INAUGURAL CONFERENCE - JANUARY 27-29, 2003

TRANSHUMANIST ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT CAMPUS

Participants during a recess

REPORT OF THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF WORLD TRANSHUMANIST ASSOCIATION (TRANSHUMANIST ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA) THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 27TH -30TH OF JANUARY, 2003 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT CAMPUS RIVERS STATE.

Surprisingly we had more than 300 participants in attendance, though about 150 were successfully registered as members and they include:

Engineer Innocent N. Ogu –Chapter Coordinator.
Mrs Blessing Nwogu
Dr Nimi Briggs Vice Chancellor University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Mr. Reginald Uche (Lagos chapter office)
Dr Oganscigbe who presented one of the papers.
Prof Elechi Amadi
Dr Tony Ovie Bebe
Dr Peter Odili (Governor Rivers State)
Dr Charles Amanze
Mr Zinga Wyas
Mr Remmy C.Ogbonna
Mr Edinga Edinga Chinedu
Mr Chidozie Nguma
Chief G. N. Nwoko – Nindus Chemicals Abia State
Eze Job Nwali
Princess Alagoa
Mr Ignatius Chidi Opara
Dr. Timothy Barga
Rev. Saba Nwosu
Rev. Raymond Raymonds
Mr. Stanley Korie
Mr. Kingsley Ekujere
Mr. Chukwu Edmonds
Mr. Uche Okonko
Chief R. Amadi
Miss Chioma Nwanmuo
Mr. Alex Elumelu
Miss Chijindu A. Mbonu
Mrs. Kate Ugbonna
Miss Florence Iwuh
Mr.  Obinna Awodi – Government House Port Harcourt
Mr. Ike Okonkwo
Luke Nwangaga
Isioma Tomia
Mrs. Bonga Cecelia
Miss Beatrice Nwogwugwn
Mrs. Gladys Amadi
Mrs. Anyanwn Tina Ada
Mr. Nnamdi Emmanuel Azubike
Mr. Banex Ejiakor
Mr. Williams Ejiakor
Mr. Cyrus Allen Okoro
Mrs. Pauline Udo Nwoko
Mr. Ignatius Njoku Emeka
Mrs. Christana Oguji
Mr. Nwogu Oguikpe
Mr. Eke Obasim

The officials/ participants were in high spirit, and participated actively. Those who did not present papers were fully active in scientific group sessions and contributed positively to the programme. Short papers were presented by a lot of them during the interactive session. The whole thing was interesting, people who came enjoyed the programme from beginning to end. Apart from the usual paper presentation, lectures and question and answer sessions, dramas, plays and cultural displays that was presented by famous playwrite, dramatist of repute. Plays like Etsu and vagabond mistrials late by Ola Rotimi were shown. There were galla nights and all rich cultures display in the Rivers State were shown.

The coordinator who spoke at length on the subject transhumanism and concluded that the moment this is appreciated and positively pursued Nigerians would not forget the association in which everyone that is science inclined would long to be a member. He added that membership would be open to people who are scientists or philosophers. He promised to help in creating an enabling research center.

Meanwhile he told the gathering of his intention to move the co-operate head office of the association to No. 75 Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos which we recently acquired. He described the office as specious and has the capacity of 200 seats accommodation. He further said that some centers for meetings are provided throughout the nation for scientific discussions and meetings. For Owerri, No.9 Oguamana Street, Owerri – Imo State Port Harcourt - No. 3 Igbonkwu Avenue, Benin - the Conference Center, University of Benin, Edo State. In North-West - the Conference Center, Usaman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto State. These are the centers located throughout the nation for now. Many more meeting centers would be created. People (member) are advised to make maximum use of these centers to make up for the money being paid to secure these centers. Again that he will be personally supervising these centers individually.

People who were made charge of these centers were appreciative of their substantive appointment and pledge to make proper use of those opportunities granted them to serve humanity. According to Dr. Dalhatu Ibrahim, the person in charge of Sokoto Center. He said, he is seeing this as one great opportunity he has to serve as a creative genius. He equally pledged to properly maximize the chance to be useful to mankind according to him, the Challenge is such that he could face with vigour.

Mr Ogbonna R. Chinedu who is placed charge of Owerri centre equally spoke in some vein as he is challenged to make impact to live and living as a whole. He thanked the new association for availing him this rare opportunity to prove his scientific ingenuity. Mr.  Kingsley Ekujere did not deviate from his colleagues that were placed charge of various centers. As the head of port Harcourt zone he could liase with the vice chancellor to make proper use of both the labs and sciences equipments for results of what he plan for. He enjoined the coordinator to consult the head quarters from time to time for assistance. He said that from the look of things, materials on ground would not be enough to cope with the challenges ahead of us.

