Ikengaonline

07/11/2023

TOPIC: Rituals, Riches, and Realities: The Myths of Money-Making and the Dignity of Labour

GUEST: Kanayo O. Kanayo, MFR

06/10/2023

In their thematic breadth, analytic rigor, sweeping command of facts Nigeriana and global, and stylistic vitality and wit, Farooq Kperogi, Moses Ochonu and Osmund Agbo stand out as three of Nigeria’s most compelling, fearless and principled commentators and pundits. In Dis Life No Balance, the trio have pooled their respective gifts into a rich, riveting smorgasbord. Here’s a harvest of illuminating insights, provocative reflections and alluringly irreverent takes on some of the major social, cultural and political debates in Nigeria, Africa and the world. I emerged from the book giddy and transformed. Do yourself a favor – read it!

Dis Life No Balance is a provocative and sometimes uncomfortable read by the trio of Kperogi, Ochonu and Agbo who examined the complications that bedevil Nigeria today with a brutal honesty that is often only made possible by distance and even absence. This book is a must read for those who seek authentic informed commentary on the many dysfunctions of Nigeria but who also want to understand the deep pull the country has on her people and why even those who have left continue to engage with, fight for and live in hope for her future.

NGN 10,000

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04/10/2023

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother to the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has warned politicians to stop tarnishing the image of IPOB with the governorship election petitions tribunal judgment in the state.

Kanu was reacting to a viral video that Gov Alex Otti is allegedly plotting to use IPOB members to deal with the tribunal judgment in the eventuality of an unfavourable judgment as the tribunal rules on Friday.

He described the allegation that the Governor is sponsoring IPOB as “total nonsense and laughable,” warning peddlers of the unfounded narrative to leave the pro-Biafra group out of Nigeria’s dirty politics.

“Desperate and mischievous politicians should stop using the name of IPOB to score cheap political goal,” he fumed.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, had also denied that the State is allegedly hobnobbing with IPOB, dismissing the allegation as “satanic blackmail.”

He demanded immediate arrest of the masterminds of the unfounded allegations for interrogations.

Otti’s aide accused them of instigating anxiety and panic in the state ahead of the tribunal judgment.

The allegations, according to him, are simply part of the ploy by the masterminds to cause confusion and de-market the State Government.

The younger Kanu said that IPOB’s major concern was how to secure freedom for its “illegally detained Leader and organise referendum for Biafra,” warning politicians to settle their differences without dragging IPOB into it.

Prince Kanu said his brother had become a brand which attention seekers strive to clinch on for relevance.

“What they are doing is out of desperation. If they have problem of leadership in the state, they should go and sort it out, they should stop dragging IPOB into their hopelessness so to speak.

“Those who sponsored the press conference must have ulterior motive; their intention would have been to rubbish Otti, but if Otti has won election, he has won election and there’s nothing anybody can do about it, but they should not bring IPOB into this issue.

“For what reason will IPOB attack any judge for doing his work? They should stop using IPOB’s name to score cheap political goal.

“Those saying Otti was sponsoring IPOB to cause trouble in the state, Which IPOB? What prove do they have to that?

“Over the years, IPOB has not been interested in their election, we don’t meddle into elections. Our target is referendum and the freeing of Kanu and stop the flouting of court orders; that’s all.”

Kanu’s brother challenged politicians seeking relevance to rather channel their energy towards security freedom for the IPOB Leader instead of dropping his name to get undue attention.

“Nnamdi Kanu is currently in detention on civil ground, not even on criminal ground, so, I was thinking the group would have been fair enough to speak about this matter that has dragged this country to the mud all the time and not to be talking about frivolities,” the family said.

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother to the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has warned politicians

04/10/2023

Anambra State Government has suspended the Principal of Community Secondary School, Awkuzu, Mrs. Florence Edokwe, for her involvement in the collection illegal fees in her school.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of Post Primary Schools Service Commission, PPSSC Awka, Mrs. Ann Okafor, said the action was against the free education policy of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

According to the release, the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Nkechi Ikediugwu, asked Mrs. Edokwe to hand over her duties and the entire property of the school to the vice-principal administration of the school with immediate effect pending the conclusion of investigation into her issue.

Ikengaonline reports that following the latest suspension, Mrs Edokwe makes it the sixth Secondary School Principal suspended for flouting Governor Soludo’s free education policy.

