Features
Josephine Anichukwu: And My Mother Departs in a Blaze of Glory
By Uche Anichukwu
O proud daughter of the Irokos,
Woman of no mean linage,
Cub of the tigers and tigresses,
The intoxicating beauty of her time,
Beauty that dizzied the heads of men,
Though thou art robbed by time and toil
And though no longer art thou
That tall, fresh, provocative frame,
Which we knew and heard of,
Your today reflects your yesterday,
For beyond that seemingly tired figure
Lies a tigress and man-woman
Strong of will, defiant and resilient,
That rather cows than be cowed by odds;
That stood against the windstorms of life,
But remained afloat on life’s ocean;
That sailed roughshod against tempests
On life’s ocean, and never sank;
That wrestled malevolent spirits and flesh
And always the victor became.
Lowly river that receives
Homage of a million mountain streams.
Thou art the pride of womanhood,
The mountain among the hills,
A rare, loving, sweet mother thou art.
What hath thou found too great to sacrifice?
Pleasure, time, sleep or cowries?
Thou art never wearied of finding and giving
And your knees always bruised in prayers
Thou art the sweetest of mothers born.
I did the above poem to celebrate my mother after my national youth service, for the greatest blessing God bestowed on me and my siblings is to be birthed and raised by our dear father, the late Rabbi (Chief) Gabriel Nworie Anichukwu (Nnabuenyi) and our mother, who both had illustrious careers as teachers, with our father retiring as a headmaster. Both brought their unique endowments to bear on our upbringing.
Mama was not just any mother, but a special one in all ramifications. I will remember her as that no-nonsense woman and a disciplinarian of the strictest order. The name and tone she called readily told you whether all was well or not. When you wailed that you were dying from her cane therapies, she would retort that it was better than turning out a reprobate adult. In fact, her disciplinary actions extended to whether you finished or did not finish your food.
Our mother loathed any appearance of weakness. To her, it was a taboo to be a weakling. Thus, she, together with her husband, tried to imbue in their children humility without timidity, planting a calm storm in each of us. It was an anathema to disrespect an elder or anyone for that matter. And you must not fight. But if you must, then you better ensure you emerged the victor. You dared not sob to the house. Even if a much older child tried to bully you, Mama believed that you should be able to defend yourself creditably in one way or the other. Otherwise, she would normally ask you if she had been feeding you with sand since she birthed you and you can be sure of getting the beating of your life.
While we were little children, our mother created a roaster for manning her shop located in front of her father’s compound at Amagu Ishienu, across the river. You closed between 9:30pm and 10pm and still toddled home. Holding a lantern, you would walk alone through the pathway with bushes on both sides, and past Ukwu Ofo (debarium elastica tree) where we were made to understand that the spirits (umu mmuo) lived and milled around. Then, you would cross the railway bridge over Nvuna River. At the peak of the rainy season, Nvuna usually overflowed its banks and roared against the pillars of the bridge. Flickers of lightening made it appear as if you were walking on an ocean as they landed on the vexed river. This, we later learnt, she did to drive away every iota of fear from our bodies.
Again, while we were children, when Nvuna River rose in volume, she would first swim past to drop our farm basket, then swim back again and again to cross each of us on her back. She would tell us that Nvuna would not drown an Amagu son or daughter (Amagu produces the chief priest of Nvuna) and that we were sons and daughters of Amagu by extension because, as the Igbo goes, ebe amulu nne mmadu ka a kara imu onye ahu (transliterated as: the birthplace of someone’s mother is also where the person could have as well been born). It is not unusual to shudder at such high risks now as an adult, but those were experiences that helped in grooming our mentality to never respect obstacles.
Senior Mother Anichukwu was hard work personified. She hated laziness. She was very enterprising and hardworking even till her last days. All our pleading that she should stop farming fell on deaf ears. Back in the days, she would normally wake us up between 4:30am and 5am, saying it was already midday. We normally set forth to farm quite early in the morning. Yet, we were among the last to leave the farm. Besides the fact that the proceeds from agriculture saw us through school, we gained a sense of industry and tenacity.
