Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium is ready to host Africa!

By Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah

Our vision to build the best privately-owned football stadium in Africa is finally a reality as we prepare in earnest to host Africa in this season\’s CAF Confederation Cup competitiom. It is all about what one sees. The power of vision is one that cannot be blighted by inertia once it is anchored on human advancement.

What started as a mere dream has today been actualized. We are very proud and thankful to Almighty God for the mileage we have attained. What once existed in the mind has been translated from its theoretical state to a structure that would impact positively to humanity. By the grace of God, we have been able to transform what could once be referred to as a \”playground\” into a world class stadium in less than 12 months.

Today, we are strategically positioned and poised to take on Africa. In just under two years, we have been able to reach enviable heights, winning two trophies in as many years of our existence, an unprecedented feat. Our first hurdle, Al Masry of Egypt would be visiting in a few weeks time and we are set to welcome them to Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium, Nnewi, Anambra State. We are positive and quietly confident in our ability to make Nigeria proud by putting up a successful outing at the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup competiton.

I also wish to specially congratulate FC Ifeanyi Ubah\’s coaching crew led by Coach Yaw Preko for a well deserved victory at the 2017 NFF Charity Cup, a feat that has made us Champion of Champions. This trophy is a new year gift to our teeming fans for their unflinching support and a reminder to the football world that we are set to conquer Nigeria and Africa.

Not many are aware of Yaw Preko\’s input towards the solidity and fluidity of the team so far and as such, I wish to use this medium to thank him for his contribution so far. Permit me to reiterate my staunch belief in Preko\’s ability and capacity to lead FC Ifeanyi Ubah on a quest to sucessfully conquer Africa. In view of this, I wish to publicly pass a vote of confidence on Coach Yaw Preko while I pledge to provide him with all the necessary support he needs.

To our teeming fans, get ready to ride through thick and thin with us as we embark on this journey together to conquer Africa.

Anyi bu ndi mmeri!

Thank you and God bless.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

AN IGO MAN CAN BEOME PRESIDENT

An Igbo man can only become Nigeria’s president if he joins APC – Kalu

Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has claimed that an Igbo man can only emerge as President of Nigeria, if he joins the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kalu stated this while speaking to some political office holders, who served in his administration at his Igbere country home in Bende council area.

He urged them to join the APC, to ensure the party wins the entire South East zone in the 2019 general elections.

Kalu also insisted that APC was not a Hausa party, neither did it belong to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Let me tell you this clearly, APC is not an Hausa party as they have been deceiving the people. APC is not owned by President Muhammadu Buhari; the possibility of an Igbo man becoming the president of this country is clearer in APC than in any other party including the PDP.

“When we formed the PDP, some people were saying it was a Hausa party as they are saying of APC now, but it was the same PDP that produced former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan who are southerners”, he said.

ARISE AFRIKA FRIDAY NEWS

HERDSMEN MODUS OPERANDI, THOSE INVOLVED, AND  THE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS. 
Issued by the News Team of Chinua Achebe Center for Leadership and Development

The most significant problem that African nations face is lack of leadership. Normally, Leadership should be an intentional conscious effort to attend to the people’s needs and aspirations. But in Africa, even though many of those that are thrust into the position of leadership mean well, they lack the capacity to lead and meet the people/s hopes and aspirations. Apart from lack of adequate preparation for leadership, one other notable factor that had inhibited good leadership among African leaders is the seemingly non-existent structures for research and information management in the society. Hence, many well-meaning leaders often do not have the requisite information needed for a thorough appraisal and resolution of problems as they arise.

A clear example is the recent terrorist attack in Enugu State of Nigeria and the obvious ignorance of the State Leadership on the modus operandi of the Fulani Herdsmen which led to poor leadership decisions. For a long time, the Nigerian state has been under siege by Fulani herdsmen terrorists operating under a predictable pattern of reconnaissance, attack and withdrawal, leading to many deaths and social dislocations. Since January 2016, there has been documented deaths of approximately 1000 Nigerians from across the middle belt, the South-south, and Southeastern parts of the country from these coordinated Fulani herdsmen attacks.  The Fulani herdsmen are credited with destabilizing the city of Jos, a once tourist destination; and their history of mayhem extend beyond the borders of the Nigerian state. They are also the major actors/catalyst to recent conflicts in the Central African Republic. Armed with adequate information about these murderous group, one would have expected the Governors in the Southeastern states, especially those whose citizens were murdered in cold blood by these terrorists to come out with a strong condemnation of the Fulani herdsmen carnage and unify towards a common cause solution. On the contrary, events in the past weeks only showed confused state executives, who do not even understand the magnitude of the problem at hand. 

