Akpu
PG calls for lasting peace
By Success Kanayo Uchime
The President-General, Akpu Progressive Union (APU), Elder Dan Okoli, has called on all his opponents during the 2015 general election in the town to embrace peace by joining hands with him in the development of the town.
He stated this during the 2015 Akpu Day celebration held in the town on December 26, adding that Akpu is their town and they do not have any other, therefore they cannot fold their hands and watch things go wrong.
He noted that one of the things God did for Akpu which is the reason for the celebration of Akpu Day, was the peaceful election that brought the present executives into power, stating that the turnout during that election was unprecedented, as it remains the highest so far in the history of their town.
Elder Okoli stated: “Akpu Akataka of old achieved great feats with one mind, even when both human and material resources were not there to drive the town. What stops us from reaching our eldorado, now that we can boast of professors of best brain, the only permanent secretary in the entire Orumba South, civil servants of high repute and businessmen that have excelled beyond local trade?”
The PG acknowledged the fact that no community can succeed without proper planning, and that the law of nature made human beings the agent of growth and development, adding that the focal point of his campaign promises was to build-up human capacity in Akpu.
“It is also my conviction that Rome was not built in a day. To that effect, my administration will establish a data bank by employing someone to collate and keep information on our youths for us to identify the area to be empowered. This includes the educated and artisans,” he stated.
According to Elder Okoli, his administration will produce a working constitution to save the community from the huge embarrassment, enmity and contentious positions the town often witnesses, adding that evil mongers in the town have started spelling doom by creating undue tension in the town.
“Propagandists among them went to the extent of misinforming people that the PG has anointed a candidate for Igwe. This is very far from the truth. Let me put the record right, the guideline for Igwe tussle is not yet out, it is a constitutional issue that new constitution will address,” he stressed.
Elder Okoli, who just last year was promoted to Permanent Secretary position by the State Governor, Dr. Willy Obiano, said his administration will ensure that its territorial boundaries are no longer ceded to their enemies. “To that effect we shall revisit cases that are worth visiting. We shall ensure that decorum returns to Akpu. A situation where respect for elders and constituted authority is thrown to the abyss is not good for our town, and it is a big task my administration must tackle.”
He stated: “My brothers and sisters, may I use this opportunity to clear the “doubting Thomases” on the issue of acceptability of October 31st, 2015, election and emergence of the present executive. The election was free and fair, witnessed the greatest turn-out, expressed the wishes of the people, and was accepted by both government and Akpu people. The idea of caretaker-committee was only a figment of imagination of wishful thinkers who always thrive in crises.”
He continued: “Their era is gone and gone forever. All their efforts to plunge the town into crises did not materialise. I hereby call on all peace-loving indigenes of Akpu to dissociate themselves from the association of these devil agents in Akpu.”
On their achievements so far in their very short stay in office, Elder Okoli observed that the Central Executive Committee (CEC), after the election /swearing-in, swung into action by formalising their election in the appropriate quarters, noting that the CEC is presently representing Akpu well in both Association of Anambra Town Union (ASATU), and in other meetings.
He said they have been able to effect changes in some groups in Akpu where loyalty to the town is questionable, and that the chairman of the town’s vigilante was removed and this affected the secretary and commandant as well. “The former chairman has officially handed over to the new chairman, the taskforce committee members were retained in interim capacity and they have started work as well.”
Elder Okoli noted that his dream of educating Akpu youths for a better and greater tomorrow has started yielding the desired fruit through the donation of books made by the Osuigwe family towards establishing a library in Akpu.
“I call on other public spirited individuals to emulate the good gesture of the Osuigwe family, more feathers to their cap, and may the Almighty God reward them abundantly. On our part, the union will see that the books are put into adequate use in line with the objectives of the donor.”
He observed that the verdict of the case between Upata and Nawfija which he witnessed showed clearly their ability only to flex muscles here in Akpu, but turn to “Lilliput” when external challenges arise.
Elder Okoli had earlier in his acceptance speech, after the 2015 general election, promised to run a comprehensive government that would usher in progress and a new level of development in Akpu. He appealed to his co-contestants who lost in the election, to join hands with him to development their town.
He
said he was ready to contribute towards the development of their town, adding that
it was the reason why he presented himself for the election as the PG. “I and
my team will join hands to work. I am calling on all who lost the election to
sheath their swords so we can have peace in our town. By Success Kanayo Uchime
The President-General, Akpu Progressive Union (APU), Elder Dan Okoli, has called on all his opponents during the 2015 general election in the town to embrace peace by joining hands with him in the development of the town.
