…David Anyaele, Ajemba take centre stage
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The November edition of the monthly IkengaOnline townhall meeting holds Thursday (Tomorrow), November 30 with special focus on the plights of Persons Living With Disabilities, PWDs in the South-East geo-political zone.
Two Disability Rights Activists and Motivational Speakers, David Anyaele, of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD); and Chidinma Ajemba of JONAPWD, Anambra State chapter, will feature on the show.
The duo will be speaking on the theme: “Stigma, Struggle and Support: Living with Disabilities in the South East.”
According to a press release by the Editor-in-Chief of the South-East flagship online newspaper, Uche Ugboajah, the two-hour virtual meeting slated for 7:00 pm West African Time (WAT), will be co-hosted by Dr Osmund Agbo; and Dr Chido Onumah.
Participants according to the release, are to join the show via: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87477617336?pwd=18JLfz6CTp0OLD7puNIDdqRao7qHOj.1
It further said the meeting would be transmitted live via Omalicha 91.1 FM Owerri; Ikengaonline Facebook; YouTube and other social media platforms.
While the meeting ID was given as 874 7761 7336, 089591 is the Passcode.
David Anyaele is the Founder of CCD, and the incumbent Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Persons with Disabilities.
He has a background as a disability Rights Activist, Motivational Speaker, and Development Consultant with over 15 years of experience, focusing on inclusion and rights of PWDs.
When visiting Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1999, he was attacked, captured, and set on fire by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels of Sierra Leone, after his two limbs were forcefully chopped off because of his identity as a Nigerian.
CCD is the premier organisation of, and for Persons With Disabilities that works to promote inclusion, participation, and access to justice for PWDs in Nigeria.
It is a leading organisation in legislative advocacy, and has distinguished itself as an influencer of public policy at the highest levels in Nigeria.
Most recently, CCD was instrumental in the recent establishment of the first ever National Disability Commission in Nigeria.
Similarly, Ajemba is a Journalist, motivational speaker and public relations executive.
She is a Correspondent of Qualitative Magazine.
Ms. Chidimma Ajemba, a devoted disability advocate and public affairs analyst is from Eziowelle, Idemili North Anambra State.
She’s been actively promoting disability rights, and volunteers as a Media Officer with the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission. Formerly a Public Relations Executive at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Anambra, she currently holds the position of Publicity Secretary of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JONAPWD Anambra State Chapter, and manages projects for the humanitarian-focused PEF Foundation.
Chidimma’s unwavering passion underscores her commitment to positive change and inclusivity.
Ikengaonline monthly town hall meetings are meant to discuss topical issues affecting the South-East zone of Nigeria in particular, and the Nigeria state in general.
Nollywood megastar, Anayo Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O Kanayo (KOK), featured on the October edition.
The iconic actor spoke on the topic: “Rituals, Riches, and Realities: The Myths of Money-Making and the Dignity of Labour.”
Former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking In Persons, Professor Joy Ezeilo, was the guest during September edition.
President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, featured in the August edition where he spoke on the topic, “A New Era for Ohanaeze: Navigating Challenges Embracing Potentials.”
Several other distinguished Igbo personalities had also featured in previous editions.
Former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, featured in the July edition where he spoke on the topic: “South-East Insecurity Nexus: A Holistic View.”
Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies and Founder of Gregory University Uturu, GUU, Professor Greg Ibe, featured in the June edition where he handled entrepreneurship challenges in the South-East.
The Chairman, World Igbo Congress (WIC), Professor Anthony Ejiofor, was on the hot seat in the May edition where he spoke on: “Insecurity in the South-East: The Role of Nigeria Diaspora.”
Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, was the guest on the April edition wherein he handled: “Improving Regional Economy in the Homeland.”
World famous Economist and Nigeria’s two-time Minister for Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu, featured in the March edition and did justice to the topic: “Nigeria’s incoming Government: Prospects & Challenges.”
Former Education Minister, and the current Chairman, Board of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, was the guest speaker of the February edition wherein she spoke on “Women in Politics, East of the Niger.”
Other eminent Igbo personalities have featured in the monthly event since its debut in 2022.
The maiden edition of Ikengaonline town-hall featured Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in July 2022; while the second edition featured a renowned Political Economist, Professor Pat Okedinachi Utomi, in August.
Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; US-based academic, Professor Okey Ndibe; West African Regional Director, Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye; as well as multi-award-winning actress and Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Monalisa Chinda Coker, had all featured at different editions of the explosive 90 minutes show.
Ikengaonline is a South-East-focused online media outfit which aims at giving voice to citizens of the South-East, parts of Rivers and Delta states, and highlights the challenges facing the region.
Ikengaonline is a publication of Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative (IMCAI), a non-profit entity that seeks to promote positive socio-cultural values, accountability and good governance through media and public education.
It is part of the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability Project, a multi-level intervention for media independence and government accountability, managed by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and supported by MacArthur Foundation.