In fairness to these Governors, some of them mostly followed the normal state security protocol in responding to this abnormality, Hence, the failure to protect the citizens was the liability of the Federal Government of Nigeria and its armed forces. Though we do not excuse the shabby response of these Governors to the Fulani Herdsmen tragedy, we are inclined to give them a slack because to solve a problem, one needs to first understand the problem. The Governors did not understand the problem. Most Nigerians and international bodies do not understand the Fulani herdsmen problem and we at CACLD did not initially. We therefore dispatched a fact finding team to the Southeastern part of the country to unravel the intricacies and complexities of the Fulani terrorist group; a group rated as the fourth most dangerous by respected international conflict organizations (According to the Global Terrorism Index 2015 report; \”Fulani militants\” killed 1,229 people in 2014 — up from 63 in 2013, Making them the \”fourth most deadly terrorist group\”).

Our fact finding team visited “Ama Hausa and Garki” camps in both Enugu and Abia States. They also interviewed neighbors from the local communities living within and around the Hausa communities in both states. Both the Northerners and the local community were very open and volunteered valuable information to our team. There seems to be a willingness and eagerness for the violence to end. Below, we will present our findings in numbered points.

1. The Fulani herdsmen terrorists are Fulanis but mostly non-Nigerians: This may come as a surprise to most of us. About ten percent of the terrorists are Nigerians and they live within the Hausa Fulani communities in Ama-Hausa and Garki’s in the South East and South-south regions.

2. The Fulani Herdsmen terrorists do not own cattle: This is another revelation that may come as a surprise to many. Fulani herdsmen killers’ major job description is just to kill. They do not own any cattle. Most of them are employed by the cattle owners as “security men” whose job is strictly to protect the cattle. They do not however follow the cattle around, but move in separate vehicles along a defined route within the states where cattle are being reared.

3. The Ama-Hausas and Garkis harbor 80% of the Fulani herdsmen killers. This is a very important revelation. The Garkis are mostly Hausas and other minorities from the north, but within them, they Fulani herdsmen killers reside. The northerners were able to show us these Fulani herdsmen “security personnel” and they were dressed differently from the normal Northern Nigerians within these settlements. They were young, less religious, most of them use drugs, and consume alcohol. A majority of these herdsmen terrorists are migrants from Chad, Niger, and other Fulani enclaves outside the Nigerian state. A small percentage of these Fulani youths are Nigerians born in the states where they reside. They are the ones vested with the responsibility of leading these Fulanis on their regular rampage; serving as compasses to the blood-hungry terrorists.

4. The Fulani herdsmen that accompany cattle from the North to the South per season do not own cattle. This is another surprise coming out from the investigation. The cattle are owned by more prominent Fulani leaders in the country. Most Nigerian Fulanis are no longer migratory herdsmen, but are either Emirs, Sultans, heads of parastatals, oil barons, Imams, Christian Pastors, Governors, Federal Reps, and Senators. However, they still maintain their cultural ownership of cattle. These wealthy Nigerians increase their wealth astronomically through cattle rearing by using their not well off brothers from outside Nigeria to rear these cattle. Instead of investing in ranches and buying of grasses from the South, they chose the cheaper alternative of having their kinsmen, imported from outside the country, take these cattle from the north to south seasonally; using the entire Nigerian space as their “grass kingdom”. These cattle, in turn, destroy farms in their path, rendering farmers economically bankrupt to further enrich the wealthy Fulani “remote herders”.

For clarity sake, let us present the breakdown of Fulani people in Nigeria as we deduced from our investigation.
There are about 5 million Fulani people in Nigeria making them one of the smallest ethnic group in the country.
Out of the 5 million Fulani people, only about 3 million of them are Nigerians. The remaining 2 million come from outside the country and are first generation immigrants.