He stated this during the 2015 Akpu Day celebration held in the town on December 26, adding that Akpu is their town and they do not have any other, therefore they cannot fold their hands and watch things go wrong.
He noted that one of the things God did for Akpu which is the reason for the celebration of Akpu Day, was the peaceful election that brought the present executives into power, stating that the turnout during that election was unprecedented, as it remains the highest so far in the history of their town.
Elder Okoli stated: “Akpu Akataka of old achieved great feats with one mind, even when both human and material resources were not there to drive the town. What stops us from reaching our eldorado, now that we can boast of professors of best brain, the only permanent secretary in the entire Orumba South, civil servants of high repute and businessmen that have excelled beyond local trade?”
The PG acknowledged the fact that no community can succeed without proper planning, and that the law of nature made human beings the agent of growth and development, adding that the focal point of his campaign promises was to build-up human capacity in Akpu.
“It is also my conviction that Rome was not built in a day. To that effect, my administration will establish a data bank by employing someone to collate and keep information on our youths for us to identify the area to be empowered. This includes the educated and artisans,” he stated.
According to Elder Okoli, his administration will produce a working constitution to save the community from the huge embarrassment, enmity and contentious positions the town often witnesses, adding that evil mongers in the town have started spelling doom by creating undue tension in the town.
“Propagandists among them went to the extent of misinforming people that the PG has anointed a candidate for Igwe. This is very far from the truth. Let me put the record right, the guideline for Igwe tussle is not yet out, it is a constitutional issue that new constitution will address,” he stressed.
Elder Okoli, who just last year was promoted to Permanent Secretary position by the State Governor, Dr. Willy Obiano, said his administration will ensure that its territorial boundaries are no longer ceded to their enemies. “To that effect we shall revisit cases that are worth visiting. We shall ensure that decorum returns to Akpu. A situation where respect for elders and constituted authority is thrown to the abyss is not good for our town, and it is a big task my administration must tackle.”
He stated: “My brothers and sisters, may I use this opportunity to clear the “doubting Thomases” on the issue of acceptability of October 31st, 2015, election and emergence of the present executive. The election was free and fair, witnessed the greatest turn-out, expressed the wishes of the people, and was accepted by both government and Akpu people. The idea of caretaker-committee was only a figment of imagination of wishful thinkers who always thrive in crises.”
He continued: “Their era is gone and gone forever. All their efforts to plunge the town into crises did not materialise. I hereby call on all peace-loving indigenes of Akpu to dissociate themselves from the association of these devil agents in Akpu.”
On their achievements so far in their very short stay in office, Elder Okoli observed that the Central Executive Committee (CEC), after the election /swearing-in, swung into action by formalising their election in the appropriate quarters, noting that the CEC is presently representing Akpu well in both Association of Anambra Town Union (ASATU), and in other meetings.
He said they have been able to effect changes in some groups in Akpu where loyalty to the town is questionable, and that the chairman of the town’s vigilante was removed and this affected the secretary and commandant as well. “The former chairman has officially handed over to the new chairman, the taskforce committee members were retained in interim capacity and they have started work as well.”
Elder Okoli noted that his dream of educating Akpu youths for a better and greater tomorrow has started yielding the desired fruit through the donation of books made by the Osuigwe family towards establishing a library in Akpu.
“I call on other public spirited individuals to emulate the good gesture of the Osuigwe family, more feathers to their cap, and may the Almighty God reward them abundantly. On our part, the union will see that the books are put into adequate use in line with the objectives of the donor.”
He observed that the verdict of the case between Upata and Nawfija which he witnessed showed clearly their ability only to flex muscles here in Akpu, but turn to “Lilliput” when external challenges arise.
Elder Okoli had earlier in his acceptance speech, after the 2015 general election, promised to run a comprehensive government that would usher in progress and a new level of development in Akpu. He appealed to his co-contestants who lost in the election, to join hands with him to development their town.
He assured all Akpu indigenes that he will cause the town to enjoy prosperity. During his electioneering campaigns, he promised he will bring out his blueprint for development, and that he will set an office in the town hall to enable his executive committee have database to empower those who are in school and out of school.
Orumba General Hospital: Host communities urged to patronize facility
By Ogonna Umeh
The residents of Orumba have been called upon to always patronize the General Hospital there by seeking medical attention at the facility, as it is adequately equipped to take care of all their medical needs.
This call was made by the Managing Director, RISE Clinic, Dr. Hien Tran, during the official commissioning of the project, adding that RISE Clinic is in the state to make a great change in the health sector as witnessed in the four pilot hospitals under the three senatorial zones of the state, including Onitsha.