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Anambra State Government has suspended the Principal of Community Secondary School, Awkuzu, Mrs. Florence Edokwe, for her involvement in t

04/10/2023

Ventriloquists, often dismissed as mere entertainers, prove that the impossible is, in fact, within reach. It demonstrates that the boundaries of what we deem possible are remarkably elastic. Beyond, its technical prowess, Ventriloquy carries a profound symbolism.

Over the past week, I’ve logged an insane amount of screen time on my smartphone, scouring Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms. My wife and children, justifiably alarmed by this fixation, even resorted to subtle threats and verbal pleas to pry me away from my screen. Their efforts, however, proved futile, as it became apparent that my obsession ran deeper than they had imagined.

The object of my fascination is this guy named Jeff Dunham, an enigmatic American ventriloquist and comedian, whose acts I stumbled upon through sheer serendipity. His talents and performances stirred something within me, awakening profound curiosity. But what precisely is ventriloquy, and why should it hold any significance for me or anyone for that matter?

Ventriloquy, in simple terms, is the skill of projecting one’s voice in such a manner that it appears to come from a separate source, usually a puppet or dummy. The ventriloquist, through careful manipulation of their vocal apparatus, creates the illusion that the puppet is speaking independently.

It is an old and intriguing art form dating back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans though has evolved over centuries. At first glance, it appears to be an illusion, a sleight of hand for the voice, but beneath the surface lies a complex blend of skills, creativity, and unparalleled dedication.

Jeff Dunham’s performances feature a diverse cast of puppet characters. Through his skillful art, he brings these puppets to life, endowing them with distinct voices and personalities. His acts are characterized by witty humor, often politically incorrect, leaving the audience in fits of laughter until their sides ache.

Jeff’s mesmerizing acts lie in his ability to seamlessly interact with his puppets using a blend of technical mastery and comedic talent while engaging in humorous dialogues and satirical commentary. This has made him a prominent figure in the world of ventriloquy and comedy, in America and beyond.

From a young age, Jeff displayed a remarkable ability for mimicry, imitating a wide range of sounds with precision. However, it was the discovery of an old ventriloquist puppet named “Mortimer” in his grandmother’s attic at the age of eight that ignited his passion for ventriloquism.

His fascination with Mortimer led him to delve into the art of ventriloquy, where he could make this puppet come to life through his own voice. Despite initial challenges in controlling his vocal mechanisms to create the illusion of a separate voice for Mortimer, Jeff’s unwavering determination and countless hours of practice paid off.

As he honed his skills, he expanded his puppet collection, crafting distinct personalities for each character. His act evolved from basic mimicry to a fully-fledged comedy routine, with him seamlessly transitioning between characters in humorous dialogues.

Encouraged by his friends and family, Jeff decided to share his talent with the world, performing at local talent shows where his act quickly gained popularity. Audiences marveled at his ability to throw his voice, creating the illusion that his puppets had lives and voices of their own.

Ventriloquists, often dismissed as mere entertainers, prove that the impossible is, in fact, within reach. It demonstrates that the boundaries of what we deem possible are remarkably elastic. Beyond, its technical prowess, Ventriloquy carries a profound symbolism.

This art form reminds us that limitations are often self-imposed, and what we perceive as impossible can be overcome with determination and innovation. The ventriloquist’s ability to transcend the boundaries of the human voice serves as a metaphor for our own potential to break free from constraints.

Throughout history, individuals and groups have embarked on quests to achieve what others deemed unattainable. The ancient marvels such as the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Wall of China are testimony to humanity’s capability to turn visionary dreams into tangible reality. These endeavors demanded immense resources, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment.

Human history is punctuated with instances of remarkable achievement that were once considered impossible. From the construction of colossal monuments to the exploration of distant galaxies, the concept of the “impossible” has continuously been challenged and redefined by human innovation and determination.

By embracing challenges that seemed beyond reach, these achievements showcased the human capacity to conquer obstacles and reshape the world. In the realm of science and innovation, the art of the impossible has been a driving force behind paradigm shifts.

Visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci, who sketched ideas of flying machines centuries before the first airplane, and Nikola Tesla, whose vision of wireless communication anticipated the internet, exemplify how daring to imagine the impossible leads to groundbreaking discoveries.

Scientific advancement thrives on the notion that the impossible is merely a temporary limitation waiting to be transcended through ingenuity and perseverance. History is replete with tales of individuals who refused to accept the limitations imposed upon them by societal norms, prejudice, or physical barriers.

