Culture
My father was a great man — Lagos Deputy Governor-Elect Femi Hamzat


• He lived a worthy life, says Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Deputy Governor-Elect, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has described his father, Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat, the Olu of Afowora Sogade, Ogun State, who passed away on Sunday evening, as a great man who committed his life to the service of the people.
Dr. Hamzat spoke immediately after the news of his father death was confirmed. He noted that the late traditional ruler served the people of Lagos State meritoriously as a frontline politician in the progressive camp as an elected member of the State House of Assembly in 1979 under the Unity Party of Nigeria and as a Commissioner.
The late Oba Hamzat before he became a King in Ogun State few years ago was a frontline politician in Lagos State. He was a leading member of the Action Group in the First Republic and of the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic.
He was a leader in the progressive camp in Lagos with the return of democratic governance in 1999 as a member of the Alliance for Democracy and the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking on the demise of his father, Dr. Hamzat described him as a devoted family man, a statesman, a committed man of faith who mentored generation of people in different fields of human endeavours until his death.
“I thank God for a life well spent by my father. He was a great man who brought up his children with the time honoured values of hard work, integrity and commitment to service. He impacted positively on many lives till his death. He played important roles in the politics of Lagos State from the days of Action Group. In the Second Republic he was a chieftain of Unity Party of Nigeria and was at the fore-front of progressive politics in Nigeria and Lagos in particular. He was called upon to be the king of his community in Ogun State much later in his life. He served the community well. His reign brought development and progress. We will miss him and his father figure role,” Dr. Hamzat said.
Lagos State Governor-Elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was among the first to send condolences to his Deputy and the entire family of the late Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat.
Sanwo-Olu in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, recalled the service of the late monarch to the people of Lagos where he was a frontline politician and lived most of his adult life. He noted that Oba Hamzat lived a life worthy of emulation and urged the present generation of leaders to make service to the people which the late Politician and Monarch lived for, the cornerstone of public service.
Sanwo-Olu said: “While I extend my condolences to my brother, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and the entire family, I must implore them to be comforted with the worthy life of our father and leader, Oba Olatunji Hamzat. He was a political leader of immense stature in Lagos and he played politics of service to the people as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1979 and as a Commissioner.
“He was a leader of men and women who came under his political tutelage in Lagos. He was for the progressive ideals and stood firmly for the welfare of the people as against that of selfish and personal aggrandizement. He was also a decent man who raised quality children and mentored a lot of young people. It is very sad that he had to go at a time like this when his wise counsel will be most needed. We are inspired by his example of selfless service to Lagos to continue to work to impact positively on the lives of Lagosians.”
Culture
Chief Edozie Imah Honoured As UN Peace Ambassador
—For Remarkable Conflict Resolution Efforts


