Develop the Spirit to Forgive, Sindi Chigozie Tells Anioma Youths

 Develop the Spirit to Forgive, Sindi Chigozie Tells Anioma Youths

Sindi Mathias Chigozie is the President of Aniocha-Oshimili Students Association. Chigozie from Okpanam in Delta State bares his mind on issues of concern to the Association and youths of the Anioma region. Excerpts:

Pen Master: It's nice to meet you. Please introduce yourself to our teeming readers.

Chigozie: Pen Master, thank you very much for finding me worthy of this interview. My name is Sindi Mathias Chigozie, GCAOS, DSS. I am the President and Obi of Aniocha-Oshimili Students Association Nationwide. I am from Ogbeowele, in Obodogwugwu Quarters of Okpanam, a community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. I was born into the family of Ogbueshi Dr. Ngozi Nwabuoku and Ezinne Mrs. Stella Nwabuoku who is also from Okpanam. I was born into a family of six children. I always say thank you to my parents for the values they instilled in me which I treasure today. I am a Master's Degree Student of Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun in Warri, Delta State. 

Pen Master: You just mentioned that you are the current President of Aniocha-Oshimili Students Association Nationwide. Please tell us something about this Association.

Chigozie: Okay. The Association is the apex umbrella body of students from Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North and Oshimili South Local Extraction of Delta State. It is saddled with the responsibility of promoting peace and unity, fostering academic excellence, leadership development, cultural preservation, and global networking. We sensitize and advocate through symposiums, and other means of meeting our set objectives. Pen Master, let me take you down the memory lane about this organization. It was established by the Obis and Chapter Presidents on August 22, 2024 inside the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba. Some of our founding fathers are High Chief Steven Ogbo from Akwukwu-Igbo who was the Chairman of the electoral committee at the time and Obi Blessed Emeka from Ibusa. There were others such as Obi Wisdom Monye from Onicha-Olona, Victor Okwereogu, an Indigene of Ibusa and a few others. These were the pioneer members of the organization and they sacrificed so much to ensure that we stood. Of course, we are here today abd doing great.

Pen Master: Thank you but one may ask to know why you chose the  name, Aniocha-Oshimili and not Enuani considering that Aniocha and Oshimili are collectively Enuani?   

Chigozie: Thank you very much, Pen Master. Indeed, we are collectively Enuani but again, Aniocha and Oshimili are the local governments area names also more commonly used before this time. It is politically relevant to our people. Yes, we are Enuani. That's what we are.

Pen Master: Have you been functional? What programs have you have had? 

Chigozie: This is our first year in office, but we have been able to hold an inaugural event which we celebrated sometime in November 2024 in Asaba. This year, we have also held an enlarged Stakeholders' Conference, an investiture ceremony for the Board of Trustees and this was in Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic. The program was aimed at helping to bring invite personalities and consultants within the federal constituency who are well-positioned to direct and guide us in time of challenges. In August, we also held a coronation ceremony in Okpanam. We took the opportunity to sensitize our people on substance abuse, cultism and other forms of human trafficking. We have been on course. 

Pen Master:. ..too many programs but were you successful?

Chigozie: Yes, successful but I would say that we have not had our best considering the efforts we put in. 

Pen Master: In all of these, do you receive support from established Anioma people outside the campus? 

Chigozie: Yes, from some of our Enuani people but not Anioma in general. However, I must note that this is meagre.

Pen Master: Sometime ago, we read of another group claiming a similar name with you. Do you have a factional in Aniocha-Oshimili Students Association Nationwide? 

Chigozie: ...the truth is that when it started, certain people took it upon themselves to choose a team to match us thereby, creating a misconception of our existence and sole right to our name and objectives. But critical stakeholders intervened and we were able to harmonize and speak with one voice at the end today.

Pen Master: Looking at the Anioma area, do you think the present political representatives are doing well? 

Chigozie: well, let me just say they are trying their best but sincerely speaking it's not enough. In terms of road construction, many roads require works to be done. The Ukala-Ebu Road, Issele Uku-Onicha Ugbo Road, Obior-Ubulu Uku Road and Okwe-Oduke Road need work to be done. Recently, you (Pen Master) showed a delapidated road in Ibusa; Zion Road in Okponta axis of that community. Our people need to enjoy access to good roads. Roads connect farms and make journeys easy. It is essential we have good roads at least.

Pen Master: Chigozie, but we have not been reading press releases from you encouraging these leaders to do more  

Chigozie: a good question but we know and are aware. A press release from us could come on a daily basis but we prefer to remain quiet and watch things as they unfold. As students, we took the decision long ago to stay clear from the government or political press releases and we pray that we don't regret our decision

Pen Master: What is your advice for the Anioma youths? 

Chigozie: I will advise them to have the spirit of forgiveness and to love one another.

Pen Master: Thank you for speaking with me 

Chigozie: It is my pleasure and those of my co-leaders.