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Igbos No Longer Taken For Granted -Amaechi: As Rawlings, Soyinka, Anyaoku, Others Grace Ojukwu’s Funeral In Enugu …Traders, Close Shops in Rivers, Bayelsa
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was among thousands of distinguished personalities that attended the national inter-denominational Christian funeral rites organised at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, yesterday in honour of former Biafran warlord and Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
In the same vein, Rivers State Governor, who was among the dignitaries who honoured and eulogised Ojukwu noted that he was a hero who succeeded in creating history as Igbos are no longer taken for granted in whatever form or shape.
The Nigerian Civil War, he said, had been fought and won, adding that Ojukwu was a hero, freedom fighter, hater of injustice and an intellectual of an Igbo stuff.
Governor Amaechi therefore called on Ndi Igbo to help in building all inclusive society for which Ojukwu struggled and died for, pointing out that, “we must be able to provide a vision Ojukwu will smile in his death”, he stressed.
President Jonathan, who was unavoidably absent was represented at the occasion by the Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo.
In his tribute, President Jonathan noted that since the demise of the great Igbo leader, a lot had been said and written about him, both in local and international media organisations.
According to him, shortly after the dust raised by the Nigerian Civil War settled down, Ojukwu became strong advocate of a united Nigeria, adding that during his life time, he believed in justice, equity and fairness.
The president also made it clear that the fallen hero equally continued to play active role in the advancement of the Igbo nation in democracy.
Others who paid tribute to the icon included the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as well as the host governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime.
Apart from the distinguished personalities who paid tribute to the fallen hero, other dignitaries present at the occasion included former President of Ghana, Flight Lt. Jerry Rowlings, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado-Bayero, Chief Jim Nwobodo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue. GOC 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major-General OO Oshinowo, Chief Sonny Odogwu, former Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonnia Onovo, as well as the governors of Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States, among other important personalities.
Earlier, inter-denominational church service was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Callistus Onaga, assisted by his Anglican Communion counterpart, Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma and other clergy men.
The high point of the ceremony was the laying of Wreaths by some important personalities present at the event which attracted people from far and near, including traders, students, artisans, market women, lawyers, doctors, among others.
Meanwhile, the people of Anambra from all walks of life yesterday gathered at the Alex Ekwueme Sqaure, Awka, to receive the body of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra led other dignitaries in the procession that followed, while Rt. Rev. Alex Ibezim, the Anglican Bishop of Awka, led other priests to conduct a prayer. Ibezim asked God to unite the Igbo race and bind Nigeria together.
In his tribute, Chief Victor Umeh, the National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), commended the accolades made by national and international figures on Ojukwu.
Also speaking, the Nigeria Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Dozie Nwanna, noted that the late Ojukwu was the most illustrious Nigerian on the soil of the United Kingdom throughout the time he was at the London hospital.
Dr Oby Ezekwesili, the Vice President of World Bank for African Region, said Ojukwu was a leader who personified the dignity of the Igbo people.
In his tribute, former Police Service Commission Chairman, Chief Simon Okeke, described Ojukwu as “human lion and human tank,” noting that in death, Ojukwu’s battle on earth was over, but that the battle he fought was against injustice and corruption.
Anambra Governor, Mr Peter Obi, described Ojukwu as one of the most forthright personalities Nigeria ever had.
Also, former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, in his message, said Ojukwu was his personal friend of 67 years, adding that “when the call is sounded, all must hear, and for him, the call has been sounded”.
Others present at the occasion included former CBN Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Secretary-General of Ohaneze, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, former Director-General of MAMSER, Prof. Elochukwu Amuchezi, former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Pita Ejiofor, members of the clergy and traditional rulers.
The occasion was also graced by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, the five South-East governors and their counterparts from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bauchi States.
Members of the National Assembly, former and serving ministers, former governors, traditional rulers, war veterans and political stalwarts, especially from the zone, attended the event.
The event commenced with an interdenominational church service officiated by the Bishops of the Catholic, Anglican and Methodist Churches in Enugu.
In his tribute, President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his Vice, Namadi Sambo, said that Ojukwu was a servant-leader who contributed to the political development of the country.
On his part, Rawlings emphasised the need to address the circumstances that led to the Nigerian Civil War.
While extending Ghana’s condolences, Rawlings commended Jonathan for giving Ojukwu a state burial.
In a message at the funeral, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said Ojukwu would forever be remembered for his courage, boldness, focus and unwavering desire to fight for justice, equity and fair play for his people.
The Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Rivers State Governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, described the Ikemba Nnewi as a freedom fighter, adding that Nigeria’s history would not be complete without mentioning the Civil War and Ojukwu.
The host governor, Mr Sullivan Chime, said that Ojukwu was “born like a king, lived like a king and died like a king’’.
In a related development, economic activities were disrupted in parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State , following a rally organised by Igbos to mark the burial of ex-Biafran warlord, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Areas mostly affected are Iloabuchi axis of Port Harcourt where most of the shops owned by Igbos were shut, the Mile I and III Markets and the Flyover market among others.
The Eze Ndigbo, Rivers and Bayelsa States, HRH Eze Adiele Maduegwu had earlier told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the Igbos in Rivers and Bayelsa States decided to close their shops to join their kith and kin across the country in the traditional ritual of searching for the dead.
Eze Maduegbwu said that the Igbo communities in the states were mobilising their members to ensure mass participation in the search programme.
According to him, to ensure the success of the rally, the community decreed that any Ibo man who opened his shop would be treated as a saboteur.
Canice Amadi, Enugu
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Our Legacy’ll Leave Lasting Impression On Rivers People -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
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We’re Determined To Leave Legacy Of Quality Education -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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Fubara, Others Eulogise Rivers First Lady’s Mother
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and key stakeholders of the State on Wednesday paid glowing tributes at the Service of Songs held in honour of late Mrs Adeline Jaja, mother of the wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described his late mother-in-law as a great and visionary woman who lived on truth and conviction in what she believes.
“Mama was a great woman. She wasn’t a materialistic person. When she believes in you, she’ll be all out for you. She stood for me. I feel pained that, like my own mother, she left at this moment.
”Mama believed so much in God, and the wonders of God. I thank everyone, particularly the Church. On behalf of the bereaved family, we will support the Church to immortalise her name,” the Governor said.
In his homily, Vicar of the Church, Ven. A. A. Ijon-Ama, who spoke on the gains of death, said physical departure from earth was not an ultimate end but an opening for higher and permanent gain and perfection.
He pointed out that when a man has a good relationship with God, he stands to gain more in death.
Ven. Ijon-Ama described late Mrs. Adeline Jaja as a devout Christian, who exuded deep sense of hospitality, and endowed with accommodating spirit, noting that she will be greatly missed by all.
The Vicar, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Mrs Adeline Jaja, also solicited for Divine fortitude for the family to bear the great loss, and called for the immortalisation of the deceased to keep her good legacies alive.
Some family members, who spoke at the Service of Songs, extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing her as “a great community leader, counsellor, peace maker, and caring mother, who provided for the needy, and participated actively in Church activities.
Highlights of the event were special prayers for the bereaved family, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu; remarks by key family members, choir ministration, among others.
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