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Tag: Gov. Ikpeazu

  • Gov Ikpeazu as a good brand ambassador of made in Aba goods

    Gov Ikpeazu as a good brand ambassador of made in Aba goods

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
    Brand ambassadors, also known as Corporate Ambassadors, are hired by organisations to represent brands positively as well assisting companies to increase the awareness of brands to promote sales. Few characteristics mark out brand ambassadors. One is that they should have an appreciable knowledge of the core principles of marketing. Another is that they should reach out to a wide range of people.

    Also, brand ambassadors have the capacity to influence people’s perception of products as well encourage them to patronise the product. Another important function of brand ambassadors is to foster strong relationships between the customers and the brand. They also gather feedback from customers about a product. This will enable the firm to improve on their products and services.

    These and more are what Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State is doing for the made -in- Aba wears as brand ambassador. The governor has not relented in his efforts to ensure that these products capture the global market and attract huge patronage. He has taken advantage of every opportunity to market the made-in – Aba wears. One of the occasions was the 2016 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Forum held in Lagos where Ikpeazu did not take chances to launch made-in -Aba shoes. This excited former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as one of the panelists, to place an order for pairs of shoes.

    This also prompted the then Senate President, Bukola Saraki to urge other military and paramilitary outfits in the country to emulate the army by immediately banning the purchase of all imported foot wears in preference for locally produced ones.

    While Governor Ikpeazu is fulfilling his beat in marketing the brand “Aba”, the federal government should not hesitate in fulfilling its own beat. There have been calls from several quarters on the federal government to ban importation of all goods that Nigerians have the capacity to produce locally.

    The former Senate President, David Mark in 2013 during a trade fair to launch made-in Aba products in Abuja described Aba as the “catalyst of industrial revolution in Nigeria” and urged the federal government to discourage importation of foreign goods because Nigeria has no business importing those goods which do not measure to the quality being produced in the country.

    Abians have no other option than to assist this great brand ambassador (Ikpeazu) in this his marketing efforts, especially now that serious pressure is exerted on our currency (the naira) because of import dependency .This situation is necessitated by weak, narrow export base where revenues generated from oil and gas account for over 70 percent of our foreign exchange earnings.

    The time is ripe for us to encourage made-in-Aba goods. This effort if implemented will go a long way in ameliorating the economic woes of the country by saving the nation the foreign currencies expended on importation of good and services( even those we have the capacity of producing).

  • Gov. Ikpeazu and his plethora of awards

    Gov. Ikpeazu and his plethora of awards

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

    Recently, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu joined other high- flying personalities to bag the Vanguard Governor of the year award. Other personalities that fall under this category are Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Malam Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna).

    On the other hand,Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Borno counterpart, Professor Babagana Zulum; as well as Business Tycoon and Philanthropist, Mr. Femi Otedola, received the personality of the year award.

    While Otedola emerged Vanguard’s 2019 personality of the year recipient while Sanwo-Olu and Zulum are the 2020 joint personalities of the year.

    Those who were honoured for their outstanding work in private sector or public service are Founder/ Executive Chairman of BUA Cement Plc, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu (2020 Businessman of the year); Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele (2020 Public Sector Icon of the year); and Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi (2019 Public Sector Icon of the year), among other categories.

    Like the proverbial gold fish that has no hiding place, Gov. Ikpeazu in the course of his career as the governor of Abia State has become synonymous with awards and accolades. It will be recalled that he also emerged Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017”.

    Mr Gbenga Adefaye, who led the team of Vanguard editors then,noted that the award was in recognition of the governor’s novel contributions to good governance and purposeful leadership in Abia State.

    Adefaye’s explanation did not paint Governor Ikpeazu in borrowed robes rather really captured the character and laudable achievements of Governor Ikpeazu in Abia State. First, he described the governor as exceptional leader with futurists ideas.

