Professor Nkem Fab-Ukozor, the Project Director of the Media and Gender Enlightenment Initiative and Head of the Department of Development Communication Studies, at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Imo State University, Owerri, has identified Gender Equality as a Panacea for Development.

Prof. Ukozor revealed this on Wednesday, December 18, 2023, during the Public Awareness Campaign tagged "Online Misogyny: Building Capacity of Women in South-East Nigeria." The campaign was held at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Imo State University, Owerri, and was organized by the Media and Gender Enlightenment Initiative (MEGEIN) in collaboration with the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC).

She said, "Gender equality is essential for creating a sustainable and just society. It must be pursued, not because it is a human right, but because it is critical for achieving sustainability in all ramifications of development". She added that, when everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive, it benefits all aspects of development and ensures that all individuals can contribute their talents and ideas in an atmosphere of peace and justice.

The MEGEIN Director stressed that women and girls face oppressive conditions in many parts of the world, particularly, the emerging democracies of Africa and, indeed, Nigeria. "Women's voices are suppressed, silenced, and controlled by discriminatory practices, and by implicit social attitudes, Cultural norms, and patriarchal values in real-life situations. Such are not different in mainstream and digital media spaces", she said.

She revealed that online and ICT-mediated violence against women has become increasingly common, particularly with the use of social media platforms and other technical applications, every day and everywhere. "As women and girls gain access to and engage with the internet, they face online violence that is part of the continuum of multiple, recurring, and interrelated forms of gender-based violence against women".

"It is therefore disheartening, to observe that despite the benefits and empowering potential of the internet and ICT, women, and girls in Africa and the world at large have increasingly voiced their concern at the prevalent harmful, sexist, misogynistic, and violent online content and behavior. Such a hostile environment not only undermines the positive aspects of digital technology but also perpetuates the circle of violence against women and girls, making their online experiences an extension of persistent and interconnected forms of gender-based violence".

While presenting a paper titled; "Women and Communication", The Head of the Department of Advertising, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor K. O. Nworgu, argued that gender issue represents both male and females, but unfortunately, women have appropriated the word, "gender". , whenever you bring up gender issues, women will tell you it's about them.

He, therefore, looked at the issue from the way the society relates and communicates with women as well as the way women relate and communicate with the society at large as well as the issues that affect such Communication. He listed some of the issues to include; language barrier, limited access to Information, poor Communication infrastructure, and Cultural barriers against women, among others.

Professor Nworgu insisted that the majority of problems faced by women are caused by their fellow women. He however, advised them to put their house in order, love themselves, get united, project a common front, and take themselves seriously, so that they would be treasured, valued, and respected.

The second paper presenter, titled; "How to Have a Better Online Presence for Women in Nigeria", Dr. Ifeoma Ojiakor-Umenze, a senior lecturer in the Department of Development Communication Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Imo State University, stated that women belong to a disadvantaged group. She explained that Nigeria is one of the fastest growing digital economies in Africa, yet, her women remain underrepresented. 

Speaking further, she cited research by the Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA), which found that only 43% of women in Nigeria have access to the Internet as against their male counterparts 65%". The study equally found that a large gender gap exists in terms of smartphone ownership, where 32% of women own smartphones as against 51% of their men counterparts.

She therefore advised women to stop playing the victim card and start something so that their voices would be heard. She added, "It is not enough to know how to do something, you need to announce it to the world".

The workshop was well attended by men, women, boys, and girls from all walks of life.

The Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, clocks two years in office on Sunday, November 10, 2024. 

His administration as the Chief Executive Officer of Imo State University (IMSU) exemplifies competent leadership, marked by a commitment to financial prudence, anti-corruption initiatives, improved staff and student welfare, and the strategic appointment of qualified personnel to key positions in the university.

1. Competent Administration:

Under Professor Chukwumaeze, the university has adopted a transparent and accountable leadership structure. His administration operates under a clear vision and mission, ensuring that all actions align with the University's goals. 

This includes regular audits and performance evaluations to ensure that all departments operate efficiently and effectively, as well as to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the university adapts to changing educational demands. 

His administration also encourages open communication between management, staff, and students, fostering a collaborative environment where feedback is valued and decision-making processes are enhanced.