Again, we could not have prayed for a more sacrificial mother. My mother gave it all. Yes, everything, just to make sure her children succeeded in life. For instance, when I passed my WAEC and JAMB examinations in 1993, ESUT had just increased the school fees to about N4,000 (Four thousand naira only). It was very tough raising such money at the time. Worse, our dad had just retired as a headmaster. A relation suggested that I could actually retake JAMB since I made it in my first attempt, a proposal my mother outrightly rejected. She said she would rather sell her entire wrappers than buy that suggestion. Both father and mother went to work, and ultimately, I was able to pay before the matriculation.
The most challenging period was after the death of our father in October 1995. I had just finished writing my second semester, first year examination in the university. There was just no hope. But my mother assured us that none of us would drop out of school. She literally overworked herself, ignoring her personal welfare. Till date, I am still unable to dislodge from my mind the image of my emaciated Mama wearing a small piece of white gown for the one whole year that she mourned our father – not because she could not afford full white wrappers from her salaries as planned, but because she prioritised our education and welfare above everything else.
Growing up partially in Calabar and Enugu under the tutelage of her late elder brother, Quantity Surveyor (Chief) Sonde’ Nwanvu Anyianuka, an illustrious son of Nkanuland and politician, my mother was a bit exposed to politics early in her life. Importantly, she was fearless. When I made known my intention to run for the Councillorship seat of Nomeh Ward in 2002, many relations besieged our home, expressing concerns over my safety. Her two elder sisters, Uzoamaka and Christiana (both late now), came crying and begging her to stop me. But she insisted that I was already a man, a graduate, and would not return to her womb.
I was in that race until our elders appealed to me to step down for people from another division of Nomeh. But that venture proved fortuitous both for me and Nomeh Unateze community, leading to a chain of events that lifted me and my community. Chief among them is the ongoing Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburumbu-Nara Road (with a spur to Oduma), a federal project facilitated by my former principal, His Excellency, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, CFR (Ikeoha Ndigbo) and which my current principal, the Disruptive Innovator, and Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, has already flagged-off for completion in line with his infrastructural transformation crusade across the state. The construction of road to Nomeh, with its far-reaching economic and social impact, is an eternal legacy to the memories of my parents, for without God’s grace and their sacrifices to see me through in life, perhaps I would not have had the opportunity to function at the level that made this happen. Till her death, Mama would usually dance and hype over the road.
I will forever cherish her fearlessness, even in the face of gravest danger. In fact, she did not even fear death. Before departing Nomeh for her medical care, she had the premonition that the hour had come, and she prepared herself for it.
It is, therefore, so heartwarming that friends and relations across the world, the Church, and His Excellency and my boss, Governor Peter Mbah, who was also in Nomeh in person, all rallied round us to ensure that she exited triumphantly and in a blaze of glory. My mother that I know could not have wished for more. Nature too was not left out in testing to the great woman that she was, as Nomeh Unateze experienced the first rain of the year 2025 that same evening, soon after she was sown back to mother earth.
Madam Energy, work was food to you;
Enterprise was in your bloodstream,
Teacher, disciplinarian par excellence.
My fearless Lion, woman of valour,
Braver than 10 lions.
My prayer warrior, the indefatigable fighter.
Cat with 10 lives
Death did not conquer you.
Even Death and evil spirits dreaded you.
You’ve only gone the way of all mortals.
Your time simply came and you went to be with the Lord.
Your legacies have immortalised you.
My sweet mother, you vanquished Death.
Surely, life will never be the same without you,
But you vowed to watch over us in life and in death.
Chibuzo, Chidera (you called her Ogbom) bid you farewell;
Mmaduabuchi (Chimuanya) and Osy Power bid you goodnight.
Mama, I wept uncontrollably since your demise,
But at your funerals, I chose to dance, not mourn you
As you overcame, and triumphantly you returned.
Rest in peace, Nnem
Ogwene, Ada Nwankwo Anuka Orji
Ada Anuka Enyi,
Ada Njoku Ekwe,
Atu egwu,
Agu Nwanyi,
Nkenke enyi na-achu igwe enyi oso,
Nwanyi na ibe ya ra bu n’onu.
Mama, I’ll love you till eternity.
Obodo gbara onwe, ochighi echi
Ya diba.
