-----Original Message-----
From: Azuoma Anugom <adaejiagamba1@aol.com>
To: NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; worldigbocongress@yahoogroups.com; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com; ORAUSA@yahoogroups.com; igboworldforum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com
CC: wief@googlegroups.com; imostatecongress@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 7:09
Subject: NIDOA | On Zik Project: Re ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM..
From: Azuoma Anugom <adaejiagamba1@aol.com>
To: NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; worldigbocongress@yahoogroups.com; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com; ORAUSA@yahoogroups.com; igboworldforum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com
CC: wief@googlegroups.com; imostatecongress@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 7:09
Subject: NIDOA | On Zik Project: Re ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM..
Dr. Ola KIassim et al,
You spoke well. I am not sure what the hullabaloo is all about. If everybody will recall, Mazi Odera posted the picture of Dr. Aluko at the feet of the headless statue of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, which shocked many of us. Shocked because we deem it a sacrilege that the statue was allowed to be in such a state without being promptly restored by the government or whoever is in charge. I expressed concerns about this, to which Mazi Enyimba urged me to start a lawsuit. I indicated that instead of a lawsuit, we could do better---thereupon I offered to spearhead the facilitation of the restoration of the statue if Nigerians in Diaspora are willing to contribute/donate towards this project.
Everybody read my post but Dr. Aluko took me up on that challenge and immediately pledged $100, followed by Dr. Val Ojo. Dr. Aluko kept the fire going by updating us every morning about the pledges we have received on the project so far. We later discovered that even as at July 22, 2010 or thereabout, one of us on a trip to Nigeria visited the Zik mausoleum only to discover amongst others, that the grave of Dr. Azikiwe is overgrown with weeds and the mausoleum uncompleted and abandoned.
While it is obvious that Nigerians have risen to this challenge as we can see from the pledges pouring in, it appears some have chosen to read negative meanings into this worthy project. This project should be a nationwide project regardless of tribe or creed. It is open to everybody. This project is not about Dr. Bolaji Aluko. It is not about Azuoma Anugom. It is not about Igbo or Yoruba or Hausa or any other tribe. This is about giving honor to whom honor is due. Nigeria is about to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary and yet it has neglected those who fought for the independence. Let's us not lose sight of that. Let's us not view this project from the prism of tribalism. Let's us be more open minded and see how we can pull this through. As I indicated earlier, this committee is open to all Nigerians--- all Africans and anybody out there who shares the same vision. It doesn't matter if Dr. Aluko is the one announcing the updates daily. If anybody out there is interested in keeping tab of the pledges please feel free to do so. The more the merrier, so long as we have a common goal and a shared vision!!!
Btw, we are mindful of the fact that this is a capital intensive project. The money we realized will determine how far we go. So please be generous. We will soon announce the mailing address for the donations after we have put all the necessary mechanism in place. Note that we have not absolved the government of its primary responsibilities of completing and maintaining this monument which it started. However, we are doing our bits as patriotic citizens of Nigeria to encourage the government or whoever is in charge to complete this mausoleum and restore the decapitated statue (that is, assuming it has not been restored). Above all, we recognize and appreciate the contributions of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to our country.
Finally, we have formed a committee to steer this project. Some people have indicated interest in joining. We are hereby calling upon everybody who shares the vision of maintaining the legacy of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to join. I have discussed with Dr. Aluko and others and we are considering having a plaque with all the names of the donors mounted at the mausoleum as an added incentive. We'll see how this goes. We have formed an e-group for members of this committee (Zikproject Committee) Please join this e-group so that we can deliberate on how to make this project successful. Here is the link to the e-group:. http://groups.google.com/group/zikproject.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Azuoma Anugom
~~Adaejiagamba
Life shrinks according to one's courage. Dare to be remarkable.
~~Adaejiagamba
Life shrinks according to one's courage. Dare to be remarkable.
-----Original Message-----
From: OlaKassimMD@aol.com
To: NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com; anambraforum@yahoogroups.com; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; igboevents@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; worldigbocongress@yahoogroups.com; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; alukome@gmail.com; adaejiagamba08@yahoo.com
Cc: wief@googlegroups.com; naijamix@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, Aug 18, 2010 6:39 pm
Subject: [NIgerianWorldForum] Re: [NaijaPolitics] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
From: OlaKassimMD@aol.com
To: NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com; anambraforum@yahoogroups.com; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; igboevents@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; worldigbocongress@yahoogroups.com; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; alukome@gmail.com; adaejiagamba08@yahoo.com
Cc: wief@googlegroups.com; naijamix@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, Aug 18, 2010 6:39 pm
Subject: [NIgerianWorldForum] Re: [NaijaPolitics] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
Dr Olabode:
You have expressed in far much better Turenchi what I have been saying all
along. We need to do a better preparatory work on the project, even as
the donations continue (so that the process does not get sidetracked.)
This is not the time to question motives!
The inquiries should not be about why the ZIk statue was beheaded and had remained
in state of disrepair for many and or why
the Mausoleum has remained uncompleted--considering we already know
the obvious answers to these questions.
I believe the statue must have been defiled by those who harbor hatred for Pa Azikiwe,
either for personal or political reasons. We must also assume that the Mausoleum was not
completed probably due to lack of funds rather than lack of desire or interest in the project.
This is the same answer I get when eve I am in Nigeria and I inquire about why our heritage
buildings are either crumbing or are in different states of disrepair.
A people can hardly afford two or three square meals a day and who for the most part are not sure where tomorrow;s
nourishment would come from are hardly the ones who will giving due considerations to repainting houses,
repairing broken windows or cleaning those that are not broken.
We must assume that there there is more support both on the ground in Onitsha to have the statue
restored and the mausoleum completed than there are opponents for these initiatives.
As Bolaji Aluko wrote yesterday, the Diaspora efforts cannot succeed without strong backing
both financial, political and otherwise by those on the ground in Nigeria. The intention should be to raise
funds from abroad and also from all regions of Nigeria even if the ultimate management
and maintenance of the projects might be delegated to members of the Azikiwe family, the local government,
a local NGO or the government of Anambra state.