2. Financial Prudence

Financial prudence is a hallmark of Professor Chukwumaeze's leadership. His administration prioritizes transparency and accountability to ensure that funds are allocated judiciously to critical areas. 

By implementing a system of checks and balances, his administration minimizes wasteful spending. 

By maintaining a transparent financial reporting system, the university has built trust among stakeholders, ensuring that all expenditures are justifiable and documented and that resources are directed toward enhancing academic programs and infrastructure.

3. Anti-Corruption Measures

To combat corruption within the university, Professor Chukwumaeze has instituted anti-corruption policies, which play a critical role in promoting ethical behavior among staff and students. These include establishing clear guidelines for financial transactions and procurement processes which reduce opportunities for misconduct, suspension of some staff for engaging in corrupt practices and other unethical conduct that violates the university's regulations, establishment of an open door policy that allows students and staff to report grievances directly to him, supplemented by an email system; talktoimsuvc@gmail.com, for complaints. 

He also mandated that no Lecturer should withhold examination results beyond four weeks which addressed the previous delays that fostered corruption. His establishment of ethical standards for staff and students further reinforces a culture of integrity within the university. The aim is to deter corrupt practices and to promote transparency in all university operations.

4. Improved Staff Welfare

The welfare of staff has seen significant improvement under his leadership. Some of his initiatives regarding staff welfare improvement include clearance of the backlog of delayed staff promotions, enhanced/better working conditions for staff, and access to professional development opportunities. These efforts have contributed to higher job satisfaction, productivity and retention rates among employees.

5. Improved Student Welfare

Student welfare is another priority for Professor Chukwumaeze. His administration has invested in upgrading facilities such as libraries, laboratories, classrooms and hostels to provide a conducive learning environment. 

Additionally, various support services have been introduced by his administration, including counseling and career guidance programs, which help students navigate their academic journey effectively.

6. Appointing Qualified Personnel

A critical aspect of Professor Chukwumaeze's leadership is his commitment to appointing qualified individuals to key positions within the university.

He prioritizes merit-based appointments backed with qualifications and experience to ensure that leadership positions in the university are filled by individuals who possess the necessary expertise and experience which is vital to move the university forward. 

This approach not only enhances operational efficiency and academic standards but also instills confidence among staff and students regarding the administration's commitment to excellence. 

Through these initiatives, Professor Chukwumaeze demonstrates a holistic approach to leadership at Imo State University, addressing immediate challenges while laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth and integrity within the university.

In summary, Professor Chukwumaeze's competent administration at Imo State University is characterized by prudent financial management, robust anti-corruption measures, enhanced staff and student welfare, and the strategic appointment of qualified personnel. 

These initiatives not only address immediate challenges but also lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development within Imo State University.

Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor is

The Assistant Public Relations Officer 

of Imo State University, Owerri

By Nze Dr Modesty Vitus Ezenwa

We have been inundated with tales and fables on the political situation and creation of my governor, Hope Uzodimma.

1.The premium attacker is Dr Fabian Iheakwaba. Fabian and I, haven't been in social writing , relationship. Before Uzodimma became my governor via the much criticized Supreme  Court ruling, Dr Fabian, alias OMU was the grand Inquisitor, playing the role of Devil advocate in several platforms. Omu was the probatus ahihatus of efforts to advance the interest of Uzodimma. He played from the centre and struck cords that literally made the  ousting of Gov Ihedioha looked like an answered prayer. Omu stopped short of telling the citizens of the state that Hope Uzodimma is the Messiah the state longed for. 

The governor that "doesn't reward" his disciples paid Omu handsomely when he tailored a unique ministry for him. Hope created the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and made Omu the commissioner. Aside occupying the biggest ministry ( in terms of metres and diameters) Omu went down in history as the first Commissioner of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria.

Dr Fabian disappeared from activism the moment he carried his prize. He locked himself within the precincts of his Orlu road office and harped on several plans and designs to amend and redeem himself. He started looking smarter and cleaner. He flourished speedily. But He ran into troubles the moment he attempted to advance his physiological means beyond the level specified for his status ( as commissioner). Dr Omu was frustrated , denied access to information and formations, denied access to the crumbs from the treasuries and made to pass through the furnaces. He resigned. As expected, His resignation letter  was celebrated ahead of it's submission. The office of the Secretary to the State Government puffed up champagne, regarding Omu's exit as a riddance of bad rubbish. His colleagues in government disowned him instanta and for two full years, Omu was in political incarceration. 

