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The Second Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion) will hold at Saint James’ Anglican Church, Ichi, in Ekwusigo from Thursday, 2nd to Sunday, 5th September 2021.

The Synod theme is, “Created for Dominion”, taken from Psalms chapter 8 verse 6. It calls for active participation, godly leadership and positive influence in any office, position, location or place we find ourselves as representatives of God’s Kingdom on earth.

The theme admits that human beings were created to have dominion over all of God’s creation. No other creature was given such privilege. It is very obvious that from Genesis, Satan’s ultimate goal was to ensure that human beings never exercised the dominion. Today, we see people being dominated by several things, such as addictions, desires, ignorance, sickness, fear and demons.

However, in Christ, believers found the freedom to rule as they had been created to do, rather than to be dominated by other things. God wants to make us His children by establishing a relationship with us through His Son, Jesus Christ. He desires to turn everyone into His family on earth and then use human vessels to influence what happens on earth.  As believers in Christ, we have the ability to exercise dominion over our environment, establish the presence of God and extend the Kingdom of God to everywhere.

The Bishop in his Presidential by Address, during the Synod, is prepared to give clear Bible exposition and real-life applications based on the theme and text of the Synod. It would be beneficial and encouraging that you will be there live to hear from the Bishop.

The Bishop will highlight the activities in some of the investments of the Diocese, such as Diocesan Hospital, Akwudo, Otolo, Nnewi; DONAC-ADON Farms, Ozubulu; DONAC-ADON Farms, Ihite, Okija; DONAC-ADON Oil and Gas; DONAC-ADON Mini Market; DONAC-ADON Toilet Tissues; DONAC-ADON Vocational and Technical Institutes, Ozubulu; College of Education, Ozubulu; Diocesan Relocation of the Special Education Centre (DSEC) from DCC, Nnewi.

The Synod will equally reveal many angles through which the Diocese is doing her best to reach out to everyone in the environment with the gospel of our Lord Jesus such as Chapel of Grace messages via Diocesan social media platforms; activities of various Anglican Communities; Diocesan Mission Week activities; creation of new Archdeaconries, Deaneries and Parishes.

Churches, church leaders, members, delegates, invited guests, dignitaries, friends and well-wishers are invited to participate on Saturday, September 4, 2021, during the formal opening ceremony and delivery of the Synod Presidential Address by Right Reverend Ndubuisi Chukwuka Obi, Bishop of the Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion), and also on Sunday, September 5, 2021, during the Synod thanksgiving service and launching for the Diocesan projects.

Saint James’ Anglican Church, Ichi, is the headquarters of Ichi Archdeaconry and the first Anglican Church planted in Ichi town. This is the third time Saint James’ Anglican Church, Ichi, and the entire Ichi community, will be hosting the Diocesan Synod since the Diocese of Nnewi was carved out of the Diocese on the Niger in 1996.

In 2003, Saint James’ Church, Ichi, played host to the Second Session of the Third Synod of the Diocese of Nnewi. It was the first time the Synod of the Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion) came to Ichi town. The second time the Diocesan Synod came to Ichi was in 2013. It was the Third Session of the Sixth Synod of the Diocese, held at Saint James’ Anglican Church, Ichi.

At this Second Session of the Ninth Synod, members of the Diocese of Nnewi are optimistic that the Almighty God shall keep and prepare the faithful to attend and to support the work of God on 4th and 5th days of September 2021, to the glory of God and His Church.

WRITTEN BY VEN. DR. NELSON ILUNO

Anambra State Government has congratulated Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi on his appointment as the President of the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria, BDAN, a non-profit making organization, limited by guarantee.

Bank Directors Association of Nigeria was set up to be an effective forum for representing the interests of bank directors in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi was described as a huge asset that Anambra State has given to Nigeria, Africa and indeed the banking world.

According to the statement, Mr. Chike-Obi, who took over from the former BDAN President, Mrs. Osaretin Demuren on August twenty-third, 2021, is the chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Merchant Bank Plc.

The statement further explained that according to a release by the Executive Secretary of the BDAN, Mrs. Adebukola Orenuga, Chike-Obi’s appointment as BDAN President was ratified by the Forum for Banks’ Chairmen, organized by BDAN in June 2021.

As the son of Professor Chike Obi, Africa’s foremost mathematical scientist, the statement noted that he has set new records of outstanding performance”, declared the Anambra State government, and consequently lift the reputation of Anambra State and its people further”.

The International Overdose Awareness Day, celebrated on the thirty-first of August every year, aims at raising awareness about overdose and reducing the stigma of a drug-related death.

ABS Abuja Bureau Chief, Ekwi Ajide reports that the day also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those, who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

The Project Officer, Drug Demand Reduction, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, Akanidomo Ibanga frowned that thousands of people from all walks of life die every year from drug overdose, which is preventable.