    Jay Mitchel paint exceptional leaders to be authentic, humble, they balance realism and optimism, they are committed to making others better.

    Others are that exceptional leaders surround themselves with people better than them; they put people and long-term results ahead of processes and short-term goals; they have their team back; wade into conflicts; and they are self-aware. All these qualities are embodied in Ikpeazu.

    Also, Vanguard’s description of Governor Ikpeazu as an exceptional leader is not a misplacement, because, according to Jay Mitchel, “exceptional leaders talk openly about their struggles, both past and present, as well as their successes.
    “They aren’t falsely humble, because they understand their strengths and operate within them. They are same person when they sit in the leadership chair as when they are at home, on the golf course, or in the gym. Leaders talk about real life issues and real world problems. People naturally follow authentic people because they know what they can count on them to be consistent, truthful, open, relationally-intelligent, and honest.”
    Gov. Ikpeazu is a perfect match of what Christ said about the requirement of humility in leadership, which is aptly captured in Matthew 23:11 thus: “The greatest among you will be your servant. He is indeed a servant leader.

    Besides, Ikpeazu’s leadership is highly-driven by service to his people and he has strongly demonstrated and professed this thus: “The overriding import is service; we are desperate to give service to the people of Abia State. We will continue to do it as the funds are available.

    It is better we die serving Abia people. So, what are we keeping the money for? If money is available; we will use it to serve the people. Funding is not a barrier. The prayers of the good people of Abia will find the funds for us to do what we want to do. We are in government to serve the people and remember that in my early days, I said I was going to be common governor for the common people”.
    One thing that continues to bother the minds of analysts and watchers of Nigerian politics is how Governor Ikpeazu was able to sustain these laudable achievements despite prolonged distractions.

    In the words of Adefaye then: “Despite daunting legal distractions, you have remained focused on your vision and mission to transform Abia State into a functional private sector-led economy; creating opportunities for citizens, improving the quality of lives and shaping the state a regional entrepreneurship hub through good governance, appropriate development and provision of sustainable enabling environment.”

    Throughout history, the truth is that visionaries and achievers are not daunted by distractions. The case of Nehemiah is a classical case. It will be recalled that Jerusalem came under serious sieges in 606, 597, and 586 B.C and was conquered and destroyed by the great Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar. The temple, palace, houses, and wall around the city were razed by fire. Many of the elite upper class of the Jewish people were taken captive to live in Babylon in 606 B.B, and most of the rest of the population were either killed or taken to Babylon in 597 and 586 B.C.

    No wonder, Governor Ikpeazu’s exploits were so much endeared to the Men Ministry of the Assemblies of God, Ukaegbu Road, Aba, that they conferred him with the award of “Nehemiah of Abia”. Governor Ikpeazu is a Philosopher King as conferred on him by a Catholic clergy. Plato opined that a Philosopher king is a ruler who possesses both a love of knowledge, as well as intelligence, reliability, and a willingness to live a simple life. Such are the rulers of his Utopian City, Kallipolis. For such a community to ever come into being, philosophers (must) become kings or those now called kings (must)genuinely and adequately philosophise (The Republic, 5.473d).

    Nehemiah story had everything to do with his vision of a preferable future for his people and their beloved city of Jerusalem. Despite strong opposition he fulfilled the vision process, implementation, opposition, and completion. Nehemiah was attached to the Persian court- he had been the king cupbearer. He was appointed governor of Judah and authorised to rebuild its fortifications. He demonstrated his organisational skills and had the walls of Jerusalem up in 52 days. He was greatly hampered by the opposition of Sanballat, governor of Samaria. Tobiah, governor of Ammon. He divided his forces into two shifts- one to stand at arms, the other to build.

    Just like Nehemiah, Ikpeazu met a state, especially Aba, the commercial nerve of the state, not in the best condition. But his vision of a preferable future for the people of Abia forced him into action. This vision has converted the entire Abia into a construction site with scores of roads, bridges completed and more undergoing construction. This vision has subjected the state into an agricultural hub. This vision has also elevated Abia State to a Small and Medium Scale hub. The vision has caused revolutions in the health, education sectors of the state.