Denied the usual allurement and accoutrement of office, the paraphernalia that signals power and the irregular dripping of coins, Dr Omu reached out to the same man he embarrassed. We watched him kickstart a pro- Uzodimma enhancement outfit and peeped as he went through the roughs swallowing his vomit. He told Imolites that there was compelling need to give Uzodimma another four years. As his pocket swelled, he succeeded in swaying popular opinion ti the favour of the Antichrist. Omu coerced and co-opted many of our boys into his new found - government sponsored Imo Social Contract Group

I have decided to believe the message even though I seriously have issues with the messenger. Dr Fabian Ihekweme, a politically unstable character, selfishly motivated adventurist said the truth. I have reasons to believe what he said. Hope Uzodimma, the governor has trappings of a mob-hater. He doesn't allow those working with him to work around him. He doesn't feel comfortable with exhibitions of freedom. As I wrote somewhere else, those who identify with the governor are always detected from distance. They wear hungry looks, flat thommies, wrinkled faces and jingless trousers. They are always in hiding, scouting for closed spaces whenever they are introduced in public. They are always sneaking into and out of their villages and occasions where , ordinarily , they would be announced. They are hugely in debts. Delusioned by unfulfilled hope, and famished bu hunger, these men and women who have been with the governor, and were actually given  this and that as rewards, are yet to experience economic deliverance . One must ask why in spite of the rewards and expositions to political opportunities they had, they couldn't push the angels of poverty more than twenty cubic meters from their door mouth! What type of reward does the Omuma man offer ? 

Dr Fabian Chijoke Ihekweme is an unstable character! He moved away from Hope and joined Sam Daddy. He abandoned Sam Daddy and ran to Peter Obi where he was accused of destabilization and embezzlement aptitudes. He ran back to Hope last year with full promises of getting his reward both in current and in areas. All these took place within a political season. 

If another mouth has leaked the truth, it wouldn't have been grossly hushed down. Yes,  Hope my inlaw hasn't been fair to his appointees, but don't need a character in the mold of Fabian to spew it out 

Fabian should have used another voice to speak the truth. His fluctuations and ambivalence puncture all his efforts at becoming the spokesman of the masses. The truth remains constant while my friend Omu keeps dancing from one start to the next. Truth is truth, irrespective who voices it. Let's accept the message  and throw away the messenger. Dr Fabian is incredible and  not-  straightforward ancient seer! 

By Prof Obiaraeri, N. O.

It is dangerous to discuss goings on in present day Rivers State because there are no middle grounds. 

Many commentators have avoided discussing it because no matter on whose side of the divide one is, you must end up hurting the other side, and terribly too. 

The disagreements there are sharp and have assumed volatile and treacherous dimensions. Divided public opinions have not helped matters too. Alas, the gladiators may not reckon that public opinion is a dangerous thing. It can sway either side in split seconds.

With public opinion, you may be right in the beginning and end up being wrong in the middle or very finale if you do not exercise reasonable restraints and beat sensible retreats. What happened in the animal kingdom best describes the unpredictable nature of public opinion or sympathy. 

All the swordfighters and their supporters in Rivers State should carefully take note of its useful lessons in restraint and moderation. 

There is this allegory or tale that the tortoise, reputed to be very mischievous, stole from every other animal. The tortoise acted with impunity and went scot-free each time he was confronted by his hapless victims. 

On a good day, basking on the euphoria of his previous successful escapades, the tortoise went and stole from the lion. The lion, being a no-nonsense animal, went berserk, searched everywhere, caught the tortoise and beat him to stupor. 

Early in the morning, the lion tied the tortoise on top of a very tall tree on the road leading to the market square for every animal to see that the notorious tortoise had been caught. Every animal going to the market that morning was happy to see that the lion had caught the infamous tortoise who had felt that nothing can ever happen to him.

In the evening time, when the animals were returning from the market after the day’s businesses, the animals were astonished to see that the tortoise was still tied on the tree top by the lion. They became alarmed and protested that the length of time the lion tied the tortoise on that tree top without anything to eat and drink was rather unreasonable. 