Dr. Ibanga, who was speaking at a national discourse on the dangers of non-medical use of opioid pharmaceuticals and other substances of abuse at Abuja said the effect of drug abuse and overdose have varying negative effects on the family and community at large.

The national discourse, organized by the federal ministry of Health, dwelt on the dangers, challenges and possible solutions to drug menace in Nigeria and its prevention.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Mamman Mahuda, who spoke through the Director, Food and Drugs Services Department, Mr. Olubukola Ajayi, said the essence of the programme was to brainstorm on how best to tackle the day to day dangers of using non-medical pharmaceutical products that pose serious health concerns for the country.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, represented by its Assistant Director, Training, Kolo Jonah, said the agency in the past few months had made about one hundred billion naira worth of drug seizures and called for all hands to be on deck in the war as the peace and security of the country are further endangered by the increasing use of substances.

The National President, International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals, ISSUP, Nigeria Chapter, Dr. Martin Agwogie, said development of a multidimensional Evidence Based Prevention Strategy, capacity building of advocates and informed knowledge and skills are needed to fight the scourge.

Other speakers, including the Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Taiwo Ologunde, Director Narcotics and Controlled Substances, NAFDAC, Dr. Umar Musa among others re-echoed the need for synergy in the fight against illicit drugs.

The Federation of Aguata Students, FEDAS, Federal Polytechnic Oko Chapter, has celebrated its annual ovala festival and the 2021 cultural fiesta with pomp and pageantry.

The festival, which marked the twelfth edition, was held at the convocation arena of the institution and offered members the opportunity to unite as students of Aguata origin.

Correspondent Emmanuel Chigbata reports that spectators were held spell bound as the Igwe of the association, Igwe Damian Umeodulukwe accompanied by his Lolo, Adaobi Madukwe, cabinet chiefs and drummers were ushered into the arena.

Speaking, Igwe Umeodulukwe and his Lolo Madukwe thanked God for the opportunity to serve as the association’s King and Queen, describing the festival as unique and worthwhile.

The chairman on the occasion, Mr. Christian Akunne, who was  the seventh Igwe of the association, described the festival as necessary to keep the Igbo culture alive and prevent it from going into extinction.

In his address, the President of the association, Mr. Kelechi Okpala, defined the event as a medium through which they celebrate the rich cultural heritage Ndi Aguata are known for and promised that the association will continue to preserve and promote their cultural heritage and identity.

The Academic Adviser of the Association, Dr. Emmanuel Ezenwafor, in his remarks noted that the event is apt as it offered students the opportunity to leverage on their culture, even as he cautioned them against being carried away by campus life.

Launching of the association’s banner climaxed the event.

The thirtieth anniversary of the creation of Anambra State has continued to attract commendations from prominent citizens.

In one of such commendation, the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka, who recalled that Anambra State has had both military and civilian administrations said it started experiencing development from the administration of former Governor Chris Ngige and Peter Obi.

Igwe Emeka asserted that the present administration, led by Governor Willie Obiano has capped it all up, by giving desired attention to all sectors of the state economy, targeted at boosting tourism and socio economic activities.

He also noted that the administration of Governor Obiano has benefited rural communities through the twenty million naira community choose your project initiative among others.

The Umueri monarch assured that his subjects will forever remain grateful to the governor for bringing development to their community, especially the construction of Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, which he said has written Anambra State and Umueri Community in the world map.

Igwe Emeka stressed the need for a credible leader to succeed Governor Obiano to ensure continuity and consolidation of all the legacy projects and called on Ndi Anambra to obtain their voter’s card to enable them exercise their franchise on November sixth governorship election in the state.

The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, says voters card is very important in enthroning credible and God-fearing leadership.

Most Reverend Ibezim, who stated this in Awka, charged Christians who have reached voting age of eighteen to participate in the ongoing continuous voters registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which has been devolved to all the three hundred and twenty-six electoral wards in Anambra State, to obtain their voters card, in order to participate in elections.

He advised Christians to desist from being apathetic in electoral process, reminding them of the need to join politics in order to sanitise the nation’s electoral system.

Most Reverend Ibezim, who decried the high rate of insecurity in different parts of the country, urged the Federal Government to map out far-reaching measures that will guarantee the safety of Nigerians wherever they reside, even as he called for prayers for the peaceful conduct of the November sixth governorship election in Anambra State.

On the thirtieth anniversary of Anambra State, Most Reverend Ibezim, who described the State as one that is richly blessed with both human and material resources, called on Ndi-Anambra to see the State’s development as a collective responsibility, and urged Nigerians to always embark on programmes that will promote peaceful coexistence.

The Chairman, Technical Committee of Anambra State Justice Sector Reform Team, Justice Peter Obiorah, says it is naivety for people not to be sensitive in the times they are in.