Engr. Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah was on Wednesday recognized with an ambassadorial award as a United Nations Ambassador for Peace, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to conflict resolution and community harmony.
He was presented with the Chartered Fellowship Award by the International Association of World Peace Advocates of the United Nations Peace Volunteers at a ceremony that took place at the palace of Ezeigbo Ejigbo, Eze Nicholas Emenike Njoku.
By this award, Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah, who is also the Onowu (traditional prime minister) of Ndigbo Ejigbo becomes an Eminent Peace Ambassador of the United Nations and a Global Diplomat.
His long-standing reputation as a peacemaker, both within his community and the palace, played a pivotal role in his selection for the prestigious honour.
Presenting the Award to Chief Chukwuedozie Imah before a distinguished audience comprising of family members, friends, business associates, the Eze-in-Council of Ezeigbo Ejigbo, and well-wishers, Bishop Amb. Dr. Prince C. Nkemakolam, representing Ambassador Per Stafsen, World Peace President, said by this position, Ambassador Chukwuedozie Imah is now a symbol of power and strength.
“The newest ambassador, from today, God has added power to your power. God has added authority to your authority. God has added strength to your strength. Wherever you find yourself, you are expected to exhibit the life of an ambassador, speaking for your community with authority as well.
“You will reign as a king that God has made you. Be a peacemaker wherever there is crisis. As an Ambassador, wherever you show off, peace is bound to reign; wherever there is confusion and you show up as an ambassador, peace takes over. What is happening now is that God has supernaturally, given you a new seat. And we pray that this seat will not hurt you,” he prayed.
Bishop Nkemakolam said that Ambassador Richard Chukwuedozie Imah has consistently worked to resolve disputes between families, communities, and even landlords, demonstrating a proactive approach to fostering peace, noting that his dedication to ensuring harmonious coexistence has earned him widespread respect and admiration.
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Chukwuedozie Imah thanked God for the Award and noted that he has always been a peacemaker. “I have always liked making peace wherever I am, whether in the palace or in the community. People know me as someone committed to ensuring that peace reigns.”
The new ambassador highlighted his efforts to mediate conflicts in various contexts, including resolving issues among landlords and tenants and emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful relations, noting, “No matter what happens, we try to calm things down and ensure there is no problem. People have recognized me as a peacemaker because of these efforts.”
With his new role, Ambassador Imah plans to redouble his efforts in promoting peace. He aims to bridge divides between different groups and tribes, using his position to improve lives and foster harmony in Ejigbo community. “As an ambassador of peace, I will work even harder to ensure continued peace among people and communities. Making peace saves lives, and I am committed to that mission,” he stated.
He also assured that his ambassadorial position would be a tool for good, saying, “This position is not for personal pride or humiliation of others. It is to better the lives of people. When you make peace between two people, you save lives. That is what I will continue to do.”
Ambassador Imah expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to remain steadfast in his commitment to peace, its core values, crisis intervention, and community service.
High Chief Ambassador James Agom, representing the International Association of World Peace Ambassadors and Advocates, outlined the significance of the inauguration ceremony held to induct Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah as a new member of the association.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Agom explained that the association is dedicated to fostering peace and addressing crises, particularly in rural communities and emphasized their proactive approach to identifying and resolving local issues, underscoring the organization’s mission to create harmony and stability at the grassroots level.
The ceremony also highlighted the association’s charitable focus, showcasing its commitment to humanitarian efforts, noting that the induction process for new ambassadors is highly selective, requiring individuals to demonstrate a history of impactful charitable work and a proven dedication to supporting those in need.
“Membership in this association is not just a title but a responsibility,” Ambassador Agom stated. “A genuine charitable heart is essential. Successful candidates must exhibit a strong humanitarian spirit, a willingness to assist communities facing hardship, and a track record of addressing local challenges.”
The award ceremony underscored the significance of Ambassador Imah’s work and serves as an inspiration for others to prioritize harmony and understanding in their communities. It also serves as a call to action for individuals who aspire to join the organization, emphasizing the importance of selfless service in creating a better world.
Culture
Family announces final rites for late Ogbuefi Dominic Nweke


The funeral rites of renowned community leader, late Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke, have been announced by the family in memory and celebration of his life after 91 years sojourn on earth.
A public statement by the family endorsed by the son and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media group, Sir Remmy Nweke, indicated that his late father’s final funeral rites would commence on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with a wake at the family compound, Umuokpe village, Awba-Ofemili in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.