A lot of people spoke in affirmative pledging their support and preparedness to work as a team and individual research fellows.

At the end of the meeting, the co-coordinator was recognized for initiative and excellence by bagging a merit award. The award of headship were also extended to the organizing committee and the six center heads to prepare them for the challenge ahead of them.

People who came were happy and filled with high spirit to work or assist in their individual capacities. 

The meetings were so much contributed to by the intellectuals, that graced the meeting and wanted it to continue. Infact, there is a plan that from the 1st quarter of this year, the meetings would be shifted from Port Harcourt for the East to South-Lagos, North, Kano and Benin for the South East.

TARGET
We are targeted to bringing Nigerian young scientist to launch them ingenuity. Only what it tales is encouragement by way of providing enabling research grounds. That is why we have appealed to everyone to contribute whatever is his/her minds to make the association move forward.

These are areas of interest including where there had been some technological embrace. Places like Awka in Anambra State, Umwpara- Imo State where there has been early discovery of blacksmith and sculpture. Nork in the Northern Nigeria is one of such places. There is plan to step up from their endeavors to technological advancement. It is believed that before the year 2005, there would be an invention from this part of the world that would mean much to mankind. Prof. Val Ekechukwu of Energy research, University of Nigeria Nsukka has also promised to help us should their be any difficulty in some areas of his specialty. It is worthy of note that he sent us a letter of encouragement before he left for a research course in the United States.

RESOLUTIONS
1.  Invite some technologists from Asia to Nigeria so as to understudy their know-how.

2.  Provide enabling environment for the government to approve of their stay.

3.  Provide accommodation and logistics for their stay.

4.  Approach to the Computer department of the University of Port Harcourt for some research work.

5.  Approach the department of energy research of University Of Nigeria Nsukka for some aid.

Participants at the ceremony

A cultural troupe entertaining the conference

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

MON 27/01/03

9:30-10:30am
Arrival of guests

10:30-11:20am
Registration of guests/participants

11:20-12:00noon
Arrival of the governor and his entourage.

12:10pm
National Anthem

12:15
Conference declared open by Vice Chancellor, Dr. Nimi Briggs.

12:15-12.30
Address by the Co-ordinator Engr., Innocent Ogu

12:30- 12:45
Governor’s Address

12:45- 1pm
Traditional Rulers Speech

1.05-1:30
Lectures on Transhumanism

1:30-2:30
Lunch Break

AFTERNOON SESSION

2:30-3:00
2nd Lecture on Transhumanist Association of Nigeria

3pm-3:45
Drama by University of Port Harcourt, Drama group

4pm
Close of section

7pm
Dinner and cultural display by cultural group Port Harcourt

TUESDAY 28/01/03

CHAIRMAN OF 2ND DAY- BARR. E.C. EKECHUKWU

10:00-10:55am
Paper on what ingenious derivatives from the computer by Engr. Elekrachi N.C of Computer Science department University of Port Harcourt.

11:00-11:15am
Questions on Papers / Lecture presentations

11:15- 12noon
Short drama presentation by Prof. Elechi Amadi

12:05-1:00pm
3rd paper presentation.

“Astronomy and Cosmos”

Engr. Innocent N. Ogu

In the dissemination of Information

Chucks Ogbansiegbe of Imo State University, Owerri.

1pm-1:30pm
Concert by Cultural Troop Port Harcourt.

1.30-3pm
Lunch Break

3:00-4:00
4 paper presentation

“ Transhumanist as a Technologist”

Dr. Ovie Tony Ebebe, Computer Science University of Calabar.

8:00pm
Dinner Donor, The governor of Rivers State

Dr Peter Odili

Venue: Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt

Babies of Rivers State to entertain.

WEDNESDAY 29/01/03

10:00-11:00am
Group Workshop, Question and Answer on Transhumanism local organization by participants.

11:00-12noon
5th paper presentation

“Computer application and Know-how”

Presenter- Mr. Zinga Wyas, Lecture Computer Science department, University of Port Harcourt.

12noon-1pm
Cultural Display

Presenter- Abigbo Mbasie, Imo state

1pm-3pm
Lunch Break

3pm-5pm
Courtesy call to the Eze’s palace by all participants, sight seeing of Eleme gas turban and energy Research Institute, Eleme Rivers state.

8pm
Dinner Donor- The Vice Chancellor University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State



THURSDAY 30/01/03




10am-11am
Address by the chapter coordinator on Success of the whole meeting / conference

11am-12noon
Awards / Presentation of certificate to participant by the governor’s representative Dr. Charles Amanze

1:00-2pm
Lunch / Refreshment

2:45pm
Farewell speech by the commissioner of Science and Technology Rivers State.


