*By lfeanyi Ndukwe, Awka*

The organisers of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards season 2  have announced the kick-off of voting exercise, to get the best among the individuals nominated for the different categories of the awards.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen on yesterday. According to them, the voting will last for ten days.

The Chairman of the Host Organizing Committee of the Lecture Series and Awards, Chijioke Ilegbune said the nominees were painstakingly drawn from different walks of life for the different categories of the awards.

He also noted that short biographies of the nominees had earlier been published on the award website, to help the voters and the public understand the reason(s) behind their nominations, as well as guide them in determining whom to vote for.

While noting that the voting is online, Mr. Ilegbune equally informed that an individual can only vote once by tapping on any nominee of his choice in each of the categories.

According to him, individuals can see the names of the nominees and also cast their votes in the portal HERE

*By lfeanyi Ndukwe, Awka*

The organisers of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards season 2  have announced the kick-off of voting exercise, to get the best among the individuals nominated for the different categories of the awards.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen on yesterday. According to them, the voting will last for ten days.

The Chairman of the Host Organizing Committee of the Lecture Series and Awards, Chijioke Ilegbune said the nominees were painstakingly drawn from different walks of life for the different categories of the awards.

He also noted that short biographies of the nominees had earlier been published on the award website, to help the voters and the public understand the reason(s) behind their nominations, as well as guide them in determining whom to vote for.

While noting that the voting is online, Mr. Ilegbune equally informed that an individual can only vote once by tapping on any nominee of his choice in each of the categories.

According to him, individuals can see the names of the nominees and also cast their votes in the portal HERE

*By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint)

History of politics and humanity would attest to the impact of Martin Luther King Jnr who fought with all diligence for the liberation of the black race in America. You would also agree with me that the famous speech, "I have a dream" set a new dimension in the society of that dispensation that has linger till today.

Abia is named Gods Own State due to the prevailing circumstances surrounding its birth. The, then,  military administration had planned to expand the horizons of the South Eastern region.

More than 30 years down the lane,  we have suffered evil-oriented leadership. Virtually, no leader has demonstrated full capacity and integrity in piloting the affairs of the state. It will unfair to treat our sickness with mere imposition of a consensus candidate from either the ruling party, PDP or the opposition.

Fellow Abian people, shall we fold our hands and waste another 4years of governance? Shall we place our destinies in half-baked, blurred visioned political representatives? Or shall we continually wish that goodies would flow from the bosom of Aladdin lamp? Not at all. Shall we continue to cry for development and technology driven economy when those heralding our affairs are solely for their selfish gains?

Gone are the days of mediocrity. Gone are the days of money politics. Gone are the says of ethnic, religious, or tribal politics. Today's decision will determine our future and the future of our children.

Needless to dwell on the insensitive  government of Theodore Orji or the brutish and self-centered government of Ikpeazu.

Fellow statesmen and good people of Abia, we have suffered enough. When other indigenes of Anambra, Imo, Enugu and especially Ebonyi proud themselves of capital projects viz airports, world class medical facility, range of accredited higher institutions, prompt payment of pensioners and working staff, women and youth empowerment including support in agricultural produce. Our governor smells of what my Professor in school called, " sluggish slumber( excessive sleeping on duty). "

Fellow Abians, this is high time we say to no the antics of selfish politicians? Its high time we said no to party and embrace competence and capacity? If we fail to standup to this responsibility of ensuring our dear state gets good representation in all political quarters. Then we have failed our generation.

Brethren, i implore you, fellow youths and statemen, mothers and fathers. I appeal to you to make hay while the sun shines. Abia must be greater again. We are Gods own state. We remain loyal to the cause of positive change. A new Abia state is very possible if we choose and vote wisely a candidate of capacity and blueprint to feature in this new dispensation.

*Ifeanyi Ndukwe,  is an Abia state born author and newspaper columnist. He writes from Awka*

*Convener, Arise, New Abia Movement (ANAM)*

 

.....pinpoints solutions to education, security, health and consistent power supply

By Saint Ifeanyi Ndukwe

The coming elections is expected to be a landmark in the nations politics. All eyes are focus on Nigeria polity with several contenders in the race. Amongst them is the youthful Mr Onyeka Nwafor.

