23rd May, 2020 Marks My 28th Wedding Anniversary With Ada Chioma Henrietta Eze, A Reminder Of God's Awesomeness

By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze

Preamble

23rd May, 2020 will be the date that I will be burying my late father inlaw, Sir P. N. Nwaorgu who left us on 3rd March, 2020. This was the man that made me what I am today by given me the rare privilege of marrying his first daughter whose inputs and impact in my life need not be overemphasized. 

This epochal day also marks my 28th wedding Anniversary to his daughter the former Miss Ada Chioma Henrietta Nwaorgu. A journey that started in University of Calabar, UNICAL where we were undergraduates in 1987 that led to our formal wedding at St Theresa Catholic Church in Yola, Adamawa State in May 23rd, 1992 under the then Rev Father ignatius Kaigama the present Bishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese and President of Catholic Bishops in Nigeria. To the glory of God our union has produced six beautiful and wonderful children. When I reflect on how i met this lady who accepted me as a husband even as a student with a very poor background with nobody in mind to assist me, I look at her as the craziest lady ever on this earth

Our journey:

Based on my relationship with this great daughter of God, I have since come to understand and appreciate what Proverbs 22:18 says, “Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.”

“Every wise woman buildeth her house,” according to Proverbs 14 verse 1. It is based on this singular fact considering how this passage of the bible tallies with the vision of  Evang. Mrs. Ada Chioma Henrietta Eze, who toils daily to build her house from nothing to what it is today, that I hereby decorate this inspiring woman whose life is totally dedicated and committed to building her home. She has become a model to many Christian families in all aspects of what a God-fearing family should be.

EVANG. MRS ADA CHIOMA HENRIETTA EZE:

Mrs. Ada Chioma Eze, formerly Miss Henrietta Nwaorgu of Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, late Pa Paulinus Nwaorgu and late Mrs. Celine Ada Nwaorgu. She is the third child of a family of nine with a renowned Physician, Prof. O.G.B. Nwaorgu of ENT Department, UCH Ibadan, and Romanus Nwaorgu, a retired senior Customs Officer, as brothers. She started her educational career at Umuodage Ntu Primary School from 1970 to 1976 and thereafter attended Amala/Ntu Secondary School from 1976 to 1981. Both schools are located in Ngor Nkpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

From 1981 to 1983 Ada attended the famous Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Owerri, where she did her Higher School Certificate, which qualified her for direct entry admission into the famous Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, and University of Calabar in 1985. She however preferred the University of Calabar, where she read History and graduated in 1988. Mrs. Eze did the compulsory National Youth Service (NYSC) with the Ministry of Sports in Rivers State. In 2006, this Amazon obtained her Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) degree from Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State.

How I met Her:

Though married to this wonderful lady for 28 years now, writing about her gives me so much joy and happiness which only God can give. I met her as a student in UNICAL in 1985 and it was sports that brought us closer. We have been lovers till date and it never surprised many of her then roommates such as Barr Gloaria Akor, Barr Mrs Uche Uriri and Mrs Ohunene Scott-Ananaba – all of who I met recently – that we ended up as husband and wife.

I was the Faculty of Arts Sports Coordinator in 1986 and it happened that we were in the same Faculty.. Impressed with her outstanding interest and performance in sports, I called her to assist me to coordinate the female athletes as it would be difficult for me to be visiting the female hostels to ask them to come out for training and participation in the games. At the end of that year’s Inter-Faculty Games, Faculty of Arts came tops; while she was the most outstanding female athlete. I was declared the Best Sports Coordinator that year, which made me to be elected unopposed as the Director of Sports during the Students Union Government (SUG) election of 1986.

Her impact in my life so far:

With the help of this true gift from God, I was able to manage the UNICAL Football Team to become the champions of the maiden edition of the NFA/Pepsi Cola Football Tournament amongst Higher Institutions in Nigeria in 1987. As a result of that feat, I was awarded scholarship with the rest of the players to complete our education in the university.

In 1987, Ada assisted me to organise the first Sports Honours Nite ever in UNICAL where prominent sports sponsors like Alhaji G.NA . Hamza, Chief M.K.O Abiola and Chief Emmanuel Iwanyanwu were honoured.

On completion of her youth service in Port Harcourt in 1989, she joined me in Yola the State capital of the defunct Gongola State, where I was posted for the same exercise. Again, this angel assisted me to become the Most Outstanding Corps Member in the State and the first Corps Member in Nigeria to have served the nation without receiving the normal allowances paid to NYSC members, as I donated mine for the development of my host community..

Alh. Muhammad Inwua Mo-Allayidi the Waziri Jimeta who was my immediate boss during my NYSC days testified in his Face Book page recently thus, "Chief Eze is among the Igbos that one could recommend for national position in Nigeria. He has a good character that I noticed during his NYSC days. He served as Co-Liason officer in Yola Local Government. He spent most of his stipend allowances on community projects."

We stayed back in Yola after my youth service and by the grace of God were able to complete the traditional marriage rites of her people. We were thereafter formally wedded by the then Rev. Ignatius Kagama (now Arch Bishop Kagama in charge of Abuja Diocese of the Catholic Church) at St. Theresa Cathedral, Yola, on 23rd May 1992.

With her assistance, we established a sports company, Eze Continental Sports Ltd., through which we donated several cups for competitions and made our names household in the entire Adamawa State. Regrettably, after several years in Yola, we were forced to leave and return to the South about seven years ago due to the menace of Boko Haram insurgents.