Innocent Ogu addressing the conference

AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE CHAPTER CO-ORDINATOR
The Governor of River State, Dr. Peter Odili,

The World Chapter Representatives Nationwide,

The Vice Chancellor University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Nimi Briggs,

Representatives of Various Arms of Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

His Royal Highnesses,

Ndi Ezes,

All Title holders,

Gentlemen of the Press,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am filled with delight to welcome you to this august meeting / conference of the World Transhumanist Association (WTA) Nigeria chapter (Transhumanist Association of Nigeria) taking place in the apex institution of learning, the university of Port Harcourt, Rivers State campus this day the 27th of January 2003. This meeting / conference is to last for 3 days. We chose here because the association deals with research and human efforts that are positive to life and living as a whole. The Vice chancellor being at the helm of affairs both in this University and in the gathering of today has suggested or proved it all that the Transhumanist Association is a life supporting, scientific association.

Transhumanist is a supportive life phenomenon. This suggests that life itself is not complete without support or proper organization. Life well organized is life well lived. Some people live their lives by taking to drinking, or some other negative vices which instead of supporting life, terminate it prematurely. Transhumanist rather goes against these negative vices. It makes life get fulfilled abundantly by suggesting or applying the necessity that support longevity and healthier existence of man. It is technologically oriented.

You can agree with me that stress-free life provides for longevity and promotion of health. With the advent of Internet, people do their browsing and e-mail contacts easily without having to wait for several months by surface posting of letters and expectancy of replies to these messages sent through such time consuming devices. Transhumanists work against these odds. They think and create avenues for easier, faster and more organized ways of achieving results rapidly through scientific approach that does not pose any threat to the existence of man – the telephone, handsets, internet ready computers, fast-take blood glucose instruments, cloning of human beings to mention but a few. All these are to better human lives and living generally. These are basically the initiatives of Transhumanists. The essence is to make a human being live a fulfilled, productive and healthier life as prescribed by nature. It is meant to continue where human effort stops. Technologically, most of ingenuities are achieved. Science has it all and God himself is science.

These achievements of the association are naturally / scientifically based. All these achievements or findings are proofs that can be expanded, through research and more advanced ingenuity geared towards making human beings get relaxed and fulfilled life expectancy. Technology has a big role to play in the invention of airplanes where people instead of trekking can now to fly to their destinations easily with ease. These discoveries continue where the normal human beings ability stops. Nobody would have had the opportunity of getting across the globe without these aids that were put together by brains of technologist. These are the works of transhumanists. People enjoy these ingenuous discoveries.

I am exceedingly happy that when I sold the idea of forming the Nigerian Chapter of this noble association to some futurist friends, a lot of these intellectuals nationwide jumped at it and that is why we are having this gathering of who is who here today. Just before this inaugural meeting, a total number of 150 intellectuals from various discipline of life here registered to become members of this association. Maybe some other intending ones are by the corner waiting to be registered. Just like the association is international. The oriented members will be gathered from people of sound minds and scientific repute to qualify for the challenges.

To allow for achievements of ideas and stipulated entry requirements, a committee that has the regulation for membership will endorse after proper scrutiny of intending members. The committee is headed by the Nigeria chapter coordinator in the person of Engineer Innocent. N. Ogu. Further more the membership strength will be sent to our head quarters oversea periodically. At least for now we have succeeded in bringing this cream of intellectuals into this association and many will join after this inauguration as indication that most of the association idea will be achieved in no distant future.

APPEAL
We use this medium to all that are present here today and our parent body overseas that this being a research oriented association, we are in urgent need of an enabling research center and materials. A library that is rich in some requisite materials like Internet-ready computers and books that can be consulted in urgent needs. Nigeria is enjoying democracy now, there is time and relaxed mind to do positive things for humanity in the way scientific research and ingenious findings. We are grateful to scientists like Michael Faraday, Isaac Newton, Socrates, to mention but a few who made us (the World reach this far). A lot of us feel challenged by their discoveries and want to continue to make some more breakthrough before the end of life in us. We are dedicated to doing a lot of research work to achieving excellence. Our focus is more findings and breakthrough for the easier existence of human life to achieving fulfilled, healthier longevity.

I will enjoin every member that like I continue to reiterate that the association is for minds that are ready to share positive ingenuity together with the aim of achieving or score greater heights for humanity and posterity. It will be of note that this kind of gathering in this vein has not happened else where in this nation before so all hand must be on deck for the positive realization of the noble ideas of the association.

Welcome everyone and I wish you happier stay in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, positive deliberation and more scientific breakthroughs.

Good luck and thanks,

Engineer Innocent N Ogu.

Nigeria Chapter Co-ordinator.