_Anichukwu is media aide to the Governor of Enugu State_
By Petrus Obi
It was a remarkable demonstration of political loyalty, solidarity and appreciation as the university town of Nsukka came to a virtual standstill during the flag-off of the Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign, with thousands of enthusiastic supporters trooping out to identify with Governor Peter Mbah and his administration.
From the massive turnout to the palpable excitement that greeted the governor’s arrival, the event offered a compelling picture of the growing political momentum behind Mbah in Enugu North Senatorial District.
Economic and social activities were significantly disrupted as residents, party faithful, traditional and community leaders, youth groups, women organisations and other supporters converged on Nsukka to be part of the historic political gathering.
For many observers, the mammoth crowd was more than an ordinary party
mobilisation. It was an eloquent expression of appreciation by a people who believe that the Mbah administration has brought renewed attention to their zone and demonstrated a commitment to balanced development across Enugu State.
The excitement surrounding the campaign flag-off was particularly significant given Nsukka’s strategic position in the state’s political
equation. As the headquarters of Enugu North Senatorial District and home to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the town occupies an important place in the political, educational, commercial and cultural life of the state.
The enthusiastic reception accorded Governor Mbah therefore carried considerable political significance.
It was also a moment for the people to publicly identify with a governor whose development agenda has continued to place infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and economic expansion at the centre of governance.
Beyond the party banners, colourful displays and political speeches, the gathering reflected something deeper: the desire of the people of Nsukka and the wider Enugu North Zone to be part of the development story unfolding in the state.
Governor Mbah’s administration has consistently projected a vision of a new Enugu built on modern infrastructure, improved public services, investment attraction and economic transformation. From the construction and rehabilitation of roads to the modernisation of schools, healthcare facilities and security architecture, the administration has pursued an ambitious development agenda.
For the people of Nsukka, the campaign flag-off provided an opportunity to demonstrate their support for that vision and signal their desire for its continuation.
The turnout also reinforced the importance of political inclusion and the governor’s engagement with communities across the three senatorial zones. In a state where political support is often shaped by perceptions of fairness, development distribution and accessibility to government, the reception in Nsukka was a strong statement of confidence.
The university town, which has historically played a major role in shaping intellectual and political discourse in the South-East, once again became a centre of political activity, with residents turning out in large numbers to welcome the APC campaign.
Indeed, the scale of the mobilisation suggested that the Mbah administration’s political appeal in Enugu North is not limited to party structures alone but is also being projected through community participation and the enthusiasm of ordinary residents.
For Governor Mbah, the Nsukka outing was an important opportunity to consolidate political support, strengthen the APC’s grassroots structures and take the administration’s message directly to the people.
For the people of Nsukka, it was equally an opportunity to make a statement of their own: that they appreciate the direction of governance in Enugu State and want to remain part of the journey towards a more prosperous future.
The message from the university town was unmistakable. Nsukka turned out in impressive numbers, and the enthusiasm surrounding the campaign flag-off offered a powerful reminder that political support is often expressed most convincingly through the people themselves.
As the APC campaign gathers momentum across Enugu State, the Nsukka reception will undoubtedly stand out as one of the defining moments of its engagement with the Enugu North political constituency.
Features
New Cement Factory: Is Ebonyi Governor Misleading the People Over Proposed Nkalagu Project?
By Okey Maduforo
From the boundaries of Awka and Enugu State across the Ezu River, through the swamp rice fields of Awba–Ofemili, and from the borders of Igbariam in Anambra East to Achalla, the headquarters of Awka North Local Government Area, the story was once the same: ten communities largely abandoned and resigned to fate.
Predominantly agrarian, Awka North for decades presented the picture of rustic settlements struggling for basic infrastructure. Before the creation of the old Anambra State, many communities could not boast of electricity, while pockets of development recorded in a few areas were largely due to their proximity to Awka, the state capital.
Successive administrations at the local government level made attempts to stimulate development, but the scale of neglect meant that critical projects continued to beg for attention.
The ThankGod Anagu Intervention
In just 14 months since the emergence of the Mayor of Awka North Local Government Area, Chief ThankGod Anagu, the narrative has begun to change. His administration has pursued what many describe as a coordinated and people-centred delivery of social infrastructure, repositioning the once-forgotten council area and highlighting its vast socioeconomic potential.