Today, we are blessed with six wonderful children, five in the university while the last aged sixteen is set to enter into the university by September, 2020 all thongs being equal.

Mrs. Ada C.H. Eze was born under the Virgo Astrology sign of August 23 – September 22. When I wanted to write on this wonderful woman, I looked through her Horoscope star and it seems that those that drafted it had her in mind: “Analytical. Observant, Helpful, Reliable and Precise.” These are truly the characteristics of this epitome of true womanhood. Read through the Virgo Sign and you will be reading about Mrs. Ada Eze.

More facts about Mrs Ada Eze:

According to Proverbs Chapter 31 verse 24, “She maketh fine linen and selleth it; and delievereth girdles unto the merchant,” I left our family business to her to run while I pursued my political career outside Adamawa State and she did improve so much on it that people wondered what exactly I was doing when I was in charge.

In line with Proverbs Chapter 31 verse 20, “She strectcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy,” she founded the Compassionate Ministry through which she shares to the needy the goods that come her way. A devout Christian who loves God and is committed to live out the tenets of laws of God and work hard to inculcate her beliefs in her children and the rest of her family, Mrs. Ada Eze was formerly the Public Relations Officer of the Women Fellowship of Redeemed Peoples Mission, Yola District, as well as the Drama Producer/Director of the same church from 2009 to 2011. Currently an Evangelist and two-time visitor to Jerusalem on pilgrimage courtesy of Adamawa and Rivers State Governments established the Compassionate Ministries as a vehicle for her to spread the gospel and bring succour to God’s children with more attention to the poor and under privileged. Her unfulfilled desire is to wax and launch a Christian gospel musical album to enable her reach the wider public about the love of God to mankind..

According to Chapter 31 verse 26, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness,” my beloved wife stands as my most outstanding critic as she takes time to criticise any of my works or conducts that does not meet her high standards as she believes in excellence.

What our children said about her:

In line with Proverbs 31 verse 31, “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates”; and according to Pharmacist Nnenna Eunice Eze one of her fruits and her third daughter, “My Mum is a Princess in the court of the Most High. I’ve always known my mum to be a woman of honour, prayer, virtue, wisdom, anointing, inspiration, godliness, righteousness, endurance, an instrument of joy and dignity, to mention a few. She’s just the best mum any child can ask for and I am so proud to have her as a mother. As a child, her contributions and influence on me is infinite. She has instilled wisdom in me.”

To Monica Ada Eze a respected and reputable Media Chief, her first child, “My mum is a virtuous woman, a woman of substance, a woman that understands realities of life and gives life to the broken heart. She is my star Queen that I look up to.”

To Chinyere Celine Eze a motivational Speaker, her second daughter whom she calls her mother as she was named after her late mother, Madam Celine Adama Nwaorgu, “My mum and daughter is a rare gem and gift to us her child. I am proud of her and pray God to grant her long life so that I can attempt to repay her little of her love towards us her children.”

To her son, Kelechi Eze a Computer Scientist, “My mother is an outspoken and fearless woman who only fears God and stands by the truth always. She loves and supports me in my career.”

Her thinking about herself:

When I asked my jewel of inestimable value (apologies to late Awo) what she thinks about herself, she sent me a text and stated, “I am a very practical person and outspoken. I hate lying, laziness, dirtiness, unkindness, immorality. I am a natural woman that hates makeup and painting by most women. I frown on indecent dressing; bad cooking and, most importantly, I fear, love and have great CONFIDENCE in God. I give God all the Glory for what He has done in my life. If there’s something I would like to be remembered for, it’s my love for my fellow human beings. I want the world also to know that Mrs. Ada Eze is a woman so much loved by her husband and greatly cherished by her children and friends.”

Conclusion

You are right, my angel, my best friend, my mother, my wife, pillar of my life, and after Almighty God, the power behind whatever I am today: I truly love you from the depths of my heart and will do till eternity. You are one in a million and you deserve nothing less.

I will for the rest of my life with the help of God continue to love her for bringing sunshine into my life and family. She is just a tool that God used to uplift me to my present status ad I will always be grateful to God and her parents, brothers and sisters who accepted me when I was nobody and made this union to be possible. As we continue in this journey we ask for your prayers. God bless you all and thanks.

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt and can be reached thru ezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com or 08022049770

Pantami Commends Governor Fayemi For Implementing Right Of Way Resolution

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has expressed his delightement to hear about the Executive Order No. 007 of 2020 on Right of Way Charges on Telecommunications Infrastructure that was signed by the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, CON, on the 12th of May, 2020.  

In a press release signed by the Spokesperson  to the Honourable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), she said that  the Order shall “specifically target all sectors of Ekiti State including rural homes, farms, small businesses, manufacturing and production sites, transportation systems, and healthcare and educational facilities”. It is also noteworthy that the Order specifies that “Right of Way charges related to the laying of broadband or any other telecommunications infrastructure in Ekiti State shall not exceed N145 per linear metre”.

 The statement read, "This action of providing a policy backing to the Right of Way charges is truly commendable.  It is also in consonance with the resolution of the State Governors under the auspices of the Governors’ Forum on the 22nd of January 2020 to address the lingering issue of Right of Way (RoW) charges in a bid to deepen broadband penetration in the country and promote a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria.  

"At that meeting the Executive Governors had resolved to adopt the 2013 resolutions reached by the National Economic Council (NEC) which agreed on a maximum RoW charge of N145.00 per linear meter of fibre. Implementing this resolution will go a long way in implementing the National Broadband Plan (NBP) which was launched by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on the 19th of March 2020.

