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Democracy Day: AUDA-NEPAD Boss Calls For Sustenance Of Founders’ Vision

Published

5 years ago

June 12, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The National Coordinator and Chief executive Officer of Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for Africa’s Development and Africa Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) Nigeria Princess Gloria Akobundu, has called on leaders to build on the legacies of the Nation’s founding Fathers as well as their predecessors’ programmes.

Akobundu made this call through a statement issued by Media Assistant to NC/CEO, Abolade Ogundimu on the occasion of 21 years of Democratic Governance in the country, called Democracy Day, erstwhile held on May 29, but changed to June 12th in Commemoration of the annulled 1993 Presidential election held on June 12th

According to the National Coordinator and Member, AU-Taskforce Committee on Governance Response to COVID-19 and other pandemics, founding fathers’ vision is to bring development closer to the people by instituting democracy, a system of government that allows for greater participation of the people at all levels.

“Deliberate effort must be made to ensure that “the labours of our heroes/heroines past who faulty for democracy should not be in vein.

“Our leaders have worked doggedly to ensure that Nigeria remains one indivisible entity, we should develop our nation where justice and peace shall reign and create a home for all citizens of this country.

“We should also create enabling environment and laws that will attract investment to enable the country play the role of the giant of Africa that we are.”

Akobundu commended President Muhammadu Buhari for being a champion of development for not abandoning uncompleted projects inherited from previous administrations but rather ensuring their speedy completion.

“One good thing that amazes me and I appreciate about President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration is building on already established structures.

“Mr. President did not abandon his predecessor’s uncompleted projects which have previously being the practice, a major problem of development and economic growth in the past,” she added.

She urged leaders to borrow a leaf from the good examples that President Buhari had set and ensure that the resources of the Nation were not wasted, adding that “government is a continuum’’.

She equally applauded the present administration’s response to East-West road, Kaduna-Abuja rail system, the second Niger Bridge, the agricultural and self-sufficiency food programme, roads and rail way construction, fight against corruption, ease of doing business amongst other developmental projects and programmes described as dividends of democracy.

Princess Akobundu also said the present administration had also given AUDA-NEPAD/APRM the needed support to carry out her mandate which includes; eradicating poverty, promote sustainable growth and development, coordinate and implement priority continental and regional projects as well as plan and implement Africa’s priority developmental programs within the framework of African Union’s Agenda 2020 and 2063 amongst others.

“For us in AUDA-NEPAD we have done a lot, looking at the AU’s Agenda 2020 (Silencing the Gun) and Agenda 2063 (the Africa we want) and the present administration’s vision and goals.

“We appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the Second Peer Review that led to all these successes

“I use this opportunity to tell Nigerians to make good use of the opportunity to assess governance in key areas and make recommendations on how to make them better.
“They should give factual and patriotic responses to our field officers, technical researchers while administering questionnaires and during town hall meetings that will be held in the six geo-political zones of the country.

Akobundu said AUDA-NEPAD/APRM had done a lot of capacity building programmes for the youths, women and the vulnerable people in the society across the country in support of the present administration’s mandate of job creation.

Similarly a lot of advocacies had been carried out in different areas including, the food processing centres, in line with the ‘Zero Hunger Policy’ of this administration, Anti-Corruption advocacy in collaboration with relevant Agencies, to regain investors’ confidence in doing business in Nigeria.

The Agency had also held special side events at the United Nation General Assemble (UNGA) to advocate and woo investors and development partners for economic development and job creation in the country and the entire continent,
She described them as part of democratic dividends to the Nation.

While wishing Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day, she called for patient and respect their leaders, noting that four years may be a short time to produce the expected result but successive governments could build on their predecessors programmes to further develop 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

3 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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