    The ongoing reforms, just like the reforms of Nehemiah in Jerusalem has saved fortunes that can be translated to millions from the ghost-worker syndrome that bedevilled the state all these while and eaten it up like a locust.

    It has demystified power in the state by de-emphasising the pomp and ceremonies that create the power mystique. The vision has communised the governor and simplified the age-long image of the man of power.

    It is indisputable that visions and reformations are strongly opposed like Sanballat and Tobias did in Nehemiah era. In the contemporary times opposition to visions and reformations can come in the forms of protracted litigations aimed at distracting the leader; negative media publications with spurious, unfounded and baseless allegations which only aim is to denigrate the soaring fame of the leader. But despite how intense the opposition may be, by the grace of God, the vision process must be completed. To God be the glory.

  • Gov. Ikpeazu’s infrastructural stride and the deficit attitude of some Abians

    Gov. Ikpeazu’s infrastructural stride and the deficit attitude of some Abians

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

    There have been repeated pleas by the government of Abia State to Abians to show some friendly disposition to the infrastructure put in place by the present administration, especially roads. These pleas stemmed mainly from the fact that some disgruntled elements have demonstrated unfavourable dispositions to some of the newly constructed or reconstructed roads.

    Some are now deriving joy in dumping refuse in the drainage. The implication of this is glaring: these refuse will block the drainage and deter the free flow of storm water. When this happens, the storm water will return to the roads and cause flooding. When the flooding is not abated, the roads will start deteriorating.

    This is why you notice succeeding administrations sometimes returning to roads that were built by the previous government. Gov Okezie Ikpeazu has insisted repeated that why he ensures quality in the roads he constructs is that he does not want administrations that will succeed him to return to roads he had previously built.

    Economically, this is highly deficit, and considering the present economic conditions in the country where revenues, especially from the mainstay of the economy, crude oil, continues to fluctuate, it is highly unwise for governments to continue to invest and reinvest scarce resources on infrastructures the deficit attitudes of the citizens could not allow to outlive their life span.

    This ugly practice has degenerated to a point that most elements within the major cities of the state have converted these roads into car wash businesses. Some of these materials used in this business, like detergents are very corrosive in nature and have the potentialities of compromising the integrity of these roads. More worrisome is that some motor in these cities have converted these roads into their workshops which also exposed these roads to the same fate resulting from the activities of the car wash proprietors.

    The most comical is the recent activities of some drinking joints operators along Milverton Avenue who relocated their businesses to the middle of these newly constructed roads.

    Government is a collaborative business and requires strong collaborations from the citizens for the business to walk effectively. On this note, the citizens owe crucial duties to both government and themselves by keeping the infrastructures provided by government in good conditions. This is because they are the primary beneficiaries of these amenities.

    Also, the relevant agencies, especially the environmental protection agency should ensure that government’s actions tailored towards protecting these infrastructures should be strictly enforced. Where, legal actions should be implemented and people found culpable of those offences punished to serve as a deterrent to prospective offenders.

  • VC Clifford University lauds Gov. Ikpeazu’s gestures to the institution

    VC Clifford University lauds Gov. Ikpeazu’s gestures to the institution

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

    The Vice Chancellor of Clifford University Ihie, Prof.Alwell Chimezie Omeonu has lauded Gov Okezie Ikpeazu’s philanthropic gestures to the institution.

    Speaking during the maiden convocation of the institution tagged “Alpha Graduation”, Prof. Omeonu disclosed that Gov. Ikpeazu granted a bursary of N200,000 each to the first 20 students that registered in the university.
    He also disclosed that the first 20 students to buy forms from the university received N50,000 each from the governor each.