About 60 percent of the Fulanis in Nigeria are governors, Pastors, Imams, Emirs, Sultan, House of Rep members, Importers, Exporters, Ministers, Oil well owners, lecturers, Vice Chancellors, Ministers, and Senators etc. In a nutshell, the Fulani control all sectors of the northern economy. These rich Fulani’s own all the cattle being reared in Nigeria.
The remaining 40 percent of Fulanis come from outside the country. These are the poor and peasant Fulanis. These immigrant Fulani’s are mostly in charge of the cattle owned by the Bourgeois Fulani. Because the Fulani’s have the highest income per capita in the Nigerian state (Fulani’s who are Nigerians), they constantly need to import their poor brothers and sisters from outside the country to increase their population (the Fulani’s always either marry into rich families or they would marry only Fulani to maintain their pure race) and to help with menial jobs.

In Garki and Ama-Hausa settlements all over the country, there exist a few Nigerian Fulanis (some are born in these states) who coordinate the cattle business. These Fulanis either help manage family cattle or are just contracted middlemen in charge of the business on behalf of various millionaire cattle owners. They themselves are also millionaires. Under these middlemen are about a group of 20 to 40 Fulani boys within the ages of 20 and 35. These are the unofficial Fulani herdsmen security team whose job is to protect the Fulani herdsmen cattle.
Lastly, there is a group of Fulani herdsmen who rear the cattle from the north to the south. These are at the bottom of the Fulani Herdsmen ladder. Some of them do not even know how to speak English and are so poor that they are paid just a little amount of money for their job. These herdsmen do not carry guns. They only carry arrows and machetes to help them navigate the bushes on their way down to the South.

6. Fulani Herdsmen Attack.
We learned from the surrounding communities and from some of the Hausa elders about what constitutes a Fulani herdsmen attack. According to information we received, when there is a disagreement between host communities, or between herdsmen and farmers, the Fulani herdsmen who accompany the cattle will locate the nearest Fulani settlement and if there is none, they will locate the nearest Garki or Ama Hausa. When they arrive, they will narrate their story. The Fulani (Nigerian middlemen) cattle managers will notify their top Fulani Herdsmen which in this case, include governors (like El Rufai) and other top Fulani Bourgeois who own the cattle.  A decision will be made about whether there should be an attack or not on the said village or host community. If an attack is sanctioned, then modalities will be mapped out and a date will be chosen for the attack. Most times, Fulani herdsmen in the military and police are notified and everyone sends a representative. Neighboring settlements sends out representatives and arms cache are opened and arms are distributed to the participants. The major participants are the 20 to 40 Fulani herdsmen who reside in the Garkis and Ama Hausas. These are the Fulani warriors whose job is to kill.

During an attack, every Fulani person in the area knows there will be an attack and all will contribute to make sure it goes on successfully. Fulanis in the higher levels of the military will ensure all commands under them stand down, and the top Fulani police officers will do the same. The road is then clear for the Fulani herdsmen to carry their attacks.

7. Solution
Many of those who interacted with us suggested solutions that are very interesting. Most of the northern Hausas and the local communities suggested a ban on grazing in the affected states. A total ban would be the only way to solve this problem. Some argued that with the Fulani’s nature of encroaching on other people’s land and territories, any attempt to give them land would aggravate the problem and not solve it.

Most villagers from Abia State suggested that these cattle be penned in the north while government releases money for people in the South to cut grasses, process the grass, and send to the north. This is the practice all over the world. They indicated that any attempt to take their lands and give to the Fulani would definitely result to a civil war.

We agree, the solution is very simple; ban grazing, establish ranches for the cattle in the north, pay the southerners to harvest grass and send to the north. With this, everyone would be pleased with the outcome. This solution is expected to generate 1 million jobs in the South and about 500,000 jobs in the North. Also Fulani herdsmen terror will be totally eliminated.