Stephen Hawking, who made groundbreaking contributions to cosmology despite his physical limitations, illustrate that personal determination can transform impossible odds into achievable milestones. These stories remind us that the art of the impossible is not confined to grand endeavors but also manifests in the quiet determination of everyday heroes.

However, the pursuit of the impossible is not without its challenges. Failure and skepticism often accompany audacious endeavors, potentially deterring individuals and societies from attempting the improbable. Yet, it is precisely in moments of failure that the art of the impossible shines the brightest. Failures provide valuable lessons, refining approaches and driving iterative improvement.

Thomas Edison, whose countless attempts eventually led to the invention of the practical light bulb, famously remarked, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This resilience in the face of failure is a hallmark of those who practice the art of the impossible.

The art of the impossible encapsulates humanity’s ceaseless pursuit of progress, the courage to envision what lies beyond the present, and the tenacity to transform the inconceivable into reality. It is the embodiment of our potential to break free from limitations, reshape our understanding of the possible, and leave an indelible mark on the annals of history.

Jeff Dunham’s relentless practice and unwavering passion for ventriloquy ultimately led him to international fame. He became a household name, touring the world with his cast of lovable and mischievous puppet companions. His story serves as a testament to the power of dedication and practice, showing that even a small-town boy with a puppet can achieve great heights when he believes in the impossible and refuses to stop practicing his art.

As we continue to explore uncharted territories, both in the outer cosmos and the inner workings of the human mind, the art of the impossible will remain a guiding light, inspiring us to reach further and achieve what was once thought unattainable.

Those who triumph on the global stage are acutely aware that the concept of “impossibility” holds no sway in their pursuit.

Osmund Agbo is the author of ‘Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance

Ventriloquists, often dismissed as mere entertainers, prove that the impossible is, in fact, within reach. It demonstrates that the boundaries of what we deem p

04/10/2023

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, says he would do all within his limits to ensure businesses thrive in the state.

Governor Uzodimma stated this when members of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, IPMAN, Imo State branch paid him a courtesy call at the Government House.

He urged the members to be responsive to the hardship bedeviling the people and ensure that prices of petroleum products do not affect the masses in the state.

Chief Uzodimma stressed that his administration is committed to cooperating with business owners in the state, noting that no business would suffer a setback from state revenue services.

“We have to support and encourage you because when there is no business, there’s no state. We will do things that will make every business owner in the state happy. I assure you, I won’t support anybody to cheat you,” Governor Uzodimma assured.

Earlier the leader of the delegation Dr Chidiebere Okoroafor, thanked the Governor for the construction and maintenance of good road networks and other infrastructural development in the state, which have helped in the safe transportation of their products.

Dr. Okoroafor appealed to the Governor to look into tasks payment billed to them from the state’s internal revenue services which according to him was affecting businesses in the state.

“We are here to appeal to you to please look into that bill. When you came on board in 2020, we were paying more, you reduced it, because of the pandemic. With this high rate given to us, It’s going to be tough, it is going to bring our members down,” Mr. Okoroafor pleaded.

Ikengaonline reports that the meeting was attended by the state executive council and executives of Independent petroleum marketers association.

Ugo Nosiri, Owerri Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, says he would do all within his limits to ensure businesses thrive in the state. Governor Uzodim

04/10/2023

Abia State Government says about 60% demolition of structures affected in the proposed six-lane Ossah road expansion project from the Abia Tower Junction of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway to Umuahia City centre have been done.

Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu who disclosed this at a press briefing in Umuahia after the State Executive Council meeting, said Gov. Alex Otti-led administration was fully prepared and committed to the signature road project.

He said that majority of the owners of property marked for demolition on the road had been fully paid their compensation, explaining that anyone yet to get paid could be as a result of hitches in banking transaction.

Gov. Alex Otti, had disclosed that about N771 million had been set aside for payment of compensation.

The Commissioner who said that Otti’s administration was in a hurry to develop the state, disclosed that four additional newly rehabilitated roads were ready for inauguration in Aba.

This is coming less than one month after the Governor inaugurated three roads in the commercial city.

The Commissioner identified the new roads as Jubilee Road, Umuimo Road, Old Express Road and Udeagbara Road, noting that Gov. Otti had already inaugurated three roads completed in Aba by his administration.

He said a number of roads in Umuahia were receiving palliative works to make them motorable pending the award of full rehabilitation work on them.

The Commissioner said palliative work would also commence on Umuahia-Ohafia road in three weeks time.

On the deplorable Aba-Port Harcourt expressway, the Commissioner announced that palliative work would begin on the dual carriage highway in four weeks time.