On Friday, October 25, 2024, he said, the main funeral day would start with a requiem mass by 10am at St. Paul’s (Anglican Church) field Oye-Agu, beside the Central School, Umuokpe Village, Awba-Ofemili to be led by the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwilo, with condolence visits thereafter by religious groups, in-laws, friends, well-wishers, and associates.
Nweke also said that Saturday, October 26, 2024, has been dedicated for condolence visits by the Ndi Nze n’Ozo, Lolos and Age Grades, whereas on Sunday, 27th October would be for the thanksgiving mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Awba-Ofemili by 10am.
He recalled that his late father, also known as Ozo Sopuluchukwu of Awba-Ofemili, passed on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the age of 91 years at the Regina Caeli Hospital Awka, in Anambra State.
Sir Nweke said that until his late father’s death, Ozo Sopuluchukwu was the patriarch of Ozo Nweke kindred of Umuosite village, Awba-Ofemili.
Reputed for his hardwork and frankness to matters, Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke adopted his Ozo Sopuluchukwu title in reverence to God Almighty in all that concerned him with peaceful disposition.
Until his demise, Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke was the famous sibling of the direct Ozo Nweke dynasty.
Late Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke is survived by his wife, Princess Christiana Nweke, sons, daughters, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Culture
Young Artists Win Big as Enugu Marks End to Sit-at-home with Art Competition


Young people of Enugu State have smiled home with various cash prizes and commendation letters, as winners in the art competition to depict the transition from Monday sit-at-home to productive Monday emerged.
The joint winners are Mstr. Nwachukwu Sunday and Ms. Ukeje Olubebe Victory, while Ms. Nkiruka Ogbonna is the runner-up.
The competition, according to the Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Visual Communications, Mr. Great Okeke, was put together to allow the youth of the state to tell their stories during and after the sit-at-home.


“The governor came in and made that declaration that there was no longer sit-at-home in Enugu State. So, after one year, we tried to put the art competition together for the youth of Enugu State to tell us their own stories about the sit-at-home.
“For instance, you know the students were among the most hit because they did not go to school on Monday before now. They lost 52 days out of the 365 days in each year that it lasted. And, at the end of the day, those in secondary school would still compete with others in Lagos or other states in the same examinations such as JAMB UTME and WAEC,” Okeke stated.
Presenting the prizes, the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, expressed happiness over the restoration of the entrepreneurship, productivity, and studies in all parts of the state on Monday, saying the sit-at-home was a sad and shameful part of the state’s history it wants to put behind it.
“One of the key things the governor said at the very beginning was that the sit-at-home syndrome that had lasted and changed what we are as a people, who are entrepreneurial and fearless, was over in Enugu.
“Before that, activities in Enugu State dwindled and you can see the first drawing here shows the very basic things that happened: people going out to sell, but they could not anymore because they were scared of the confusion, the chaos, the running around, and of course the syndrome that when you moved around and you saw the Sienna and it was tinted, that something bad was going to happen.
“So, I am happy that I can see the transition you depicted and that joy and order have come back. You were selected because you really reflected the thinking of this administration. In your storyline, you expressed the desires of the governor for Ndi Enugu to feel that level of safety, for commerce to come, for our people to live in joy and peace, and for our state to be great again,” Prof. Onyia stated.
Speaking, the winners, Nwachukwu Ozoemena and Ukeje Oluebube, said they were motivated by the theme of the competition, especially given the frustrations they suffered as students and youth while the sit-at-home lasted.
“The theme says “The echoes of sit-at-home”. So, immediately I saw the theme, I was very thrilled and it encouraged me to say yes, I need to do that which I have been keeping in mind. I said let me express myself.
“The message here is that anybody should move around and do his or her businesses because Enugu State today is free on Monday as other days of the week. Normalcy has returned because this current administration has actually helped us by keeping up with the promise to protect lives and property,” Ozoemena said.
On her part, Ms. Ukeje said, “My first painting depicts the dark part of the sit-at-home where I used the tomato seller as a topic. From the picture you see Sienna and whenever people see Sienna they will scamper for safety because of fear of the unknown gunmen.


“From the second painting, you could see her sitting at home and peeping through the window, seeing the unknown gunmen with their Sienna and no one is moving because of fear. “But the third picture depicts the return of normalcy on Monday after the emergence of Dr. Peter Mbah as the governor of Enugu State. The woman can now take her perishables to the market and sell since there are security personnel everywhere. She is now happy.”
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