Conclusion
Next time when we talk about a herdsmen attack, we must understand that the attack was not carried out by the herdsmen you see escorting cattle on the roads and bushes. These attacks are well coordinated and sometimes involves the approval of senators and influential men in Abuja. Even our president Mohammed Buhari has a herd of cattle and hence is a Fulani herdsman, corroborating the information we received from respondents on ground. Fulani herdsmen attacks involves all Fulani ethnic members in Nigeria. Most times, these attacks happen only because “respectable men” sanction them.

Issued by the News Team of Chinua Achebe Center for Leadership and Development

CHIMAOBI DESMOND ANYASO PROFILE –SOUTH EAST YOUNG ENTREPRENUER AWARD WINNER AT IMO @ 40

Ik Anyanwu of Arise Afrika hands Award Plaque to Chima Anyanso at Imo @ 40

Chima Anyanso with Business Associates

 Chima Anyaso is a native of Igbere in Bende, Abia State, Nigeria and was born in Aba Abia State, where he spent his formative years.

He is an alumnus of Ebonyi State University, from where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Literature in 2003. After graduation, he worked variously at Elmline Nig Ltd., South Globe Ltd., Traqui Ltd., and Geo Bureau de Change, where he picked up valuable experience and in the process, made considerable positive impression on peers and employers alike. His stint at Aquitane Oil and Gas Ltd was particularly significant in establishing his reputation as an upwardly mobile young man of the oil sector.

By 2006, he felt sufficiently proficient in the workings of the industry to resign from Aquitane and form his own company, Caades Oil and Gas Ltd. It was an ambitious and quite risky move by any means, given his young years, but it was to prove ultimately profound and somewhat providential given the speed with which the new concern was to grow. The growth of Caades culminated quickly in the formation of Ceecon Energy Oil and Gas Ltd, which was eventually to become the flagship of his corporate fleet. In no time, Ceecon had secured a pride of place in the country’s ‘Ivy League’ of petroleum conglomerates. The company has since generated a turnover in excess of $1 billion, consulting for such international companies as Addax and Vitol and engaging with such renowned multinationals as Total, Mobil, Oando, AP, Wabeco and so on.

Not surprisingly, his fecund entrepreneurial mind soon veered into new horizons. He founded SC & C Bureau de Change Ltd, which was immediately among the elite Class “A” bureau de change companies granted licenses by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2009 to address the foreign exchange inadequacies plaguing the country particularly at the time. Chimbaland Properties & Investment Co Ltd has enormous interests in Lagos real estate, especially at the up market end, while Oil Rigs Global Resources Ltd is designed as an ancillary to his petroleum sector interests.

He was awarded a Certification in Executive Management Development from the Peter J. Yobin College of Business of St. John’s University, Manhattan, New York in 2011 and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Management at the University of Lagos.

Conceivably, all of these activities and engagements should leave little room for much else but however, he quite easily makes out plenty of time for philanthropy and devout Christianity. He established the Ahuoma Anyaso Education Foundation in honor of his mother and for the pursuit of quality and affordable education in the deprived rural areas. The Foundation built the first free nursery school in his hometown and has recently completed the primary education category. Being a young man himself, he is tireless in his crusade for the creation of opportunity and skills for the youths, not just in his home area but in Lagos as well.

Consequently, he has received recognition and awards for all the foregoing, to name a few, such as Award inrecognition of his contribution to Bende Clan Local Government Area in Abia State by Igbere Welfare Union Dec. 2008.

–    An Award in recognition of His Business Acumen, Skills and Prowess by the South – East Students Leaders Forum – March 2010.

–    An Award as Ambassador of Education for South East Nigerian Students, in recognition of his outstanding and benevolent assistance to children and youths Southeastern Nigeria towards academic development – March 2010.

–    An Award of Excellence as the outstanding promoter of Education at the grass root and NYSC Programmes in Abia State and in recognition of his valuable contributions to grassroot education, NYSC Scheme and Corp Members by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Camp Bende LGA, Abia State 2009/2010.

–    An Award of certificate of Excellence for Education and Human Capital Development by Igbere Welfare Union Dec. 2011

–    Ahuoma Anyaso Education Foundation award as an Ambassador in appreciation and recognition of his support towards the success of the school. Dec. 2011.

–    An Award as an Icon of Leadership by the Students union Government, Abia State University Uturu – Nov 2011/2012.