    According to the VC,” Our governor we will continue to pray for you in your desire to liberate Abians from large intestine of poverty and illiteracy as you are agreeing with Victor Hugo ” one more school is one less person”.

    He appealed to the governor for more, adding” please continue to look in the direction of Clifford University “.
    Clifford University owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church has held its maiden convocation, graduating 65 students with 11 first class.

    The best graduating student from Biochemistry, Hezekiah Chimnonso Nancy, received a cash award of N100,000 from Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu with a promise from the governor to sponsor her Masters degree programme.

    Other best graduating students also received a cash award of N50,000 each, while the governor promised to provide a monthly stipend of N30,000 each to 20 indigent students.
    The governor promised to complement the philanthropic gestures of Dr. Deji Adeleke of Adeleke University by using his goodwill to raise N200million for the school.

  • Gov. Ikpeazu and his intervention on Aba- Ikot Ekpene Road

    Gov. Ikpeazu and his intervention on Aba- Ikot Ekpene Road

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

    Posterity will not forget Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu in a hurry for positive reasons. Even when he has wrapped up his second term on May 29, 2023 and barred by the constitution of our land not to aspire to become the governor of the God’s Own State, Abia, his name will keep resonating in distant lands. His legacies will continue to speak for him.

    This should be the way of every mortal, especially leaders. We shouldn’t be forgotten in a hurry. And this lends credence and deep meanings to the sung the Christians sing to usher in burial homilies “We will only be remembered by our works”.

    One of the strides of Gov. Ikpeazu that will indeed stand the test of time is his current intervention on Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road.

    The challenges posed by some critical spots on this very important road have been perennial, especially a spot after the popular Opobo Junction where the governor is currently converting the once rough terrain to be smooth with solid drainage.

    How would a timber dealer forget so easily the governor who reduced the craters that has grossly affected his business to pliable plain. This, to the timber dealer will be the height of ingratitude not only detestable by mortals but by divine beigns.

    Also, how would the management of Nigerian Christian Hospital, Nlagu forget easily the reign of Gov. Ikpeazu when he has made critical interventions on the road that became their albatross, even creating a bypass through Umuobiakwa-Oworahiafor- Onichangwa, which emptied at the hospital’s gate.
    Inarguably, the missionary hospital established in 1965 and located along the highway was a shadow of itself as it was only patronized by patients under critical condition due to the dilapidated nature of the road. The revenues of the hospital had a geometric decline.

    In the pathetic words of a former Chief Medical Director of the hospital: “Indeed the economy of the hospital is critically down.

    “Patients can no longer access the hospital because even the alternative rural roads to it are gone because the heavy duty trucks in their efforts to circumvent the dilapidated highway ply them”. patients

    At a point, patients patronizing the hospital were those whose conditions were critical and they see the hospital as a last resort.

    The situation was horrible as a patient under critical condition can die in the process of conveying him or her to the hospital because the process was very rigorous.

    Aba- Ikot-Ekpene Road is strategic to the economy of Abia state. The road links Aba, the economic heartbeat of the state to Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers State and extends to the neighbouring Central African country, Cameroon. Traders from these neighbouring states form buck of the businessmen that patronize various businesses in the commercial city. Also during the heydays of made-in Aba shoes, markets such as Cameroon and Togo were captured. To describe the Aba- Ikot- Ekpene road as the proverbial “goose that lays the golden egg” may not be out of place. Unfortunately, to say that the road, especially the Abia axis of the road is in a deplorable condition is an understatement. The road is a disaster begging for serious attention. The road has been roundly neglected by previous administrations of the federal government.