Nwafor declared his intention to contest for the seat of the president and proffer lasting solution to the nations varying challenges.

He made this known in a press briefing in Awka during the weekend.The 38 year old economist expert said he is contesting under the political party platform of the National Rescue Movement.

According to him, if elected will use his youthful energy to strategize various sectors of the economy namely, education, health sector and agriculture to build the he nation's economy. He also reiterated his resolve to fight insecurity and corruption.

He noted that he has extensively consulted with his family members, friends, elder statesmen, traditional and religious leaders, genuine business moguls and the masses across the country, "I hereby officially announce my decision to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the Platform of National Rescue Movement (NRM)".

Describing Nigeria as a country with vast number of highly skilled, gifted and patriotic citizens whose skills, talents and patriotism are being frustrated by the inability of our leaders, both past and present to put in place the enabling system, institutions and policies for the development said, "Over the years, our elected and appointed government officials have made vast majority of our very intelligent teaming youths lose faith in the very fibre that holds us together as an indivisible and indissoluble nation, due to their lack of commitment to their electioneering campaign promises and party agenda. The devastating effects of this anomaly are undeniably manifested in our fast weakening economy, poor education system, prevailing security breaches, unreliable and porous banking system, decline in commercial prospects, inefficient tax administration, ethno-religious crisis, decline in foreign direct investment, skyrocketing unemployment rate, slow and deficient justice system, human rights violation by state and non-state actors, massive corruption in both public and private sectors, capital flight, soaring inflation, unprecedented fall in our Gross Domestic Products, embarrassing rise in foreign debts,  ever deteriorating health sector, unprecedented capital flight, massive corrupt practices, housing deficit, epileptic electrical power supply, institutional collapse, poor infrastructure, self-inflicting foreign policies, rural-urban migration, lack of clean water supply, environmental pollution, porous border control, over-dependency on petroleum products, rising poverty rate, unreliable electoral system, intellectual property theft, rise in crime rate, economic sabotage and loss of revenue, threats to national unity etc".

He stated that,  "fixing the streams of problems enumerated above requires a holistic focus on the F four key areas of the government functions namely; education, security, health and electrical power supply. Applying a large sum of the nation’s budget to revamping our education system, ensuring security of life and properties, providing a well-equipped health sector and ensuring steady and uninterrupted electrical power supply across the nation will magically eliminate the myriads of problems currently bedevilling our dear nation and place Nigeria on the global limelight".

Nwafor blamed Nigeria's inability to achieve a sustainable efficient system to the continued absence of credible, selfless and purpose-driven leaders in Nigeria’s corridors of power. Our elective and appointive offices are populated by selfish, unpatriotic and power-drunk political musketeers. 

While stating that "Time has come for all electorates across the nation to drop our religious, tribal, ethnic and ideological rivalries and pull our electoral weights together towards making Nigeria a better place for both the rich and the poor. Time has come for all to repent from this unwholesome attitude of mortgaging our collective future for the scrubs that fall from the table of politicians at every electoral season. Time has come for us to temporarily sacrifice our individual comfort, interest and material gratification for the benefits of the generations yet unborn. 

"I am dedicated to bringing the much desired sustainable positive change. I am dedicated to ensuring that the system favours the children of the weak and strong, poor and rich, highly privileged and less privileged. It is my mandate to exterminate the lacuna between the high, middle and low class. It is my mandate to donate a level playing ground to the children of the poor and rich. It is my mandate to activate a system where justice will be accessible and affordable to all and sundry". 

He further admonished that he has demonstrated a convincing degree of patriotism through various social and economic intervention projects to the masses without ethno-religious boundaries or sentiments; which ranges from provision of clean water, free medical outreaches, award of scholarships, poverty alleviation programs, free legal aid to the indigents, skill acquisition and economic empowerment for the middle and small scale business owners, as well as varying security fortification projects with some security agencies. All these I have been able to accomplish and sustain as a non-political office holder.

He, however, urged the citizenry  and the party faithfuls to make their choice of candidate not towards the highest bidder, but in the direction of someone with clear-cut agenda and the requisite integrity to deliver on his campaign promises and party agenda. 

