Protocol.
Gentle men of the press, we are gathered here today with the utmost aim to escalate the week long and action packed events to herald the 25th Memorial Anniversary of an icon, a political collosus, an enigma of inestimable value, a community mobiliser , a philanthropist and a sage, Dr. Steven Makoji Achema.
The weeks -long event is to showcase his life and times and his value addition to all facets of human endeavours.
The event packaged by families, friends , political associates from all walks of lives is to honour and recreate the ideals this rare gem whose purposeful, purposive and remarkable life , although, short ,stood for in the course of his soujourn on this Planet earth.
This 25th edition of the anniversary is set to unearth the true essence of his life and to appreciate and offer reward for meritorious service even in death.
Gentlemen of the press , permit me to introduce you, Dr. Steven Makoji Achema, even if it is just a brief.
During his life time, Achema, was trained as a Veterinary Medicine doctor, a two time chairman of Idah Local Government Council of kogi state, a frontline formation member of PDP, who was appointed Special Adviser on Labour by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, immediately he formed his cabinet in 1999.
Achema was a general of his people and a defender of Democracy. Achema and his political associates stood firmly, entered into political trenches against the military junta , won the battle, alas, three months into the victory, the people’s General bowed to the cold arms of ghastly motor accident on Muritala Muhammed Bridge at Jamata in Lokoja.
The death sparked emotions across the country and indeed throughout the world. Hence, families, friends, professional colleagues, and political associates have decided to dedicate the agonising day as a day of remembrance with activities that will bring to the fore his humanity.
According to the Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Hon. David Ogu, the event will kick-start on the 5th of November, 2024, with a memorial handball match at 2pm. venue Steven Achema Handball Stadium Idah, kogi state.
The Memorial Anniversary Eve will showcase Vigil and musical performances – Time 7pm . Venue – Dr. Steven Achema ‘s Compound, Achema close,Old GRA Idah.
Wednesday 6th November,2024.
procession from his residence to Dr. Steven Achema Handball Stadium
Time– 11am
Other activities
1) Prayers
2) Speeches
3) Musical performances
4) Refreshments
Evening of
5) Command Production of – “Alapa” A play written by Prof Armstrong Idachaba.
Time -6pm
Venue –Federal Polytechnic Idah Main hall , to be performed by the Theatre Arts Department, College of Education, Ankpa, Kogi state.
The grand finale is scheduled to hold on the 25th of November, 2024, with Dr. Steven Achema Coloquim
Venue Shehu Yar’Adua Centre Abuja
Time 11 am
The Chairman of the occasion would be Ambassador Yahaya kwande, while the Guest speaker is .Prof Jerry Gana
The Paper Discussants are:
Prof Sam Egu
Prof Armstrong Idachaba
Prof Lucy Ogbadu
Dr Victor Adoji
Special Guest of Honour,
His Excellency, Sen George Akume Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF
Special Guests: Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
Hon Minister of Steel Development.
Host:
His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo
Executive Governor of Kogi State
Royal father of the day
His Royal Majesty,
Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, Ata Igala and president Kogi State Council of traditional rulers.
Thank you.