In unison, the animals maintained that the lion had no right to further detain the tortoise without affording him the opportunity of a trial and possible conviction according to the law. That was how public opinion and public sympathy quickly switched in favour of the tortoise. The lion became loathed and roundly received condemnation for his high handedness. 

What is playing out in Rivers State is clash of two related yet diametrically opposed principles of power namely- “if you make a King you bow”; and “the least the King owes the Kingmaker is eternal loyalty”. Put differently, the least you owe a benefactor is gratitude but how loyal should a King be to his subject which includes the Kingmaker? 

This is a classic case of “may your loyalty not be tested” versus “may your loyalty be tested”. 

Clash of “godfather” and “godson” in Nigerian politics is not new. It is routine and only pronounced when it involves a big office holder like a State Governor. The latest on the front burner is the raging one in Rivers State and it promises not to be the last. 

Nigerians are concerned about the Rivers State imbroglio and early casualties have been recorded on many fronts even as the bedlam is just starting.

The hydra-headed Rivers State ruckus has defied the much touted political solution usually deployed by politicians to resolve “family problems”. It is no longer “a family affair” that can be resolved through wheeling and dealing after political confabulation.

The ruling PDP in Rivers State has lost its firm grip on the grassroots in the State to a lesser known political party in the just concluded Local Government elections because of this feud. The current conflagration and division in the national leadership of the PDP is directly and remotely linked to the shenanigans and tomfooleries in Rivers State.

Not even the earlier altruistic intervention of the President of the country through political solutions could quench the thirst of the disputants for war of attrition. 

The national Constitution has not been spared either. Most, if not all aspects of the Nigerian Constitution dealing with powers of the State as a tier of government have been excavated and brazenly desecrated in the present Rivers State hostilities.

These include but are not limited to the following- defilement or violation of the sanctity of the office of the Governor and constitutional immunity conferred on the Governor of the State when he was drenched with tear gas and water during a visit to the State House of Assembly complex; questions about autonomy of the legislature as an arm of government especially when the House of Assembly complex was demolished overnight for purported reconstruction by the executive arm; the procedure for membership and or loss of membership of a State House of Assembly; quorum for the sitting of a State House of Assembly; procedure for election and or suspension and or removal of principal officers of the State legislature; procedure for presentation of State budget by the Governor to the State House of Assembly. 

The festering crisis also extended to the procedure for extension of the tenure of elected Local Government officials as well as to the power of the State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct local Government election including the irreducible minimum standards and statutory protocols they must observe before holding such elections and many more.

Certainly, the Nigerian Police Force will not forget the Rivers State crisis in a hurry as both the Rivers State Command and its national leadership have both been at the receiving end of the political crossfires and constitutional logjams in Rivers State. 

The yet to end ugly developments in Rivers State have also defied legal solutions, at least in the immediate. Myriads of cases, motions and counter-motions are being filed in different courts between Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja per second per second. 

Consequently, judgments, orders, injunctions and restraining orders are tumbling in every day from different Courts of coordinate jurisdiction lending these orders and judgments to ingenious interpretations.

Sadly, one of the obvious fallouts in the Rivers State political politico-legal conflagrations is that very highly respected and upright Judges have been needlessly lampooned and denigrated for daring to deliver judgments or courageously handing down preservative orders in the matters brought before them.

The judiciary is usually the first casualty in such insane political brouhaha as their judgments or orders are usually heavily criticised especially by those who are angry that they did no win or overzealous commentators who are not privy to the facts of the cases or have not read the judgment or ruling to know the reasons adduced therein. 

Against long standing experience, the judiciary should have known better by avoiding giving conflicting orders and judgments in this Rivers State crisis. As things stand, only final decisions of the apex Supreme Court will settle the maze of legal issues thrown up in the plethora of suits filed over the Rivers State crisis. That is not happening any time soon!  

Truly, when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. It is obvious that leaders, traditional rulers, elders and youths in Rivers State have failed both themselves and their State as they are seen daily on national television addressing press conferences in support of one side or the other in the fracas instead of coming together to save their State and her people from the national shame and disgrace that the fiasco has become.

Against the foregoing, the salient outstanding moral questions are where are the religious leaders who wield moral authority over the people and beyond? Why have they become embarrassingly silent in the face of raging anarchy and lawlessness in Rivers State?