Justice Obiorah stated this when his team paid a familiarization visit to the Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Services, Anambra State Command, Mr Patrick Chukwuemeka, in Awka.

Queen Anigbogu reports that during the visit, Justice Obiorah said people who are standing trial need mercy, not to bend the rules, but for speedy justice delivery, adding that for inmates not to be taken to court for a long period of time has grave implications.

While calling for a functional Human Rights Desk to be established in the Correctional facilities, Justice Obiorah explained the need for all stakeholders to contribute towards  ensuring that the Criminal Justice Sector works effectively and efficiently.

Responding the Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Services, Anambra State Command, Mr Chukwuemeka, called for a bilateral committee for the Judiciary and the Correctional Services that can address challenges to  access to justice and safety, noting that no one is happy to keep people in custody without taking them to court.

The Comptroller also pointed out the importance of collaboration between the Correctional Services and host State to enable people get better services.

Contributing, the officer in charge of Legal and Human Rights, Barrister Chinedum Abiakam, said increase in the number of jail deliveries will help decongest Correctional facilities, and  reduce restiveness among inmates.

The Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Corps Commander Adeoye Irerewuyi, has said the corps is engaging heavy duty truck union in the State over the recent road crashes involving heavy duty vehicles.

Corps Commander Irerewuyi, who disclosed this at the FRSC Command Headquarters in Awka, said his office is concerned about recent road accidents, noting that all measures are being taken to checkmate repeat of such ugly incidents.

Correspondent, Daniel Ezeigwe reports that while discussing some of the causes of road accidents involving heavy duty vehicles in the State, the FRSC boss said during his recent meeting with Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Union at Onitsha, members of the union blamed ageing vehicles, brake failure and congested highways, adding that regular maintenance of these vehicles was also discussed as one of the solutions to the problem.

On the unusual delays in hauling heavy duty vehicles that break down off the roads, he said while vehicle owners are largely culpable, logistics challenges also come in.

Corps Commander Irerewuyi also said that the command is making concerted efforts to end cases of unlicensed and under-aged heavy duty vehicle drivers.

He applauded Governor Willie Obiano’s sustained support to FRSC in Anambra State, saying it helps his office achieve set targets.

Anambra State Government has commissioned a Mother and Child Referral Center situated at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka.

Government House Correspondent, Ejike Abana, reports that during the ceremony, the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination in Anambra State was also flagged off by the governor.

Governor Willie Obiano, who performed the function also commissioned dialysis center, private ward and sixty-four CT Scan.

According to the Governor, the COVID-19 vaccine helps one’s immune system, adding that the “moderna” and “astrazeneca”, which the State now administers are harmless, urging people to be mindful of and observe all COVID-19 protocols, irrespective of whether they have taken the vaccines or not.

While recalling many interventions of his administration in the health sector, aimed at taking healthcare to the door steps of Ndi-Anambra, the Governor thanked Chevron, calling on others to emulate the gesture because of its immeasurable benefits.

In his remark, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala, who pointed out that Governor Obiano has matched vision with action, thanked Chevron for the multimillion naira center, noting that the present administration is committed to making Anambra a medical tourism destination, having achieved regular financial support for Primary Healthcare facilities in the State, the State Health Insurance Agency, Oxygen plant, among others.

On his part, the Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Joe Akabuike, recalled that the hospital, which started sixty-five years ago as a cottage Hospital, was handed over to Anambra State Government in 1985 and upgraded to a Specialist hospital in 1991, pointing out that in 2015, all necessary accreditations were secured and the first set of medical students graduated, having stayed ten years in school.

He revealed that the institution has recorded growth in infrastructure and human resources, including a one hundred and fifty bedded student’s hostel, accreditation for training of post graduate doctors in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Surgery and community medicine, among others, stressing that in line with the Governor’s call to make pregnancy and delivery safe, as well as protect the lives of new born, Chevron and their partners stepped in for women and children in Anambra State.

Dr. Akabuike added that the center is a State-of-the-art Hospital complex equipped with theater, laboratory, pharmacy and needed pregnancy care delivery, promising that the facility will be fully utilized to serve its purpose.

Donating the facility on behalf of Chevron, Mr Seyi Orenuga noted that the project, which was started late 2018, is meant to cater for mother and child as a referral center.

Speaking to ABS, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of one of a major suppliers of Hospital equipments, Dr. Foster Ihejiofor, said Governor Obiano has delivered on equipping health facilities in the State, unlike what he met on assumption of office.

The event attracted dignitaries, including members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, Traditional rulers, among others.

From the ceremony, Governor Obiano embarked on inspection visit to the Anambra International Conference Center, Awka, where he was received by the Commissioner for Housing, Architect Michael Okonkwo and the Contractor, Mr. Mark Tu.