Supporting, the Anambra State Chairman, National Rescue Movement, Engr. Leonard Ezenwamma, said NRM is one of the major political movement in Nigeria which has men and women of high pedigree who has what it takes to rescue Nigeria. We are prepared to take the mantle of leadership unlike APC that promised us change and today you can see that they have failed us. He assured citizens to join hands and support for the rescue of the country.

Also speaking, a stakeholder of the party, Chief Gerald Onyebuchi called on the youths  to shun those corrupt leaders and embrace one agenda which is to elect a credible youth in the person of Onyeka Nwafor who has what it takes to pilot effectively the affairs our dear country, Nigeria.

The meeting ended with light refreshment, music and solidarity fecilitations amongst members.

As the world transist to technologically driven economy, entrepreneurs seems to be thriving hard to meet up daily expectations. Chiamaka Glory Osinem is a baker based in Awka. In this interview with Ifeanyi Ndukwe, the graduate of Home Economics from the University of Nigeria,Nsukka bares her mind in this exclusive interview.

Tell us about yourself?

I'm an indigene of Nise in Awka South. I was born in early 90s to Mr.  and Mrs. Osinem. I'm a young growing entrepreneur who derives joy in working my hands to plough. From the very beginning, I love kitchen stuffs like baking. I love trying out new and creative ways of doing things including trying out new recipes . These creative ingenuity led to the birth of a vision called  GMAK Cakes.

How did you come about the name GMAK?

It came from a creative coinage of my full names. The letter G stands Glory while MAK is coined from Chiamaka. I am known for cakes and delicious pastries. I run birthday surprises.

What inspired you to choose this path?

My parents were teachers though retired. Naturally I love to teach and impact knowledge. This inspired me to set up GMAK Cakes Academy where I tutor and mentor people on creative bakery of cakes and other pastries.

How did you begin?

I would say the whole journey began at the period of my secondary school. I attended Holy Innocent Juniorate Convent, Nkpor. I was a boarder. During my JSS 3 long vacation, a regular habit my parents do was to enroll each of us into a skill acquisition center unlike  the usual norm of enrolling into a lesson center. During one of the long vacations, a certain corp member in my mom schools was paid to tutor me in some skills namely, beading especially beaded bags and bangles.

I decided to put what I learned into practice. I asked my mom to buy  materials for beading. Like every average mom, she asked me if it won't disturb my academics and I promised it wouldn't. During free week period(the period after exams when students await for their terminal results), l would use the time to do beads. I did some designs of fancy beaded bags which attracted the attention of some classmates.  Some of my them loved it and I collected #100 each from them to teach them. At the senior secondary level, I chose home management against agriculture.

When it was time for my university education. I  applied for Radiography but I had initially  wanted to study Medicine and Surgery after a career  talk.

Surprisingly, my dad has a policy of one sitting for UTME. And it worked for him. Well I didn't get any. Then, I was advised to take up Home Economics Education instead of waiting for one extra year.

At my 300 level, I went for my IT. Unlike other students who paid for their log book to be marked. I wanted to work and learn something. Thus, I found myself at Spinach Fastfood located at 33,Onitsha. During my stay, I persuaded the manager for a spot at the kitchen since I was posted at the bar. I appealed to the baker to always call my attention anytime she wants to bake. So when the manager saw my passion to learn and work hence he switched me to the kitchen section.

Back to school, I decided to put the knowledge I had to practice. One day while I shared my experience and plans with a friend, her roommate stepped  in and joined the discussion. She was elated and explained that she had same vision as mine. We were overwhelmed with passion and excitement. That same week, we went to a cybercafe and printed flyers and went on a one on one reachout to customers especially at the student lodges. On the matriculation day, we carried a table and displayed our products. Interestingly, we sold out all cakes at the matriculation ground.

That was how the business started. Customers will either call me or my partner, Uche to place orders. As I approached my finals, l had a bigger picture in mind. My relocation to a new hostel put a stop to the partnership with Uche.

On how I became a household name in South East bakery industry?  
 
