News
Peter Obi to speak, as 2000 youths gather against violence in Enugu
…As Boys Champions convoke peace talk to end gender based violence
No fewer than 2000 youths drawn from different sectors and communities nationwide would participate in this year’s annual conference in Enugu, organized by Boys Champions, a non-governmental organization, to curtail gender based violence in Nigeria.
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is among the discussants expected at the event, slated for November 25, 2022 at The Base Landmarks Event Center, Independent Layout, Enugu State.
The Youth Conference, with focus on the theme ‘Shaping the Future’ would bring together over 2,000 young leaders from different sectors in Nigeria and across the continent, who are working to make social impact in their communities.
The convener of the Conference and founder of Boys Champion, Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, told journalists that renowned personalities, the former Presidential Candidate, Prof Pat Utomi, Bishop (Prof) Godfrey I. Onah of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, the CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa and erudite scholars from Oxford, Cambridge and Vanderbilt Universities would make presentations at the event.
Alumona, who won the 2022 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens recently, told newsmen that the conference would provide an interactive forum with young people as part of the ongoing campaign by the non-governmental organization, Boys Champion, to arrest the spate of violence against women in local communities.
He noted that participants would be exposed to impactful and transformative panels, workshop and speeches by high profile resource persons, and help them to build sustainable networking for personal and career development.
It is expected that the participants would become the vanguard of the crusade in their local communities, and spread the value chain across the length and breadth of African continent.
He expressed optimism that the conference would be profitable for youths in tapping from the resources of different speakers who had made their mark in education, humanitarian, political, business, and other areas of human endeavor.
He further explained that the conference was his little way of giving back to the society, and promote inter-cultural dialogue to stem the tide of violence against girls and women in African society.
According to him, the programme would also be a golden opportunity to several deprived youths by creating a viable platform for them to gain quality training and mentoring sessions from captains of industry, erudite scholars as well as local and international experts.
He said delegates would have the opportunity for question and answer session with leading experts, and also build lasting relationships and connections that could help them advance their works and social contracts with the people in their respective communities.
The Conference, he said, would feature Plenary Session where experts would discuss Global Education and the Nigerian Struggle, Opportunities for Youth, Gender Equality and Women Inclusion, Ethical Leadership, Conflict Prevention and Peace building, among others.Dr. Maureen Manning of The Pie News, USA would be the keynote speaker at the conference, which would also include presentations by Daniel Obst, President of AFS Intercultural Programs, USA, Prof. Veronica Boix Mansilla, Harvard University, USA and Dr. Nancy Dickson, from Vanderbilt University, USA. .
Other speakers expected at the event include: Dr. Helmut Schuster, from the United Kingdom, Rtd. General Chris Eze, former Ambassador of Nigeria to India, Augustine Achu, United States Marines Corp, Virginia USA, Hawa Taylor, United Nations Global Communications Office, Dr. Onyeka Nwelue, Visiting Fellow, Oxford University and Chike Nwoke, Carleton University, Canada. Other speakers lined up for the conference include: the CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri, Ephraim Bassey, United States Institute of Peace, Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder, Center for Value in Leadership, Osowobi Oluwaseun Ayodeji, Founder, Stand to End Rape, Hauwa Ojeifo, Founder, Shewriteswoman and Prof. Joy Ezeilo, HOD Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
Scholars lined up to discuss the theme of Global Education and the Nigerian Struggle at the conference include: Prof. Veronica Boix Mansilla, Harvard University, USA, Dr. Nancy Dickson Vanderbilt University, USA, Bishop Godfrey I. Onah, Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Chike Nwoke, Carleton University, Canada, among others.
This life-changing conference would be held at The Base Landmarks Event Center, Independent Layout, Enugu on November 25, 2022.
Participants can register online by visiting www.boyschampions.org/attend. For Sponsorship and inquiries, please call: 08066165813 or +16156099565ABOUT BOYS CHAMPIONS
The vast majority of gender-based violence is perpetrated by men, specifically against women and girls. Although most men may not use or condone the use of violence, the simple fact is that men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of gender based violence.
Since men are major perpetrators, holders of social norms and influencers of other men, it makes working with boys and men necessary – a must – as a target audience for primary prevention. Working with boys and men can have a positive, transformative impact for the lives of women and girls, but also for the lives of men and boys themselves as it frees them from harmful limiting aspects of masculinities.
Founded on October 1st 2018, Boys Champions is a primary preventive youth-led nonprofit organization that is committed to providing safe place for women and girls by engaging young boys and men, teaching them healthy masculinity and how to relate to females respectfully.
Boys Champions focuses on gender transformative interventions with both men and boys, engaging them to take actions and become part of the processes to end violence against women and girls. We work primarily with boys and men through sports, support groups, recruiting exceptional volunteer mentors and expectant fathers to share and exchange lessons in birthing and child-rearing process, trainings and our Boys Champions Couch sessions.
Through our impact-oriented and mentorship programs, our Champions are provided with the foundation they need to excel in school, pursue college education, and succeed in life.
Through our 100 Champions program, we provide academic enrichment, social skills building, college preparation and career development programs for under-served male youth. Our organization is committed to these boys because we believe they can maximize their talents with the right education, experience and encouragement.
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
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