    The road project was reportedly awarded in 2009 to Brent Investment Ltd, by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration at the cost of N2.9 billion with a completion period of 20 months; the contract was meant to reconstruct the failed section of the highway. It has been alleged that inadequate budgetary provisions in the past years has been responsible for the delay and the gradual failure of the road hampering economic activities in the commercial city of Aba and other cities in the South-east. For example, the federal government did not make budgetary provisions for Aba-Ikot Ekpene road in 2013 budget, and so the contractor did not do much in terms of coverage and project completion. Also, the 2014 budget which was tagged all inclusive with a provision of N120 billion for the Federal Ministry of Works for capital projects could not proffer the solution.

    The deplorable state of the road is exerting serious negative impact both on the Abia economy and citizens of Aba, especially those communities located on the fringes of this federal highway such as Alaoji, Ntigha, Umuafukwu, Ohanze, Umuokpo, and Onicha Ngwa, just to mention but few.

    These communities are mostly agrarian communities and depend, to a greater extent, their farm produce for a living. For these communities to access Aba, which is their nearest commercial city, is akin to the proverbial “camel passing through the eye of the needle”. For them to access the town, they swim like amphibians and engage in a more tortuous odyssey than that of the “Magi” in T.S Elliot’s “The Journey of Magi”.

    It will be recalled that sometime ago, an AfDB team accompanied by another team from the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja had on the spot assessments of the road .The inspection tour offered them the opportunity of first hand information of the level of decay of the roads and the trauma and suffering of the residents and travelers in and around the road. AfDB did a technical analysis and studies of the roads before releasing funds for repairs of the road. The visit offered new hopes that the road would be fixed but to no avail.

  • Gov. Ikpeazu commissions two road projects

    Gov. Ikpeazu commissions two road projects

    From Linus Effiong, Umuahia


    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has commissioned the First Phase of the Umuibe-Umuokereke Ngwa–Ntighauzo-Ibeme ring road in Obingwa Local Government Area of the State completed by his government.
    Speaking while commisioning the project which is part of the State wide project inspection and commisioning program tagged “Kinetic Abia”, Governor Ikpeazu said the construction of the road was just the beginning of other road projects to be done around that area.
    Governor Ikpeazu disclosed that the second phase  of the road roject would  stretch to Akpaa and would be completed before December this year. He assured that the contractor would equally deliver a quality work on the road.
    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Barrister Bob Ogu assured the people of the area of the commitment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to commence the second phase of the road which would terminate at Akpaa. He streessed the need for the people to protect the road and assist the contractor to achieve  government’s goal in fixing the road.
    Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman, Obingwa Local Government Area, Chief Kingsley Nnaji commended the Governor for constructing the road. He informed that the road  cuts across the five wards in Agalaba in Obingwa LGA and expressed the hope that the second phase of the road would be expedited.
    Meanwhile,Governor Ikpeazu has also  commissioned the Umuene-Obikabia road and unveiled the Ururuka statue built at the Obikabia Round-About built by his government in memory of the Late Chief Paul Ururuka, Minister of Works in the old Eastern Region. Speaking while commissioning the project,the Governor described the road as strategic as it would enhance economic activities around Aba and environs and Isialangwa North & South areas of the State. According to him, the road is now an alternative route to Aba and Umuahia.
    The Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu while speaking at the event  recalled that the Obikabia junction and its axis were the first spot the administration commenced construction 5 years ago. He expressed joy that there is now a significant positive change in the area and commended Governor Ikpeazu for putting smiles on Abia people’s face by fixing the road.
    The Governor and his team also inspected other roads and projects including Egege road in Aba.

  • Hope rises for Umuahia residents as Gov. Ikpeazu promises pipe borne by end of September

    Hope rises for Umuahia residents as Gov. Ikpeazu promises pipe borne by end of September


    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu


    Barring any unforeseen circumstances, residents of Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State will be relieved of water challenges by end of September.Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has strongly assured that the city’s pipe borne water project will be activated.


    The governor gave the assurance inspecting equipment procured by the state’s Ministry of Public Utilities and Water Resources.
    The state is collaborating with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and World Bank to make water available for the residents of Umuahia.
    Gov. Ikpeazu,who said that his utmost desire is to provide the rural populace with pipe borne water,  urged the Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources to leverage on the relationship with the donor agencies to intervene in that direction.