One day, I was invited to a friend's birthday. I was embarrassed that she didn't patronise me but the standard of the product was superb. After my final exams, I approached her and asked her to give me the contact of the baker. Immediately after my final exams, I had already made up my mind on what steps to take. So, from school, I was headed to my aunty place because it was close to the new place of learning.

Kindly share with us an experience you had with dealing a difficult client?

There is this lady I met on Facebook. She was to celebrate a house warming on 30th Dec. The same day was a date for my sister's wedding. As you know, I wanted to give it my all. By then, I had not learnt to preserve a cake. It was a house cake design. Two days to delivery, I noticed the cake has changed taste. I was confused and decided to deliver it like that. But I did an equivalent of it with no designs. The client was infuriated and literally slapped me over the phone.  I tried to apologize amicably but it fell on deaf ears. Just two months ago, my phone rang and guess what, it was her. I wanted to be sure she didn't make a mistake by dialing my number. When the phone rang a second time, I picked up. She appraised the second cake and also booked for another one for her sister's engagement cake.

Describe your most challenging project?

Well, GMAK is made of a cake studio, events and decor. It was challenging handling event such as the Valentine Eve Dinner concert. The process of hosting the program  was demanding and hectic. It was held on Valentine eve, a day before Valentine. Its a special pet project where loved ones hang out with one another. There was music, movie watching, comedy, dance and game competitions. The maiden edition was held at the Finotel hotels, Awka this year.
The idea was birthed after watching a Nollywood movie titled in appreciation, "Super Star" featuring Nancy Isime and a stellar of acts. In the movie, guests were invited for a special book review night in a love garden where all were  seated on the ground.

Share your experience in your social responsibility to the society?

I believe we rise by lifting others. Honestly I wish I have more than enough to feed the poor in the streets.  it was very emotional and inspirational moments. Each season of my birthday celebration comes with different messages of hope and love. Last year, I distributed food and drinks to the poor and malnourished in the streets. Two years ago, we visited the prison yard to support and feed them. This year birthday celebration prompt the need to share knowledge so I was inspired to teach and equip people with the baking skills.

If you were not baking. What other prospect would you be into?

I'd always wanted to be in the medical line. I'd  always loved to care for people. If I had gotten admissions to study Radiography , I strongly believe I wouldn't be in this country by now. (Smiles) since I'm slim, I would have taken to modeling.

Were there moments you felt like quitting?

There were down moments. My love for God propel me to keep pushing. I'd always encourage myself, "Chiamaka, God has brought you this far not to fail you'. There has been ups and downs but the God factor has set me apart as the Scripture says, 'a diligent man shall stand before kings and not mean men.'  I trust my instincts and have my heart set on Gods agenda. These are motivating factors to inspire me to head on inspite of the prevailing circumstances.

What defines GMak cakes different from others?

Transparency. When a client places an order, I put my ability to ensure that he/she gets the best. At times, I may get a client angry due to some unforeseen lapses. But what keeps them coming is my humble nature in handling the situation professionally.


Do you have students training in your academy and what is the duration of studies?

 We have classes for interested  students. We have beginners, intermediate and advanced classes. Each class runs for a duration of 4weeks. If an individual goes for the full package, he/she has the privileges to stay for 6months. The first 3months is for the training while the remaining 3months is on the job training

Any advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

The sky is so big to accommodate everyone. Train yourself to high standards and excellence. An Igbo adage says, " afia oma ne ere oweye" meaning a quality product sells itself
I encourage all entrepreneurs to work hard, stay on course and remain diligent on your visions.

... overall winner to smile home with mouth watering prizes, take up duty as a goodwill ambassador. ,

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe

The founder and Chief sponsor, OCO World, Okwudili Celestine, on Saturday, announced that this year's 2022 Nsukka Most Beautiful Girl Pageantry, Nigeria, NMBGN, will allow all promising models from the 36 states to contest. According to him, the overall winner to smile home with a branded new Toyota Spider and an all expensed trip to Dubai.

He equally announced that the 1st runner up will win N500,000 and a trip to any national tourist centre, while the 2nd runner up will get N300,000 and a trip to a national tourist centre also.

Okwudili made this known to newsmen during the official Unveiling of 2021 winner of Nsukka Most Beautiful Girl and press briefing for announcement of sale of forms for 2022 edition of NMBGN tagged ‘Diva’s Edition’ at the Golden Valley Hotel, Nsukka.