–    An Award in recognition of Humanitarian works to the society by Grace Kalango 56thPresident International Women’s Society – Nov. 2013.

–    An Award in recognition of the outstanding youth by ESUT Law Faculty. – Feb. 2013.

–    An Award in due recognition of the corporate commitment towards the attainment of the composite mandate of the firm requisite of entrenchment of nation building, economic growth and true democracy in Africa.

–    An Award in recognition of tremendous contribution towards Education Advancement in Igbere during the Commissioning of second Phase of the Chima Anyaso Academy Igbere Dec. 2011.

–    An Award in recognition of his Enormous Contributions towards the overall Improvement of Young people by Presbyterian Young People’s Association of Nigeria, Benin and Togo Synod of the West (PYPAN/BT) 2011.

–    An Award of Excellence in recognition of selfless and humanitarian services to Bende Union Lagos. Nov. 2011.

–    An Award of honour and long due Title as the Enyi ENA of Abiriba Kingdom in 2012.

–    Award of Excellence & Recognition as the lion Eastern of Nigeria on renowned commitment, contributions and selfless service to the South – East and Nigeria – July 2013 by Confederation of Igbo Students (CIS).

–    An Award  of Honour (Team Work Champion) for recognition of an Indomitable Amazon who has brought Immense Personal Charisms  in His services to National Association of Igbere Students Abia State Polytechnic Chapter- Sept. 2012/2013

–    An Award as a man of valour in recognition of his service to the growth of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Ogbor- Hill Paris Men’s Christian Association – June 2014.

–    An Award of Excellence outstanding young entrepreneur in the year 2014 by WCI Leadership.

–    An Award of recognition for youth empowerment and community development by Champion Newspapers Limited – Dec. 2014

–    An Award of confirmation as a patron to the (AYCF) Abia Youth Consultative Forum. July 2014.

–    An award by the Igbere Clan Council of Ndi Eze in honour of strong commitment to peace in our generation, unity of the country, welfare of many & progress in Igbere Ebiri Community in 2014.

–    An Award of recognition of his immense support & contribution to the development of the Union (Ekeshie Improvement Union Lagos) Nov. 2014.

–    An Award in recognition of outstanding service of humanity and contribution to fostering friendship across creed and tribe on good Governance by Progressive friend’s foundation. Nov. 2014.

–    An Award of recognition as a youth Empowerment leader of the 32nd Annual Symposium of the Association of  Dental Students of the University of Lagos – Sept. 2014.

–    An Award of distinguished entrepreneur for outstanding feasts in the Oil and Gas Industry 2015/2016 by Rotary Club of Ojodu District 9110 Nigeria.

–    An Award of Crystal recognition of the most valuable personality of the year 2015 by Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS)

–    An Award in recognition of his selfless service and unparalleled contribution to community development in Abia State and beyond by Abia State Town Union Association Lagos.

–    An award as a distinguished business personality in recognition of his excellent performance, integrity, selfless to humanity & inspirational lifestyle by symbol of hope magazine. March 2015.

–    An award as the distinguished customer of the year 2015 by Fidelity Bank Plc.

–    An Award of Honor in recognition of His contributions to Bethel Seminary and the society at large on the 25th anniversary of the Assemblies of God Bethel Seminary. Nov. 2015.

–    An award presented in recognition of contribution towards the upliftment of the Nigerian Girl Child award December 2016 by Viewtrend Entertainment Limited.

–    An Award of recognition for being an outstanding Eastern Youth Ambassador of the year 2015/2016 by The Eastern Eye Magazine. Feb. 2016.

–    An Award of excellence as the most outstanding young entrepreneur that has contributed to the growth & development of Education in 2014 presented by Nigerian Professionals Forum (NYPF). June 2015.

–    An integrity Award in recognition of human capacity building and great achievements towards the development of the South – East Region and Nationwide by the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalist (NACJ) 4th Integrity Award. – May 2016.