“The intervention of RISE Clinic in the state health sector is aimed at reducing the individual financial health burden of the locals,” she stated.
Also speaking during the commissioning, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano said the hospital had suffered neglect in the hands of successive administrations in the state, adding that the joint venture which was aimed at improving the healthcare delivery of the people of the state will also provide employment opportunities to the host communities.
He advised residents to bring professional medical skills who are eligible to work in the hospital or force the government and its partners to seek its workforce from elsewhere, promising to engage four new hospitals under the venture for effective management of healthcare services and its personnel in the state.
According to the governor, about 80 per cent of the resources for the renovation of the hospital were provided by RISE Clinic, while the state government provided the remaining 20 per cent.
We’ve made landmark achievements in Ndiowu – Engr. Emenike
By Success Kanayo Uchime
The President-General, Ndiowu Town Union (NTU), Engr. Chike Emenike, said that despite huge challenges confronting the town, his executives have made some landmark achievements in the town within the short period they have been in office.
He made this known in a statement, adding that thefeat was made possible as a result of one of their sons who happens to be in position in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
“He called me on phone and said for the fact I have been able to organize Ndiowu to an enviable position, he will search around his office to see what he can do to support me, and that was how the borehole came,” Emenike stated.
Engr. Emenike said that the road project in front of his house that is yet to be completed is MDGs project, adding that the structure by his gate also is a skill acquisition center that was built by the same MDGs.
According to him, the town also received eight tricycles from the same MDGs. “If you look around, you will see some written NTU, they came from the same MDGs. We were able to convert them into youth empowerment. These are what I call landmark achievements.”
Still recounting their achievements, he noted that they took the community back to God, because they decided that every last Saturday of the year shall be Ndiowu Thanksgiving Day. We did one this 2015.
He said that the singular program has turned around a whole lot of social life in Ndiowu town, stressing that everyone is looking forward to it every year. “We also set up a new sports council and for the past three years, we have been running this competition, and we have been realizing a lot of money through it. It is a creation of NTU, and we have one of our sons as the chairman. Go to our town hall, we have been able to give it a face-lift by fencing it.”
On the question of how he has been coping without a traditional ruler in the town, Engr. Emenike lamented that it has been tough, because about a week or so when the Eze started his journey, the next thing he saw was a challenge from the opposition.
He said he tried to talk to Ndiowu people to know how the ceremony will be like, as they want to honor their late Eze, adding that the moment he gave that directive, some people started holding meetings everywhere, saying over their dead body to take directives from him, even some prominent ones also.
“I said okay may be we are going to have a fight. We actually fought, and at the end of the day, they said they must hold the New Yam festival, whether anyone liked it or not. They were using the Ngbom platform. I told them that the directive had been given and that no one can stop it,” he stated.
He also stated: “They went very far. They also used the government instrument, but I tried to let them know that the government of Anambra State is for everyone. At long last, there was no New Yam festival, because that would have been an embarrassment.”
Engr. Emenike noted that the town’s vigilante has been performing below expectation adding that the vigilante is part of the Town Union, and that is the way they structured it. It is not a separate body and that they mandated them to be the ones to collect the N200 security levy per house meant for their allowances, and that they have not been able to effectively do that.
“This is so because the Town Union did not have any wing as per revenue collection group. We had it initially, but when we started having problems, we forgot it; we have been able to setup one again. What we have now on ground are those that collect revenue from those that collect bamboo. They are about twenty,” he stated.
On the issue of funding of the town union, he noted that what they usually do is when they need fund, they source it from some of their sons. “We do that in a way of donations or loans. Like the fence at the town hall, it was funded by an individual within us. But luckily for us, we have task-force that collects development levy from outsiders that buy land from our territory. So they are able to raise money and that is how we are able to raise money.”
Speaking on the need for age grade system in the town, Engr. Emenike said he had wished that his people would form age-grades, noting that he had told them severally; hence it is a major tool for development and the easiest way for a town to grow.
“Age-grades can take up projects in the town. I have been crying for it for the past four years and everyone seemed not concerned. I have made several proposals, write-ups and all that. So if that finally happens, and we are able to set something up, then it is left for the people to continue from there,” he stated.
Tribute
to Philip Uchenna Umeh
“He was an exceptional brother in many ways!”
By Pastor Sunny Umeh
I have always known that Uche was a special
brother. At one point, I wanted to be able to handle things like him. I found
out that I could not. Therefore, I learned to respect him even more that I used
to. I never thought about the meaning of his name until few days after he
transitioned to heaven. Uchenna means “God’s
will.” Most Christians pray for the will of God to be done in all circumstances.
