COMMUNIQUE ON THE 2003 ANNUAL LECTURES AND FRANK TALK HELD AT ERINMA HALL,ABIRIBA ON THE 1ST DAY OF JANUARY,2004.
Ntum Oha organised an annual lecture and frank talk for 2003 on 1st day of January 2004, and the following communiqué is issued to summarise the proceedings.
PREAMBLE:
The theme of the lectures was ‘Professionals in Community Development – The Abiriba Experience’. It was designed to x-ray the height of academic and professional developments in Abiriba and to check whether the entrance of professionals onto the center stage has enhanced or marred progress in Abiriba.
Can we showcase any physical, psychological or philosophical structures instituted and/or managed by these professionals both at home and in diaspora for any sustainable development in Abiriba?
HIGH TABLE
1. Dr.Ezikpe Nma (Chairman)
2. Dr. Nma Ogozi (Resource person)
3. Magistrate Onuma (Resource person)
4. Dr. Chijioke Urum (Resource person)
5. Prof. M. A. .Mkpa (Abia State Commissioner for Educatio-Guest speaker)
6. Engr.Agwu E.Okoji (President Ntum Oha)
SUMMARY OF PRESENTATIONS.
Dr.Nma Ogozi’s Lecture can be described as history superlative; an audit on “Ukpaghari” and, according to the Guest speaker, a master piece, articulate and informative and carrying a challenge. (See the attachment). He also commended Prof. Mkpa for assisting Abiriba students to secure University admission and also for attracting a Modern Computer Center to Egwuena Girls’ Secondary School, Abiriba.
Magistrate Onuma on his part showed an indept academic work. According to him, “we are in the age of facts and data, and only those well armed with requisite information can produce results”. The man who is well informed can change things. Abiriba should recognize individual and group efforts and contributions. These appreciations will create impetus for growth.
Dr.Chijioke Urum on health. HIV/AIDS statistics in sub-sahara Africa is alarming more so with the high level of ignorance. Africa as a whole is in big trouble. Indigenes of Abiriba in the U.S.A. are worried about the number of deaths at home. To curb this alarming death rate Dr. Chijioke advocated a change in sexual behavioral pattern among the natives.
Prof. M. Mkpa commended the efforts of Ntum Oha at bringing people of diverse status together to think and proffer solutions on problems of common interest as an important machinery of development in Abiriba. He stressed that; the reference names mentioned by Dr. Nma Ogozi in his presentation should not be seen as a catalogue of who is who in Abiriba. Continuing, he commended Magistrate Onuma for his personal achievements despite the ugly conditions of his early school days. We must look inward if we must salvage the community. Prof. noted that the level of alcohol consumption in Abiriba is very high and if this level can be reduced by 50% and the savings diverted to other arrears of need, we will achieve more positive results. To occupy a fair of the civil service, our young graduates should be encouraged to take up appointments in the government and public sectors of the economy. Abiriba people in positions of authority should see this as their responsibility.
RESPONSES/INTERACTIONS.
1. The youth like to know what Ntum Oha is doing in order to give them the right direction and the community a base of life.
2. The status quo as does exist in Abiriba presently is disappointing and the men of honor have gone to sleep leaving the community to die naturally.
CONCLUSION
1. Ntum Oha acknowledges that many things have gone wrong in the community and there is hardly anyone to look up to. But Ntum Oha is positioning herself to serve.
2. Policies on health, education and politics for the people must be right for all aspects of their life to work well. This shall come when quality and purposeful leaders/representatives offer themselves. Efforts should be made to bring favorable conditions and situations that allow good leaders to emerge.
3. The free medical care given by A.C.I.U. North Africa annually is not enough as it cannot manage medical /health cases throughout the year. Ntum Oha desires to work with relevant groups and persons to improve health care services in Abiriba.
4. Education from Ntum Oha’s viewpoint is the worst affected in the society and requires the attention of all. Government, School proprietors, Age grades and other interest parties should lend helping hands.
5. A directory of Abiriba graduates is in production. It catalogs human resources and potentials available to us should there be opportunities. Graduates are required to fill out coupons or send their particulars to Ntum Oha by post or e-mail.
APPRECIATION
Ntum Oha wishes to thank: the chairman, Dr. Ezikpe Nma, for his expert coordination and timely summaries; the resource persons for their wonderful and inspirational lectures; other attendees for their precious time spent listening to the lectures and frank talk. Special mention must be made of, Prof. M. A. Mkpa, the guest speaker, who found time amidst his tight schedule to attend.
2004 edition will hold on 25th day of December, 2004, at the Erinma Town Hall, Abiriba. You are invited to attend and please be punctual, 12.00 noon (Ntum Oha Time).
God Bless you.
……………………… …………………… President Secretary