"An increase in broadband access will have a positive impact on the economy of the various States as well as the entire country.  One of the key benefits is the rapid growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) of any country that increases its broadband penetration. The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the importance of broadband in supporting economies around the world.

"The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, congratulates and commends the Executive Governor of Ekiti State for this landmark action.  The Honourable Minister would like to use the occasion of the World Telecommunications Day to encourage other Executive Governors to emulate this action in order to accelerate broadband penetration across the country, the statement concluded.

IPC Demands Recall Of Suspended IBC Female Journalist

The International Press Centre Lagos has described as unjust and inhuman the suspension of Vivian Ottih, a lawyer and senior editor with the government-owned IBC Orient FM radio station.

Mrs Ottih was suspended indefinitely following her post on Facebook dated May 4, 2020 appealing to Governor Hope Uzodinma’s media aide, Modestus Nwamkpa, to make a case to the governor on behalf of the workers in the government-owned radio and television stations who were yet to be paid their February, March, and April salaries.

Mrs Ottih who is also the chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State explained that she was personally hard-hit by the situation because she recently had a baby.

The Executive Director, IPC, Mr Lanre Arogundade in a statement stated that the  suspension is a violation of Mrs. Ottih's fundamental right under the constitution and international instruments including Article 23 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Executive Director said anti-labour practise of non- payment of salaries especially during the current pandemic is subjecting journalists to economic hardship, pains and penury.

‘The State Governments, who ordinarily should be the most protective of their workers welfare, are now the biggest culprits needlessly owing salaries  for periods up to three months thus threatening their workers' welfare” he stressed

Mr. Arogundade said the reaction of the state government to Mrs. Ottih's allegation should have been one of sobriety and not anger leading to the victmisation of an innocent soul who dared to speak for others.

He therefore called on the state government to unconditionally recall the victmised journalist.

Mr. Arogundade also urged the state government to take immediate steps to pay all salaries owed  journalists in its employment.

Senator Lawrence Ehwrujakpo, One Of Nigeria’s Most Educated Public Office Holders Today

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Distinguished  Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, belongs to the league of the best in terms of competence, intellectualism and education.

His voracious thirst for knowledge and quest for self-development through the effective utilization of the tool of education shows clearly in the array of academic materials in his kitty.

The Bayelsa Deputy Governor can rightly be described as a jack of many trades with a curious display of mastery over all.

Ewhrudjakpo had his West Africa School Certificate in 1982 and since then his burning  appetite for knowledge has seen him to many institutions within and outside the country whose certificates proudly adorn his curriculum vitae.

Between 1989 and 1991, Ewhrudjakpo obtained his first certificate in tertiary education from the Rivers State College òf Health Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This encounter with the walls of the high institutions provided the spring board for him to put his name on the record books of many institutions within and outside Nigeria.

He proceeded to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) in Secretarial Administration between 1991 to 1996.

Two years later in 1998, he extended the frontiers of his adventure for academic knowledge by returning to the RUST to pursue and obtain a Masters Degree in Business Administration, (Management Option)  in 2000.   

These enviable academic feat only propelled Ewhrudjakpo’s quest for more certificates and degrees. To him, acquisition of knowledge in diverse fields could not be said to be too much.

This time, he returned to the UST where a bagged a LLB Hon’s Degree in Law between 2002 and 2007. Interestingly while he was wrestling with the huddle of a tough degree in Law, Ewhrudjakpo also embarked on a simultaneous pursuit of a Certificate Course on Change Management in the Said Business School, Oxford University, United Kingdom from  2006 to 2007.

The burning quest for knowledge made Ewhrudjakpo to pursue another programme, this time, a Master Degree Science of Coaching and Consulting for Change, in HEC School of Management, Paris, France from

2008-2009.

In 2009, the Deputy Governor was called to the Nigerian Bar on the completion of the mandatory programme at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja. However his priority was not to face the law courts for practice as would have been  expected. Instead, he registered for  a Diploma course in Mediation, Negotiation and Arbitration, at the Centre for Conflict Resolution, Ghana. 

In 2011 he again pushed the boundaries of his thirst for more knowledge in academics and undertook a Master òf Law, LLM (International Human Rights Law in the Birmingham City University, United Kingdom, which he obtained in 2012.

He has served God and man in his native Bayelsa and Nigeria in various capacities including Commissioner for Works, Senator Representing Bayelsa West and now Deputy Governor.

It is an incontestable fact that Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, a man òf proven integrity has no iota of doubt over his enviable credentials. Those are incontrovertible facts!

The sponsored stories about a  purported  case against any of Ewhrudjakpo’s  certificates is at best an ludicrously futile exercise in propaganda which is masterminds defeated detractors.

Ironically, quite a number of senior lawyers who have followed the case have expressed informed legal opinion that the case challenging information by a candidate must be filed within  the stipulated time after the primaries and the nominations and publication by inec. That was exactly what the PDP did against the APC. In this case these trumped up case was filed after the election and even after the verdict of the Supreme Court. Glaringly, this was filed out of the stipulated time.

These particular argument has been submitted to the appropriate courts for necessary action. It is a fact that those behind the suit even filed after the time provided for such judicial action had lapsed and as a result have no serious case before the court. Therefore, the case has no basis as it was filed outside time.

COVID-19: Niger State Government Confirms Additional Four Cases

.... Patients in stable condition

Four new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Niger State out of the 26 results received from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Niger State Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services, Dr. Muhammad Makusidi disclosed this in Minna.