Mr. Chima Desmond Anyaso was appointed as the Chairman South – East Coordinator for Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) in November, 2014 and also he was selected by Vanguard Newspaper and Champion Newspaper as one the top 20 Nigerian Business Professionals in Nigeria in 2014/2015.
Recently, he was selected and appointed as the Youth Leader of the Ndi Igbo Lagos Association.
His hobbies include traveling, playing tennis, listening to music and watching football. He is a member of Ikoyi Club and is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Miles Club Association.

CITATION OF IMO @ 40 LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARD RECIPIENT: CHIEF (DR) EMMANUEL CHUKWUEMEKA IWUANYANWU

In life, some leaders are simply born great; some have greatness bestowed on them by providence; while some achieve greatness by hard work. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu is indeed a rare combination of these three phenomenal traits.
Born on Friday 4 th September, 1942 to the humble Christian family of Late Pa Bernard and Late Madam Hulder Iwuanyanwu of Unuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area, Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has today risen to the pinnacle of greatness and stardom. Propelled by the virtues of hard work, honesty and unalloyed faith in God, he has attained an enviable height as a successful role model, a political colossus, an industrial giant, a dedicated soldier of Christ, a professional icon of superlative class, a pace setter, an unprecedented philanthropist, a champion of youth empowerment, a detribalized Nigerian patriot, an epitome of integrity.