He said one lane of the highway would be made motorable from Aba to Obigbo border town with Rivers State.

According to him, the intervention is the outcome of the recent visit by the Minister of Works Senator David Umahi to Abia State.

Aba Port Harcourt Expressway from Enyimba Filling Station junction where the current rehabilitation work stopped, to Obigbo border town with Rivers State, has remained a death trap for years.

Despite mounting public outcries, Government seems to have abandoned the people to their fate.

The Commissioner who decried the sorry state of the road said Otti’s administration was making commendable efforts to fix every road in the state.

Adding his voice, the General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr Kingsley Agomuoh who was present at the briefing, said that many owners of the affected property had confirmed the receipt of payment to him.

Agomuoh who hails from Ossah Ibeku, one of the communities mostly affected, challenged anyone claiming not to have received compensation to meet with him with facts.

He said that some members of the opposition hiding under the guise of property owners to blackmail Government should be ignored.

On the traffic congestion being witnessed on the road due to the on-going demolition exercise, Mr Agomuoh advised motorists to consider alternative roads in the Interim.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, said that the Governor had declared a state of emergency on the sector to rebuild it.

The SA said that the State Government had also resolved to pay its counterpart funding to attract the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funding.

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Abia State Government says about 60% demolition of structures affected in the proposed six-lane Ossah road expansion project from the A

03/10/2023

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has explained that the reason his administration embarked on industrial park project was to make Abia investment destination and a centre for job creation.

The industrial park situated on 1000 hectares of land was flagged off at Owazza on Saturday.

Otti who spoke during a media parley in Umuahia, explained that the project was part of his quest to transform the state.

He expressed delight at the high profile investors that have already indicated interest in the project and those that showed up during the flag off ceremony.

“Big companies in Nigeria showed up at the ground breaking ceremony. The country Chairman of Shell Petroleum was there. Chairman of Total Energy was also present. We had the CEO of Free Trade Zone in the country was also there to endorse the project,” the elated Otti said.

The Governor said that the park would have modular refinery, fertilizer plant, gas plant, real estate, among others.

Otti said his coming on board marked the beginning of a new Abia, and solicited the support and cooperation of all Abians to his administration.

The Governor hinted that arrangements were being perfected for the award of contract for the total rehabilitation of Port Harcourt road Aba which has completely collapsed for decades.

He said that the design work was almost completed for the final award of the all-important 4 kilometer road.

Ikengaonline had reported that, Otti had shortly after his emergence, invited Julius Berger to assess the road, promising to rehabilitate it after taking over power

“Port Harcourt Road Aba has not been forgotten. It requires a lot of design, and we are at the design stage. We have done virtually everything about the road.

“In the next few weeks you will see what will happen to Port Harcourt Road, Aba.”

Otti said “11 roads are under construction” in Aba within the four months of his administration.

He noted that three of the roads had been inaugurated while another three would soon be delivered.

“We have already delivered three roads in Aba, and another three – Green Avenue, Umuimo and Old Express Road are ready for inauguration.”

He promised to give attention to infrastructural development simultaneously in Aba and Umuahia the state capital.

“While Aba is a priority, Umuahia is the state capital. We are not doing Umuahia roads at the expense of Aba roads, we are giving attention to both cities simultaneously.”

Otti said that blackmails by the opposition would not distract him from pursuing his developmental agenda.

He said to the opposition performed abysmally for the decades it held sway.

“The opposition has held the state to the jugular, and we have just broken loose. I won’t be distracted by their criticism. They should let us breath. If they don’t want us to breath, we have the right to breath. I’m not here for the opposition.

“We have forced out the mouth of those who put their mouth on the feeding bottle of the state. So, they are not happy but we won’t allow them to distract us.”

Gov. Otti said he had nothing to hide about the income and expenditure of the state, vowing to remain transparent.

The Governor further said that the two Specialist Hospitals – Amachara and Abia Diagnostic Centre Umuahia, recently renovated and re-equipped by his administration were in compliance with his promise to rebuild the Abia health sector.

He said that the Aba General hospital, and Umunneato General hospital currently under renovation would soon be delivered.

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has explained that the reason his administration embarked on industrial park project was to make Abia

03/10/2023

Special Adviser to Gov. Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, has dismissed as false, allegations by the opposition and their hirelings that the State Government was sponsoring the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and plotting to use the group to unleash mayhem on the judges of the governorship election tribunal, should they deliver unfavorable judgment.

