Kalu On A Mission For Inclusion, Social Justice In Nigeria’s Political System

In this report, ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE examines the peace project of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who represents the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, which aims to uphold inclusivity and social justice as fundamental principles for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances

During a reception held to welcome Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, a few days ago, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who was represented by Abbas Tajudeen, expressed appreciation to the Senate President for his support in advancing the South East Development Commission Bill to its third reading in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

In a communication issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu expressed happiness to Akpabio for his support of the administration led by Tinubu, and believes that once this bill is approved by President Bola Tinubu, it will contribute towards reconciliation from the wounds of the Nigerian civil war.

Kalu commended Akpabio’s leadership approach to fostering unprecedented cooperation between the Senate and the House of Representatives. Regarding Akpabio’s backing of the South East Development Commission bill, Kalu emphasized appreciation, acknowledging Akpabio as a commendable leader and ally.

He recognized the historical lack of reconciliation and rehabilitation for the Southeast region post-civil war, spanning five decades. Furthermore, both Kalu and Akpabio identified the bill as a strategic instrument to address longstanding issues in the Southeast.

The passage of this bill is seen as a significant step towards providing solutions to various challenges faced by the people in that region. Kalu expressed thankfulness for the positive impact this development has had on fostering peace in the Southeast, instilling hope for presidential approval of the bill.

Kalu is the individual behind the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), aimed at promoting peace, unity, and development in the region. The project was officially launched in the Bende Local Government of Abia State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on December 29, 2023. While on his peace initiative agenda a month ago, Kalu arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, accompanied by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. This information was shared during a press briefing by Jackson Udom, the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President.

The duo joined Akpabio, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) from March 23 to 27, 2024. Upon their arrival at Geneva airport, Akpabio’s group received a warm welcome from Nigeria’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Abiodun Richards Adejola, and South Africa’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr. Mxolisi Nkosi.

However, Kalu has been irked by the alleged murder of one Emmanuel Okocha by a police officer in Aba, deeming the dastardly act as reprehensible and offensive. The police officer must be made to explain his behavior, according to Kalu, who demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.

A police corporal attached to the Rapid Response Squad within the Aba Division reportedly shot dead Okocha, a native of Abiriba in the Ohafia local government area of the state, while he was on his way to the village.

A month ago, Ben Kalu spoke at the special edition of “The Ben Kalu’s Mandate,” a radio program on FLO FM in Umuahia, Abia State. Kalu said that it was deliberate to work behind the scenes to achieve the objective of the frantic efforts ongoing to secure the release of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnami Kanu. This might be part of the reasons while unveiling of the PISE-P, Kalu communicated through Nwabughiogu, expressing that his original intention when initiating the South East Project was unequivocal—to advance peace, unity, and progress within the region using a non-violent approach.

The South East is renowned for its abundant cultural legacy, dynamic communities, and industrious populace. Nonetheless, Kalu observed that the region has encountered various obstacles, such as economic disparities, security issues, political tensions, and sporadic conflicts.

The objectives of the South East Project are well defined, according to him. He said, “Our primary focus is on facilitating reconciliation among communities and individuals impacted by previous conflicts. We acknowledge the imperative to tackle the underlying factors of conflict, including economic inequalities and political strains.

“The pivotal aim of this project is to empower communities by equipping them with essential resources, skills, and opportunities for sustainable growth. We strongly advocate for involving youth in peace-building endeavors by providing them with education, training, and leadership prospects—an investment in the region’s future.

“Upholding inclusivity and social justice are fundamental principles that we endeavor to nurture to ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“Fostering a culture of peace is paramount in our endeavor; thus, promoting dialogue, tolerance, and non-violence as fundamental values within our communities are key objectives.

“Through these concerted efforts, our aspiration is to cultivate a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive environment for all inhabitants of the region.”

While in Geneva, Switzerland, a letter addressed to the Nigerian Senate President and approved by the Secretary General of the IPU, Martin Chungong, contained a message stating: “Dear Mr. President, the 148th Assembly of the IPU and related meetings are scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre of Geneva (ICCG), Switzerland, from Saturday, March 23rd, to Wednesday, March 27th, 2024.

“We are pleased to provide comprehensive information about these meetings, including the agendas of the IPU statutory bodies. We earnestly hope that your parliament will be represented at the 148th Assembly and that your delegation, under your guidance, will actively participate in the proceedings.”