Dr. Makusidi said the remaining 22 are negative, explaining that the four positive results are two each from Lagos and Kano.

He said two are in Bida one of them being an indigene of Kano while a petty trader was involved in an accident in Bida while travelling from Lagos to Kano, adding that the other two confirmed cases are residents of Suleja and New Bussa.

He emphasised that all the patients including the ones already on admission are in stable condition and are receiving treatment accordingly.

COVID-19: FCT Minister Lauds NNPC’s Medical Initiatives

… Offers Land for Modern Health Facility

The Honourable Minister of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, has commended the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for rallying the Oil and Gas Industry to support the nation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the NNPC Towers during a courtesy call on the Group Managing Director, the Minister said he was impressed with the quality of interventions coming from the NNPC-led Oil and Gas Industry Coalition.

Mallam Bello, who also commended the GMD for his sterling performance since assumption of office, said the FCT Administration had been holding discussions with the NNPC Medical team on the possibility of developing a healthcare facility in Abuja for the benefit of all residents and other Nigerians.

He said the visit was in furtherance of the discussions with the NNPC Medical Team and to formally present offer of a parcel of land to NNPC and its partners to build one of the permanent medical facilities pledged by the NNPC-led Oil and Gas Industry Coalition.

“We have already identified a location, because within the Abuja Master Plan we have a Medical City Development Project which is in Phase 2 of the City on the Southern Sector. We have been able to allocate a suitable piece of land there for the NNPC and its partners. I have no doubt whatsoever, based on your antecedent as an astute corporate manager, that you are the right partner to execute this project”, he said.

The Minister who presented a copy of the site offered for the proposed NNPC Medical facility to the GMD stated: “We acknowledge the efforts of NNPC as a catalyst for development in Abuja and we felt that if an institution like NNPC is willing to set up a medical facility, we should give it maximum support”.

The Hon. Minister who also visited the 70-bed NNPC Medical facility in Utako which is being upgraded as part of the corporation’s investment in the healthcare sector in the Federal Capital Territory, expressed satisfaction at the quality of work and assured of its inclusion on the list of hospitals certified to handle COVID-19 patients should the pandemic persist.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, in his response said that NNPC, as a responsible and proactive corporate citizen, had initiated the idea of establishing a state-of-the-art medical facility in the nation’s capital city even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He emphasized that NNPC’s aspiration was to build infrastructure that would outlive the COVID-19 pandemic and capable of bringing real-time value to Nigerians.

He appreciated the Minister for graciously allocating land for the proposed health facility.

COVID-19: EFCC Hands Over Property To Lagos State Govt For Isolation Centre

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, May 15, 2020, handed over a property forfeited by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke to the Lagos State government for use as an isolation centre for COVID-19 patients.

In a press release signed by the EFCC Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale , he said that the property consisting six flats of three bedrooms and a boys’ quarter was forfeited by Mrs Allison-Madueke following an order of Lagos State Federal High in 2017.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Lagos Zonal Head of the EFCC, Mohammed Rabo stated that the gesture was part of the Commission’s social responsibility efforts towards the fight against the spread of Corona virus.

“In addition to our mandate to fight economic and financial crimes, the Commission is committed and ready to render essential services that may be required of it in the fight against covid-19. Therefore, Lagos State should not hesitate to call on the Commission anytime the need for such essential service arises,” he said.

In his remarks, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thanked the Commission for the gesture, noting that it was a welcome collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State Government.

While assuring the Commission that the property would be put to good use, the governor thanked the EFCC for paying attention to the efforts of the state government at containing COVID 19, adding that “part of the challenges we have been facing is getting isolation centres for COVID-19 patients. We will go round the facility to see what we can do to improve on it.” 

Eze Cerebrates World's Renowned And Most Celebrated Twins (Prof & Justice Georgewill) @ 55

By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze

PREAMBLE

Today, 15th of May, 2020 marks a great and epochal day in the history of Rivers State, the oil hub and rich State of Nigeria as she celebrates the 55th birthday of one of the best gifts God in his mercy and love bestowed on the State through the birth of one of the most renowned and outstanding twins ever on earth - Professor Owunari and Hon. Justice Biobele.

In the field of public service Professor Ownari Georgewill and Justice Biobele Georgewill are the most renowned twin that have distinguished themselves as Professor of Pharmacology (Pharmacy) and in Civil Law discipline. 

While Professor Owunari graduated from University of Port Harcourt, his twin brother, Justice Biobele studied at University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Tricia Marrapodi in his quote with the Georgewills in mind stated, "Being a twin is like being born with a best friend". These two great gifts to Nigeria have maintained their relationship as both brothers and best friends but most importantly excelling in their various areas of specialisation. While Chief Hon. Sir Justice Biobele is the Justice of the Court of Appeal, Federal Judiciary, Abuja, Professor Owunari is the Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology. These remarkable twin are global brand and have preformed meritoriously in all tasks they have engaged into.

PROF OWUNARI A. GEORGEWILL, KSC, FRSB

I must state that I am one of the few privileged Nigerians that can boast of having wonderful relationship with these two outstanding Nigerians but the fact remains that out of these two I am a bit closer to the erudite Professor so this birthday treatise will be more on him than his twin brother who has distinguished himself in the Legal Profession.