Of two contradictory propositions, one must be true and the other false. Who is going to be bold enough to put the blames where they belong in this Rivers State crisis? Will the gladiators listen to anyone at this stage when push has come to shove? This is yet another moral question. Talk of the popular African proverb "he who the Gods want to kill, they first make mad". 

Today, happenings in Rivers State demonstrate in many pragmatic ways that it is impossible to count the cost of godfather versus godson fight and that it is cheaper for all sides to tag along than to brawl. 

Any Nigerian that does not know and understand the "godfather and godson" phenomenon in power politics is still a learner!

Speaking generally, godfatherism is antithesis or opposite of the concept and essence of people’s power in politics. As stated earlier, open, sharp and bitter disagreements between "godfathers" and "godsons" are not new in Nigerian political history but the one playing out in Rivers State is the latest and updated version.

It does not need extra courage to advise those concerned and other godfathers out there that godfathers never end well because they are profoundly immoral, iniquitous and ignoble. 

In Nigeria, fights between godfathers and their godsons are often caused by sundry reasons that include but not limited to greed, selfishness and insatiable desire to be in exclusive control of the public treasury and or political patronages. 

The constant locking of horns between a godfather and godson very often has little or nothing to do with disagreements on how to improve the welfare and security of the common man and woman or how to do public good.

Of a truth, many godsons are ungrateful, unappreciative and extremely cunning. Sadly, the same godson who resists a godfather ends up seeking to be a godfather himself.

The greedy or foxy godsons who usually ascend to power through imposition and subterfuge pretend that there is no honour among thieves by pretentiously wearing pro-people toga.

On the other hand, many godfathers are egoistic, unrepentant bullies and control freaks who listen too much to gossips and rumours peddled by crisis marketers and hence suspect every move made by the godson. Literally, the godfather wants to be the one "marching the brakes" while the godson is riding the bicycle".

Godfathers easily forget the archaic golden rule of power that "if you make a King, you bow!" Godfathers love stooges and puppets while potential godsons cash in on this debility to pretend along until they get hold of power and reveal their true colours.

Pointedly, godfather and godson politics is anti-people and evil. None of them is a saint. Those who celebrate the fall of a godfather more often than not end up seeking to enthrone or enthroning another godfather. It is a vicious circle in Nigerian politics. 

In Nigeria, ancient and modern examples exist to explicate that godfathers lose everything when they lose a political contest to a godson. Hence, godfather versus godson fight is deadly. Godfather and godson fight is akin to a dogfight. When pitbulls fight, they are hard to separate.

Think of wasted time and resources, risks, lost lives, burnt or destroyed private and public buildings, broken limbs, foul talks and vulgar abuses, injured feelings, hurt pride, bruised egos, sharp divisions, lost friendships, broken fraternal relationships and aborted ambitions on both sides in this Rivers State Political Rumble 2024 and agree that there is no substitute for peace but godfathers, godsons, crisis enablers and political scavengers would not readily listen. 

Men and women of enlightened consciences across the country will happy to see amicable resolution or the end of these epic schisms in Rivers State. 

Anyone who sits down to calculate what things Rivers State and her people including Nigerians by extension have lost in this unconventional war (politics is war by other means) will come to the inescapable conclusion that it is senseless for the war to continue to rage. Any animal that can bite a dog to death must be a champion biter. A word is usually not enough for the unwise.

Edmund Burke indicated that "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”  

May peace, which is a condition precedent for prosperity and progress, return to Rivers State soonest.

A new normal is possible!

The resurgence of the Dahiyeh Doctrine in Beirut's Dahiyeh district is a troubling return to a military doctrine that entails massive damage of civilian infrastructure.

Developed during the 2006 Lebanon War, this tactic tries to undercut adversaries such as Hezbollah by causing severe damage to residential districts in order to engender public animosity of militant groups.

In recent military operations, Israel has expanded its attacks on Dahiyeh, using tactics similar to those employed in previous conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

The current onslaught has resulted in large human casualties and immense destruction, reminiscent of the devastation saw in 2006, which killed over 1,000 people and displaced roughly 900,000 others.

According to reports, essential infrastructure such as hospitals and schools have been assaulted, resulting in a humanitarian crisis.

Critics argue that this technique not only breaches international law, but also fails to achieve its declared goals.

