Divine Adachukwu Onyekwena, has emerged winner of the 2025 Poetry Slam competition.

Organized by the Enugu State Literary Society in Collaboration with the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABAMA), the competition was part of activies to mark the 2025 World Poetry Day on March 21.

A spoken word artist, voice-over artist, event host, and English language teacher, Onyekwena overcome stiff competition from other 7 contestants to pocket home the N100, 000 prize.

Expressing he delight, Onyekwena said the vicroty is huge motivation and thank the organizer for putting up the competition. She commended her fellow contestants for their spectacular show adding that they were all winners.

“I feel excited! The invite came as a surprise; if not, I wouldn’t be here. Let’s say every event that led up to this was like a miracle. I actually came to have fun, and it didn’t matter to me if I won or not, because I knew there were good poets here. But then I won, and am happy!”

As the overall winner of the competition, Onyekwena was awarded a cash prize of ₦100,000. The prize was presented to her at the end of the competition, which was held in Enugu and featured participants from across the region.

Ezikiel Blessing Odorenyi came second. As first runner up of the competition, Odorenyi took home a cash prize of ₦30,000. In a surprise move, the organizers added an additional ₦30,000 to her winnings, bringing her total prize money to ₦60,000.

The 2025 Poetry Slam competition was held in Enugu, with participants from across the South East region with foremost Nigerian-American journalist and poet, Chika Oduah reciting some of her poems during the event.

Speaking on the essence of the Day and the competition, the Rector of WABMA , Mr Ken Okere said the competition was part of activities to mark the Global day and to create awareness and encourage younger generations to take to the spoken words.

“Part of the objective of WABMA is to support people, and that’s why we partner with the Enugu Literary Society. March 21 each year is World Poetry Day, declared by the United Nations. And we marked it with two major events in one.

“First, hosted an international journalist, Chika Oduah, a Nigerian-American, who has a background in CNN and several other international media. She was the only international journalist who broke the Boko Haram story by going to Sambisa Forest herself. She produced the first documentary on that issue. She is very famous and happens to be a poet, dancer, and cultural curator who creates stories about cultures.

“She is doing a lot of work and also spending a year in Enugu, and we thought we should bring her in, so young people can see that you can be successful in mass media practice. So, we are going to be featuring her today.

“The second part of the event is the Poetry Slam. It’s a performance poetry competition, that’s why it’s called a slam. For those who don’t even like poetry, would enjoy it because it’s not about coming to read some scripted lines. The poet actually performed their work and put more life to it. It’s one of the best ways to introduce people to poetry.

“Many of us were introduced to poetry in a hard way by having to read Shakespearean sonnets and all that. And that turned many people off. But performance poetry takes people back to their origins, which originated from storytelling, folk tale, drama, and draws people back to poetry,” he said.

In his speech, the Head of Department, Mass Communication, ESUT, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa commended ELS and WABMA for organising the programme stressing that the experience is enriching. He enjoined the students to see the need to take interest in poetry writing as a passion particularly as a tool in reshaping society.

Students and other participants interviewed depressed delight over the programmed adding that it has deepened their passion and disposition to poetry.

Highlights of the occasion were reciting

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Dr Kingsley Okongwu, Pioneer Secretary, NIP Enugu Chapter

Dr Kingsley Okongwu of Industrial Physics Department ESUT, has been elected as the pioneer Secretary, Nigeria Institute of Physics (NIP) Enugu State Chapter.

In the election conducted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka on Wednesday, March 26 2025, Dr Okongwu beat other contestants to secure the position while Prof. Paulinus Ugwuoke was elected as pioneer chairman.

The election which was conducted transparently at the Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSS), UNN, had prominent academia such as the UNN Vice Chancellor and his Deputy, Professor Emeritus, P. N. Okeke, Dean Faculty of Physical Sciences, ESUT, Prof. G.Z Ugwu; Head of Department, Physics and Astronomy, ESUT, Prof. P.U. Asogwa, among others, as observers, was superintended by the NIP National President, Professor Joseph Coker.

Addressing the new NIP Leaders after their inauguration, Professor Coker charged them to live up to the trust bestowed on them and assured them of the National body’s continued support. He commended NIP members in the state for their maturity in ensuring that the election was peaceful adding that the new leaders would galvanise the state to be a rallying point among other chapters in the institute.