    In his response, the Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, Engr. Emma Nwabuko, disclosed that four industrial Wells ,which aid in pumping water with a pump house, treatment house, the installation of 500KVA generating set, and two solar energy banks have been completed.

  • Abia @ 29: It’s a work in progress- Gov. Ikpeazu

    Abia @ 29: It’s a work in progress- Gov. Ikpeazu

    From Linus Effiong, Umuahia

    The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has saluted the good people of Abia State on the auspicious occasion of the 29th anniversary of the creation of the State as a full fledged sub national entity and federating unit in Nigeria.

    Governor Ikpeazu paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the State who worked tirelessly to ensure the actualization of the creation of Abia State and made it clear that even in the face of tough challenges, our people have continued to trudge on towards the path of peace and progress.

    Describing Abia as “work in progress”, the Governor stated that the development of critical infrastructure in the State has received massive impetus under his administration, judging from the sheer number of road projects that have either been completed or ongoing, assuring that the tempo will be sustained and even increased to ensure that the infrastructural stock in the State is improved upon significantly.

    The Governor thanked God and the people of the State for the security, peace and stability the State has enjoyed in last couple of years, describing Abia as the most politically stable state in the country. He expressed his appreciation to the Deputy Governor, Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Traditional, Religious and other political leaders for their statesmanly roles in ensuring that the political stability enjoyed by our state is sustained.

    Governor Ikpeazu assured the people of the State that even with the challenges posed by the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 which created massive economic shocks across the globe, his administration will continue to apply prudence in ensuring that available resources are managed for the good of our people, while seeking creative means to improve our financial capabilities. He also tasked the people of the State to appreciate the fact that the economic disequilibrum created by the effects of Covid-19 especially on the global financial system will inevitably demand certain levels of readjustments and sacrifices in the management of the State’s finances.

    He thanked the people of the State for the support his administration has enjoyed and assured them that he will continue to discharge the responsibilities of his office with dedication and commitment to the ideals of economic development and progress.
    In his words, “I shall remain focused on the discharge of the obligations of my office and I do so relentlessly and with dedication until the very last day of my tenure as your Governor”.

    “In the months ahead”, the Governor stated, “we shall develop more sustainable means of solidifying our position as the SME Capital of Nigeria by continuing to support the growth of local enterprises as a catalyst for economic development”.

    Encouraging Abians not to become faint hearted especially in the face of the effects of COVID-19, he tasked our people to continue to accept the reality of the deadly nature of the virus and take all necessary precautions in line with the protocols as enunciated by all relevant health authorities.
    He sent his gratitude to all medical and allied services workers who have been in the forefront of the fight against Covid-19 and assured that his administration will do everything necessary to protect our people. He also reiterated his deep gratitude to the people of Abia State for standing by him in prayers during the time of his health challenge. He also sent his deep condolences to the families of all those who lost their loved ones to the pandemic.

    According to the Governor, “the vision for a more prosperous Abia remains intact and our future as a people and as a State remains very bright”.

    Governor Ikpeazu, on behalf of his family and government, wishes the entire people of Abia State, a happy 29th anniversary.

  • Gov. Ikpeazu expresses regrets over recent Fire incident

    From Linus Effiong, Umuahia

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed deep regrets over last weekend’s fire incident which affected a private property at Azikiwe Road Aba and has sent his personal condolences and that of the State Government to the persons whose property and businesses were affected by the inferno.

    The Governor advised our people to take extra care in managing electrical appliances in their homes and offices, and also avoid setting fires around public and private properties.

    “We must be extra vigilant with electricity and our electrical appliances in our homes and offices. We must take extra time to ensure that all necessary electrical points are switched off at the close of the day”, the Governor added.

