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Opinion: Christian Chukwu: Beyond the gory optics-Emeka Oparah

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By Emeka Oparah

I have just read the cheering news from the Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe, shared by Ikem Okuhu, regarding the health condition of former Green Eagles Captain and former Super Eagles Coach, “Chairman” Christian Chukwu. While the statement has put the issues of the condition and treatment of Chukwu in proper perspective, it has reminded me of something I had almost forgotten. And I mean the haste with which Nigerians rush to press with news of death and sickness of other people (even as they hide theirs) without regards to the feelings of the sick or deceased, their relatives and friends.

In as much as I know we all must die some day or even lose our glow and bounce due to circumstances of unavoidable distress of ill-health, I believe we must be mindful of and sensitive to the feelings of others. Naturally, human beings love to retain the best, the most exciting and most flattering images of themselves and their loved ones well into old age and long after their demise. It is because of this that many refuse to see the dead bodies of loved ones-so they do not degrade the mental picture of the person in their psychological possession.

As a personal rule-and I strongly recommend this to you-I always seek, find and use the best photos of people-living or not-whenever I write about them. It is a good habit to cultivate, I must say. So, I’m totally miffed when I see ghastly photos of the dead or injured. I feel even worse when I’m confronted by unflattering photos of otherwise bubbly, lively, ebullient people who are known or related to me. For those familiar with my timeline, I always use awesome photos of my late father and late younger brother and indeed all my departed friends and relatives for that is how I want to remember them.

So, you can imagine how I felt when I saw “Chairman” Christian Chukwu in those sorry photos looking poorly, aged, drawn, gaunt, really sick requiring assistance. I doubt that Chukwu knew when those photos and videos were made much less sanction their distribution. It is unfair. What is even more unfair is the fund-raiser purported to generate money to fly him abroad for “unnecessary “ further attention (according to the honorable commissioner). When you juxtapose the campaign against Anikwe’s statement today, you will realize the lack of charity and discretion in the process.

Beyond the goriness of the images and the gracelessness of their deployment, there is the more consequential issue of the welfare of sportsmen and women and indeed all who have represented Nigeria at international sports events. Chukwu’s teammate, Segun Odegbami, in a recent write up lamented the condition of George Omokaro, another ex-Green Eagle, who was languishing on admission at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

He said: “…my friend and teammate in the Green Eagles, George Omokaro, has been in UBTH for several weeks now recuperating from another one of several surgeries he has undergone for debilitating arthritis in both knees in india and Nigeria in the past 5 years or so. This time, the new surgery was to extract stones from his kidney. For all the over 5 years he has been bedridden, jobless, hopeless and with an entire family to feed, he has been without any major financial support.”

“His (Omakoaro’s) situation weighs heavily on my mind. I wish I was in a position top do something, anything for him and others like him in the early stages of old age with their attendant illnesses that cannot be divorced from our intensive participation in sports at a young age without the essential healthcare and welfare to take care of us in old age”, Odegbami lamented.

Like Odegbami, Omokaro ‘s and Chukwu’s conditions with heavily on my mind, and I’m sad I cannot do much for those heroes, who gave part of their lives for Nigeria. By the way, I met Chukwu at the 2018 NFF Awards at the Eko Hotels, Lagos, and I recall telling a friend that I wasn’t happy the way he and his teammate and buddy, Emmanuel Okala, the former Green Eagles Goalkeeper and erstwhile Goalkeeper Trainer for the Super Eagles, looked. Okala is known to have challenges with his eyesight and that evening he looked poorly too. Yet, Chukwu’s case is different, better actually, in view of that statement by Mr. Anikwe, which confirmed the Green Eagles former captain as a employee of Enugu State Government.

I was actuated by the graciousness of billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola’s reported willingness to pick up Chukwu’s medical bill. I was also impressed by the effort of Amaju Pinnick-led Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to assist. I, however, think a sustainable platform should be established to take care of our national heroes. This cannot be over-emphasized. Whenever I see “Reserved Parking” for Servicemen and Veterans in Malls and public places in the United States, I feel emotional. In most US stores, Servicemen and Veterans are granted 30% discount on all their shopping and online purchases. Isn’t that commendable? And why can we not emulate such an honorable practice?

“The labors of our heroes past shall never be in vain,” says our National Anthem. Let’s mean it in words and indeed. I wish Chukwu, Omokaro and all other Green Eagles and indeed sportsmen and women and other Nigerian heroes the very best. Meanwhile, I must urge circumspection in the use of photos and videos of the sick and the dead. Personally, I have left so many good photos on Facebook you do not have an excuse not to use one to celebrate me(alive or dead)I beg of you.

Oparah, a Corporatre Communications practitioner, sent this piece from Lagos.

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Milk of Human Kindness: Glo Foundation Spreads ‘Food Drive’ Joy to More Communities 

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Glo Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Globacom, on Saturday extended its Food Drive Initiative “Giving Back Together” to more communities as thousands of families in Ikota, Ajah, Lagos, received packages of food and household items from the team.

Two Saturdays ago, the foundation was in Bariga where it shared food and other household items to thousands of other vulnerable members of the community.

In a similar vein, Glo Foundation officials and the project partners, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, last Saturday presented packages containing Rice, Garri, Spaghetti, noodles, tomato paste, tooth brushes, sardines, salt, vegetable oil, bread and seasoning cubes to thousands of beneficiaries, the majority of whom were women, at a ceremony held within the Ikota neighborhood.

Thousands of beneficiaries had assembled at the New Generation Baptist School in Ikota as early as 7 a.m. to await the start of the distribution.