“As pioneer EXCO, your responsibility is to ensure that the chapter is formidable, united and also to establish branches across the schools under your jurisdiction. I have no doubt in your capacity to deliver and I will assure of the National’s support,” he concluded.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor, the NIP scribe, Dr Okongwu said the institute should expect a qualitative service and accurate record keeping from him adding that his victory will add to already growing visibility of ESUT in the comity of academic professional bodies not just in the country but globally.

‘In alliance with the State Chapter Chairman who is a former Director, Space Energy Centre Abuja and also a professor of Physics, I am sure the Institute should exect quantum service delivery.

 “Of course ESUT visibility is immutable, our institution should expect more collaborations from national agencies. We shall do our best to ensure we attract Intervention facilities from the Institute and other donor agencies,” he said.

The ten-member pioneer Executive Council of the NIP Enugu State Chapter are:

Chairman: Prof. Paulinus Ugwuoke

Vice Chairman: Dr. Ugwuoke Dennis

Secretary: Dr. Kingsley Okongwu

Treasurer: Dr George Onyishi

 Assistant Secretary: Mr. Omeje Cornelus

Financial Secretary: Mrs. Omeke Ngozi

PRO I: Mr. Malachy Eze

PRO II: Dr. Ugwuanyi Sabastine

Ex Officior I: Dr. Loretta Onuora

Ex Officior II: Mr. Nnaemeka Achu

The Nigerian Institute of Physics, NIP, was established in 1973 after as a unit of the Science Association of Nigeria (SAN) Physics Section.

The Institue the premier professional organization and esteemed society for physics in Nigeria, actively engaged in fostering collaboration in physics on a global scale with deep commitment in ensuring the accessibility of physics to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The Institute’s vision and mission are to be a driving force of technological solution and development of physics for a great impact in the society as well as advancement of physics application and research in creating a knowledge-based society for economic and social benefits.

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 By Maxwell M. Ngene, Ph.D

Life is a complex tapestry woven from threads of joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat, and certainty and uncertainty. It is a mixed grill. It is a journey marked by unpredictable twists and turns, where the path ahead is uncertain and often shrouded in mist. One moment, we bask in the warmth of success and happiness; the next moment, we find ourselves navigating treacherous waters of disappointment, failure and despair.

Speaking quite frankly, life is a paradox. The paradoxical nature of life is what makes it so rich and multifaceted. The ups and downs, the highs and lows, are all interconnected, each informing and influencing the other. Like the tides, life flows and ebbs, constantly shifting and evolving. In this dynamic dance, we must learn to adapt, to bend and flex, to ride the waves of change.

As human beings, we desire the ups and loathe the downs.The ups, those exhilarating moments of triumph and joy, are what make life worth living. They are the culmination of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. When we achieve our goals, when our plans come to fruition, we feel invincible, like we can conquer the world. These moments of success give us the confidence to push beyond our limits, to strive for even greater heights.

But life is not a constant ascent; it is also marked by downs, those difficult moments of failure and despair. These moments can be very brutal, leaving us feeling lost, alone, and uncertain. When our plans fail, when our expectations are shattered, we may feel like giving up, like the universe is conspiring against us. But it is precisely in these moments that we discover our greatest strengths.

For in the face of adversity, we are forced to confront our deepest fears, to question our assumptions, and to rediscover our purpose. We learn to adapt, to innovate, and to evolve. We develop resilience, that most essential of life skills, which enables us to bounce back from setbacks and to emerge stronger, wiser, compassionate and more resilient.

Ultimately, the ups and downs of life are not mutually exclusive; they are intertwined, each informing and enriching the other. The successes of today are built on the failures of yesterday; the triumphs of tomorrow will arise from the setbacks of today. By embracing this paradox, by accepting the ebbs and flows of life, we can discover a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

In the end, life is not about avoiding the downs or clinging to the ups; it is about embracing the journey in all its complexity, with all its twists and turns. It is about finding the courage to face our fears, to learn from our mistakes, and to rise above our limitations. For in doing so, we can transform the ups and downs of life into a beautiful, ever-unfolding tapestry of growth, transformation, and transcendence.