Prof Owunari Abraham Georgewill, KSC, FRSB, London, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, an erudite scholar, a respected administrator, author of repute with several publications to his credit. Described as an outstanding scholar whose main vision and mission is to turn the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, to one of the most viable and leading institutions in Africa. I pray that his vision will surely come to pass in matter of few weeks. 

In this regard, Dr Clement Edet, a renowned scholar introduced Georgewill in a text message he sent to me, as follows: “Prof Georgewill simply makes things work with his direct, innovative and teamwork approach. He is self-driven, impactful, thinks on his feet and has a knack for results. His hallmarks are communication skill, dedication, scholarship, and excellence.”

Throwing more light on the person and personality of Georgewill, Comrade Kenson Ibialabo-Briggs, the author of A Journey into the Creeks described Georgewill thus: “He is a man humble and kindhearted. An encounter with him will let you know his nature and true character. Very intelligent, yet doesn’t pride in his achievements. Befriends all, his relationship cuts across status, levels and lines. He relates freely with the poor as much as he does with the rich. To him, life is just a passing phase and every opportunity given to you should be used to make living better for others and the society. With Prof. at the helm of affairs in UNIPORT, there will be massive turn-around in the varsity’s educational system. He is a man with great vision and passion for the educational advancement of the society.”

To explain this ingenious and innovative personality better, my friend whom I graduated with from the University of Calabar, in the late ’80s – a radical philosopher of repute and no-nonsense scholar who threads where the lions are afraid to operate – Prof Andrew Efemini described Georgewill Owunari in the following terms: “He is a respecter of elders, colleagues, staff and students. He is conscious of the fact that the rights of staff and students must not be abused. We can, therefore, expect a conscious effort by him to negotiate and reach consensus with stakeholders on the way forward. Prof Georgewill has engaged in self-development within and outside Nigeria, necessary for running a first-class university like UNIPORT. I am convinced that UNIPORT under his watch will surely benefit from his well-articulated vision of a great university. Perhaps, the greatest quality he will bring to the table is his respect for constituted authorities in the country. We can expect special funding and projects to flow into UNIPORT from his goodwill and understanding and support to the administration of President Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. With Professor Georgewill Owunari as vice-chancellor, we should expect full expression of students without brutalisation and victimisation. I expect him to have good working relationship with the unions on campus.”

Prof Georgewill’s academic feats

Prof Owunari A Georgewill, who hails from Abonnema, Rivers State, graduated with an upper division second-class honours, from the University of Port Harcourt Medical School in 1990, and proceeded to do his housemanship at the UPTH after which he did his NYSC in Edo State. He began residency training in 1993 and was employed as Lecturer 2 in Pharmacology in 1994. He also obtained a master’s degree in pharmacology and became a professor of pharmacology on May 4, 2010. He also holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Master of Science in Pharmacology and a Doctorate of Medicine in Pharmacology and Toxicology among other qualifications. He is a professor of pharmacology, a researcher and administrator.

Services to UNIPORT

In 2010, he was appointed Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, NDU.

In 2012, he was elected deputy provost of UNIPORT Medical School.

In 2013, he was voted into the Governing Council of UNIPORT as Congregation Representative.

He has published a book, Reasoning in Drug Biology, over 50 original articles in many journals, over 15 abstracts and several research works which took him to many places, including Harvard.

And by virtue of Prof Georgewill’s membership for four years (2013-2017) of the Governing Council of Uniport, playing significant role in the affairs of the university and in addition to having served as member of council, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of Niger Delta University (2010-2011), deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences of Uniport (2012-2015) as well as Associate Dean, Students Affairs (2000-2006) and acting Head of Department of Pharmacology (2006-2008). In all these positions stated above, his exceptional performance and the results were well documented.

Earlier, he has been trusted to serve in the Finance and General Purpose Committee of council, Campus Security Committee of council, Appeals Committee of council, Board of Cordec/University Bottling Company, chairman/member, Senate ad-hoc committees; chairman, board of UDPS; chairman, Post-graduate verification committee; member, Board of the Graduate School.

Others were: Chairman, Departmental Graduate Board; chairman/member of faculty boards; member of the University Senate since 2010; member, Board of the College of Health Sciences, UNIPORT and NDU; chairman/member, Nigeria University Commission accreditation terms to universities; resource person to Nigerian Senate on Education summit; consultant to Senate Committee on Education; member of panel on Commonwealth scholarship plan of Federal Ministry of education, etc.

Membership of international bodies

He is a fellow at Royal Society of Biology, London; Member of International Association of Medical Educators, USA; Member, Society of Pediatric Oncologists, Italy; American Society of Neurochemistry; West African Society of Pharmacology; Nigerian Medical Association; Specialist Medical Doctors in Academia; Indian Society of Pharmacology; World Academy of Science; Research-in-Medicine Society; National Cancer Investigation in UK; World Health Workers without Borders; West African Society of Toxicology and fellow, Institute of Industrial Administrators.

He’s also a friend to New York Academy of Medicine and a Justice of Peace.

In 2015, he served as a commissioner, Rivers State Commission of Enquiry. Currently, he is a member of editorial board of Asian Pacific Journal.

Multiple awards

1. Justice of Peace, 2002, by Dr Peter Odili, then governor of Rivers State.

2. Knighthood of St Christopher, Niger Delta Diocese of the Anglican Communion, 2008.

3. Kalabari Chieftaincy in the Abonnema Council of Chiefs, 2009.

4. Rotaract Club of Port Harcourt Township: Award of excellent service, 2015.

5. Rotaract Club of COE, St John's: Award of excellence in professional service, 2006.

6. St Clement’s Anglican Youth Fellowship, Degema: Patrons Shield for service to God and humanity, 2005.

7. Niger Delta Diocese, Anglican Communion: Service Award in recognition of service and show of love to the Diocese and the Bishop, an epistle written in the hearts of men 2010.