The tribunal has fixed Friday, October 6 for judgment in the petitions by the All Progressives Congress, APC; and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and their candidates.

Ekeoma demanded immediate arrest of those making provocative comments capable of plunging the state into chaos ahead of the verdict of the tribunal.

“We have never done anything with IPOB,” Ekeoma said.

Ekeoma who expressed shock over the utterances by those he described as agents of destabilisation accused the main opposition political parties of masterminding the propaganda.

He accused them of resorting to blackmail to cause confusion having realised that they have no case at the tribunal.

Otti’s Aide also denied allegations that the Governor was using the state resources to sponsor litigation by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the security agencies to invite those behind the allegations to substantiate their claims.

Reading from a prepared text, Ekeoma said: “The attention of Abia State Government has been drawn to videos arising from two press briefings conducted by individuals suspected to have been hired by opposition elements who were roundly defeated in the last Governorship election in Abia state.

“In the first press conference a group of few young men had alleged that Governor Alex Otti was using Abia funds to sponsor the litigation of the LP Presidential candidate in the last Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi.

“In the second press conference, another group of strange fellows alleged that the four month old Government of Dr. Alex Otti is sponsoring the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to cause terror in the state.

“They went further to call for the Governorship election judgement billed for 6th October 2023 not to be delivered in Abia because the Abia state Government had allegedly concluded plans to intimidate the Justices to deliver judgement in favour of Governor Alex Otti or alternatively would ensure that the Judges would be killed if they fail to deliver judgement in favour of the Governor.

“Because these allegations are weighty and have the propensity to cause disaffection, insecurity, breakdown of law and order, and even endanger the lives and property of innocent citizens, we strongly and most respectfully make the following demands and submissions:

“That His Excellency the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the Chief of Army Staff, the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police should kindly use their good offices to cause immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations.

“That the young men who organised these press conferences should be invited by security agencies to come and throw more light on their allegations to enable law enforcement agents carry out thorough investigation that could lead to the arrest of culprits.

“That Governor Alex Otti’s position as Governor of Abia state is a product of a nationally celebrated Governorship election victory, hence we consider it a demeaning insult and a provocative blackmail for a group of greedy hatchet men with zero stake in the Abia project to sit behind the microphone and spew gibberish that lowers the office of the Governor of Abia state while insulting the sensibilities of our people who have heaved a sigh of relief since the emergence of Governor Alex Otti.

“The hate, anger, bitterness and the trademark of terror contained in the text of the press conference and on the facial expression of the accusers showed a despicable design to subject the government and people of Abia state to public opprobrium.

“The two opposition parties that are in court against Governor Otti and who are suspected to be the brains behind these allegations know very well that they have terrible cases and that their suits would be thrown into the thrash bin on the 6th of October, hence the resort to this panic and desperate strategy of deceit and destabilisation.

“They should be exposed and punished for choosing the perfidious path that seeks to advance their selfish interest against the genuine interest of millions of innocent Abians.”

... Calls for arrest of instigators of violence Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Special Adviser to Gov. Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, has dis

03/10/2023

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council, has urged Anambra State Government to use the opportunity of the dry season that is setting in to ensure the completion of roads awarded in the state during the rainy season.

A communique signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, after its September Congress said the dry season that is setting in is a good opportunity for the government to ensure that all outstanding road projects that were awarded in the state, during the rainy season are completed.

The union said the quick completion of the road would allow for a smooth and incidents-free ride during the yuletide that is fast approaching.

It advised that contractors should be properly supervised to avoid channeling flood water wrongly into people’s homes as has been witnessed across the state to reduce man-made calamities and disasters associated with such that culminate threatening erosion menace.

Expressing concern over the activities of revenue agents who parade themselves in the streets, harassing and intimidating the poor masses in the process, the union appealed to the state government to caution and call the agents to order and to employ civility in the discharge of their duties.

The union extolled the state government for its committed attempt to improve the aesthetics of the state, but urged the government not to push the citizenry to hunger, but to be sensitive to their plights and welfare amidst the economic hardship.

Further commending the governor for the new openings advertised for employment of Health workers and teachers, it appealed to the government to birth a new digital National Light Newspapers to have an opening for journalists to be employed too like others.

It also appealed for a massive upgrade of the Anambra State Broadcasting Service, ABS to be in DSTV and all pay as you go channels like other State Broadcasting organisations in the country.

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council, has urged Anambra State Government to use the opportunity of the dry season that