Rather than removing threats like Hezbollah, such actions may aggravate tensions and prolong war cycles. The Dahiyeh Doctrine's implementation raises serious ethical concerns about employing civilians as collateral damage in military strategy.

As Israel continues to carry out this policy in Dahiyeh, the international community is raising major concerns about accountability and the moral ramifications of allowing such military tactics to be used unchecked.

The situation calls for quick diplomatic action to address the underlying reasons and seek a long-term solution that prioritizes human rights and regional stability.

Data contradicts the notion that US military intervention in the Middle East helps Israel's security. 

Despite the United States' deployment of more troops and advanced weaponry to protect Israel against threats from Iran and its proxies, this approach has not resulted in long-term security for Israel. Instead, it has heightened the country's vulnerability and dependence on US military aid.

Recent escalations, such as Iran's missile assaults and Hezbollah's hostile posture, show how US actions often exacerbate rather than alleviate regional tensions. 

Critics argue that these military tactics contribute to a vicious cycle of bloodshed, impeding peace discussions with the Palestinians and fueling anti-Israel sentiment. 

Many individuals argue that the United States' military presence fuels instability by neglecting to address the root causes of conflict.

Finally, long-term security in Israel and the region need a diplomatic approach that emphasizes honest peace discussions with Palestinians above reliance on military power. 

Without addressing these underlying problems, US initiatives might exacerbate instability and bloodshed.

The Global South’s poor should not be subsidising the IMF

The argument that impoverished people in the Global South should not fund the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reveals a significant inequality in global finance.

Many nations in this region are now subject to IMF loan surcharges, exacerbating their economic problems and impeding efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Countries like Egypt and Kenya are required to pay large fees, diverting funds away from critical initiatives and aggravating poverty.

Critics argue that these levies unjustly burden low-income people, who are already dealing with rising living costs as a consequence of austerity measures connected to IMF conditions.

This example exemplifies a wider systemic issue in which the financial implications of the IMF's policies disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability.

Wealthier nations must advocate for policies that decrease these costs and promote fair financial practices.

During a crisis in the European Union, officials are increasingly turning to military force to address pressing challenges.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has exacerbated this trend, with many seeing it as a watershed moment in European security.

Rather from confronting the basic issues inherent in neoliberal policies, European politicians seem to be leveraging the crisis to shift attention away from domestic discontent.

This militarization is evident in the continuous transfer of weapons to Ukraine, as well as calls for expanded military capabilities and investment throughout the continent.

The story argues that stronger military preparedness is essential for peace, echoing the adage "If you seek peace, prepare for war." However, this method raises concerns about growing tensions, particularly with nuclear powers involved.

As Europe navigates these complex dynamics, the focus on fight risks overshadowing the need for fundamental political and socioeconomic reforms.

... THANKS LEO STAN EKEH FOUNDATION FOR CHOOSING IMSU FOR THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME, AND DESCRIBES IMSU VC AS A UNIQUE PERSONALITY.

By Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor, Anipr 

The Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, ably represented by the  Deputy Governor,  Lady Chinyere  Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, has urged  the graduands of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Free Entrepreneurship Programme to effectively utilize the skills acquired during their training and opportunities provided by the foundation.

While thanking Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation for choosing Imo State University for the free entrepreneurship programme, she described the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, as a unique personality.

The  Deputy Governor as the representative of  the Visitor to Imo State University, Owerri, made the statement at the University Auditorium, on Friday, September 27, 2024,  during the graduation ceremony of the Trainees of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Free Entrepreneurship Programme. 

She described Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, who is the Founder and Chairman of Zinox Group as the leading African technological Icon, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, adding that Chief Ekeh has defied a popular saying by Zig Ziglar, who opined that "you don't build a business, you build people, people then build the business". She maintained that Chief Ekeh has built businesses, has built people, and is still building people, who have built and are still building businesses.

She called on other wealthy individuals to emulate Chief Leo Stan Ekeh and key into the shared prosperity ideals and initiatives of  the  Government  of  Governor Hope Uzodimma. 

The number 2 citizen of IMO State,  on behalf of  Governor  expressed appreciation to the Management, Staff, and Students of the university for graciously accommodating Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Center for the overall betterment of Imo State, and prayed God to continue to expand Chief Ekeh's  philanthropic coast.

