Stakeholders Emphasize Need for Improved Writing, Reading Skills Among Youths at Achebe Literary Lecture Series

The 2024 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and memorial lecture, organized by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers in collaboration with the Anambra State Library Board, has sparked calls for enhanced writing and reading skills among secondary school students . Held at the Dike Library on November 16th, the event drew scholars, traditional rulers, renowned writers, and students from various schools.

Comrade Izunna Okafor, the convener and a respected Anambra journalist, will interacting with newsmen after the event highlighted the importance of commemorating Chinua Achebe's legacy, a project he has continuously done for over 8 years now. He said "We gather every November 16th to celebrate and immortalize him, which we've done for eight years, until Governor Soludo named the Anambra International Airport after him."

The Chief of Staff to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Hon Ernest Nnaama Ezeajughi, in his keynote address stressed that education is key to success, citing the state's employment of 8,000 teachers and laboratory equipment Hon Commissioner of Culture and Entertainment, Hon Don Onyenji, in the same vein encouraged students to acquire additional skills in vocational studies and traditional /international cuisine.

Speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the lecture series, the traditional ruler of Umeri, HRH Beneth Emeka, said that the lecture series is a wonderfully thought out idea by a wonderful and exceptional journalist. He promisied to bring his friends in the next series to make it thick and to as well ensure that the aim of such an event which is to catch them young is acheived.

Hon Patrick Agha Mbah, Commissioner for Youths, assured the audience of government support for literary development, highlighting the Anambra Talent Hunt initiative, which said has gone a long way to empower the students, who more or less gets engaged after school.

Adding her voice to the discourse, Professor Stella Okunna and other speakers celebrated Achebe's contributions to African literature and Igbo cultural heritage, stressing that Chinua Achebe's Legacy is yet to be rivaled.

The 2024 Chinua Achebe Essay Competition for Secondary Schools awarded top performers in this order:

- 1st runner-up: St Lucy Secondary School, Ifite Awka

- 2nd position: Community Secondary School Okpuno

- 3rd position: Faith Model Secondary School St Mary's College Awka

Individual awards went to Miss Chinanu StellaMaris Amaechi Agbodike, Mr Uche Osunkwo, Sixtus Uzoegbo, Michael Egwuagu, and Chisom Okonkwo, among others.

By emphasizing the importance of writing and reading skills, stakeholders aim to empower young Nigerians to become productive citizens and continue Chinua Achebe's legacy.

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State. Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic. Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation. Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

Valentine Ozigbo Resigns from Labour Party

In a shocking move, against all speculations over the last few days, Valentine Ozigbo, a close ally of Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party (LP). Ozigbo confirmed his decision to Diaspora Digital Media on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, but declined to provide further details, opting instead to share his reasons during an interactive session on X (Twitter) Space. The session, scheduled for 8 PM, will feature Ozigbo in conversation with Anambra's First Son, @uchepokoye, discussing pressing issues affecting Anambra State, including security challenges, societal fabric collapse, and the hope for a better future. Ozigbo's resignation has sparked interest, with many awaiting his detailed explanation for leaving the Labour Party. His decision comes at a critical time for the party, which has been navigating various challenges in recent months. Credit: Diaspora Digital Media

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