Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The famous Ikengaonline townhall resumes this Thursday, June 26, with the Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Dr Sam Amadi, taking the centre stage.
The former Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), will speak on the theme: “South-East Governors, JAMB and Tertiary Education in Igboland.”
This is contained in a statement by the Editor-in-Chief of the South-East focused accountability on-line media platform, Uche Ugboajah.
The explosive monthly meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm (WAT), will be co-anchored by US-based prolific writer and medical doctor, Dr Osmund Agbo; and veteran Journalist and Author, Dr Chido Onumah.
Participants according to the statement, are to join the virtual zoom meeting via: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89899644838 pwd=UKDU64umHpLh2ONLLzSnpD1bDExzm9.1
The Meeting ID is: 898 9964 4838, while the Passcode is: 874748.
According to the statement, the virtual meeting will be streamed live via Ikengaonline Facebook; YouTube and other social media platforms.
Dr Amadi, a Harvard-trained policy strategist, law and governance expert, is a seasoned Public Affairs Analyst.
He is also a Visiting Professor at the Emerald Energy Institute at the University of Port Harcourt.
The former NERC boss is the Chair of the Development Law Group of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest Law and Development (SPIDEL).
Dr Amadi was Associate Professor and Head, Department of International Law and Jurisprudence at Baze University, Abuja until June 2021.
He was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from 2016-2018.
Accomplished Igbo sons and daughters who are trailblazers in their various fields feature at Ikengaonline townhall meetings to address issues affecting the Igbo nation and Nigeria in general.
Former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Information Communication Technology, ICT, Godwin Nwobodo, featured in the March 2024 edition, and spoke on: “Is State Police the Panacea to Insecurity in the South-East?”
National President of Igbo Women Assembly, IWA, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, who was the guest in the February 2024 edition, handled: “Saving Igbo Language from Extinction: What Must Be Done.”
Ikengaonline monthly townhall 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 2024 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 2023 edition.
Late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, featured in the August 2023 edition and spoke on “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 2023 edition wherein 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 2023 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 2023 edition wherein she spoke on “Women in Politics, East of the Niger.”
Other eminent Igbo personalities had equally featured in the monthly event since its debut in 2022.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, was the guest speaker in the maiden edition on 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.
It 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.