Under his watch, a total of 39 classroom blocks have been renovated and fully equipped, significantly improving the learning environment across communities. In addition, more than 12 roads have either been constructed or attracted through his administration, easing movement and boosting economic activities.
To address insecurity, the Anagu administration installed security surveillance cameras across strategic communities, a move that has strengthened crime prevention and enhanced public safety.
The Achalla Local Government Secretariat, previously a shadow of itself, has also received a comprehensive facelift. Renovation works covered the main administrative building, the conference hall, and the Rt. Hon. Justice P.K. Nwokedi Hall, restoring dignity and functionality to the council complex.
Tackling Flooding and Erosion
Communities along river lines that had long suffered perennial flooding and erosion have not been left out. Erosion control projects executed in Ebenebe and neighbouring towns have helped protect over 36,000 buildings and vast farmlands, preserving livelihoods and preventing further environmental degradation.
Agricultural Outreach and Empowerment
As an agrarian society, Awka North has also benefited from targeted agricultural interventions. Through collaboration with the Anambra State Government, farmers have been empowered via outreach programmes such as the Farming to Feed initiative and the Palm Revolution, both of which have accelerated agricultural productivity and rural economic growth.
As Chief ThankGod Anagu continues to chart a new course for Awka North, many indigenes believe that with more time, the council area could fully consolidate its developmental gains and evolve into a modern, smart local government with agriculture, security, and infrastructure as its pillars.
On Sunday, the 4th of April, history stirred quietly beneath the ancient hills of Nike as we — alongside the CEO of Landmark Africa, Dr Paul Onwuanibe and others ; the custodians of the iconic Nike Lake Resort — stepped into a journey that promises to reshape the landscape of tourism in Enugu State.
Guided by the visionary momentum of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, we traced the green spine of the Nike-Ohum Tourism Corridor — a corridor not merely of geography, but of destiny. From the rhythmic whispers of the Nike caves to the majestic gaze of the Udi escarpment, the land told stories waiting to be heard by the world.
This wasn’t just a site visit. It was a pilgrimage into promise, a handshake between heritage and opportunity. It signaled that Mbuluoweje, once a hidden jewel in the hills, is now poised to become a beacon of eco-tourism, cultural revival, and sustainable prosperity.
We went, not just with eyes open — but with hearts aligned to a future already unfolding. For indeed, tomorrow is no longer a distant horizon. It has arrived, dressed in the colors of innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
The Governor’s transformative tourism blueprint — forged with intentionality earlier this year — is no longer ink on paper. It is spirit on terrain. And in that spirit, we walked. We envisioned a world-class tourism ecosystem — resorts nestled in nature, trails that tell stories, and villages turned vibrant through the power of shared culture and commerce.
This visit will be remembered not just as a meeting of minds, but as a turning of keys — unlocking Mbuluoweje Zone to the world.
To the people of Nike, to the youth, to investors, and to dreamers across Nigeria: prepare for the unveiling. The world is coming to Enugu, and the hills are ready to sing.
Ozo Ossy Onuko the MD Awka Capital Territory Development Authority ACTDA writes from China where he is currently on a working visit and takes a look of ine the hospitalities and culture of the Asian Tiger.
As I sit calmly in my 26th-floor hotel room, overlooking the beautiful city of Changsha, glancing through my new book – Chimamanda’s masterpiece, “Dream Count,” I’m immersed with thoughts, kind thoughts I must say about the emerging new world order – CHINA. I’m reminded of China’s remarkable journey. Some 45 years ago, China opened itself to the rest of the world, ready to deal. After undergoing significant disruptive economic and administrative reforms, a new China emerged from the rubble of numerous wars including the 2nd World War and the Cold War that followed.
I was shocked to learn that in 1839 Britain/Europe brutalised China in a war for refusing the sale of opium to its citizens by the British government in a bid to balance China/Europe’s trade deficit… opium a hard drug with strong addiction tendencies impacted the youth population of China, in other words, Britain was pushing hard drugs to China – keep pondering on that as I continue.
The superior military advantages enjoyed by European forces led to several easy victories over the Chinese military, with the consequence that China was compelled to sign unequal treaties to grant favourable tariffs, trade concessions, reparations and territory to Western powers. One of which was ceding Hong Kong to Britain.
