EX-NBA SCRIBE ADVOCATE INCLUSION OF YOUTHS IN CONFAB ADVISORY COMMITTEE

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, PORT HARCOURT

Former National Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack has advocated for the inclusion of Nigerian youth in the recently inaugurated- advisory committee of the proposed National Conference.

Walson-Jack, who made the call on Wednesday while speaking at a live phone-on radio programme, monitored in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said it is only with the representation of the Youth in the committee that their interest could be properly captured.

While calling on all Nigerians to be ready to define the character of the National Dialogue, the former NBA scribe said it was not the duty of the advisory committee to tell Nigerians what to discuss at the conference.

Walson-Jack, who is also a former commissioner in the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), said if opportune to be at the conference, he would advocate for more than the 13 percent derivation for oil producing areas currently being received.

He further said he beyond the 13% derivation, he would make a case on how and what the money should be used for in the interest of the people of the Niger Delta region of the country.

The former NBA scribe urged Nigerians not to be hasty to condemn the initiative but team up to ensure it succeeds because in so doing will Nigeria be bettered, saying that that it would be an opportunity for the voices of Nigerians to be heard and the desired changes effected to strengthen the Nigerian Union. #

Okwaraebere Kindred Mourns Death of Ernest Orlu

The people of Umu-Okwaraebere Kindred, Uru-Isi-Ogwa Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State have expressed shock over the death of the eldest man in the Kindred, Mr. Ernest Elebuochi Orlu-Onukwugha.

A statement signed by the Assistant Secretary of Okwaraebere Family Union (OFU), Mr. Chinonso Nnadi, said the late septuagenarian died on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 after a brief illness.

According to the statement, the Nigerian civil war veteran would be buried on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 after a Christian funeral service in his compound, along Uru-Alaenyi-Ogwa Road, Uru-Ogwa, by 11.00.am.

It said; “The remains of our Father, Brother, and Uncle, late Mr Ernest Elebuochi Orlu-Onukwugha, who joined his ancestors on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 after a brief illness, will be buried on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at his compound, Umu-Okwaraebere, Uru-Ogwa by 10.00 am.

“All sons and daughters of Okwaraebere are expected to be at home to bid our great 'Okwe Eju Oku' the final good bye. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Ogwa boys: Port Harcourt-based journalist, Anayo Onukwugha and Igbo music maestro, Okwesilieze Nwaonyeigbo

Meet Africa’s youngest author, Meryl Waboso

Meet Africa’s youngest author, Meryl Waboso

Meryl Diekramabo Waboso is the author of ‘Stories From My Heart’. Aged five, Meryl is the first child of Dr. Idawarifaa Felix Waboso and Mrs. Ihuoma Waboso.

She came as a gift to her parents after about seven years of marriage and highly talented girl.

A Grade One pupil of International Bible Christian Fellowship (IBCF) School, Woji Road, GRA II, Port Harcourt, Meryl worships with her parents at the Salvation Ministries International, Birabi Street, GRA I, Port Harcourt.

The Book

The 29-page book, ‘Stories From My Heart’ is a collection of short stories put together by this amazing five-year author.

It is the observatory prowess of Meryl, who converts every situation around her into information, education, and entertainment.

Each of the stories contained therein were informed by situations the author personally encountered.

The book, ‘Stories From My Heart’ is highly commendable for is incisive of common children imaginary tales to pass on her message. It is suitable for kindergarten and early primary school instruction.