INTRODUCTION
Ntum Oha continued her unbroken strek of annual lectures with the successful hosting of the 7th edition of Ntum Oha Annual lecture, which took place at Erinma Hall on 5th January, 2008. the Lecture was a huge success, thanks to the preparations made by the Organising committee chaired by Elder (Engr.) Samuel Agwu Okoji,. the lecture was well advertised, as a result the turn out of participants was very encouragingi. The chairman of the occasion was Dr. Ezikpe Nma Agbagha. Two resource persons Engr. (Elder) Agbai N. Agbai (F.N.S.E) and Engr. (Elder) Agbai N. Agbai (F.N.S.E) Delivered papers.
The program started by 12 noon prompt. Opening prayer was said by the Chairman of the occasion, after which the president Mr. Chekwas Nkpa 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 theme of the lectures was
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ABIRIBA, ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE: CASE STUDY OF WATER AND ELECTRICITY PROJECT
The last electricity supply to Abiriba Community by the National Electric Power Authority, (now Power Holding Company of Nigeria) dates more than One (1) year ago while the last water supply to Abiriba by the government is more than Ten (10) years old. Ntum Oha, therefore, considered it necessary to bring together, stakeholders and the Abiriba public to discuss and attempt to salvage the seemingly hopeless situation.
BACKGROUND: No society experiences a meaningful development socially, politically and economically without first putting in place the requisite infrastructure. Infrastructure development is a sine qua non for economic development. It basically connotes systems, structures and facilities that enhance the effective functioning of a larger system such as an organization or a country. It includes such facilities as good drainage systems, developed information technology (ICT) base, institutions such as hospitals, schools, financial institutions etc.
Nigeria is classified as an underdeveloped or a developing country due to the absence or epileptic nature of her infrastructural facilities. How can a nation talk of industrial development when it cannot boast of a constant supply of electricity? How can an economy thrive without a well developed financial system to lubricate the flow of financial resources amongst economic units? How can businesses thrive without an effective communication amongst and between businesses, economic units and financial institutions occasioned by developed telecom, mobile communication and IT systems? How can a nation’s socio-economic growth be sustained without an adequately developed manpower? How can manpower be developed without good educational facilities? How can a nation, its systems and people relate effectively with other nations, their systems and people in the committee of nations without an advanced information technology? Can economic goods, services and people be moved from one point to another without good transportation systems and good road network? How can the health of the people of a nation be catered for without good health facilities? How can the people of a nation be healthy in the absence of adequate supply of good water? The answers to the above questions are obviously no.
If any nation or society should embrace economic and social development, it must of necessity put the relevant infrastructure in place. Imagine the difference the introduction of Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) has made in the socio-economic life of Nigeria. What about the breakthrough in information technology with facilities such as internet and the likes? Come to think of the confidence Nigerians are gradually building in their banking system with the on going reforms and consolidation in the sector. All this portends good for the economy. When you look at the other side, all the positive impact being made on these other areas is nothing to write home about due to the epileptic nature of the power / electricity supply.
Again, no matter how developed our health facilities are, there would be pressure on them if there is no good drinking water. Most diseases in this part of the world are water borne. Besides, there should be adequate supply of water for the proper washing and cleaning of household and industrial items which is necessary for hygiene.
As a nation, Nigeria is working tirelessly to ensure that these facilities are adequately instituted. Successive administrations at the federal, state and local government levels have been committed to their provision. In the drive to attain these feet, every sub system in the larger system called Nigeria is expected to toe the same line so that none is left behind. Abia state is a sub system of the Nigerian system; Ohafia Local Government is a sub system of Abia state. Abiriba is a sub system of Ohafia Local Government system.
If Abiriba is to be the hub of socio-economic activities as well as the investor’s haven, efforts should be geared towards putting the necessary infrastructure in place. It is a dream that is realizable if all Abiribas personalize it and be committed to it.
To start with, let us ask ourselves these pertinent questions. Where are we going to as a people? When do we want to get there? What infrastructural facilities do we need to get there? Which of these facilities do we have presently? What are their present states?
It is in the bid to provide answers to these questions that Ntum Oha has chosen for discussion, the above theme.
Curled from an article Titled: INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ABIRIBA, ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE: CASE STUDY OF WATER AND ELECTRICITY PROJECTS written by Miss Ure Sam
Aims: The lecture aims at enlightening the participants on:
ORGANISATION
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.
RESOURCE PERSONS: CHAIRMAN
Dr. Ezikpe Nma Agbagha
RESOURCE PERSONS: LECTURER
- Engr. (Elder) Agbai N. Agbai (F.N.S.E)
RESOURCE PERSONS: LECTURER
- Engr. (Elder) Agbai N. Agbai (F.N.S.E)
RESOURCE PERSONS: MASTER OF CEREMONY
INVITATIONS
FLYERS / POSTERS