He has the following academic qualification:
B.sc Hon Civil Engineering University of Nigeria Nsukka.
D.sc Engineering Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland USA
L.ld (Hon) Shaw University Raleigh , North Carolina USA
DBA Hon University of Nigeria Nsukka
D.sc Hon University of Jos
D.sc Hon University of Calabar
D Tech Federal University of Technology Owerri
DBA (Hon) Edo State University
D.sc (Hon ) Engineering , Imo State University
Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is a registered Engineer by the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria. He is a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Fellow Institute of Civil Engineers, Fellow Institute of Science & Technology, Fellow Solar Energy Society of Nigeria and Many others.
Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is a meticulous and articulate investor, whose business empire runs through all spheres of economic endeavour.
So far, this business mogul has established twenty-two business outfits within an outside Nigeria.
In Politics, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has blazed the entire landscape like a legend. For some year, he flew the flag of Ndigbo as a frontline presidential aspirant. In the People’s Democratic Party today he is a member of the National Board of Trustees and also a member of the National Caucus of the party representing the entire South East Zone. HE served as Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo State Creation Committee, Chairman Ohaneze Ndigbo Planning and Strategy Committee, Board Chairman Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Board Chairman Nigerian Investment Promotion, Founding Chairman Raw Materials Research and Development
Council of Nigeria, Chairman National Productivity Merit Award Committee and presently Pro-Chancellor University of Calabar, just to mention a few.
In his philanthropic activities, he made contributions in the following area;
He built the Children Center in his Alma-Mater in University of Nigeria Nsukka which he dedicated to his dear mother Late Madam Hulder Iwuanyanwu.
He built and equipped Blood Transfusion Center at Federal Medical Center Owerri which was taken over by the Federal Government. Today, this center is the Center of Excellence of Blood Transfusion for the whole of South Eastern Nigeria.
Under the governorship of Gen Ike Nwachukwu Chief Emmanuel chaired a Committee on Works and Infrastructure which recommended the building of Imo airport. He argued that Imo state at a time which comprised the present Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States was landlocked. And besides, the State was a home of many prominent entrepreneurs who regularly flew to other parts of the world for their business. This project was commenced with contributions from the then Imo Communities. At a stage when the project was suspended for lack of fund, leaders from Owerri Zone, the Zone in which the Airport was located held a meeting with the Military Governor at the time who explained that N2 million was required from the Government in order to continue the Airport project. Owerri Zone subsequently promised to pay the N2 million. The cheque for this project was handed over to Late Hezekiah Ofurum who was then a Commissioner under Governor Madueke. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu paid this N2 million on behalf of Owerri people. It is important to note that at that time, N2 million was more than $2million (Two Million Dollars). Chief Emmanuel Iwuanaynwu did not request for any refund from Owerri Zone or the Government.
When the Airport was completed, the Airport was not commissioned to any use as the Federal Government at a time argues that it was very close to Port Harcourt Airport. Chief Iwuanyanwu established Oriental Airlines and brought in Six Air-Crafts that operated between Owerri, Abuja, Kano and Maduigiri. Other Airlines found this route profitable and followed Oriental Airlines. Today Imo Airport is a beehive of Commercial Activities.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu established Champion Newspapers to create a balance in the dissemination of information which was dominated by Press outside Igboland. Champion Newspapers indeed gave Igbos a sense of belonging.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu established Iwuanyanwu National Football Club which was an offshoot of Spartans Football club which was virgin for disbandment. Iwuanyanwu National Football for many years dominated the lead, winning the league and FA Champion and Charity Cup a number of times. It is historic to note that Iwuanyanwu  Nationale Club was the first Club to win the profession league in Nigeria.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu made a lot of other contributions to the development of sports through Iwuanayanwu Sports and Athletic Foundation and Iwuanyanwu Comet
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu established Iwuanyanwu Foundation which awarded University scholarship to many gifted students to study in tertiary institutions. All together he has trained over 3,000 Nigerian youths in his scholarship programme.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was the Chairman of Owerri Chambers of Commerce. HE was a strong advocate of homeward integration by businessmen from Igboland. By this policy, he insisted that Igbo entrepreneurs should invest part of their businesses in Igboland to create goods, services and employment for the youths of Igboland. He set example of this by establishing most of his businesses in Owerri and even in his village Atta, Ikeduru.
. Chief Iwuanyanwu made substantial contributions to the development of many communities in Imo State for the provision of light, water and roads.
. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu appreciated that most people in Igboland are Christians of various denominations; he therefore supported many Christian projects in Igboland.
. Around 1987, when the military indicted their intention to hand over power, leaders of Imo State comprising Imo, Abia and part of Ebonyi met at the palace of Onuegwunwoke in Owerri in order to select a Spokesman for the Igbos. At that time, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was still a young man and the leadership was expected to fall in the hands of older leaders such as Dr Jaja Wachukwu, Chief R.B.K Okafor and Dr. J.O.J Okezie. At a well attended meeting by all Traditional Rulers, Political leaders and Religious leaders in Igboland, these three older leaders failed to step down for the other to be the rallying point for the Igbos. After many hours of deliberation, the Traditional Rulers announced that they were going on a caucus to select somebody. We all agreed to accept whoever they selected. After their deliberation which lasted for One hour, they came back from their meeting and announcement was made by HRM Eze Benard Enweremandu in behalf of the Traditional Rulers that they have selected a younger person Chief Emmanuel Iwuanywu to carry this assignment. The three leading politicians Chied R.B. K Okafor, Dr. Jaja Wachukwu and D. J.O.J Okezie one after the other declared their support for Chief Iwuanyanwu. Chief Iwuanyanwu was therefore unanimously appointed the Spokesman for Igbo people on all political issues.
Subsequently, all the meetings about the creation of Ebonyi State were held in Chief Iwuanyanwu’s residence. Later when Ebonyi was being created, the dispute between Afikpo and Abakiliki areas was also resolved in Chief Iwuanyanwu’s house
Chief Iwuanyanwu therefore has played major role in shaping the life and destiny of Igbo people.
In recognition of his selfless services to humanity, Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu is a recipient of an avalanche of International and National awards and titles including Ahaejiagamba Ndibo conferred on him by Chairman of Traditional Rulers Representing the seven Igbo Stated of Nigeria.
In all his houses, he established of Chapel of Holy Bethel where constant praises and prayers are offered to the Almighty God. All through his life, he had remained a dedicated soldier of the Christ, using his time, money, intellect and other resources in the effective propagation of the Gospel. He is the member of the Order of Knights of St Christopher in the Anglican Communion.
His philosophy of life is appropriately encapsulated in his speech on Monday 11th November, 1985 when he handed over a Blood Transfusion Center which he built, furnished and donated to the Imo State Government and I quote:
“I believe in the Supreme Being. He is Omnipotent, Omnipresent. He is all loving and all wise. He is the Almighty God.
I believe that the highest fulfillment, the greatest happiness and the wildest usefulness if the individual can only be realized in harmony with the divine will of the Almighty God.
I believe in the supreme worth of the individual, in his right to life and liberty and pursuit of happiness.
I believe in the sacredness of human life and human right.
I believe that every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity an obligation and every possession a duty.
I believe in dignity of labour whether with the head or with the hand.
I believe that the goof God in his infinite mercy has bestowed mankind with sundry gifts and whatever gift bestowed on any man is given to him by the good Lord in sacred trust and man should use such gifts to promote love, happiness and peace among the people of all races and creed.
I believe that the world owes no man a living but owes every man an opportunity to make a living.
I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world and it can over-come hate, greed and rancor.
I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and the greatest happiness and peace of the human soul can be attained in rendering such services.
I believe that truth,  justice and equity are fundamental pre-requisites to an enduring social order that right can and will always triumph over might.
I believe in the sacredness of promise, that man’s word should be as good os a bond, that character not wealth or power or possession is of supreme worth.
I believe that prudence is essential to well ordered living and that economy is a pre-requisite of a sound financial structure whether in government, business or personal affairs.
And finally, I believe that law is made for man and not man for law and that government is the servant of the people and not the master and no individual can be greater than the society in which he lives.”
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you, Chief (Dr.) Engr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu CRR, OFR, MFR,FNSE, FNICE,KSC AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO, a distinguished , illustrious and celebrated Nigerian. A living legend of our time. His heritage if humility. His profession is pragmatism. His legacy is diligence and prudence. His promise is versatility spiced with magnanimity.
::::::