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A first-class graduate of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Sullivan Edeani, has once again achieved remarkable academic success by earning a Master’s degree in International Relations with distinction from Tokyo International University, Tokyo, Japan.

Edeani’s journey to academic excellence began when he graduated as the best student in the Mass Communication department at ESUT in 2020.

His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Japanese Government MEXT scholarship, making him one of eight Nigerian recipients and the only non-STEM scholar in his cohort.

Arriving in Tokyo, Edeani faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture, academic system, and language. He recalled the experience.

He said: “Two years ago, I arrived in Tokyo, one of eight Nigerian recipients of the prestigious Japanese Government, MEXT scholarship and the sole non-STEM awardee in the cohort.

“I recall those quiet moments when I stepped out of Narita Airport, the feeling of stepping into something vast and unfamiliar, like a traveler standing at the edge of a deep ocean, unsure whether to wade in gently or dive headfirst.”

Despite these initial uncertainties, he embraced the rigorous academic demands of his program, balancing coursework, research, and cultural integration.

His dedication and perseverance paid off when he successfully completed his Master’s programme on March 15.

“Last Saturday, the 15th of March, I completed my Master’s programme in International Relations with Distinction. It was not only the completion of rigorous academic work but also a journey of new discovery; of ideas, of cultures, of people, and of myself.”

The journey was not without its challenges. Edeani described moments of difficulty and clarity that shaped his experience.

“Between these times came moments of clarity, like finding the perfect idiom in a foreign language, and moments of struggle, like searching for stars in a clouded sky.”

“Looking back, I am filled with gratitude: to God, whose grace has been my quiet anchor; to my family, whose love stretches across the oceans like an unbroken thread; to my mentors and professors, who supported and pushed me just hard enough, knowing that growth often comes from pressure, and to my friends, who are making sure that it feel like what it actually is: a life in Tokyo!”

“A rewarding experience it’s been, as I look forward to what unfolds next. Great is God’s Faithfulness,” he said.

Independent Credited

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Enugu – The Department of Mass Communication, ESUT, will collaborate with the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) on mentoring and training of students.

The partnership which is aimed at giving the students the necessary exposure and raining needed o face the 21st century information and technology world, will see them being training in current media and communication courses with practical skills.

Speaking when the Mass Communication students visited the office during the 2025 World Poetry Day celebration on March 21, WABAM’s Rector, Dr Ken Okere said with over 40 professional courses they offer in the academy as well as their reach with other media practitioners, the students of Mass Communication Students in ESUT will benefit more.

He noted that the collaboration is part of his own way of supporting the department which he graduated from decades ago adding that the could help the department by providing a studio for them.

“WABMA is a professional communication training academy providing certifications and basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. We offer practical professional training in media and communications, so whatever degree you have from anywhere, you can come to WABMA and acquire practical skills.

“Skills such as broadcast presentation, journalism, investigative reporting, photography, video editing, digital marketing, AI communications, and many more. We have nearly 40 courses that we offer in WABMA, as I said, they are all skill-based to add to whatever academic qualifications you have.

“There is something called town and gown, which is the practice whereby universities collaborate with industries and organizations in the town. The university is the gown, where we are the town. Whatever is done in the university, there is a close community. If it does not benefit the wider society, it’s useless.

“In fact, all advanced nations have only advanced because of the practicalization of the research done by the academics, and that comes through collaboration called town and gown. Now, for WABMA, being a training media organization, we are interested in partnering with the Mass Communication Department of ESUT to enhance this town and gown dictum.

“And look out for ways we can support the department and ways we can help the students in the department with internships, skills in the industry, and the research done in the department can actually be practicalized for the wider society. And we already have a progressive Head of Department who is already thinking about it, and we would support the department in having a studio or other projects we can support in the department. Do not forget that I graduated from the department many years ago, so we need to support to to grow,” he stated.

On His part, the Head, Mass Communication Department, Barr. Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa noted that the department is open for collaboration with corporate bodies and media players in order to enhance teaching and learning.

He noted that WABAMA as a media institution will help the department achieve the goals.

 “We need these collaborations to equip the students with the requisite knowledge that will help them to be successful in life when the leave the classroom. An institution like WABAM offers the practical skills and this will give the students the leverage to excel.