I would like to reinforce the following idea already suggested by a contributor yesterday:
a) Formation of a ZIK Statue and Mausoleum Committee which will include Diaspora representatives
from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa as well as representatives from Nigeria-including
private individuals, corporations and cultural organizations (e.g. museums) and
others with interest in these kinds of projects.
b) Upon its formation the Committee should send letters to the Azikiwe family, the Obi of Ontsha
the mayor of Onitsha (or equivalent), Chairman of the local government and the state governor
indicating its desire to undertake the desired restorations.
c) Obtain estimates for the costs of the projects and on going maintenance and running costs
d) etc. etc. etc.
As you stated in your brief, restoring Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe's statue and completing the Mausoleum
and a library in his name should not be deemed a local responsibility. It is a national one.
Chief Azikiwe probably slept more nights during his active political life in Lagos, Ibadan and elsewhere
in Nigeria than he did in Onitsha, Enugu or any other location in the old Eastern Region.
The disgraceful state of the ZIK statue and the lack of completion of a building to celebrate his life is
a national shame for all Nigerians of our generation. It is shame that is even more galling when we consider
how present day political leaders have been attempting to immortalize themselves by erecting universities
and other structures in their own names from money stolen from the public purse. The leaders of the first
republic were no doubt more interested in leaving behind as their legacies--ideas and knowledge than
the kinds of landmarks the current looters in political office are designing for themselves.
Bye,
Ola
You have expressed in far much better Turenchi what I have been saying all
along. We need to do a better preparatory work on the project, even as
the donations continue (so that the process does not get sidetracked.)
This is not the time to question motives!
The inquiries should not be about why the ZIk statue was beheaded and had remained
in state of disrepair for many and or why
the Mausoleum has remained uncompleted--considering we already know
the obvious answers to these questions.
I believe the statue must have been defiled by those who harbor hatred for Pa Azikiwe,
either for personal or political reasons. We must also assume that the Mausoleum was not
completed probably due to lack of funds rather than lack of desire or interest in the project.
This is the same answer I get when eve I am in Nigeria and I inquire about why our heritage
buildings are either crumbing or are in different states of disrepair.
A people can hardly afford two or three square meals a day and who for the most part are not sure where tomorrow;s
nourishment would come from are hardly the ones who will giving due considerations to repainting houses,
repairing broken windows or cleaning those that are not broken.
We must assume that there there is more support both on the ground in Onitsha to have the statue
restored and the mausoleum completed than there are opponents for these initiatives.
As Bolaji Aluko wrote yesterday, the Diaspora efforts cannot succeed without strong backing
both financial, political and otherwise by those on the ground in Nigeria. The intention should be to raise
funds from abroad and also from all regions of Nigeria even if the ultimate management
and maintenance of the projects might be delegated to members of the Azikiwe family, the local government,
a local NGO or the government of Anambra state.
I would like to reinforce the following idea already suggested by a contributor yesterday:
a) Formation of a ZIK Statue and Mausoleum Committee which will include Diaspora representatives
from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa as well as representatives from Nigeria-including
private individuals, corporations and cultural organizations (e.g. museums) and
others with interest in these kinds of projects.
b) Upon its formation the Committee should send letters to the Azikiwe family, the Obi of Ontsha
the mayor of Onitsha (or equivalent), Chairman of the local government and the state governor
indicating its desire to undertake the desired restorations.
c) Obtain estimates for the costs of the projects and on going maintenance and running costs
d) etc. etc. etc.
As you stated in your brief, restoring Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe's statue and completing the Mausoleum
and a library in his name should not be deemed a local responsibility. It is a national one.
Chief Azikiwe probably slept more nights during his active political life in Lagos, Ibadan and elsewhere
in Nigeria than he did in Onitsha, Enugu or any other location in the old Eastern Region.
The disgraceful state of the ZIK statue and the lack of completion of a building to celebrate his life is
a national shame for all Nigerians of our generation. It is shame that is even more galling when we consider
how present day political leaders have been attempting to immortalize themselves by erecting universities
and other structures in their own names from money stolen from the public purse. The leaders of the first
republic were no doubt more interested in leaving behind as their legacies--ideas and knowledge than
the kinds of landmarks the current looters in political office are designing for themselves.
Bye,
Ola
-----Original Message-----
From: JOE AKA <olabode43@hotmail.com>
To: naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; anambraforum@yahoogroups.com; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; igboevents@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; worldigbocongress@yahoogroups.com
Cc: wief@googlegroups.com; naijamix@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, Aug 18, 2010 8:18 pm
Subject: RE: [NaijaPolitics] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
To: AnambraForum@yahoogroups.com; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com
CC: wief@googlegroups.com
From: okenwanwosu@covad.net
Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:34:15 -0400
Subject: [NaijaPolitics] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
From: JOE AKA <olabode43@hotmail.com>
To: naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; anambraforum@yahoogroups.com; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; igboevents@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; worldigbocongress@yahoogroups.com
Cc: wief@googlegroups.com; naijamix@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, Aug 18, 2010 8:18 pm
Subject: RE: [NaijaPolitics] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
Dear Compatriots,
Some people do not feel comfortable with the processes being adopted for pledges to repair the headlessness of Dr. Azikiwe's mausoleum as revealed in the picture taken in 2006 and not August 2010.
In undertaking this project, one needs to know the most current condition of Zik's tomb and the consent of the illustrious family members of Dr. Azikiwe who was the greatest Nigerian nationalist that ever lived. He was the first Nigerian Governor-General and first Nigerian President (1960-1966). He was one of the foremost Fathers of Nigerian Nationhood and Independence.
Dr. Azikiwe was the God-father, pioneer/fore-runner and architect of all the greatness that all Igbos have achieved in Nigeria before and after Nigerian independence up-till-today. Those of them who became Federal Ministers, Vice President of Nigeria, Corporation Chairmen, Board of Directors of Parastatals, Great Scholars and Business-men went through Zik of Africa.
