbo and Okpanam and just very close to Asaba Benin express way and 20 mins from Asaba airport.

Asked why he ventured into property development  the Nollywood director who created the brand Nkoli nwa Nsukka said  "you don't watch masquerade on one spot alone. Men and women should think of tomorrow as they cruise along with the funds they accumulate. This is to avoid had I known. Any one who helps to spoil this our sweet world should pay us the money in cash not in cheque " he quips in his Mazi  Ukonu line.

Jennifer Eliogu scores big with Onulu Ube

 SHOWDISH

Jennifer Eliogu

Jennifer Eliogu has been an actress of note in Nollywood since the late 90s when she featured in “House on fire”

However the fame she has got in just a few months after the release of her latest single Onulu ube is not compared with all her years in the movies.

After many films, Uke Anambra state born Jennifer veered into music in 2012 releasing Ifunanya.

In the past two months, the mother of two is every where with Onulu ube showing that perseverance pays.

Many people in her shoes would have dropped the idea of singing because of the poor showing of Ifunanya in those years.

But not Jennifer who has finally scored big.

Onulu ube, a melodious African fusion of percussive sound and mix has become an anthem worldwide supported with a very colorful video said to have cost her millions of naira to produce.

Eliogu

Thousands of viewers continue to view and review the track as streamers enjoy the sweet groove as well as the meaningful message of peaceful coexistence and brotherhood she delivers.

Radio stations especially in the south east of Nigeria also are not left out making Onulu ube the most popular music of the moment.

Some of her Nollywood films include A Little White Lie (2017), A Time To Heal (2017), Plane Crash (2008), Sisters Love (2008), Risky Affair (2004), Faces Of Beauty (2004).
Others are Love And Pride (2004), Moment Of Confession (2004), My Blood (2004) and a host of others.

Now that the award winning actress has scored huge points in songs, would she still make films? Only time will tell.

However close sources view all as performances and show business.

By Fred Iwenjora

WHY I WANT TO REPRESENT EZEAGU AT ENUGU HOUSE___HON JUDE

 

Hon Jude Udefuna

Hon Jude Udefuna of Labour Party has been speaking on why he wants to represent Ezeagu people at Enugu House of Assembly.

In a chat in Enugu midweek, Udefuna said " It is first of all my civic right to aspire and I think I have the requisite qualification to contest and a lot to contribute to help my people progress. As a legislator, you are not the executive with a lot of power to do much, but you still have power somehow to contribute to the growth of your area. 

Speaking further, the top class business man with interests in construction, importation, entertainment and general merchandise said "I note that the constituency funds if used very well will go a long way to make real meaning to the people you represent. 

"Again I want to contest because my people in Ezeagu Central have been continually marginalised in the scheme of things. Ezeagu central include all Owa people including Imezi, Mgbagbu and Aguobu and Awha people. We the people of Ezeagu central have been told that we have no place in Ezeagu political permutation because of this perpetual marginalisation. In the politics of the area, Central have tried their best but they are always used as a stool for others to stand upon and rise. And when they climb, we are forgotten and dumped like used rag. 

"Over the years we have contributed monies and supported all the other candidates from other zones only to be discarded when it comes to sharing the dividends. I told myself that I can’t stand this anymore hoping and praying and working towards getting the seat of power and if I do, I will do much more for my people