Obasanjo kicks off programme to end hunger in Nigeria

FORMER president  Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday launched a report on Nigeria Zero Hunger Strategy aimed at reducing hunger in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general by the year 2030.

The programme, which was organised by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) gathered together private sectors, civil societies and the public sector to deliberate on possible ways to end hunger in the country.

Addressing members of the committees on zero Former president Obasanjo said the destiny of millions of people in Africa will be redefined through the implementation of the Zero Hunger Strategy policy.

He further added that the policy was not aimed at changing any government existing policies but to act as framework for the implementation of policies that will end hunger in Nigeria.

His words: “we are here to begin a new journey that will redefine the destiny of hundreds of millions of people in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. This day is significant as we put our efforts together to launch the Nigeria Zero Hunger road map that will unlock the potential of our nation and emancipate our dear country from the shackles of hunger and poverty.

“The Zero Hunger Strategic Review was not an attempt to change any government policies. As this synthesis report demonstrates, the initiative was undertaken to support and encourage government to implement policies, strategies, plans and programmes that have been formulated over many years, and to do so with a focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 by 2030,if not earlier.

Expressing his expectation for the report to be implemented in the 36 states starting from January this year, Chief Obasanjo said that the Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum will monitor the progress of the implementation in four pilot states including Benue, Ebonyi, Ogun and Sokoto states.

“I expect that the actions the action recommended in our report will be implemented in all 36 states plus Abuja starting from January 2017. The Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum will support, encourage and monitor progress in Benue, Ebonyi, Ogun and Sokoto states during 2017 and 2018.

“The governors of these states have already agreed that they will make implementing the Zero hunger road map a priority. In January 2019, eight more states will be added to our focus and by January 2021, all 36 states plus Abuja will be included.

Speaking further, the former president said the forum will ensure that the recommendations contained in the synthesis report and the individual subcommittee reports were implemented, stressing “we must do all we can so that this effort does not suffer the fate of previous endeavours.”

“The key to achieving Zero Hunger depends on implementation and our collective will. Let me reiterate that the task of attaining zero in Nigeria cannot be left to the government alone; neither can it be left to the civil society nor the private sector alone.

“There must be strong support for farmers at all levels, and for producers’ or farmers’ organisations, and government must additionally provide the right policies, regulations, incentives.

“We must address the humanitarian situation in the North-East and put into place holistic development and growth solutions that will make it difficult for insurrection to take root.

The Director General ITTA, Dr Ntaramya Sannginga, said the report is innovative and IITA would offer advance technologies for all the four pilot states.

Tony Elumelu who spoke on behalf of the sub committees said the private sector has a major role to play in the achievement of the Zero Hunger and the federal and state government should be willing to provide the enabling environment.

******

Arise Afrika Magazine NEWSPAPERS REVIEW Friday 13th January,2017 Powered BY
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