UNIZIK Awka: Reflecting on Zik’s Mausoleum and marginalization of Ndigbo 21 Years after Zik’s demise
ODOGWU
EMEKA ODOGWU reports that the crux of discussion at the 6th Zik Lecture
Series organized by Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka, Anambra state at the University auditorium in honour
of Nigeria’s first indigenous Governor General, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
was on continued marginalization of Ndigbo and need for the Mausoleum in
memory of Zik to be completed among others.
Dean
of the Faculty of Social Sciences , Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna and
Chairman of Publicity sub-committee , Dr Uzochukwu Chinwe were all
praises for the success of the event that attracted who is who in the
society to Unizik. Okunna had earlier expressed hopes that the aftermath
of the 6th Zik lecture will chart a new course for the nation. And
indeed she was right.
Delighted
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Joseph E. Ahaneku, FAS ,
thanked Governor Nwike, Chief Nwodo and others for making the Zik
Lecture series a success. He described restructuring as the master key
to all aspects of Nigeria’s development challenges, arguing that
restructuring is the most contentious political issue in Nigeria and
have become a sing song in the country’s lexicon, drawing strong and
emotive advocacy on both sides of the divide to restructure or not to
restructure.
The wife of the late Sage and
nationalist, Professor Uche Azikiwe did not mince words when she asked
the Federal Government to swing into action and complete the mausoleum
in honour of late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, her late husband.
Professor
Azikiwe decried the failure of the Federal Government to complete the
project, twenty one years after the death of the first President of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that there is need to complete the
project as it is the only way to preserve her late husband’s legacies.
She
lamented that every year money is budgeted for the project, yet no
meaningful progress has been made on the project and thanked all who
took it upon themselves to ensure that the Zik's Lecture Series is being
held yearly.
On his
part, the President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia-Nwodo
called on President Muhamadu Buhari to convey a nation-wide conference
to address the rising calls for restructuring in the country.
Nwodo,
a Guest speaker at the Zik’s lecture series delivered a paper on: “the
Political Economy of Restructuring in Nigeria Problems and Prospects”.
He stated that with the consensus by political and religious leaders
across the country, the Federal government must make restructuring a
priority in its programme.
As well, Governor
Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, who was the Chairman on the occasion,
called for an equitable and participatory, political and economic system
where every citizen will justly benefit from the proceeds of democracy.
Governor
Wike who was vocal on the recent happenings in Nigeria, stated that the
rule of law must take its pre-eminence against the current situation
where what he called autocracy is the order of the day.
In
Nwike’s words, “Irrespective of the side of the political and social
divide we may belong, we all share a common responsibility as leaders
and ordinary people to advance and preserve the unity and corporate
existence of Nigeria, which is the greatest honour we can ever give to
the memory of the Great Zik of Africa.”
The
founder and benefactor of the Zik Lecture Series, Sir Ben Ndi-Obi
stated that the reason for the Zik lecture series was to immortalize
late Zik of Africa who he said was his mentor as well as to advance
human capital development through research and knowledge. He described
Zik as a true democrat, erudite scholar and a man who through hard work,
achieved unparalleled success for the emancipation of Africa.
As
well, former Governor of Anambra state , Dr Chukwuemeka Ezife and Chief
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu noted that there is need for restructuring and
expressed their passion for late Nnamdi Azikiwe.
A
rights activist, Ayo Opadokun argued that restructuring would not lead
to the breakup of the country, but would rather restore power to the
federating units to make them legitimate authorities.
In
his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Zik’s Lecture Series Committee,
Prof. Au Nonyelu expressed his appreciation over the robust discussion
and interface of minds at the lecture.
High points of the occasion were the cutting of Zik’s posthumous birthday cake and
the presentation of awards to some of the distinguished speakers. A
minute silence was observed for the repose of the soul of late Zik.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the lecture include, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, among others.
Photo: Governor Nwike middle with Prof Ahaneku and Prof
Godson Okafor left and Senator Ndi-Obi and Prof Okunna right
Copied from Monday Authority Newspaper
UNIZIK Awka: Reflecting on Zik’s Mausoleum and marginalization of Ndigbo 21 Years after Zik’s demise
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Tuesday, December 05, 2017
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