8. St Augustine’s Anglican Church, Abonnema: Distinguish Service Award for service to God and humanity 2013.

9. Association of Biochemistry/Chemistry Tech: Award of Patron for vast experience and benevolence service as a sign of confidence as a good leader 2019.

10. National Association of Biomedical Students: Award of Excellence for generosity,  philanthropy, fatherly service and benevolence to students at large 2019.

11. Port Harcourt University Medical Students: Honours Roll 2019

12. Grand Nigerian Youth in Ghana: Honour as Patron 2019.

13. Nyemoni Grammar School Abonnema Old Boys 81 class: Commendation for professional achievements and doyen of prestigious class, 2019

14. Kalabari Kengema Ikia Ogbo of Abonnema: Award of Excellence as worthy medical icon of good service for contributions to the development of Abonnema community over the years 2012.

15. Port Harcourt Rotary Club: Conferment of Honorary membership for service to God and humanity, 2014.

16. International Institute of Professional Security: Best security supporting personality, South-south, 2014

17. The York City Choir Abonnema: Living Legend of Music Award for assistance and encouragement to choristers and the church of Christ, 2011.

18. Man ‘O’ War, University of Port Harcourt Command: Award of Excellence for remarkable contribution to humanity and the command, 2005.

19. Port Harcourt university medical association and Port Harcourt university medical graduates association: Distinguished alumnus award for inspiring and contributing to the sustenance of PUMSA and its alumni association, PUMGRADA, 2017.

20. Nigeria Red Cross: Special award as life member in recognition for contributions to the society and humanity, 2013.

21. National Union of Izon Ibe, Ijaw worldwide: Award of Excellence for contributions to the enhancement of education in Ijaw Nation, 2018.

22. National Union of Rivers State Students: Award of most student-friendly-lecturer, for unending quest to improve the lives of Nigerian youth through various educational support and empowerment 2019.

23. Youth Leadership Network of Nigeria: Certificate of recognition for Meritorious service, sterling leadership qualities and positive contributions to development, 2018.

24. St Mark’s Anglican Church, Alakahia: Macedonian Award, 2019.

25. League of African Development: Merit award of excellence for 2019 distinguished African Patriots service as African Patriotic Personality of the Year 2019, in recognition for outstanding patriotism, immense contribution to African quest for development, service to God, humanity and Africa 2019.

26. Snooker Section Senior Staff Club, University of Port Harcourt: Snooker merit award, 2018

27. Association of Nigeria Authors: Conferment of honorary membership of the association, 2018

28. Partum Awards recognising creative individuals and organisations creme de la creme awards: Award of excellence for sterling performance and contributions towards the development of UNIPORT, 2019.

29. Ghana-Nigeria Awards 2019: Impactful personality in health award for great achievements, effective leadership, passion for humanity and consistent efforts in being a positive role model to young people across the world 2019.

THE REACTION OF PROF OWUNARI A.GEORGEWILL AND HIS TWIN BROTHER, SIR CHIEF HON. JUSTICD BIOBELE A. GEORGEWILL

"NO ONE LIKE GOD".

We are 55years today and we can't stop thanking God for His amazing grace mercies and favours on our lives. God gave us good families and He gave us good friends and associates.

In His time He makes everything beautiful 

GIVING IS OUR PASSION 

We grew up in our village Abonnema after we relocated from Lagos due to the death of our father who was the bread winner of the family when we were less than one year old. Life was difficult as growing up kids with no support save for the determined belief of mum and grandma that their little twin sons must be educated no matter what it takes even if means selling their priced possessions. We were introduced early to the knowledge of God and christianity by our mum and grandma. We went through various stages of education solely depending upon God as we worked hard to make good grades despite the huge challenges that faced us. People gave to us. God granted us favour too. The circumstances of our upbringing made us to realise early in life that many people like us out there need others to give to make them achieve their dreams. This is the origin of the spirit of giving in our lives that grew from little giving to substantial giving to people churches organisations etcetera. We give in obedience to God's word that instruct us to give and be given back in good measures shaken together and running over. We give out of compassion for the needy. We give out of our desire to make people happy.  We give out of our desire to make people smile. We give out of our desire to make people achieve their dreams. We give out of our desire to see organisations such as churches, schools, hospitals and communities meet their needs to provide services and transform people. We give because we are not interested in primitive accumulation of wealth. We  give and God gives more than we give. We give and God blesses us tremendously. The prayers of the receivers availeth much. We give because it is more blessed to give than to recieve. We give when we have little. We give when we have much. Testimonies abound in people and organisations such as schools, hospitals and communities who had and are receiving from us. The joys we get out of giving cannot be quantified.

Sir Chief Hon Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill JCA and Sir Chief Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill

Conclusion

Let me formally conclude this treatise by stating that my good friend Chief Sir Professor Owunari Georgewill has served at the highest decision making organ of the University of Port Harcourt governing council, while his twin brothee, Chief Sir Hon Justice Biobele served as a panelist in Commission of Inquiry, Freetown. They have occupied distinctive positions in the University of Port Harcourt and in the Judiciary (local and international) respectively. 

As I join friends, brothers and associates to celebrate this World's most celebrated Twins, I pray God to grant them more fruitful years for better services to humanity.

•Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Port Harcourt based Media Consultant & can be reached on: ezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com or 08022049770.

Niger Government Confirms 10 Positive Cases Of COVID-19 Out Of 235 Cases Investigated

Governor Abubakar Sani of Niger State has revealed that so far ten (10) persons have been confirmed positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) out of 202 samples collected and tested.

Governor Sani Bello said this at a briefing with newsmen after a meeting with the committee of the COVID-19 Task Force in the State at the Government House, Minna.

Meanwhile, Niger State has lost a Professor of Veterinary medicine., Professor Bello Agaie of the USMANU Danfodiyo University to COVID-19. 

Governor SANI Bello who announced this  sympathized with the family, Usmanu Danfodiyo University and friends of Prof Bello Muhammadu Agaie who died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in Sokoto.

He prayed that Almighty Allah forgive  his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatu Firdausi.

Stakeholders Urge Dickson To Vie For Vacant Bayelsa West Senate Seat

Stakeholders from Agbere in Ward One of Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have called on the former governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, to contest for the vacant Bayelsa West Senate seat in the National Assembly.

Rising from a meeting held in the home of a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr. Maxwell Ebibai, the Agbere indigenes said the former governor's track record of outstanding service to the Ijaw nation and Bayelsa in particular placed him in good stead to represent the zone in the Senate.

The meeting, which was presided over by Caucus Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sagbama Local Government Area, High Chief Francis Dokpola, resolved to prevail on Hon. Dickson to contest in the election.

The stakeholders noted that as "a founding member of the Izon National Congress (INC), former Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, former House of Reps member and immediate past governor of Bayelsa State for eight years, Hon. Dickson has been sufficiently equipped with the requisite knowledge of the intrigues and intricacies of ethnic, regional and national politics.

"We also acknowledge Dickson's love for Agbere community, which at different times he demonstrated by appointing our sons and daughters to exalted positions of trust as well as the unprecedented development recorded in Agbere during his administration."

They said with a worthy son and representative like Dickson in the Senate, Bayelsa West, the state and indeed the Ijaw nation would have a strong voice in the National Assembly.

The communique was signed by Chief Dokpola, Ebibai, Embeleakpo Alale, Mirin Johnson, Akpoebi Agberebi, Daniel Alabrah, Chief Reid Aladeh, Arc. Miebi Bribena, Dr. Young Torunarigha, Mrs. Josephine Izonbodor Torru and 21 others.

PDP Lauds PMB, Military On Sustained Offensive Against Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists

The PDP National Support Vanguard (PDP-NSV) has shoved aside its usual politics to hail the Nigerian government and military for the sustained onslaught against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. 

According to the top opposition group, now is the time to shun partisan interests in support of the gallant troops ahead of final victory. 

In a statement co-signed by Hon. Gideon Ekele and Comrade Lucky Jonathan, its President and National Secretary respectively, the PDP Vanguard said that President Muhammadu Buhari has maintained a patriotic stance by providing much-needed leadership in the Armed Forces. 

This, according to the group, has translated to the multiple gains recorded by the Nigerian troops in the war against the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. 

In time past, the PDP-NSV admitted sitting on the fence instead of rallying behind the troops on the frontlines. 

For the current momentum to be maintained, the opposition, however, urged all Nigerians to support the military in ridding the nation from the remnants of the already decimated radical jihadists. 

Read full statement below:

The PDP National Support Vanguard wishes to laud the Muhammadu Buhari led administration for its commitment in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. The government has maintained a patriotic stance by providing that leadership needed in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

This leadership has indeed translated to the multiple gains recorded by the Nigerian troops in the war against the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in North-East Nigeria. 

The PDP National Support Vanguard sees the war against terrorism in Nigeria as a collective one, rather than one blinded by party sentiments and at the detriment of the much-needed peace and tranquillity in the country. 

We wish to state that it behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to put party sentiments aside and give the Nigerian Military the needed support in the discharge of its constitutional mandate of preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. 

It must be stated that the Nigerian troops consist of Nigerians from various parts of the country that swore to an oath to protect and fight for the interest of Nigeria regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliations and this much they have stayed true to so far. 

The PDP National Support Vanguard believes that it is time for all and sundry to shun partisan interest and support the Nigerian troops as they begin the final push for the decimation of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group. 

The multiple gains recorded by the troops in battle against Boko Haram/ISWAP must be sustained for the betterment of the country, and this suffices why all hand must be on deck in this critical point of our existence. 

This is not the time for the pursuit of blind partisanship or loyalty to party affiliations. This is indeed the time for unity of purpose and utmost loyalty to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.  

We wish to state that in times past, the PDP National Support Vanguard like many other Nigerians have sat on the fence as far as the war against insurgency is concerned mainly for partisan consideration.

It is therefore instructive to state that sitting on the fence is no longer fashionable because Nigeria is on the verge of winning the war against terrorism through the exploits of our troops in the theatre of operations in North East. 

The PDP National Support Vanguard recognizes the exigencies of time. It, therefore, states that it is in full support of the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in the war against terrorism in the country. 

We call on other Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations to rally support for the troops in battle in North-East Nigeria as any attempt to continue in any blind partisanship by any organization is to declare oneself as enemies of humanities.

Shekau Weeps In New Audio, Seeks Protection Against Nigerian Troops’ Firepower

The leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has cried profusely in a new audio, seeking protection of Allah against the firepower of the Nigerian military.

Of late, the Nigerian military has intensified offensive and recorded a series of successes against the Boko Haram terrorists on the fringes of Lake Chad.