It was gathered that the previous IPU session held in Luanda, Angola, saw Nigeria achieve a significant milestone when Akpabio was elected into the Executive Committee of this global parliamentary organization. The global association of national parliaments committed to fostering peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue was established in 1889.

Over time, it has evolved into an inclusive global entity, with membership from 179 out of 193 countries worldwide.

With an eye for inclusiveness, Kalu made a call when he visited the WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Geneva on the sidelines of the 148th assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, saying, “The World Trade Organization should help boost the exportation of primary products from Nigeria and Africa in general.”

In one of his peace outings that saw the South East governors and eminent personalities; national assembly members from the zone; the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; the Obi of Onitsha HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; the Ooni of Ife HRM Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Emir of Bichi; the Senate and House Committees on Constitution Review, Kalu advocated the need to set the pace for effective collaboration to drive the ongoing exercise to a successful conclusion.

He hopes that the country will remember that the journey towards peace is not a destination. The process is ongoing and requires everyone’s unwavering commitment and dedication. All must continue to promote social justice and empower the youth, he says.

He emphasizes that investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure can’t be overemphasized without creating opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development. The country must cultivate a culture of peace, respect, and understanding, above all.

The Pioneer of Peace in the South East Project is deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of each citizen, believing that together, the country has shown the world the power of unity.

Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who has said that the recent inauguration of the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum, in the Hague, Netherlands, by President Tinubu will set a new tone and foundation for stronger economic ties between both countries, also reaffirmed the commitment of “the House of Representatives to the expansion of economic cooperation, friendship, and bonds between Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

A prosperous, sustainable, and peaceful future for the countries can be achieved by pursuing common objectives and closer diplomatic goals. He made the assertions while delivering his remarks at the embassy in Abuja a week ago, on a Friday night, according to a statement by Nwabughiogu.

Kalu believes that the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) includes reconciliation in the mix of what the project is trying to accomplish, given the significance of Nnamdi Kanu in the peace agenda the project is pushing. He said, “I’ve always told people that I’ll never deny Nnamdi Kanu. He is my brother.

“We’re from the same place, and I won’t be happy with him being locked up when we can get him out and do more for peace. I can assure you that the powers-that-be in this country know that people like us are not sitting on the fence,” Kalu said.

He believes this cannot be accomplished in front of a judge and will opt for a political approach to resolve the issue, stating that the federal government should provide him with a few things.

Checks revealed that the last time he saw Mr. President, they talked about how important it is for the elders of Igbo land to come, sit, and talk to him. Kanu and SEDC will be one of the topics that will come up there.

“We must show Mr. President loyalty by making sure there is peace in our area as we ask him to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for us and give us the South East Development Commission, support his government without getting violent,” he said.

The foundation the project has laid should be continued and strive for a South East that is prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive.

Onwumere won Second Place in the inaugural Africa Travel Week Media Awards 2024 held in South Africa. He writes via: apoet_25@yahoo.com

African Journalists Initiative

GROUP’S DESCRIPTION/RULES.

Greetings.

I have thought about creating a WhatsApp group with the above-mentioned caption because of its importance for several reasons now that African Journalists are making waves. This group will serve as one of the largest WhatsApp group across Africa that will not only include Merck Foundation’s alumni but also other journalists:

Networking and Information Sharing: This group will serve as a platform for journalists to connect, share information, and stay updated on the latest news and media opportunities. Members can exchange tips, leads, and contacts, enhancing their professional network.

Collaboration and Support: Journalists in this group can collaborate on stories, seek advice from peers, and provide support to each other. It creates a sense of community among professionals in the field.

Efficient Communication: The WhatsApp group will offer a quick and convenient way for journalists to communicate with each other, especially in real-time situations or when urgent information needs to be shared.

Access to Sources: Being part of this group can provide journalists with access to a diverse range of sources, experts, and contacts that they may not have had otherwise. This can enrich their reporting and help them cover stories more comprehensively.

Professional Development: Through discussions, exchanges, and interactions within this group, journalists can learn from each other, stay informed about industry trends, and enhance their skills and knowledge.

Building Relationships: Engaging in meaningful conversations within this group can help journalists build relationships with their peers, PR professionals, and other media contacts. Strong relationships are crucial in the journalism field for collaboration and sourcing information.

Media Opportunities: Journalists will often use this group to share media opportunities such as press releases, event invitations, interview requests, or story ideas. This can benefit both journalists looking for content and PR professionals seeking coverage for their clients. No link of everyday news will be shared in the group except for journalism opportunities like awards, grants, and fellowships.