“We are grateful to the management of WABAMA for this disposition and we are going to explore it,” Dr Ezinwa said.

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By Amaechi Agbo

The management of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Agbor has issued a query to a student Osato Edobor for posting “unauthorized” video of the visit of President Tinubu’s wife, Senator Remi Tinubu to the state on social media

A 53 seconds video surffaced on the Social Media this week showing when the nursing students were singing and rejecting the imposition of the President’s wife on them as their mother by the MC in a song

Sen Remi Tinubu visited the Delta State on Tuesday, March 25 as part of her awareness campaign for the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme and distribution of 10,000 professional Kits (Crocs and Scrubs) to midwives in each Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria South South region. The event held at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, had the dtudents of Delta State College of Nursing Sciences invited.

The video which has gone viral on the social media, however, didn’t go down well with the management of the College who on March 27 issued a query to the student Miss Edobor giving her 24 hours to explain why she should not be punished for going against the College’s rules.

The query titled: Query for Divulging Unauthorized Online Publication/Video on Social Media TikTok, Facebook” and signed by the Provost, Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, said that her action contravenes the rules of the College as enshrined in No 8, Page 21 of the Student Handbook.

The management subsequently directed her to explain within 24 hours in handwriting and three copies why disciplinary actions should not be taken against her.

Below is the content of the circular:

QUERY FOR DIVULGING UNAUTHORISED ONLINE PUBLICATION/VIDEO SOCIAL MEDIA (TIKTOK,FACEBOOK ETC.)

It has come to the notice of the school authority that you, Student Nurse Osato Edobor on the 25th of March, 2025 during official visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON at Dome Event Center, Asaba for the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme and distribution of 10,000 Professional Kits (Crocs and Scrubs) to Midwives in each Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria South South Zone, was found to be engage in malicious act of recording/singing and posting unofficial response to song during the arrival of the First Lady (found on your Tiktok Page).

This is a punishable offence as enshrined in the Student Handbook under standardised disciplinary action for some punishable offences No.8, Page 21.

You are therefore requested to explain in writing in triplicate copies within 24hours of receipt of this letter why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for this act.

Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne(Mrs.)
Provost,
Delta State College of Nursing Sciences.

Attached are the Circular and the short video

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Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, defending Champions, Rangers International FC of Enugu’s quest to pick a continental ticket suffered a major set back on Thursday as they lost, yet again, at home.

The eight-time champions lost 0-1 at home against Plateau United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Suleiman Mojereola scored the only goal of the match for the visitors on the dot of 73rd after Rangers defence were cut off guard

Prior, the visitors had dominated the first half but the restart saw Rangers inject new players that almost got the curtain raiser but for Plateau United goalkeeper’s heroics which kept them at bare.

The introduction of former Super Eagles player, Uchebo by Rangers added no vive as Rangers were condemned to their fourth home defeat of the season.

Rangers had lost 3-4 to Kano Pillars, 0-1 to Shooting Stars and 1-2 to Niger Tornados. Thursday’s defeat leaves the champion’s continental ticket push in tatters as they are five points below 3rd placed Abia Warriors and 15 points behind leaders, Remo Stars.

On the other hand, today’s victory is a huge boost for Plateau United as they continue their quest to avoid relegation. The Jos based side are now 11th on the log..

In other results, Remo Stars continued their quest for their first league title in superb form as they set aside former Champions, Enyimba FC 2-0 in Ikenne. Two goals in either half gave them the three points as they now have 60 points from 31 matches, 8 points above second placed Rivers United.

Akwa United continued their new form, winnng two consecutive matches as they intensify their push to escape relegation. They defeated Niger Tornados 2-0 while El Kanemi Warriors rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 against visiting Shooting Stars.

NPFL Matchday 31 results:

Rangers 0-1 Plateau United
Remo Stars 2-0 Enyimba
El Kanemi Warriors 2-2 Shooting Stars
Akwa United 2-0 Niger Tornados
Abia Warriors 2-0 Lobi Stars
Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
Kano Pillars 0-0 Bendel Insurance
Kwara United 1-0 Nasarawa United
Sunshine Stars 0-0 Heartland
Ikorodu City vs Katsina United, Postponed.

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The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

This was announced on Wednesday in a statement by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged them to uphold the values of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace. He emphasized the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in fostering a harmonious society.