He said the purpose of the programme is to showcase the rich cultural values and heritage, adding that apart from the prices being won by the pageants, OCO World equally supports the winners of the contest to embark on pet projects geared towards improving the lives of the people of Nsukka.

“As it has been the custom of OCO World, every year we try to look out for a young lady that will stand out in terms of beauty and intelligence in Enugu North Senatorial District.

“This year we are extending the invitation for the 4th edition of Nsukka Most Beautiful Girl Nigeria to all Nigerian girls as we target to promote Nsukka culture and values  to all Nigerians, home and abroad and the world in general through the entertaining and educative beauty pageantry contest, " he stated.

He stressed that the target is not just a search for a good looking girl, but a Diva, one who will serve as a role model for other girls in Nsukka, Nigeria and world.

“Nsukka is blessed with rich cultural values, the people are well behaved and their women are known for their revered cultural norms and values.

“Therefore whoever emerges winner, irrespective of where the person comes will represent the rich Nsukka cultural heritage, of course the winner must be beautiful, with good knowledge of Nsukka cultures, smart and intelligent,” he said.

Manager, Nsukka 2022 Most Beautiful Pageant Show, Okonkwo Vivian Chidiogo stated that alot of benefits awaits contestants only by picking the forms at designated centres.

According to her, Our judges are professionals, from what we have been doing when we started till date. We keep religiously to the rules and regulations of the contest to ensure that all the contestants are treated fairly and without bias. During the audition, there are tasks that are given to the contestants through which they are assessed. Our results would be based on the thorough examination we would conduct throughout the days that the contestants would be in the house for screening,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Okwudili explained that the grand finale for this year’s contest is slated for 26th October, 2022 and forms are already on sale at the cost of N5,000 for those who would purchase it within the month of April, and N7,000 for those buying after April, 2022.

He announced that forms are already on sale at the designated centres including Obyno Photo Studio, Enugu, Lion FM, Nsukka, all the BetNaija shops in Nsukka, and the OCO World head office at Enugu Road, Nsukka, among other designated outlets. He advised interested contestants to pick interest and submit the form to designated centres as mentioned above.

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint)

Women support groups and civil society organisations have joined the series of clarion calls on the wife of Anambra State Governor, Chief Mrs  Ebele Veronica Obiano to contest for the senatorial seat of Anambra North in 2023. This was made known at the special prayer session held on the later's behalf at the Awkuzu Civil Center, in Oyi local government area of Anambra state.

Mrs Obiano who goes by the sobriquet Osodieme,  is the Founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) —a charity-based non-governmental organisation —through which she has transformed thousands of lives, given hope to many, as well as revived many hope in almost every households in the state. Hence, the many reasons behind the heavy call for duty by these groups as a means to pave way for her to extend her kindheartedness and solidarity. 
In her opening remarks, the chair lady of the occasion, Chief Lady Mrs. Ogechukwu Okafor (Odibeze Oyi) expressed excitement for the show of solidarity by the mammoth crowd of supporters who are keen to the visionary leadership of her Excellency.

She asked all leaders and members of the groups to continue their prayers for Mrs. Obiano, " Her Excellency is our mother and a reliable friend who comes through at all times. This is the time to show our loyalty and appreciation for all she has done and will do. "

Another guest speaker, Mrs. Ogonna Aniunoh, a Senior Special Assistant on Environment shared her story of how Mrs. Obiano supported her after learning of her husband demise.
In her words, " there is no word in the English dictionary to express how happy and indented I am to her kindness. In those times of difficulty, Her Excellency encouraged and helped me to stand strong.
' Her love for people is unconditional. No matter the situation at hand, rest assured that if your case is mentioned, you will get the required help you need. "

The leader of Omabala Women Traders Union, Mrs. Caroline Onuorah(Okwuoka) stressed the need for all women, youths and communities at large to support the political ambition of Mrs Obiano for Anambra North Senatorial seat come next year.
In support, Lady Ngozi Ojiakor, leader, Anambra Growth  Initiative said, "supporting Mrs Obiano is just and fair. "
According to her, Osodieme will represent the people well in the Red Chambers.
Additionally, the convener and leader of Golibe Difu Philip Ladies, Mrs Amarachi Joseph expressed appreciation for all who graced the event. She appealed to the groups and their leadership to get their PVCs and cast their votes for credible leaders like Her Excellency, Mrs. Obiano.