Before the gifts were distributed, Globacom’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, welcomed the recipients and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to aiding the underprivileged in the society. She pointed out that helping the most disadvantaged members of society nationwide was one of the Foundation’s goals.

“Giving brings joy and smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries as we have seen here today. It also makes us happy that we are able to do something to touch the lives of others in a highly interdependent world,” she noted, adding that the Foundation was working on other projects that would impact various segments across the country.

At the occasion, the beneficiaries, who were mostly women, expressed their happiness and gratitude to Globacom by singing and dancing. Some of them who expressed their opinions were happy that they were able to benefit from the gesture and prayed that Globacom would continue to thrive.

The recipients were ecstatic and unable to control their excitement. After getting their food gifts, a few of them spoke up and thanked and prayed for Globacom for showing their community such love and concern.

Christina Itoro, an Akwa Ibom indigene, who operates a POS business within the community, expressed happiness at the content of the package. “When I opened the carton and saw the content, I was so excited. May God bless the company and the staff,” she said.

For Godwin Mary, who sells Kunu drink, Globacom has come to her aid at a time that her business was crumbling. The native of Benue State thanked Globacom for remembering her and other women in the Ikate neighborhood.

On her part, Sarah Oliseh, who is a housewife, said: “I am very happy and so excited getting this from Globacom. It will definitely go a long way to help me and my family”.

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Palladium Residences: CEO Benjamin Otchere, BDM Jessica Zwennes Speak

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The Palladium Residences, the new mixed-use development in partnership with Construction Logistics Limited and Pegasus Realty Ghana located at ABC Junction in Achimota aims to offer a blend of residential and commercial spaces within a self-sustaining community.

It will feature 24 four-bedroom townhouses alongside a 70-unit apartment complex offering one, two, and three-bedroom options.

The development is tailored for middle-class families and professionals, to provide them with an opportunity to own high-quality homes through flexible payment plans.

It will also feature a range of smart home technologies, powered primarily by solar energy, to enhance the convenience, security, and efficiency of everyday living.

The design incorporates green spaces, state-of-the-art amenities, and cutting-edge security systems, ensuring that the development is not just a residence but a vibrant, inclusive community.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YADL, Dr Benjamin Otchere, highlighted the company’s vision for the future of housing in Ghana.

He explained that YADL has been at the forefront of Ghana’s real estate sector for over a decade, known for projects such as Painite Residences in Dzorwulu, Strawberry Vale in Abelenkpe, and Platinum Place in Ridge.

These developments, he said, have not only redefined luxury but also transformed their respective neighbourhoods, raising the standard for modern urban living.

The BDM of Pegasus Realty, Jessica Zwennes, emphasized the company’s commitment to bridging Ghana’s housing deficit.

“Our goal is to offer modern, high-quality living spaces that remain accessible to hardworking Ghanaians.

Palladium Residences is designed with affordability, convenience, and long-term value in mind,” she said.

Culled from graphic.com.gh

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The Face Behind the Mask, (Richard) Yaw Addo Devts Ltd

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By Eric Elezuo

Behind most successes is always a brain of articulate importance, and intelligence personified.

As a result, our searchlight beams on the estate guru, whose sole responsibility is to create this palacious edifice and facilities, otherwise known as Palladium Residences. He is Richard Yaw Addo.

His details as well as.his entrepreneurial concerns are captured below:

Richard Yaw Addo Esq is the founder and Chief Executive of TG Holdings. Richard has over 25 years of experience in the fields of law, finance, printing & publishing, travel & tourism, hotel management, property development and real estate management and business development acquired both in Ghana and overseas.

Richard’s relentless hard work and dynamic leadership have inspired phenomenal personal growth for his staff and remarkable corporate growth for his corporate organisations.

As an excerpt from their website, Yaw Addo Developments Ltd was established in 2012, and Lanre Asare is its present Managing Director. The firm has been “shaping landscapes and lives in Ghana, with world class real estate development and luxury residential apartments. Having built a reputation for delivering high quality residential and commercial mid to high-end properties, Yaw Addo Developments is doubtlessly a preferred choice for real estate investment in luxurious apartments, homes, hotels and other commercial developments. Our formula for success lies in our customer oriented approach and delivering projects to the highest possible standards. From the selection of architects, designers, contractors, to the handover of keys, Yaw Addo Developments strives to ensure every detail is flawless.”

It further noted that Yaw Addo Developments has proudly flourished for over 20 YEARS, establishing itself as a privately held luxury real estate group headquartered in Dubai with a global reach.

The firm is renowned for its innovative architectural designs and commitment to excellence, and has created iconic properties worldwide, offering unparalleled luxury living experiences. Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified their reputation as a leader in the luxury real estate market.

According to the Founder,  who is the Chairman of Board of Directors, Mr. Richard Yaw Addo, “We are incredibly honoured to have been recognized and awarded by some of the most prestigious awarding bodies. Winning these awards is the ultimate measure of excellence and a testament to the exceptional work of Pegasus Realty from around the globe. Being showcased alongside some of the World’s Best is a source of great pride for us.”

Yaw Addo Developments has become synonymous with luxury living. We bring the first luxury branded residences to Ghana and the wider West African market, contributing to the region’s expanding tourism sector.

Mission

We deliver world-class real estate projects with the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, quality, safety, and customer service. Our commitment is to earn the trust of our clients.

Vision

 To transform the way people perceive real estate quality. We strive to maintain synergy with all stakeholders while remaining environmentally and socially responsible.

Value Proposition

Our success is driven by our dedicated and efficient team working around the clock to deliver projects.

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