In his address, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Group, expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for giving him the platform to assist. He hinted that he would have done some of these things many years ago, but the politics of the South East didn't allow him to. He added that Governor Hope invites him to every function and promotes his efforts most often. 

Chief Ekeh described Imo State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chukwumaeze as a unusual personality. He, however, advised the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme graduands to remove pride in their lives and respect people with knowledge. He categorically stated that any person not close to God is not usually successful, and  they must not allow  pride to separate them from God. They  must hold on to God because, what makes the difference is that, He will bless you when you least expect it. 

He assured that the entrepreneurship Programme will continue by the grace of the Governor of Imo State, Vice-Chancellor, and Management of Imo State University and that the first Graduating set of 200 candidates of the Programme would  go home with one Zpad Tablet each. 

Chief  Leo Stan Ekeh announced a cash donation of 50 million Naira to the Foundation's account, adding that the money would be for an interest-free loan to all those who are qualified and should be paid back in 5 or 10 years. He also promised to do something remarkable for Imo State University, in the name of his dear Wife, Lady Chioma Leo Stan Ekeh whom he described as 75 per cent of himself.  He also promised to build a new structure in the University  rather than refurbishing an already existing building. 

Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, on behalf of Management, Staff, and Students of the University, expressed gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State and Visitor, for gracing the occasion within a short notice. He equally expressed immense gratitude to Chief Leo Stan Ekeh and his beloved wife, Lady Chioma Leo Stan Ekeh, for  their numerous support to the university whenever their assistance was needed.

While commending the Pioneer Director of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, Dr. Gloria Ernest-Samuel for her effective job delivery, Professor Chukwumaeze, on the spot  reappointed her for another year. He recalled that he was about to appoint Dr Gloria as the Head of the Department of Theater Arts in 2023, but changed his mind and appointed her as the Pioneer Director of the Center and charged her to go and nurture the Center further. He added that she had done well, which necessitated her reappointment.

For the Graduands, the Vice-Chancellor reminded them that Chief Ekeh did not just teach them, but he also empowered them, pointing out that the best empowerment is the knowledge acquired, and Chief Ekeh not only empowered them with knowledge but also empowered them financially and electronically. He added that "the foundation he has given to you is enough to make you bigger and richer than any known billionaire in the world. I urge you to emulate Chief Ekeh in his humility".

In her address, the Director, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Center , Dr. Gloria Ernest-Samuel stated that she felt very privileged to be the one chosen by the Vice-Chancellor, amongst the nearly 600 Lecturers in Imo State University. She said that in the 3 months of the programme, the trainees criss-crossed through several courses, which included but not limited to Career Planning, Etiquette, Financial Management, Business Law and Ideation, Entrepreneurship, Selling and Branding, Public Speaking, Digital Publishing, Artificial Intelligence, Social Media Marketing, among others.

Dr Gloria hinted that Chief Leo Stan Ekeh pulled his contacts and harnessed thoroughbred experts in various disciplines from Nigeria, America, and the UK to teach the trainees at no cost to them. Speaking further, she said that Chief Ekeh also gifted all the trainees with brand new Zpad Tablets to aid them with their work and research and also paid them. a stipend of twenty thousand naira to augment their weekly transport to the Center.

She however stressed that Chief Ekeh had set a standard at Imo State University and the Center can boast of a state-of-the-art smart board and other equipments, which made it possible for experts outside Nigeria to teach the trainees virtually, adding that Chief Leo Stan Ekeh's passion for human development is infectious. The Director, further thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the opportunity given to her which underscored his overwhelming support for her and the Center. 

The high point of the occasion was the presentation, on behalf of the University Management, Staff, and Students of Imo State University, of a beautiful portrait of  Chief Ekeh by the Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, in appreciation of the philanthropic gestures. 

Dignitaries at the event were; the Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education, Prof. Victor Nwachukwu, represented by the Director of the Department, of Tertiary Education, Mrs Nkechi M. Eke, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir (Barr) Tobechi Ekomaru, Principal Officers of Imo State University, as well as Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, Staff and Students of the university, Director-General, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, Engr. Amasike Emelonye, the Chairman, Mbaitoli Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Eze George Ekeh, and guests from all walks of life.

Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor is,

The Assistant Public Relations Officer,

of Imo State University, Owerri.