Others groups present at the occasion includes, Anambra Progressive Women initiatives, Anambra North Women Wing, Nimo branch, amongst others.

The highlights of the occasion was the presentation of emblem of interest by the women groups and light entertainment. The closing prayers were said by Rev. Sis. Caroline

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint)

As the job of an actor demands the fellow total dedication and commitment especially in observing certain holidays as working days. So it was for veteran actress, Ebele Okaro Onyiuke as she turn a year older last week. The popular actor who has earned the accolade as 'mama of Nollywood ' was captured on set in joyful tears as colleagues celebrated her. The scene captures Amala Mmaduka who goes by the sobriquet, "I don mark your face" spraying new naira notes on her while on set at an undisclosed movie location in Asaba.

Okaro hails from Ogidi in Anambra and was raised in Enugu. The UK born actress had an interest in acting as a kid and progressed to bag a degree in Theater Arts from the University of Calabar

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint) and Blessing Nnabuife

In anticipation of the upcoming general elections come 2023, a socio- political group, The Nigeria Agenda(TNA) under the umbrella of the National Prosperity Movement has reiterated its resilient stance for good governance and general prosperity of the entire nation. The event which held at the Hilton Resorts and Suites, Awka played host to men and women in various classes  of life including student groups, civil society groups, private and public institutions.

While fielding questions from journalists, Mallam Ahmed Sajoh, covener and chief executive, TNA, said the Nigeria agenda is very simple. It is about harvesting the ideas and discussions in the streets, groups etc,  and converting them to political action for development. An agenda that sees leadership to serve the people and prioritise the needs of the nation against a particular ethnic group, ' he said.

He admonished for the spirit of togetherness as a panacea to achieve faster prosperity and development;
"We spend considerable time lamenting our problems. It is high time, we stop lamenting, harvest  our discussions and covert them to political action and begin to change the situation in the direction we wish for ourselves. That's is the most important step to take. "

While alluding the dire situation of the nation to a child who couldn't walk due to medical complications causing both parents to fight and blame each other. He said,  leadership of responsibility is answer to Nigeria's overwhelming issues,
"l don't care who rules this country as long as I get what I deserve. If l don't get it, such leader is undeserving.
"We can reverse the leadership in Nigeria from heights and privileges  to responsibilities citing examples of Chinese President Jing.  "

In support, Prof. Chukwuemeka Jaja Nwanebo said that Nigeria have to get the kind of leader we can tolerate.

"The way out is for members of the society to decide that enough  is enough, not  by killings or carrying placards but by good knowledge and voting. We decide by 2023,our vote must count.  We can decide the quality of leaders that would take us to our destination, he affirmed".

He further emphasised the need to avoid hate and divisive speech or false information, "We must steer clear from divisive tendencies used  by the politicians to cause division among the people and other civil society organizations.

' Fighting one another will only escalate our problems hence the need to correlate and cooperate for better prosperity."

According to the political scientist, prosperity is possible when we deal  with our mindset and set the compass for a change of good governance.

Another speaker, Dr. Cliff Ogbede stressed the need for all stakeholders in the nation's  politics to work in unison to foster prosperity of the nation,  "we must understand that everyone is affected by the ills of a wrong leader. Time and chance permits us to go for a leader who is passionate for future and advanced development,"  he stated. 
 
 Lady Chinwe Nwakeze, the women leader for Afa Igbo Bu Ofu, a political organization reiterated the urgency for all to get permanent voters card(PVC) to allow them exercise their legal franchise.

Additionally, Student Union Government (SUG), VP emeritus, Chisom Ukoha explained the major problem looming the country being insecurity. She also cited unemployment as a trending issue that needs to be addressed as it affects the youths and makes creativity redundant.

Highlights of the occasion includes poetic rendition by Henry Ejike, dramatic dance performance and interactive sessions.