The minister also encouraged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the nation’s peace, stability, and prosperity. He expressed hope that Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic divides.

Additionally, he urged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity in line with the spirit of Ramadan and Eid.

On behalf of the Federal Government, Tunji-Ojo extended warm Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful, praying that the season brings happiness, success, and fulfillment to all.

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A new feather, the first of its kind, has been added on the cap of ESUT Monitor Newspaper (EMN), the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT’s) flagship newspaper over the weekend when the News Editor Chiekezie Emmanuel Ezesinachi receives the Best Student Journalist Award for 2025

The Award was presented to him by the Department of English and Literary Studies (ELS) student body, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, ESUT on Sunday, March 23, 2025 during their Variety Night/Reunion (Laetitia Eruditio) Award Party

Presenting the Award to the News Editor, the President, Comrade Egbo Somtochukwu said Mr Ezesinachi was chosen for his outstanding reportage of ESUT activities particularly students affairs.

“We present this award to you, the Best Student Journalist of the Year 2025 for your outstanding and effective reportage of ESUT’s activities and the students affairs.

“You and your medium, ESUT Monitor Newspaper, have become the information base of the university, projecting and protecting her image. We commend you on this feat and urge you to keep the flag flying,” the president said.

Responding, the receipt, Mr Chiekezie Emmanuel Ezesinachi, a 200 level Mass Communication student, expressed delight and thankeed the organisers for finding him worthy of the award.

He also lauded the ELS Student body for recognising the impact of ESUT Monitor Newspaper in the university.

Mr Ezesinachi also thanked his Head Department, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa and ESUT Monitor Newspaper for their support and being a platform through which the world can see and hear ESUT

” I am really delighted with this award. I didn’t see it coming. I sincerely thank the good people of the English and Literary Studies for this recognition and pledge to give my best to my aspiring profession and transforming journalism in ESUT.

“The organization that gave me the privilege to practice journalism under their watch, ESUT Monitor Newspaper, Department of Mass Communication, ESUT where I have the privilege of serving as the News Editor, has played a crucial role in my growth as a student journalist. Covering the entire university, projecting the image and maintaining professional ethics has offered priceless experience.

“I thank my HOD, Barr Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, and my Staff Adviser, Mr. Amaechi Agbo whose efforts have synchronized this invaluable recognition from the university community.

“Meeting my former Senior Prefect, Ezeahasi Chiagozie Vice Chairman of Council of SUG President, Enugu State and other seniors from Union Secondary School who were also awarded, gave me hope that we are almost at the top, which we pray for,” Mr Ezesinachi said.

Mr Chiekezie Emmanuel Ezesinachi is currently in 200 level, Department of Mass Communication, ESUT, publisher of the ESUT Monitor Newspaper, EMN.

EMN, established over four decades ago, is founded primarily to serve a a training medium to the Mass Communication Students, offering practical guides and knowledge in Journalism.

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Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the promotion and conversion of 2,061 civil servants, who participated in the 2024 promotion and conversation exercises in the state.

This was even as elated civil servants in the state expressed delight at the prioritisation of their welfare by the Mbah Administration through the prompt payments of salaries and emoluments, improved working environment and capacity.

The development was disclosed by the Chairman of Enugu State Civil Service Commission (ESCSC), Mr. Robison Odo, on Monday.

“The Executive Governor of the state recently gave his approval for the release of the promotion and conversion exercises of 2,061 officers who successfully partook in the 2024 promotion interviews.

“The promotion and conversion exercises affected officers from grade level 01 to grade level 17. On our part, we will waste no time in implementing His Excellency’s approval,” he added.

The chairman, who hailed Mbah for the prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, said the governor had shown resilience and commitment to the welfare of workers in the state since the inception of his administration.

“We want to appreciate the governor in a special way for all he is doing for workers in the state. Despite the enormous work going on across every sector of the state, he still approved ₦80,000 minimum wage in 2024, which is beyond the national minimum wage benchmark,” he further stressed.

According to him, workers in the state would continue to support the governor’s programmes in order to achieve the goals set out by the administration for the benefits of the state.

“On our part, we will continue to instill discipline in the service with the commitment to foster creativity, innovation and productivity that would help the success of the government,” he said.

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