It cannot be understood why his mausoleum will be left headless for one day and unmaintained for tourist attractions by his eminent children, family members, kinsmen, the Local Council, State and Federal Governments. Enquiries about the reasons for any neglect of his tomb will enhance awareness and throw big challenges to all stake-holders to do their jobs in this case. If they are not ashamed of its condition, and/or refuse to take care of it, then let us know, we will take care of it proudly.
The present haphazard approach adopted in this case is similar to the ways Nigerian leaders take decisions and execute projects irrationally without due process which have resulted in woeful failures all the time. You cannot undertake a project like this without prior consent and input from his eminent family members. That may be disrespectful.
Knowing the present situation of the tomb and obtaining quotation and consent of the family are pre-cursors of resorting to pledges. As future leadership aspirants, we need to always make the best rational decisions and make the best rational alternative choices contrary to the spontaneous ones based on the spur of the moment.
My observations are not meant to discourage the pledges going on, but we need the right approach and due respect to Zik and Awo's families.
God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jubril Olabode Aka, PhD.
Texas, USA.
Some people do not feel comfortable with the processes being adopted for pledges to repair the headlessness of Dr. Azikiwe's mausoleum as revealed in the picture taken in 2006 and not August 2010.
In undertaking this project, one needs to know the most current condition of Zik's tomb and the consent of the illustrious family members of Dr. Azikiwe who was the greatest Nigerian nationalist that ever lived. He was the first Nigerian Governor-General and first Nigerian President (1960-1966). He was one of the foremost Fathers of Nigerian Nationhood and Independence.
Dr. Azikiwe was the God-father, pioneer/fore-runner and architect of all the greatness that all Igbos have achieved in Nigeria before and after Nigerian independence up-till-today. Those of them who became Federal Ministers, Vice President of Nigeria, Corporation Chairmen, Board of Directors of Parastatals, Great Scholars and Business-men went through Zik of Africa.
It cannot be understood why his mausoleum will be left headless for one day and unmaintained for tourist attractions by his eminent children, family members, kinsmen, the Local Council, State and Federal Governments. Enquiries about the reasons for any neglect of his tomb will enhance awareness and throw big challenges to all stake-holders to do their jobs in this case. If they are not ashamed of its condition, and/or refuse to take care of it, then let us know, we will take care of it proudly.
The present haphazard approach adopted in this case is similar to the ways Nigerian leaders take decisions and execute projects irrationally without due process which have resulted in woeful failures all the time. You cannot undertake a project like this without prior consent and input from his eminent family members. That may be disrespectful.
Knowing the present situation of the tomb and obtaining quotation and consent of the family are pre-cursors of resorting to pledges. As future leadership aspirants, we need to always make the best rational decisions and make the best rational alternative choices contrary to the spontaneous ones based on the spur of the moment.
My observations are not meant to discourage the pledges going on, but we need the right approach and due respect to Zik and Awo's families.
God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jubril Olabode Aka, PhD.
Texas, USA.
To: AnambraForum@yahoogroups.com; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com
CC: wief@googlegroups.com
From: okenwanwosu@covad.net
Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:34:15 -0400
Subject: [NaijaPolitics] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
"In the ordinary realm, Bolaji Aluko one would not mind sharing with some drinks as some of you may have done and got hoodwinked. But in the realm of Nigerian politics and national issues, Bolaji Aluko relates and sees the collective Igbo from a zero sum game trajectory. He believes that Igbo gains in the zero sum game of Nigerian politics and national issues are Yoruba losses and whatever the Yoruba gains are Igbo losses. Lest that be, project and portray the Igbo collective and their leaders in jaundiced perspective. And as far as some of us that are aware of his Igbo cants are concerned, we will doubt his motives even when apparently well meant. I am sure you have heard about being wary of the Greek bearing gifts. After all, the Trojan horse as gift was a ploy designed to distract and destroy.
By the way, Zik in life and death is a national Icon, granted. But charity begins at home. Therefore, where are Anambra State government in particular and the other Igbo States in the restoration and maintenance of Zik's historical artifacts, such as the one time damaged statue and the unkempt burial grounds? What about his sons? Did his first son Chukwuma not succeed him as the Owelle-Asowa-Anya of Onitsha? What about his second wife Dr. Uche Azikiwe and his two younger sons, Mazi Molokwu and Mazi Uwakwe from Dr. Uche Azikiwe, based in Abuja who from all accounts are very successful business men? Besides, would the Zik's Annual Lecture Series not be a good avenue to bring to the attention of governments any oversight responsibility failure on Zik's pantheon bearings?" - KC Prince Asagwara
Prince KC,
Your experience with Bolaji's antecedents is obviously shared by many. I, however, laud your levelheadedness in marshaling your points without recourse to uncouth language which, of course, is specifically reserved for lesser beings to whom you definitely don't belong. I am also aware of the timeline when the headless Zik statue at the DMGS Roundabout was taken by Bolaji. I addressed that matter, to the best of my ability, in my initial comment on the subject matter.
Let's, for the sake of argument, agree that Bolaji;s original motive for posing with damaged statue of the Great Zik was to deride the sage's kinsmen which, of course, include you and I. Years later, the same Bolaji has now made a 180-degree turn and has committed his time, sweat and money to accord deserved respect to our national hero by mobilizing resources to devote toward his commemoration. Which Bolaji would you then prefer to have in our midst; the 2006 version or the current one? That is the core question as far as I am concerned. You can rightly accuse Bolaji of flip-flopping by changing his mind, but folks like me are instead elated to witness such a transformative change in one of our own. In real life, rational minds must know when change for the better is more desirable than to persist on a wrong path to nowhere just for the sake of appearing to be consistent and unshakable. I grant that Prof. Aluko identified a unique opportunity to change course and opted to grab it. Isn't this what life should be all about?
Your remark that charity should begin at home, as far as restoration of Zik's posthumous national image is concerned, is infallible. Where are all these characters that you listed? Perhaps, they are engaged with the endless rat race for which Nigerians are famous; they must be busy doing nothing, it seems. As fate would have it, the impact of Zik's life-long accomplishments transcends his nuclear or extended family, hometown of origin or even his state, Anambra. There is a lot of blame to pass around. But when all is said and done, we should swallow hard and simply move on to work for a brighter and better tomorrow.
Again, thanks for your reasoned comments. .
Okenwa.
From: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY)
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 1:32 PM
To: asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; ICANDFW_FORUM@yahoogroups.com; IGBO EVENTS; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com; ABIAUSA@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com
Cc: WIEF Forum; IDU USA Forum
Subject: [NaijaObserver] RE: [asa-usa] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 1:32 PM
To: asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; ICANDFW_FORUM@yahoogroups.com; IGBO EVENTS; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com; ABIAUSA@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com
Cc: WIEF Forum; IDU USA Forum
Subject: [NaijaObserver] RE: [asa-usa] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
Folks/Dr. Okenwa Nwosu:
It is amazing how some of you Igbo continue to misread Bolaji Aluko and his Igbo cants. For your information, the Bolaji Aluko photo in front of headless Zik's statue in question was taken some time in mid 2006 when he had his cyber wars with one Olisa Osita, a fan of Zik who was rubbishing Aluko Senior in the forums. Mazi Odera who has a knack for archiving exchanges in the forums can attest to that. The Bolaji Aluko photo was a kind of retaliatory act to shut up Olisa Osita and he Bolaji has made derogatory statements against the Great Zik in the past. The resurfacing of the damaged statue of Zik this time around was through Mazi Odera to remind readers about Bolaji's antecedents. Suddenly, Bolaji shows interest in championing the restoration of Zik's damaged statue. You don't say! You see, anyone with analytical mind should first demand that Bolaji Aluko who has apparent knack in affronting the Igbo to explain this:
"Zik just does not appear to be a priority in that neighborhood." Bolaji Aluko
As I already said, Awo's statue was vindictively destroyed twice in the past two years, one in Lagos and the other in Ibadan. Why didn't Bolaji Aluko comment derisively to his Yoruba folks and the larger Nigeria in the manner that he did about Ndi Igbo and Zik? Further, can it be said that Bolaji Aluko loves the Great Zik and the Igbo more than Awo and his Yoruba folks to champion the restoration of Zik's statue, an Igbo Icon? Listen, when it concerns issues outside Bolaji Aluko's Yoruba ethnic nation, he is dubious and folks like me do read and decipher his true intent to his annoyance.
In the ordinary realm, Bolaji Aluko one would not mind sharing with some drinks as some of you may have done and got hoodwinked. But in the realm of Nigerian politics and national issues, Bolaji Aluko relates and sees the collective Igbo from a zero sum game trajectory. He believes that Igbo gains in the zero sum game of Nigerian politics and national issues are Yoruba losses and whatever the Yoruba gains are Igbo losses. Lest that be, project and portray the Igbo collective and their leaders in jaundiced perspective. And as far as some of us that are aware of his Igbo cants are concerned, we will doubt his motives even when apparently well meant. I am sure you have heard about being wary of the Greek bearing gifts. After all, the Trojan horse as gift was a ploy designed to distract and destroy.
By the way, Zik in life and death is a national Icon, granted. But charity begins at home. Therefore, where are Anambra State government in particular and the other Igbo States in the restoration and maintenance of Zik's historical artifacts, such as the one time damaged statue and the unkempt burial grounds? What about his sons? Did his first son Chukwuma not succeed him as the Owelle-Asowa-Anya of Onitsha? What about his second wife Dr. Uche Azikiwe and his two younger sons, Mazi Molokwu and Mazi Uwakwe from Dr. Uche Azikiwe, based in Abuja who from all accounts are very successful business men? Besides, would the Zik's Annual Lecture Series not be a good avenue to bring to the attention of governments any oversight responsibility failure on Zik's pantheon bearings?
It Shall Be Well with Ala Igbo, the odds not minding.
KC Prince Asagwara – Nwafor Igbo and proud of his Igbo Heritage
From: asa-usa@yahoogroups.com [mailto:asa-usa@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Okenwa R. Nwosu, M.D.
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 9:03 PM
To: ANAMBRA FORUM; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; IGBO EVENTS; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics
Cc: WIEF Forum; IDU USA Forum
Subject: [asa-usa] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 9:03 PM
To: ANAMBRA FORUM; asa-usa@yahoogroups.com; IGBO EVENTS; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics
Cc: WIEF Forum; IDU USA Forum
Subject: [asa-usa] ON RESTORATION OF ZIK MEMORIAM, LET BOLAJI ALUKO BE
Umuibe,
Let me first thank Prof. Bolaji Aluko for documenting the unsavory image of the Great Zik, without a head, during his chance trip to Anambra state. It is hard for me to believe that Bolaji planned to travel to Nigeria, away from his fulltime job in the US, in order to visit Onitsha to pose with the decapitated statue of the premier Nigerian freedom fighter and first president of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Owelle of Onitsha. Possibly, millions of people, both Nigerians and foreigners, must have seen the headless Zik statue long before Bolaji happened to pass through Anambra state during one of his home trips to Nigeria. He is yet to fully expatiate his reasons for striking a pose with our defaced national hero. If I may hazard a guess, I would say that Zik's aura can never wane or diminish, with or without a head. The Great Zik, as a legend in annals of Nigerian history, has etched the image of himself deep in the consciousness of the average Nigerian and fellow citizens, irrespective of their ethnocultural background or partisan affiliation, ought to have the right to identify with our preeminent national hero as they deem appropriate. I believe that posing next to Zik statue, irrespective of its physical condition, is a solemn mark of respect for our great national leader.
Before we become diverted and zoom off on the tangen, let's first ask why the Great Zik's headless statue should, at all, be left exposed over extended period before making the necessary amends to rectify the situation. I bet you that no one, at the local, state or federal level of the Nigeria Government, kept any maintenance schedule to assure the upkeep of our national monuments, including those of our founding fathers and national heroes. Total absence of maintenance culture fortifies the hand of degradation and decay over everything made by man. If there was a routine maintenance check, the crack in the statue would have been detected and repaired long before the head broke off completely. To mitigate inevitable fallout of displaying a headless statue of the Great Zik, someone at the city, local council, state or national level of leadership should have seen to it that the defaced image of our national hero was covered up immediately until properly restored. It is an act of sacrilege in the US to have a headless image of President George Washington displayed anywhere in the country. It would also be unthinkable that anyone would display a headless replica of Mao Tse Tung on Chinese soil and survive long enough to tell about it.
I believe that Bolaji was and is still deeply touched by what he saw hence his decision to lead an international initiative specifically honed in on restoration of Zik memorials, both the unmaintained and unfinished ones. This is a unique response to a national issue which ought to be commended, not disdained. For the newcomers to the Nigerian online discourse, it may be necessary for me to rehash the many spirited debates that I have had with Professor Bolaji Aluko, especially in the late 1990s. We finally reached a détente after wrestling each other over many controversial national issues like the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference, revenue sharing, state control of police and the necessity for creation of a Nigerian Eastern Economic Corridor etc. When battle fatigue started to get the upper hand, we actually agreed to seek avenues of collaboration rather than persist in perpetual confrontation in a haggle which no side can win outright and completely. We found our individual reasons to collaborate, on and off, since 1999 on a variety of issues of mutual interest or concern.
Bolaji's quest to show leadership in an endeavor to restore the memorials of the Great Zik does not only get my commendation, but I am totally in support of this patently altruistic gesture from a compatriot. I shall contribute an initial installment of $250 toward Bolaji's ongoing fundraising effort. I consider this as an authentic national endeavor which ought to be supported by many partakers in these forums and elsewhere.
Rather than stay on the sideline and impugn Bolaji's ulterior motive for this undertaking, we should instead hold him accountable on fulfilling and delivering on his public promise. Bolaji could possibly be bad in many eyes, but that was in the past. What I behold today is a Bolaji who is on a spirited mission to do right by his fellow citizens, including those with whom he had been at daggers drawn in the past. I perceive this as a positive transformative change which each and every one of us ought to be given the chance to experience.
I am with Bolaji on this one. Substantive change can be brought about through opportunities like this. Let's not be play stoppers unless we have a more creative alternative to offer in handling the situation at hand.
Okenwa.
From: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID)
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 7:12 PM
To: nnerose@bellsouth.net; NIDO America
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics e-Group; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; USAAfrica Dialogue; afenmai@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [NaijaObserver] RE: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in Onitsha
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 7:12 PM
To: nnerose@bellsouth.net; NIDO America
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics e-Group; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; USAAfrica Dialogue; afenmai@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [NaijaObserver] RE: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in Onitsha
Prince KC Asagwara/Simon CM Iberosi,
Regardless of how we mold this issue, we have to stick with the substance, that if Zik's statue is in bad shape, it is an embarrassment for ALL OF US; so whether we sense some insinuations or whatever in people's statements, we MUST MATURELY subordinate them to the substantive issue….that is, our love and high regard for Zik and the need to restore his statues and memory if they are fading or failing; Zik was (is) a Great Man that we cannot forget; we cannot throw away a Fine Living/Breathing Baby with what we see as soiled bath water. We have to take the higher grounds and focus on what is important on this issue. Take care. JUI
From: NIDOA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NIDOA@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Simon C. McBernard Iberosi
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 6:48 PM
To: NIDO America
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com
Subject: NIDOA | On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in Onitsha
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 6:48 PM
To: NIDO America
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com
Subject: NIDOA | On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in Onitsha
Prince,
You are right on the money here. That is why we have the so called "roforofo" in this forums, because a person of Bolaji's caliber cannot help himself staying on message without steering up tribal sentiments.
Initially I had thought, to his credit, this initiative was a lesson in national and civic consciousness. However, reading what you wrote here including the quote you attributed to Bolaji, I'm now inclined to tell the man to butt off and go take the log off his eyes before messing with the speck in another's! The endeavor is all a sham. Its really unfortunate for Naija and her citizenship of tribal jingoists!
Ya Gazie,
/mcbee
Sent to you by AT&T... America's Fastest Mobile Broadband Network. Rethink Possible!
You are right on the money here. That is why we have the so called "roforofo" in this forums, because a person of Bolaji's caliber cannot help himself staying on message without steering up tribal sentiments.
Initially I had thought, to his credit, this initiative was a lesson in national and civic consciousness. However, reading what you wrote here including the quote you attributed to Bolaji, I'm now inclined to tell the man to butt off and go take the log off his eyes before messing with the speck in another's! The endeavor is all a sham. Its really unfortunate for Naija and her citizenship of tribal jingoists!
Ya Gazie,
/mcbee
Sent to you by AT&T... America's Fastest Mobile Broadband Network. Rethink Possible!
From: "Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY)" <Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca>
Sender: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:24:06 -0500
To: Mobolaji ALUKO<alukome@gmail.com>; idowu<idowubobo@yahoo.com>
ReplyTo: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com
Cc: <OlaKassimMD@aol.com>; <valojo@md.metrocast.net>; <NIDOA@yahoogroups.com>; <NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>; <NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com>; NaijaPolitics e-Group<NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com>; USAAfrica Dialogue<USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com>; OmoOdua<OmoOdua@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [NaijaObserver] RE: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in Onitsha
Bolaji Aluko:
Some times you fail to understand that your utterances do impugn your motives even when well meant.
"Zik just does not appear to be a priority in that neighborhood." Bolaji Aluko
What is the above supposed to mean? Can you say the same about Awo whose statue was destroyed twice in the past two years, one in Lagos and the other in Ibadan? Would it be right for an Igbo or another Nigerian to opine in his case as you did in that of Zik?
You see, as the Igbo would say it, Bolaji, Ina Eche Na Mmadu Bu Ewu. You must think that your sleight way of dishing out insults escapes all your readers. Man, you are wrong. When it concerns issues outside your Yoruba ethnic nation, you are dubious and folks like me do read and decipher your true intent to your chagrin, I must add.
Have a good evening my friend.
Mazi KC Prince Asagwara
From: Mobolaji ALUKO [mailto:alukome@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 4:57 PM
To: idowu
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com; Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY); valojo@md.metrocast.net; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics e-Group; USAAfrica Dialogue; OmoOdua
Subject: Re: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in Onitsha
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 4:57 PM
To: idowu
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com; Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY); valojo@md.metrocast.net; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics e-Group; USAAfrica Dialogue; OmoOdua
Subject: Re: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in Onitsha
Joe I.:
No problem, Joe! All is cool....I understand your point and you understand mine too now! We should just be aware of disinformation - Asagwara is an "information disturber" on this matter! :-)
Moving on....
So let's go on with the business of raising funds for the Zik Head and Mausoleum Restoration Project ("Zik 2010 Project") whose total scope is still evolving. [I have asked for pictures of the present state of affairs around the statue and Mausoleum.]
By the way, you will be surprised that at the next update, the total might top $2,000 - third day!
Best wishes.
Bolaji Aluko
From: "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID)" <jbi8@cdc.gov>
To: Mobolaji ALUKO <alukome@gmail.com>
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com; Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca; valojo@md.metrocast.net; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics e-Group <NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com>; USAAfrica Dialogue <USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com>; OmoOdua <OmoOdua@yahoogroups.com>; afenmai@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, August 17, 2010 3:59:27 PM
Subject: [NIgerianWorldForum] RE: NIDOA | RE: UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in Onitsha
Bolaji,You are misunderstanding me; I HAVE NOT QUESTIONED YOUR ACTION ON THIS ISSUE; there is no basis for it; I don't have any facts outside of what I have read from you and other on this issue; in fact, and in tune with my tendency on several of your great initiatives, I actually accentuated your call for pledges and extended the publicity beyond where you had taken it. The FACTS of my action will support the above statement.However, when Prince KC Asagwara raised 2 salient issues, regarding the time of the photograph and the possibility that the statue had been repaired, I felt there was an URGENT NEED to update the situation. And in doing that, I still interpreted my statement to mean that I was calling for an update and NEVER questioning the motives or validity of the restoration exercise (which I supported whole-heartedly!). I was actually making the call for an update because I didn't want us to be dancing where the music had stopped playing; it would be ridiculous! That was my point.Let me know whether this clarification has disabused your mind of what you thought I meant by my call for an update on this issue and what prompted the response you gave below. I wouldn't want this misunderstanding to be a distraction on this or other related issue in future. Take care. JUIFrom: NIDOA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NIDOA@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mobolaji ALUKO
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 10:16 PM
To: Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID)
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com; Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca; valojo@md.metrocast.net; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics e-Group; USAAfrica Dialogue; OmoOdua
Subject: Re: NIDOA | RE: UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in OnitshaJoe Igietseme:How did Asagwara and you know that the picture that I took was in 2006? Please read what I wrote much earlier, at the very start of this enterprise:QUOTEThat picture that The Awka Man from Guangzhou showed was taken in 2006 or so when I toured the South-East, including Okija. I did take more pictures around the very disrepaired Zik Mauseoleum. I don't know whether that head is back on or not. If it is not, then it is likely that all else will fail to put it back on - unless the Diaspora raises funds for the project. Zik just does not appear to be a priority in that neighborhood.
Consequently, I pledge $100 to the effort to restore the Zik head at Onitsha. Count me in as a foundation member of the Zik Head & Mauseoleum Restoration Committee, Chairperson: Azuoma Anugom of Orlu.UNQUOTE
So why do you think that you, Joe Igietseme, do not wish to disseminate stale news, but that I, Bolaji Aluko, wish to do so? Why do you think that you are so reluctant to lose credibility, and I am so fast to lose it?Abeg, please understand that all that we have done is MAKE PLEDGES so far. We have not even provided the address to which those pledges should be sent for redemption.I have now sent word to my contacts in Onitsha to have some people confirm whether the Zik head is back on or not - four years on. Under normal circumstances, as a visitor I should NOT have met a headless Zik statue at all - it should not have been there for even 24 hours! In any case, that information (of the true condition of the statue) one way or the other will be presented to us all once we know it - possibly with a dated picture - in which case the "Mausoleum Restoration" portion remains, because I know that the Mausoleum is still in disrepair [See: http://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-488326.0.html "Zik's Final Resting Place in Ruins"] in addition to the alleged condition of his first son [See: http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/22716-ziks-son-lives-penury.html "Thread: Zik's Son Lives in Penury"]Whoever does not wish to contribute IF the Zik head is back on there is welcome NOT to send the pledge, but I hope not, because the Mausoleum still needs help.But let us NOT pre-empt matters yet. Let us NOT allow disinformationists - if any - to get into our way. I think that Azuoma Anugom was too hasty in depending on one source on the information she sent out initially, which Ken Asagwara has now repeated as gospel truth.And there you have it.Bolaji Aluko
PS: We have now raised almost $1,500 in just one day (including an anonymous donation in Naira from Nigeria). That is outstanding!On Mon, Aug 16, 2010 at 8:18 PM, Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID) <jbi8@cdc.gov> wrote:""""The photo that Bolaji Aluko took in front of the damaged statue of the Great Zik's was in 2006 and the statue has been repaired since then."""Unquote Prince KC AsagwaraBolaji Aluko and Azuoma Anugom:It is important to confirm the 2 vital issues in Prof Asagwara's update on Zik's statue; that first, it was a 2006 photograph; and second, the statue has been repaired since then. We can then thank Everybody and Discontinue the pledges. As I indicated previously, I copied my earlier response to some leaders of UNN-USA Alumni Association. I don't want to make a fool of myself by disseminating stale news. This is an easy way to lose credibility. Take care. JUIFrom: NIDOA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NIDOA@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of OlaKassimMD@aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 8:03 PM
To: Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca; valojo@md.metrocast.net; NIDOA@YahooGroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@YahooGroups.com; talknigeria@YahooGroups.com
Subject: NIDOA | UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in Onitsha"Your gesture and that of the others to contribute to its repair were that to be the case is very much appreciated. Your irredentist nuisance at times not minding, are you not our Yoruba Brother-in-Law?Once again, thank you all. The dead and living Nigerian leaders that fought for our political independence from Britain should be respected, appreciated and honored. You may have forgotten that some of us were offended when the statue of the Yoruba sage, Awo was destroyed by political hooligans in Ibadan more than a year ago. It is my recollection that I disapproved of such disrespectful action.Cheers."--------------Mazi KC Prince Asagwara
KC Prince Asagwara--reminding us that in laws, not minding the unavoidable
episodic intra-family quarrels, remain what they are --our family members.
Dr Ojo is not only contributing for being an in law of the late sage Pa Azikiwe,
by doing so he is assisting in the preservation of half of his children's legacy.
So the next time Dr Ojo gets into a quarrel with his in laws--sometimes over
the non completion of the required dowry payment, we must remind the in laws
that Dr Ojo contributes in many other ways--amounting more than
the dowry amount stipulated by traditional marriage rites-- including the
accumulated interest..
One way or the other Dr Val Ojo will pay what he owes:)
It is gratifying to note that the statue has now been repaired. Let us
now direct our attention and resources to ensure the completion of
Pa Nnamdi Azikiwe's Mauselium.
Ho much will it cost to complete the building?
Bye,
Ola-----Original Message-----
From: Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY) <Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca>
To: valojo@md.metrocast.net; All NIgerians In Diaspora <NIDOA@YahooGroups.com>; NIgerianWorldForum@YahooGroups.com; talknigeria@YahooGroups.com
Sent: Mon, Aug 16, 2010 7:37 pm
Subject: RE: NIDOA | UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in Onitsha"Where are KC Prince Asagwara, Ode Ara Igbo, Dominic Ogbonna, Joe Attueyi, OMO, Chukwuma Agwunobi, Vincent Modebelu, Wharf Snake, etc.?" Val Ojo
"Can they also put their money where their mouths are, or are they only good at running their mouths and attacking the Yoruba in Cyberspace...?" Val OjoDr. Val Ojo My Troublesome In-law:Please stop hyperventilating over this none issue. Bolaji Aluko as I keep saying is a Shit Disturber. The photo that Bolaji Aluko took in front of the damaged statue of the Great Zik's was in 2006 and the statue has been repaired since then.Your gesture and that of the others to contribute to its repair were that to be the case is very much appreciated. Your irredentist nuisance at times not minding, are you not our Yoruba Brother-in-Law?Once again, thank you all. The dead and living Nigerian leaders that fought for our political independence from Britain should be respected, appreciated and honored. You may have forgotten that some of us were offended when the statue of the Yoruba sage, Awo was destroyed by political hooligans in Ibadan more than a year ago. It is my recollection that I disapproved of such disrespectful action.Cheers.Mazi KC Prince Asagwara
From: NIDOA@YahooGroups.com [mailto:NIDOA@YahooGroups.com] On Behalf Of Dr. Valentine Ojo
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 5:11 PM
To: All NIgerians In Diaspora
Subject: NIDOA | UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in OnitshaDr. Joe Igietseme:
Nice gesture!
However, please allow me a few procedural suggestions and observations.
1. You should not have simply added your own name to the List of those making pledges. You should have come out like everyone else to announce your pledge, and let's leave the tabulating to Dr. Bolaji Aluko.
That could lead to confusion.
And this suggestion applies to those who may still be willing to step up to make pledges...it would be neater that way, rather than anyone simply adding his or her own name just like that.
2. What is Azuoma Anugom doing to set up a formal Committee to oversee the entire process, and thus we can see how far we can go with it?
3. All the reservation being raised by Dr. Ola Kassim that this is being done the Nigerian way without proper planning, or the proverb as to "Omo onile te ile jeje..." should be discountenanced. This is typical Nigerian cop-out, and merely an excuse to do nothing!
Does Ola Kassim seriously expect that we should first conduct a "research" as to why the statute of Zik was left in a state of disrepair before we make any attempts to see if it can be restored...?
Try that, and the entire project dies - like most Nigeria well-intentioned projects!
Changes can be started spontaneously without all this rigmarole.
How much "research" did Ola Kassim carry out before NIDO was launched? How many Nigerians residing abroad did he consult with or interview...?
Alainikanse oba you know where...won ni ki o da toro, o ni o kere ju. Won ni ki o da sisi, o ni odi ipari osu!
[Roughly transliterated: The king of X who plans to do nothing! He was asked to contribute a Naira, he said it was too small. Then he was asked to contribute 10 Naira, he said wait till the end of the month!]
4. And here you asked a very pertinet observation: "JUI (wondering where all those Praise-singers of Gov Obi are now!"
Add to that this question:
Where now are all the Ndi-Igbo Internet air-heads and windbags, when now people from various sides of aisle are now thinking of doing something concrete, albeit a small gesture in the BIG ROT called Nigeria?
Where are KC Prince Asagwara, Ode Ara Igbo, Dominic Ogbonna, Joe Attueyi, OMO, Chukwuma Agwunobi, Vincent Modebelu, Wharf Snake, etc.?
Can they also put their money where their mouths are, or are they only good at running their mouths and attacking the Yoruba in Cyberspace...?
Of course, not everyone will participate here, but let those who refuse to participate or cannot participate (people have various constraints and reasons for acting or not acting, and those who don't now, may do so for another cause) - whatever their reasons hold their dirty tongue-wagging, and gree man hear word o jare!
This is where we can distinguish between REAL MEN, and BOYS with arrested development who have refused to grow up!
Bolaji Aluko, please be kind enough to continue the TABULATION.
And Lady Azuoma Anugom, when is your Committee going to swing into action and take over the overall coordination...?
After all, you "gave birth" to the idea, no be so...?
Na your "baby"!