    Governor Ikpeazu also used the opportunity to caution our people against the mindless destruction of public property which would have come in handy during emergencies.

    In a clear reference to the the destruction of a fire truck belonging to the State Fire Service which came to intervene in the fire incident at the market some days ago, the Governor regretted that if that fire truck had not been destroyed, it would have effectively combated the fire outbreak at Azikiwe Road considering the short distance between the Fire Station at Aba and Azikiwe Road.

    “When the fire truck was destroyed at the Industrial Market some days ago, little did our people realize that few days after, there would be a compelling need for a fire truck. This is why our people must resist the temptation of engaging in the destruction of public property, because no one knows whose need it will serve next”. The Governor stated.

    Governor Ikpeazu assures that plans have been put on motion to boost the capacity of the State Fire Service to effectively combat fire incidents through the acquisition of brand new Fire Fighting systems including Fire Trucks and commended the people of Aba for their intervention in the fire incident at Azikiwe Road.

  • Gov Ikpeazu to Build Library in his Father’s Memory

    Gov Ikpeazu to Build Library in his Father’s Memory

    By Linus Effiong, Umuahia

    Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has said that the planned Ishmael Ikpeazu Memorial Library would serve as an avenue to redirect the younger generation and assist them excel academically.

    Governor Ikpeazu made this known while speaking at the unveiling of Ishmael Ikpeazu Memorial Library and public presentation of the book ‘Thoughts Of A Scholar In Governance: A Compilation Of The Speeches, Lectures & Broadcast Of The Governor Of Abia State, May 29, 2015 – May 28, 2019’, held earlier today at Enitona Hotel, Aba

    Governor Ikpeazu who doubles as the first son of the man whose name is being immortalized with the proposed library expressed the hope that the project is a way of bequeathing a lasting legacy for Abia children.

    Expressing regrets that mentorship for the younger generation is gradually being eroded, the Governor said the Library will also serve as an avenue for mentoring the younger generation.

    He recalled that the dream of his late father was to build a library where the younger generation would invest their time fruitfully adding that he was touched to be realizing the dream now.

    He disclosed that the library would house about Thirty Thousand volumes of various books and announced that his family would support the project with the sum of Twenty Five Million Naira.

    Also speaking, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma and the Minister of State for Mines & Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, both commended the Governor for immortalizing his late father by building a library in his memory.
    They assured that they would support the process of making the project a reality.

    The book reviewer and Vice Chancellor of ABSU, Prof. Uche Ikonne, said the book which is a 350-page book of two sections; covering the Governor’s personal history and his speeches is a legacy of the Governor’s late father, who modelled his son to become successful in education and resilient in life.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Theo Nkire noted that a library is a befitting monument for a teacher like Pa Ikpeazu, especially at a time when libraries are going extinct and attributed exam malpractices to the absence of well equipped libraries and a lack of reading culture in Nigeria.

    He commended Governor Ikpeazu for thinking of immortalizing his late father by building a library and urged everybody to contribute in making the project a reality.

    Unveiling the prototype of the library, Mr. Chinenye Nwaogu, explained that the library would be a complete complex of many segments including science laboratory, play ground for children, amphi-theatre and accommodation for visitors among others, attracting many activities as well as be a resource centre for academic excellence .

    Speaking about the late Pa Ismael Ikpeazu, the Governor’s younger brother, Barr. Iheanyi Ikpeazu, described their father as one who was an intelligent teacher and ardent collector of books and scholarly materials. He maintained that the best legacy to be bequeathed to mankind in memory of Pa Ishmael Ikpeazu should be the establishment of a library to sustain his dreams and appreciated all who attended the event.

    The event which attracted many dignitaries including, Wives of Abia and Imo Governors, Abia State Deputy Governor and his wife, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia at National Assembly, Hon. Samuel Onuigbo, Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu, Chief Judge of Abia State, Commissioners in Abia and Imo States and others from all walks of life.