INTRODUCTION
The 2006 edition of Ntum Oha Annual lecture took place at Erinma Hall on 25th December, 2006. the Lecture was a huge success, thanks to the preparations made by the Organising committee chaired by Dr. Bassey. over 4 thousand flyers were distributed, a total 100 interest groups were invited via posted mails. the chairman of the occasion was Dr. C. Eni. the special guest of honour was Prof. N. K. Mpka and the master of ceremony was —– Two resource persons Dr. Mma Ogosi and Barrister Echeme Emole Delivered papers.
The program started by 12 noon prompt. Opening prayer was said by the Chairman of the occasion, after which the president Engr. Samuel Agwu Okoji read his opening speech. the first lecturer mounted the podium by 1pm and by 2pm the second lecturer delivered his paper. the Annual lecture program ended by 2:40pm after a concluding remark by the chairman.
below are details of the annual lecture program;
THEME
The suggested themes for 2006 annual lecture were;
The role or relevance of political power in the economic empowerment of Abiriba people
Ahamefula – the Enachoken as the basis of Abiriba oneness : maintaining the stool of the Enachoken, resolving balkanization and other related issues, key to unity, peace and successful politicking: The need to consolidate to shift political power to Abiriba.
The impact of culture on contemporary community demography, politics and administration: implications of balkanization and traditional tussles on successful elections in Abiriba – the need to consolidate to shift political power to Abiriba
Historical antecedents and paradigms to contemporary inertia at embracing democratic governance vise a vise traditional rule : redirecting the minds and energies of the Abiriba people towards reaping the dividends of democracy.
Balkanization of Abiribaland, the 2007 elections, reaping the dividends of democracy, Abiriba at cross roads: historic antecedents: the way forward.
Interference of modern administrations in traditional community governance: historical antecedents: its implication in the forth coming 2007 elections: the way forward – a case study of the balkanization process in Abiribaland.
Ahamefula : united we stand divided we stand : looking beyond the traditional institution as the basis for community demography and unity – a case study of the balkanization of Abiriba traditional institution.
Allegiance to traditional instituition versus allegiance to state : looking beyond the traditional institution as the basis for community demography and unity a case study of the balkanisation of Abiriba traditional institution.
Power Shift : resolution of balkanization and other related issues key to successful 2007 elections in Abiriba. The need to consolidate to shift political power to Abiriba.
After rigorous debates the the theme below was selected:
PEACE AND UNITY KEY TO POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF ABIRIBA
Background:
Meaningful and sustainable development of a society to a large extent hinges on the degree of esprit de corps in it. Little wonder the slogan ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ seems to be the propelling force in groups in the Nigerian society. No economic policy, social and or political objective is achieved without a united front in the pursuance of its realization. Unity eschews bitterness, rancor and acrimony. It fosters peace and tranquility, which is a requisite atmosphere for socio-economic development of a society.
As a state, Nigeria is what it is today because of the unity in the seeming diversity. The legitimacy of the power and authority at the centre gives credence to this fact. Unlike Nigeria, Igbo, which is a nation in the Nigerian state, cannot boast of a common front occasioned by unity. The Igbo nation does not have one voice. The consequence is the permeation of this ill in all the communities that comprise it, which Abiriba is no exception. This has been the bane of the slow pace of socio-politico-economic development of Abiriba. Should this trend continue? Obviously, the answer is no. So where is Abiriba in the face of this challenge?
Abiriba has come of age. It is the dawn of a new beginning. This is the era of political awakening, social awareness, and economic drive for her. She is to be inundated with this consciousness. Every individual of Abiriba descent should inculcate and imbibe these ideals for her to take a leap. The question now is how do we actualize this? The how of it is what informed this year’s annual lecture theme titled, THE SOCIO-POLITICO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ABIRIBA: A FUNCTION OF PEACE AND UNITY by Ntum Oha.
Aims: The lecture aims at enlightening the participants on:
Brief history of Abiriba’s political and socio economic life
Target participants: Government officials of Abiriba origin, branch ACIU executives, Age Grade executives, Abiriba NGO executives, Abiriba Professionals, Intellectuals and Elites. Expected participants will total 400.
OPENING ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT.
Mr. Chairman Sir,
The Special Guest Speaker, Prof. M. A. Mkpa (The Commissioner for Education, Abia State)
Distinguished Ntum Oha Lecturers for 2004 Annual Lectures,
Participants and Other Invited Guests,
Fellow members of Ntum Oha here present. I greet you all.
Ntum Oha is an interest group based in Port Harcourt. Her members are indigenes of Abiriba, who are, at least, graduates of Universities or other Institutions of Learning of equivalent standard. In Ntum Oha, we focus on three major aspects of developments in Abiriba, which are; Education, Health and Politics.
Our mode of operation is; Investigative Interview Technique. We ask questions to identify problem areas in those three aspects of community development. The problems so identified are then highlighted and showcased. We also proffer solutions to those problems and then alert appropriate agencies for implementation of the solutions proffered.
In the annual lectures, as you will soon witness, eminent sons and/or daughters of Abiriba will talk on a chosen topic. The topic for this 2004 Edition is “Emerging Political and Socio-Economic Realities: Repositioning Abiriba to Advantage”. Questions will be raised to reawaken our consciousness to our proud heritage, Abiriba, and also remind us of our developmental shortcomings.
After the lectures, we will have the Frank Talk session. This is a discussion (Audience Participation) session. Most of the questions raised during the lectures will be answered during the frank talk. Please jot down your questions or comments as the lectures progress.
At the end of this discussion, we all would be better informed on the current happenings in our community, Abiriba, as it concerns Education, Health and Politics. Also we would know the contributions we need to make, either as individuals or as a group, towards the betterment of Abiriba.
Long Live Ntum Oha!
Long Live Abiriba!!
Long Live Nigeria!!!