In conclusion, this Journalists WhatsApp group will play a vital role in fostering communication, collaboration, networking, and professional growth within the journalism community.

We seek journalists across Africa who share the objectives of the group to join using the link:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GfMhEWJMy7k0iRoT9i4fbw

Please, share with your contacts.

Thank You.

Odimegwu Onwumere,
Nigeria.

Those Who Know God But Not Love

Beyond Religion And Culture: Many people don’t know what Love is but they are good at telling you about their written God. They tell you about how you are not godly because you don’t belong to their faith, even when you wear Love as a garb. They only know about the heads of their faiths but don’t know Love. Our forebears without a profound knowledge of faith or paper God understood that love is tireless and it heals and is inexhaustible. This was why they loved beyond measure knowing that Love brings people together. They knew that Love is powerful. Some of us who lived in the village where communal unionism was fad grew up with that mind of love. But right here in the city, a person with a kind and loving heart is dubbed a mugu among siblings, friends and associates, because there are too smart people trained in the city bereft of intelligence. What God are you talking about when you don’t have a heart that can accommodate your siblings, friends and people in your world? You only know God but don’t know Love? He who has God but don’t have Love has nothing. Only when we individually understand that Love is the world then can we live as human beings other than the state of beastly features many exhibit yet mouthing they know GOD.
~Odimegwu Onwumere
April 27, 2024.

Spending Energy Under Noise

Did you know that you can be on your bed and your energy which is your spiritual well-being is spent?

For few days there was no electricity, an occupant of the flat over the fence, has been with the habit of leaving his “I pass my neighbour” electric generator on from dusk to dawn.

You know that the space we give in Nigeria while building from your neighbor’s fence isn’t up to four feet. So, between the two buildings (his and mine), the gap is not up to nine feet. They hear all we say in our building, and vis-a-vis.

That’s how we live in Nigeria with scarcely an environment for air, recreational activities or sit out. Where he placed his generator is just near my window. So, we abandon the much-affected room due to the hazardous fumes for other rooms, and stay listening to the buzzing of the noise. Not safe, either.

This particular night, I was just useless in the room, sweating, restless and spending more energy in bitterness. I could contend with the buzzing noise but the fumes were choking, not pleasant. And you dare not complain. After all, “He is in his compound and has every right to experiment nuisance,” Nigerians would always say when you approach them. Or, better put, he will tell you, “I am in my compound. So, what right do you have to tell me what to do?”

You know that ignorance is a disease in Nigeria. People in such dastardly act will tell you when you complain to “Mind your business.” Now, going to tell government authorities is a tall dream. Citizens always leave every usurpers of their rights ‘in the hand of God’s to judge.

The noise, not only made by this man, but all over Nigeria, will never allow you to be in your head. That’s, if you are one who was created and born normal, because not all the people we see and think are normal, are really normal.

When you are selfish, in an act that usurps the energy of people around you, you are not normal. If not, tell me how a sensible person would switch-on a generator, then go in to enjoy his shallow-comfort, without minding the discomfort others may be stressed up as a result of his selfish pleasure.

Here in Nigeria, if you were created and born a normal human being, you spend too much energy from your soul caused by people around you be they siblings, friends, family members, religious organizations, neighbors and so forth. Because many are aspiring not for spiritual growth, they do things that always cause you your perspective of the five senses which energy is top notch.

I have been drinking water this night, because of the fumes. I have been awake spending energy without any physical work. Just inside my room, yet spending enough energy in restlessness. Little can I accomplish because energy is the ability to dream at night, reason right, wake up right. All this I have spent because of the sheepishly mindset of a neighbor who has found pleasure in sleeping in the noise of generator while every other people around should be awake listening to the creeking sound of the rickety generator.

As a result of this dusk to dawn noise in this country, many of us do not have much energy again. You may not be worrying too much, yet you are not getting enough sleep due to noise that abound in the neighborhood. Some people who could sleep in such an environment subject themselves on inducement. Those who do not take anything, like me, are tortured physically and psychologically, hence spending too much energy whilst indoor.

In this unending noisy habits of Nigerians in this country even in the absence of thorough medicine or psychotherapy (while undergoing this noisy environmental torture), we individually become stressed up, addicted to inducement, angry, resentful and having every negative energy around. Like this generator that has been buzzing with smelling carbons, it creates both psychological and physical sensations in your body that only leaves you with hurt, destructive and painful self.

~Odimegwu Onwumere
April 27, 2024.

Promise And Fail People

There was a powerful Dibia in a town in the East. According to how my Master narrated his ordeal in the hands of proud and arrogant clients, he was so powerful that his clients were good at promising how they’d build a heaven on earth for him, given the mud house he had and lived in.

He was circumvent and told them, “The people that would build a house for me have not come.” The numerous boasting-clients were surprised. Accordingly, they made their empty promises and never came back with results.

One day, the Dibia saw a trailer carrying different building materials heading to his compound. “The people that would build a house for me have arrived!” the Dibia shouted, and called his kinsmen out to help him relocate his sparsely belongings to one room in his brother’s building. They did. His primordial house was brought down and a new building was geared.

The irony was that he never discussed the building with the people that came, neither did they promise him of building a house for him. They planned it in their closet and took the bull by the horn.

When this story was told to me, it dawned in my heart the aged-long matrix that says empty shell makes the greatest noise. People who are up for you with good tidings do not mouth of their plans towards you. They take you by surprise even in the absence of a camera.

So, empty promises abound in our society today. Many do that for vainglorious publicity and pride.

Today, I pray that our destiny helpers take us by surprise. Ihia!

~Odimegwu Onwumere
April 26, 2024.

The Nigerian Voice Odimegwu Onwumere Comes 1st In Foreign Journalism Awards

Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023 have been announced.

In a virtual ceremony held April 19, 2024, 13:00 Dubai time which was 10AM Nigerian time, Odimegwu Onwumere, a journalist with an article published in The Nigerian Voice, an online news platform, won first position.

The committee for selecting the winners was formed by Merck Foundation’s CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, along with Leonard Saika, Senior Program Director; Mehak Handa, Communication Manager; Kanaga Janani Chandrasekaran, Community Awareness Programs Manager; Linda Aryeetey, Communication and Community Awareness Programs Manager; all from Merck Foundation.

According to the body, the Media Recognition Awards 2023 “Diabetes & Hypertension” were also announced in partnership with African First Ladies.

“The winners were selected based on evaluating the quality of the information included to promote a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in a way that regular community members can comprehend in line with the objectives of the Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement and Diabetes Blue Point Program to raise awareness within the communities,” Rasha Kelej said.

Details later…

Odimegwu Onwumere Wins The Inaugural Africa Travel Week Media Awards

A Port Harcourt-based journalist, Odimegwu Onwumere has won a second place in the inaugural Africa Travel Week Media Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa, by Big Ambitions, a tourism-based firm.

In an email sent to Onwumere by Sonnette Fourie, Junior Account Director/Client Services of the organization, he was praised for being a winner in the Tourism News Award category of the African journalism awards held in South Africa on April 10, 2024.

The letter sent to Onwumere by Sonnette Fourie and received by our reporter, reads, “Dear Odimegwu, we are happy to congratulate you on achieving second place in the Tourism News category at the inaugural African Journalism Awards held last week at WTM Africa!

Onwumere’s work reveals the move that Nigeria is making to reclaim her $1.6b expenditure in medical tourism and become the hub for medical tourism.

“Your work stood out for its quality and insightful approach. Earning second place is a significant accomplishment, and we want to acknowledge your valuable contribution to African journalism. Congratulations again on your well-deserved second place finish!”

While buttressing the need journalists across Africa should enter the awards at the point of call for entry early in the year, Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing, said the media plays a vital role in driving growth across Africa’s tourism industry while keeping people informed, updated, and inspired.

“This is our chance to show appreciation to those who strive to share our continent’s travel news, remarkable stories, and experiences through outstanding journalism, captivating narratives, and imagery,” Megan De Jager said.

Adding, she said, “As a winner or finalist, participating in the Africa Travel Week Media Awards provides an opportunity to celebrate your hard work, enhance your reputation, and network with industry leaders from around the world.”

The elated Odimegwu Onwumere whose work was published by Modern Ghana, an online news publishing firm thanked the team at Modern Ghana for publishing his work.

“I am happy for this award, which has further shown that my writing efforts are recognized,” he said.

Cubana Chief Priest: How Not To Be Loud

One Cubana Chief Priest is arraigned in court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, for issues concerning abuse of the naira (which its worth is $1 to N1000+) in events.

I have never been a fan of the Priest because I hate noise and loathe noisy people. I love people who understand and apply decorum in the journey towards success, having in mind that it is beneficial not to be loud with your achievements.

If not when his mother or so passed on, little did the world know about one Obi Cubana (Obinna Iyiegbu.) Upon his world’s reviewed billions of naira, you don’t see him show off with money, either in an event or anywhere. His property like cars speak for him. Despite taking too many videos, you can read humility all over him, with his infectious smile and humble dispositions.

While the Nigerian government authorities have not in earnest sensitized Nigerians enough that it’s unlawful to spray, mutilate, sell, ruffle the naira, their apprehension of the Cubana Chief Priest on such allegations, shows that not only village people or your enemies monitor your success, the government authorities are also looking for a leeway to rubbish any proud person, using template that the person has gone against the law.

Few weeks ago, one Bobrisky who is in the public discourse whether he or she is a man or woman because of crossdressing, is sent to 6months in prison for charges that heaped on money abuse. Bobrisky was too loud and today, government authorities have sent their curriculum of how to be humble to him or her.

Maintaining humility helps in maintaining a good reputation. We know people like Flavour Nabania who are wealthy, yet, you won’t hear them showing off or having any altercation with anyone. Flavour is an epitome of Peace Ambassador around the world. The United Nations, United Nations Foundation, and the international community are supposed to bring Flavour closer because of his unflinching positive influence on the younger generation. As a musician, you can’t see him smoking, taking drugs, doing alcohol or dress indecently.

Stronger relationship with people is not achieved through loudness which the ilk of the Cubana Chief Priest was encouraging across with arrogance. In a world where the younger ones celebrate money, it is pertinent to state that loudness alienate people around you.

It is not necessary to be loud where unnecessary therefore trying to pull unwanted attention and the Priest might have potentially invited envy or resentment from others, even from the government authorities. The negative reaction his loudness has attracted today is that he has been arraigned before the court for his focus on continuous improvement on being loud, hence alleged naira abuse is tied on his neck.

People like Obinna Iyiegbu, Flavour and co have shown how not to be loud, thereby respecting the achievements of others, creating a supportive atmosphere with other people. Unlike the noisemaking-Cubana Chief Priest, the above-mentioned individuals understand that positive actions speak louder than noise. They know that much lasting impact is in action than in words. Their success speaks volume than the Cubana Chief Priest’s volumes of unprofessional way of handling and managing wealth.

The excessive self-promotion of loudness of wealth that is associated with the Cubana Chief Priest, shows a man who lacks confidence except overt displays of success he wears as a toga.

People who keep low profile of their success have their privacy protected from unnecessary scrutiny or intrusion. Iyiegbu and Flavour understand this and hardly do they invite unwanted attention.

It is essential that people built trust and credibility among the society and government members without being loud with their success. Constant validation of success through loud declarations has landed a lot of people in public rebuke or government’s invite. Today, it is the once hyped Cubana Chief Priest.

~Odimegwu Onwumere
April 17, 2024.

Little Girl Thrown In The Bush For Witchcraft Rescued By A Dane

Anja Ringgren Loven, a helper from Denmark, was surprised to find a one-year-old girl who was accused of witchcraft and abandoned in the bush in Akwa Ibom.

A call she received prompted her to take action.

Loven didn’t hold back when she shared her experience with the world on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

On her Facebook, she said the little girl was very sick when they found her, after arriving at the village in Akwa Ibom state where she was discovered.

“In that area, when people believe a child is a witch, they abandon them in the bush to die,” Anja explained.

She was not alone in her efforts. Her team took the girl to Land of Hope, where they care for children.

The girl’s medical treatment will be covered by Anja’s Facebook appeal.

Odimegwu Onwumere is Chairman, Advocacy Network on Religious and Cultural Coexistence – Anoracc

On The Palm Sunday Road

Beyond Religion And Culture: I didn’t know that today was Palm Sunday in the Christian tradition till I saw a video of adherents marching. I screenshot the video as afixed. All the marching soldiers for Jesus held raffia (otherwise known to me as Omu). I keenly observed them singing and marching. Half of the group were aged, who in my dismay only know the history and traditions of the belief that pulled them under the sun. I mean redcap chiefs and their wives. It sent a recall in my membrane that not all elders are good to seek village advice from. Albeit, as the people were singing, raising their Omu is ecstatic mood, their energy reminded me of the days we played the community masquerade known as Igbofunaekwe, and all the initiates would tie Omu singing and marching through the community roads. Sadly, the adherents of the Palm Sunday desecrated our masquerade in a most debasing attitude years back, labeled it Satan and Evil. Today, they are raising Omu on the same road that they condemned us as “ungodly people” because we practiced our aboriginal traditions.
~Odimegwu Onwumere
March 24, 2024.