In a 1:22 seconds audio obtained by our platform ,the Boko Haram leader spoke in Kanuri, seeking protection of Allah against the “devilish act” of Nigerian military, and said they are facing difficulties in this Holy month of Ramadan.

“If it is the devilish act and wickedness [of the Nigerian military], may Allah protect us from their evil. Oh Allah, keep us firm on your religion. We are poor things who know nothing, oh our Lord, Allah.

“We deserted Izala people to practice Your true religion; we abandoned Tijjaniyya people to practice Your true religion; we deserted the Shiites to practice Your true religion; we forsook our parents, uncles and aunties to practice Your true religion.

“It is because of your religion that we placed knife on Your servants’ necks; but today, they are trying to change us from one thing to another. Oh Lord, have mercy upon under [the blessings] Ramadhan; Oh Lord, have mercy on under [the blessings] of Ramadhan (crying profusely).

“Oh Allah give us victory over our enemies. Oh brothers, for Allah’s sake, obey Allah and help me with prayers. This does not mean I am angry.

“May Allah keep us firm on the Qur’an. Allah knows best. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet of Allah and all thanks be to Allah,” Mr Shekau sobbed.

In a reaction to the audio clip, Bulama Bukarti, a human rights lawyers and conflict analyst who has studied Boko Haram for over a decade, said “this is the first time we heard Shekau cry in this way.”

According to Mr Bulama, the audio suggests that something terrible is happening to the Shekau faction of Boko Haram.

“The Shekau we are used to is a bombastic, ruthless gangster that ridicules, mocks and chortles at his victims. This audio is quite unusual. It suggests that the group is under immense pressure that threatens its existence. Anything that will make Shekau sob must be a serious existential threat and I think it is the Nigerian Army’s ongoing onslaught.

“The army has been releasing news and photos of their successes and Boko Haram itself has lately been releasing eulogies to dead fighters. That is what made Shekau wail in this audio. He thinks it is hard to survive this one,” Mr Bulama said.

He however noted that the audio does not suggest that the Boko Haram leader is surrendering and seeking negotiation.

“But make no mistake that he would never back down, he will not surrender. He would rather die fighting. As the clip indicates, he is as committed to his cause as ever. And history has taught us that Boko Haram is capable of weathering storms and bouncing back from serious defeats. Therefore, I suggest that the Nigerian Army should push on; it is not time to relax. It is time to do even more,” he added.

Nigeria Will Overcome The Forces Of Darkness Of Covid-19 Just Like We Defeated Boko Haram - Archbishop Ediwe

A renowned cleric Archbishop Julius Ediwe has predicted that Nigeria will overcome the Coronavirus pandemic in the country in no distant time. The cleric stated this during the virtual prayer and fasting conference organized by the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) recently. 

According to the cleric in his sermon titled “The beginning of the end”, he stated that the evil forces behind COVID-19 pandemic are on the verge of been put to shame in Nigeria and other countries. 

“Nigeria shall soon overcome the coronavirus pandemic in no distant time to the glory of God with the avalanche of revelations during our virtual prayer and fasting programme across the country. We prayed to God in our numbers, and God indeed proved Himself faithful to his people. The evil forces behind the coronavirus pandemic shall be put to shame, and Nigeria shall be liberated.”

“God revealed to us in the book of Revelation 17:14 that “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”

The cleric further stated that the coronavirus pandemic is akin to the Boko Haram war in Nigeria and just like Nigeria defeated the Boko Haram terrorists, Nigeria shall also defeat COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I would like to state that just like God delivered victory to Nigeria against the Boko Haram terrorist group, He will also deliver Nigeria from the coronavirus pandemic. God was clear about this victory in the book of Isaiah 42:13 which states that the Lord will go forth like a warrior; He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes; He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.” 

“God will go forth like a warrior for Nigeria and prevail against all our enemies, including the coronavirus, and there shall be a shout of victory in Nigeria.” 

The cleric counseled Nigerians regardless of their religious inclinations to be resolute in prayers in anticipation of the great victory coming. 

“God revealed to us during our virtual prayer programme that the victory that is coming for Nigeria shall be a resounding one just like in the book of Exodus 6:6 “Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the LORD. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment.” 

“We, as Nigerians must understand the supremacy of the word of God and his promises to us as a nation, is sacrosanct. God did it for us in the Boko Haram case, and He shall do it again for us in the critical time. The coronavirus pandemic cannot be worse than the Boko Haram war in Nigeria. If God delivers us victory, He has also promised to deliver victory to Nigeria again.”

He further stated that NIFROP is an organization consists of people from both Christian and Muslim faithful’s that have come under one voice to pray for liberation for Nigeria over the years. 

“NIFROP is for the good of Nigeria, and this has been witnessed in all our programmes where pastors and imams take the turn to pray for Nigeria, and God indeed answered our prayers. We have received prophesies that have come to pass and the victory over coronavirus pandemic is one of them, just like the defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists.” 

Archbishop Ediwe who is also the Chairman Board of Trustees, National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace further charged Nigerians to keep faith in the word of God because every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. He does not change like shifting shadows. 

“James 1:17 states that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Isaiah 43:2 also states that when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” 

“When we walk through the fire, we will not be burned; the flames will not set us ablaze because God is with Nigeria, and this COVID-19 pandemic too shall pass.” 

It would be recalled that the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace is holding a 21-Days Prayer and Fasting for divine intervention and solution to Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria.