The 4thlecture series of Sam Momah Foundation was held in Nnewi on Saturday, amidst confidence by guest speaker, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, that Nnewi should be on the global innovation map. This was also echoed by the panelists, Chief Ben Etiaba, Prof. Greg Obiamalu, Dr. Mrs. Eze from the Technology Incubation Centre in Nnewi, who represented the head of the Centre and Prof. Augustine Odili, the Vice Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University. The event organized under the aegis of Sam Momah Foundation, by the children of Gen. Sam Momah; Dr. Tobe Momah, Dr. Emeka Momah and their siblings, with their mother and wife of Gen. Momah, Chief Mrs. Ifeoma Momah, was a worthy conversation on sustainable wealth creation that is based on sound education. The event’s host was Mr. Anayo Nwosu, an investment banker, from Nnewi.
In her remarks, Dr. Ezekwesili referenced community-private partnership as a viable option that Nnewi can explore in her drive to meet the global mark on wealth creation with education as the foundation. Ezekwesili who spoke against the popular saying that “it is better to have money than be going about speaking English”, also emphasized the need for a skill-based education. Discussing Nnewi’s potential in the 21st century, the guest speaker said that Nnewi has a competitive edge and that it is possible to transform the city in line with global standards, with reliance on quality education as the base. Emphasizing on this she said that without good education as a foundation, the players in the wealth creation arena cannot be fully optimized.
Speaking on the challenge education poses in Nnewi at this time, Dr. Ezekwesili said that the gap can be closed with technology. She said, “Technology is a great game changer to advance 21st-century education in Nnewi.” Ezekwesili who also emphasized the advantage of technology to Nnewi, said that “Southeast’s competitive edge is innovation”, while stressing that as a result of the edge, “Nnewi should be at the global value chain of supply.”
In her final remarks, Mrs. Ezekwesili highlighted the importance of governance and politics in the scheme of things. “Nnewi people must pay attention to public accountability. Public policy. The importance of politics and governance must not be lost…Nnewi must lead the way in demanding for people who have character in public service,” Ezekwesili said.
Chief Ben Etiaba in his remarks, underlined that education is the foundation for wealth creation. He also stressed the pride of place of education in life, noting that the role of education in wealth creation in the 21st century cannot be set aside. He also thanked the guest lecturer and the family of Gen. Sam Momah. For Prof. Greg Obiamalu, Nnewi is not just known for wealth creation. Speaking on the role of education, he said that “every aspect of learning is important”, not just science, technology, and mathematics. “Every aspect of education is important because they complement one another”, Prof. Greg said. On his part, Prof. Augustine Odili emphasized the need to end the education and business disparity in the Southeast. He also suggested that support for education can be in terms of research endowment, instead of the usual building projects. Earlier, Prof. Elo Amucheazi said that the conversation is not just suitable or limited to Nnewi, but to the entire Southeast geo-political zone. However, for Dr. Eze, the Nnewi incubation centre can be exploited by young innovators. She also reiterated that education is fundamental in life’s journey.
The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu. In his remarks, he spoke extensively about the government’s efforts to support education and promote wealth creation.
Engr. Chris Obiorah, the Transition Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, also echoed the importance of education in wealth creation. A major high point of the event was when the Transition Chairman offered to identify land where The Sam Momah Foundation could build a modern library for Nnewi. Engr. Obiorah said the land will be sorted within the week, for immediate commencement of a modern library for Nnewi. This was immediately accepted by the family of Gen. Sam Momah as their next project.
Some secondary school students attended the lecture series, among other attendees. The event was also attended by Prince Obi Orizu, PhD, Kene Mkparu of KomWorld cinemas, Rt. Hon. Engr. Chukwudi Orizu, former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, who also served as Transition Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, among other dignitaries.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
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