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FCT-Edo Leaders and Patriots Back Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu

Published

5 years ago

August 3, 2020

Leaders and Patriots drawn from various Edo state associations of ethnic groups residing in the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday endorsed the candidacy of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu as their preferred choice for the September 19 elections.

Speaking at the forum’s meeting, the president of the Committee of Edo Leaders and Patriots of FCT, Hon. Isaac Ehigiator said the forum has carefully scrutinized the credentials and antecedents of the two contending aspirants, hence their choice for the APC Governorship candidate of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu.

Hon. Ehigiator noted that the committee will move around the six area councils of the FCT to mobilize over fifty thousand Edo indigenes whose Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is registered in Edo state.

“Let me quickly say, the committee had the opportunity of scrutinizing the credentials, antecedents, and programs/manifestos for the project as presented by contending aspirants. It is our view and our conviction that our dear state deserves better, the task of repositioning Edo state should, therefore, be holistic and driven with sincerity of purpose, emotional intelligence, and respect for the tradition as well as all other leaders involved in the greater Edo project for the goodwill of all, home or in the diaspora.

Furthermore, it must be emphasized that Edo boasts of more than 50,000 indigents resident in the FCT with voting right domicile in Edo state. Going forward, I want to affirm on behalf of the committee of Edo Leaders and Patriots that the manifesto as presented by Pst. Osagie Ize Iyamu of APC as vividly captured in the SIMPLE Agenda program for the greater Edo project represents the true desires and aspirations of all Edo sons and daughters irrespective of where they reside anywhere in the world.”Hon Ehigiator added.

In his response,the candidate of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu who was represented by the APC Director-General of Edo South Governorship Campaign Organsation, Hon. Samson Osagie thanked the forum for finding the candidate of the APC worthy as the next governor of Edo state.

The former federal lawmaker listed the challenges confronting governance in Edo state, stating that the government of Godwin Obaseki had deviated from the party’s plans and has engaged in propaganda. He said that the good people of the state have lost touch with governance unlike what was felt during the tenure of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“I want to thank members of this forum and all Edo Indigenes residing in FCT. Our state has been confronting the challenge of governance for almost four years.

Contrary to media propaganda of the governor and his government,a lot is left undone in governance and its impact is being felt by the people of Edo state.

As a member of the All Progressive Congress APC, a platform on whom the governor was elected in 2016, the expectation of the party and the vast majority of the people was very high and the disappointment began to show in the middle of his tenure when he (Gov.Obaseki) deviated from the plans of the party and he declared war on members of his own political party.

You will agree with me that the government is not attempting to construct infrastructure. Government is all about the people but contrary to what we found about the posture of the man we elected as governor, who we thought that would have turned Edo into an industrial hub. Rather than construct infrastructure, the governor engaged in an imaginary fight.

Our schools are in a pitiable condition and it will interest you to know that the government has not employed a single teacher for almost four years. In secondary schools, what you will find is a principal and four teachers. The school blocks constructed by our former Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole lack maintenance. The governor promised 200,000 jobs but you cannot find anyone engaged by the government of Obaseki in Edo state. When his former Chief of Staff asked questions about this claim of jobs provided, he was vilified.

The governor has failed because ordinary a governor who has done well getting a second tenure shouldn’t have been a problem. The party has now recognized a homegrown candidate to implement the development projects of Edo state and not one who will sign MOUs with over 20 countries with nothing to show. The APC decided to choose a Pastor with the Redeem Church of God, a former SSG, a former Chief of Staff, a member of the APC constitution drafting committee, and a former governorship of the PDP in 2016.”Hon. Osagie stated.

The former Minority Whip at the Sixth National Assembly went on to explain the SIMPLE Agenda of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, promising that the APC candidate will not disappoint the people of Edo state if elected.

Present at the meeting was a former lawmaker representing Ovia federal consistuency, Bar. West Idahosa, Hon.Isaac Osahon and other notable Edo sons and daughters.

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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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