China a poor country, now with a 1.4 Billion population, almost negligible in global affairs then contributed less than 1% to global GDP and in 1978, the year China began to open and reform its economy its GDP increased to 149.5 billion dollars, accounting for 1.7% of the world economy.
Since then, GDP growth has averaged over 9 per cent a year, and almost 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty.
Today, China’s GDP stands at 18.5 trillion US dollars accounting for 19.6% of the global economy. Generally far higher than the contribution of the entire European countries and particularly a far cry from the UK’s 2.0% contribution to global GDP.
China is projected to contribute 22.5% of the global GDP by 2030 and “economic marabouts” prophesy that China will surpass the United States in ten years to become the world’s largest economy and that if that happens, it will be impossible for the US to catch up given the speed of their growth.
Now one wonders less why Donald Trump shouts America First at the top of his voice…it could be that the marabouts have also leaked these things to him. His man Friday, Elon Musk was once amazed at China’s growth, so astonished that he tweeted thus, “China’s progress in advanced infrastructure is more than 100 times faster than the US” – Elon Musk, 27th Feb 2018.
The US is the world’s economic powerhouse, with a GDP of 29 trillion US dollars, contributing approximately 26.3% of the global GDP, its continued economic dominance is threatened by this emerging new world order…the future of the United States lies solely on the ongoing economic reforms under President Trump. While various opinions continue to trial Trump’s reforms, the global magazine The Economist published an article on April 10th, 2025, with the topic “Trump’s incoherent trade policy will do lasting damage”. Whichever way it goes, the jury is out.
Still savouring the bliss of Changsha – the Capital City of Hunan Province of China. Changsha has a population of 10 million people and occupies 11,819 km² space, which is more than five times the size of New York.
This morning, I flew for two hours from Beijing to Changsha, my guide, the delightful and ever-smiling Vivi ( not her real name, you know Chinese names rumple tongues), told me a lot about the history and development of Changsha especially the fact that it is the shoppers delight, as it’s notable amongst many guides they emphasize on shopping areas believing that foreigners have a lot of shopping appetite.
If she had not told me the City was more than 3,000 years old, I would have passed it as a newly emerging green city of China, I was thrilled by the urban regeneration that has transformed a 3000-year-old city into a modern infrastructural masterpiece, the type I have not seen anywhere else.
Can one ever overemphasize the friendly nature of the Chinese, especially those not familiar with blacks? When we walk the streets of urban areas of China, we can be called celebrities. Chinese – couples, students, old and young grapple to either say a cheering and sincere “Ni hao” (hello or hi China), or a selfie photo with you.
We don’t often get that treatment in the West where there’s an overbearing sense of dominance of whites over blacks. Permit me to posit a hypothesis and let our scholars put it to the rigourous test…” blacks are tolerated in the West but celebrated in China”.
As I retire to sleep tonight, it will be unfair not to mention a young Chinese I met at one of the Macdonalds in Chengsha.
When I rushed to grab lunch today, I was greeted with so much warmth and given endearing attention by this McDonald’s staff in a manner I have not experienced anywhere else, regardless of the language barrier between us, we related seamlessly. He would bring out his translator to interpret every word I speak or translate his. But mentioning him here is simply to highlight the National Culture Consciousness I observed in China amongst its teaming youth population.
Because of how cordial the young man was with me, I mistook him for an adult and asked him for a pub where I could ease off. The young man cheerful replied to me and said he’s a minor and by law, he’s not allowed to have such discussions with me…I froze, I just had to.
To make my new foreign friend happy, I would in his shoes simply point at the bars around, but that was not him, he knew the law and didn’t want to flout it. Then again I offered him a tip after my meal, tips elsewhere are a ritual almost like a compulsory part of a bill, he also declined and told me in clear terms that in China, my satisfaction mattered more to him than my tip, that it is their culture.
While I cannot generalise with this isolated case in McDonald in Changsha, it is a strong indication of a strong national orientation anchored on shared values and rooted in excellence where hard work and diligence take priority over rent-seeking and frivolity, a similar social orientation promoted in Nigeria by Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, Executive Governor of Anambra State.
Did I mention that there’s an emerging zinger in China now? Your guess is as good as mine…”America second!”
Ozo Ossy Onuko the MD Awka Capital Territory Development Authority ACTDA, wrote from China.
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