In a continued effort to promote literacy among scholars, as well as promoting gender equality in the nook and cranny of Oru East LGA, and by extension, to Imo State, the ‘Margaret Okoroagu Nwaneri Foundation’ through the ‘Angela Nwaneri Memorial E-Library’ has strengthened the course. The Foundation since its inception has continued to inculcate the habit of reading among various Pupils and Students of schools domiciled within the locality. A Book Reading named, ‘The Amazon of Amairi’ has been presented. It was held on Saturday, September 26, 2020, in Mbubu Amiri, a Community in Oru East Local Government Area, Imo State.
“The Amazon of Amairi” is authored by a native of Amiri, Sir Christopher Osita Nwaka. Earlier in his presentation, the author disclosed that the one hundred and Seventy-five page novel, with twenty-six chapters was an exposé of a woman, who devoted her life defending the course of women and gender infringements. Nwaka added that the book narrates on the story of one Obiajuru, a quintessential African Women’s Rights Activist, who was believed to have liberated her fellow women against ill treatment and gender inequality. Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Uchenna Nwaneri, an Orthopedic Surgeon, University of Maryland, National Capital Region, and the President-elect to the Medical Staff, expressed delight that the Foundation, as well as the E-library is achieving its targeted goals of promoting academic excellence.
While thanking the author of the Book for a fascinating literary work, Dr. Uchenna said, part of their mission is seeing a Society with much respect for women, adding that the Girl Child, its values and rightful place should be duly incorporated in the scheme of things. “Women’s position on my own opinion should even be allowed to surpass the men. They are loving, kind, compassionate. Watch places they serve as Leaders, they always do well”. He further remarked, “I know I wouldn’t have been who or where I am today without my mother, Margaret Okoroagu, who we named after the Foundation”. Fielding more questions from Journalists, Dr. Uchenna Nwaneri explained that the ‘Angela Nwaneri Memorial E-Library’ as many ways of encouraging reading also opens on Saturdays, hence, commended the Head teachers of St. Gregory’s College, and Stella Maris Amiri, for bringing their Students/Pupils for studies in the Library.
Recalling the support of other personalities that aided the functionality of the E-library, the Medical Practitioner thanked the following persons for their contributions. Chief Orikagu Enwerem, Barr. Gideon Obi, Chief Cosmas Enwerem, Chief Magnus Onyima, Chief Bruno Akubuko, Hon. Chiagozie Nwaneri, among others. He said since August 2018, it has been God’s Grace. However, he revealed that the academic program held in 2019 for Scholars, by God’s Grace, would soon see to the Scholarship package of prospective winners to study in far away USA. For the E-library, he submitted that anybody in Oru East, and Imo State at large can tap in from Angela Nwaneri E-library.
Dr. Uchenna Nwaneri added, “I can assure you that the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma is great. I have not seen a Governor with passion and care for the citizens, and he believes so much in education, that was the reason he took the time to grace this occasion because he cares for the future of education in the State”. Lending his voice, the member representing Oru East in Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chiagozie Nwaneri attributed the whole exercise as a welcome development. The Lawmaker said it was a good idea in the sense that the Book talked about the origin, history and existence of Amiri with her cultural values. “It is a nice idea because it tells more about Amiri, the ten villages, how we originated. In Amiri, we don’t discriminate. We give our women an equal right that was why in the 6th House of Assembly, a woman was supported to represent Oru East in the IMHA. We encourage gender equality, and never hoodwink them both on issues of family inheritance”, Hon. Chiagozie Nwaneri said.
In their respective assertions, the First daughter of the Nwaneri family, Igwe Nwaneri Schola, and Amb. Tochil Nwaneri promised to keep the spirit alive in promoting academic excellence and observing gender balancing. The duo added that often, the women appear more and take up responsibilities in their homes than imagined. Reacting, Imo State Governor, who was a guest of honor at the event, Senator Hope Uzodinma described the gesture as pace setting. He said setting up the Library by a Foundation was in line with the Government’s resolve to establishing a serene academic hub across the State. The Governor said, “I just came out from a store where knowledge is stored; that is the e-library. I encourage our people, to make out what is in place in creating a mileage on our daily endeavours”.
Pouring out his satisfaction on the feat, Uzodinma thanked the Nwaneri family for making it available, while urging the people, irrespective of age, to take the availability of the library in impacting knowledge in them. The Oru East born Politician averred that for there to be Reverend Fathers and Sisters in the system, he was hopeful on its continuity and sustenance. Meanwhile, Governor Uzodinma warned vandals not to near the facility nor remove any pin from there; else they would be attracting the wrath of the law. “For all these petty petty thieves around, let no one near that facility with the aim of removing anything from there. If I get notice of such act, I will personally make sure the person go to prison. This is a milestone we should all protect and make good use of”.
By Onyekachi Eze
Imo Trumpeta Newspapers
