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2nd Peer Review Will Provides Solutions To Continental Challenges-APRM Council

Published

6 years ago

November 15, 2019

Joel Ajayi

The Chairman, National Governing Council (NGC) of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Nigeria Sen. Abba Ali said with the adoption as the second Peer Review Report, Nigeria will soon overcome various socio-economic challenges hindering her development.

In a statement signed by media Assitant the Princess Gloria Akobundu the Chief Executive officer of AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Abolade Ogundimu to reveal that NGC’s held meeting on Thursday, in Abuja for members of the NGC of APRM Nigeria to deliberate on programmes of the Self-assessment an exercise that will be conducted by APRM Nigeria which will be adopted as the nation’s second Peer Review.

The meeting was observed by Focal point, APRM Nigeria, Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) represented by Mr Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Matter, SGF’s office.

According to Abba Ali, by the time the report of the self-assessment exercise is out, there will be lasting solutions to socio-economic challenges like insecurity, unemployment, food security, gender- inequalities and many others bedevilling the nation.

“Second Peer Review will further help the government in the area of security and governance because the report will include causes, effect and solutions to poverty, insecurity and gender inequalities.

We are confident that our recommendations will be embraced by the entire continent to address some of those challenges in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 of the United Nations(UN) and African Union’s Agenda 2063”, the Chairman said.

Similarly, Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism ( AUDA-NEPAD/APRM), Nigeria also Secretary to the NGC, APRM Nigeria shed more light on roles of the NGC in achieving effective review.

APRM is about governance, insecurity, gender inequalities and other challenges,it will analyse and proffer possible solutions to the challenges.
“It is part of the efforts to help President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver on his mandates.

“Preparation is ongoing for second Peer Review of the nation which will be heralded by self- assessment exercise that will help the government to further analyze the gaps and provide solutions to some of the socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.

“It will analyse where we were, where we are and where we are going to as a nation in the area of development.

“The NGC is overseeing APRM for efficiency and governance in the country in line with best practices and standards in line with AU mandates.

“Also, it will ensure that all the concerns raised in the Country Self- Assessment Reports ( CSAR) are addressed in the National Programme of Action (NPoA) as one of the criteria for the report to become adopted by African Union through APRM Continental.

“President Buhari is refixing Nigeria through various programmes and policies, which is the best way to go as a leading nation in the continent,” she said.

She commended the SGF for his commitment as the nation’s Focal Point on APRM.

Also, Hon. Edozie Madu, a Council member, APRM Nigeria emphasised the significance of task ahead for the NGC.

“Proper implementation and coordination will greatly help to ensure the Council to synergise and galvanize given mandates.

“Security is being tackled through recruitment, training and retraining of the police and other security apparatus to eradicate insecurity across the nation, ” he concluded.

The council deliberated at the meeting which was the first quarterly meeting after its inauguration and implore APRM, Nigeria’s National Secretariat to continue in its stride to achieve a thorough report that can be adopted by the African Union (AU) as an instrument for solving related issues in the continent.

NGC, APRM Nigeria’s members, who are captains of industries, Leaders of Civil Society organisations, Non-governmental Organisations, Professionals and Labour unions, representing the six geo-political zones of the nation.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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