And it would seem to have taken a life of its own - people are responding!
Dr. Valentine Ojo
Tall Timbers, MD
On Mon 08/16/10 11:42 AM , "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID)" jbi8@cdc.gov sent:Joe Igietseme is making a pledge of USD$100, making the pledges so far as follows:Aluko,.M.......$100
Ojo, V.............$50Ojedokun, O....$40 (BP25)
Nwakanma O. $100
Madu A. $50Kolawole, S... $200Ogundimu, F...$100Edosomwan, C.$100Joe Igietseme USD$100
------------------------------
Total so far.....$840Besides, I have "blind-copied" this message to some leaders of the UNN-USA Alumni Association (University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Assoc, USA Branch); and they may "independently or collectively" do something or say something about this shameful neglect of a Great Man's relic as well. Take care. JUI (wondering where all those Praise-singers of Gov Obi are now! Note that OGD wont let this happen to Awo's statue Ho Ha!)
From: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Mobolaji ALUKO
Sent: Mon 16-Aug-10 11:18 AM
To: NaijaPolitics e-Group; NIDOA; naijaintellects; OmoOdua; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NigerianWorldForum
Subject: [NaijaObserver] UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in OnitshaAUGUST 16, 2010Dear All:The pledges so far are as follows:
Aluko,.M.......$100
Ojo, V.............$50Ojedokun, O....$40 (BP25)
Nwakanma O. $100
Madu A. $50Kolawole, S... $200Ogundimu, F...$100Edosomwan, C.$100------------------------------
Total so far.....$740
This is impressive so far, on Day 2 of Azuoma Anugom's intimation of this Restoration project. Hopefully by September 1, we would have raised $1,000, and by November 1, raised $5 - 6,000 (almost N1 million) in time for November 16, which would have been Zik's 106th birthday.Please be generous, all your misgivings notwithstanding. Your money will be in good hands.I thank you all in advance.Bolaji Aluko___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________SOME BACKGROUNDError! Filename not specified.Zik's Headless Statue in Onitsha, Anambra StateOn Sun 08/15/10 2:14 PM , Mobolaji ALUKO alukome@gmail.com sent:
Azuoma:
You wrote:
QUOTE
Anyway, if all fails, I don't mind facilitating the fundraising for the repair and maintenance of this statue. If all diaspora will agree to donate towards this project then I, Azuoma Anugom, will make sure that the statue is repaird and maintained in the name of Nigerians/Igbos in Diaspora. We can set up a committee as well as a account for this project if everybody is agreeable. What do you guys say?UNQUOTE
That picture that The Awka Man from Guangzhou showed was taken in 2006 or so when I toured the South-East, including Okija. I did take more pictures around the very disrepaired Zik Mauseoleum. I don't know whether that head is back on or not. If it is not, then it is likely that all else will fail to put it back on - unless the Diaspora raises funds for the project. Zik just does not appear to be a priority in that neighborhood.
Consequently, I pledge $100 to the effort to restore the Zik head at Onitsha. Count me in as a foundation member of the Zik Head & Mauseoleum Restoration Committee, Chairperson: Azuoma Anugom of Orlu.
And there you have it.
Bolaji Aluko
Of Ode-Ekiti, Anambra State
---------------------
Azuoma Anugom wrote:
Start a lawsuit against who? Repairing this headless Zik statue should be a good PR for ! Gov Obi. Where is Mazi Odera and Valentine Obienyem (spelling?) and ASA-USA---can you guys do something about this, since you appear to have the attention of Gov Obi?!?! This statue is in Onitsha, Anambra State. If Nnamdi Azikiwe's family and Onitsha folks, who by the way, are well educated, highly placed---(occupy positions of power and authority) don't care; if the LGA where this statue is erected don't care abou the state of the statue----then the state government should care. Even if some folks may have a misgiving about the real worth of Zik's contributions to ndi-Igbo, since he was said to have a wider vision ---pan Africanism , pan Nigerianism----he is still an Igbo icon and should be accorded the respect due to him. Heck, where is Dora Akunyili? Who is in charge of Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism? Btw, why is Ohaneze interested in jumping into endorsing politicians so fast without being interested in maintaining Igbo icons?
An! yway, if all fails, I don't mind facilitating the fundraising for the repair and maintenance of this statue. If all diaspora will agree to donate towards this project then I, Azuoma Anugom, will make sure that the statue is repaird and maintained in the name of Nigerians/Igbos in Diaspora. We can set up a committee as well as a account for this project if everybody is agreeable. What do you guys say?
Azuoma Anugom
~~AdaejiagambaLife shrinks according to one's courage. Dare to be remarkable.-----Original Message-----
From: Enyimba1ofAba@...
To: IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, Aug 15, 2010 9:14 am
Subject: Re: [IgboEvents:Live] Headless Zik? Re: [IgboWorldForum] PICTURE OF THE WEEK;ALUKO WORSHIPPING AT ZIK,S FEET IN ONITSHA
Azuoma my sister, start a law suite immediately. This is an insult to Ndi Igbo nile.
Enyimba-----Original Message-----
From: Azuoma AnugomTo: IgboWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com ; imostatecongress@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, Aug 15, 2010 10:47 am
Subject: [IgboEvents:Live] Headless Zik? Re: [IgboWorldForum] PICTURE OF THE WEEK;ALUKO WORSHIPPING AT ZIK,S FEET IN ONITSHA
But what happened to the head of the statue? Where is Gov Obi? Ohaneze NdiIgbo, ASA-USA and others? Who erected the statue? Shouldn't this statue which ought to be a national monument be fix/repaired? Was this a true representative of Zik? I mean how can we have a headless Zik statue? This is really embarrassing.
Azuoma Anugom
~~Adaejiagamba
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SEE YOU IN TORONTO IN 2011
Nigerians In Diaspora Organization. Our mission is to promote the spirit of patriotism, networking, and cooperation among Nigerians in Diaspora....
Support the PUSH TO VOTE IN NIGERIA at http://www.ProudNigerians.Org
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