However, only the spiritually-matured can accept the will of God with joy when
the outcome is contrary to their expectation. He wore and lived the meaning of
his given name until he transitioned. I can attest to the fact that his given
name was fulfilled in his years on earth, because the will of God has been
done. “He was an exceptional brother in many ways!”
By Pastor Sunny Umeh
Philip Uchenna Umeh was an exceptional brother in many ways. Born on September 1957, to the family of Chief Isaac Umeh (Ogbu Ebinyi)of Ngoo village, Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government, Anambra State, he lived most of his life in Enugu. So he was truly an Enugu “boy.”
He was the most peaceful in our family. On extreme rare occasions was he angry about any offense. Uche was a brother who found it very difficult and abnormal to confront anyone under any circumstance. It took repetitive and unrelenting provocation for Uche to speak in anger which was out of his character.
In my opinion, he was the meekest man I knew and still know. At times, I was angry with him for relinquishing his right to an offender, simply because he wanted to keep peace at his expenses. His meekness was grossly mistaken by most as weakness. Uche was never at odds with anyone. He was a very strong man physically and spiritual, but his strength was always under his control.
Uche was known by a different name by his High Scholl peers. For those who may not know, he was known as “Hippy” by his school mates. I investigated and found out that Hippy was a nickname he assumed as a soccer player in his days in High Scholl.
He was a formidable soccer player like most of us in our family. Uche made a lot of friends and touched a lot of lives in different ways. Uche’s transition to heaven was the greatest shock of my life. He committed major decisions he was going to make to the Lord in prayer, and promised to let me know as soon as he felt the leading of the Lord.
For the first time, Uche started seeking the face of God to be in his will. I was waiting to hear from my younger brother, so that we could plan and execute those plans in 2016. The Lord’s purpose has prevailed and his will has been done. No, Uche is not dead. He is alive, joined with other believers in heaven, and waiting for us to come later. If heaven is your home, you will see Uche again.
Gov.
Obiano commended on Orumba road projects
The President of Orumba Forum, Dr. Raymond Obieri,
has praised the efforts of the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano for
continuing work on Ufuma junction-Awa –Amanse road, which was initiated by his
predecessor.
Obieri made this remark during the Forum’s 10th anniversary of its scholarship scheme and a formal reception of the governor in Orumba, adding that the stretch of road is very important to the people as it will open up access to one of the major food baskets in Anambra State.
“We have many needs in Orumba, but the following are very pressing: Ajalli-Ogbuli-Umuabiama-Ufuma road, Ndiokpaleze road, the second bridge on that road is in a very bad state. Also water bolehole in Ndiokpaleke, Ajalli-Nawfija-Umueji road, Ezira Victory High School road, Isulo-Eziagu road, Owerri Ezukala-Ogba Ukwu Cave road, Ogbunka-Umueji-Ufuma road, Ihete Aro Ikpa road, needs serious attention,” he stated.
Other needs of the area, he noted, are the Pal Brewery-Aguluezechukwu road, Oko, erosion menace in Oko, erosion at the comprehensive hospital, Enugwu-Abor, the Police Station and mini barracks in Ajalli, construction of office secretariat in the local government. “We are told they are over conjested.”
He also stated: “Your Excellency, our requests may appear too many, but these are borne out of needs that were not addressed earlier than now, and we will appreciate your kind attention to these our humble requests. Your Excellency, on behalf of our Forum and traditional rulers, I thank you for giving us this opportunity to host and honor you today.”
Obieri also applauded the governor on his deep interest in upgrading the educational standard in the state, commending his able leadership of Anambra State. “We are very proud of your activities especially in the area of improved security in Anambra State. You have made a mark for other states to emulate.”
According to him, Orumba Forum is made up of Orumba elites in Lagos and Abuja, and as a non partisan pressure group and we therefore have no affiliation with any political party, adding that their aims and objectives are to foster good relationship among themselves, support the good government initiatives at both state and federal levels, ensuring, and if need be, fight to get their fair share of government patronage.
“From North to South, one task we have in common is taking the delivery of inter-personal goodwill a notch higher, and redeem ourselves from the shackles of inglorious days of “they” and “us.” We are one indivisible unit bounded with love and unflinching desire to progress,” Obieri also stated.
Obieri made this remark during the Forum’s 10th anniversary of its scholarship scheme and a formal reception of the governor in Orumba, adding that the stretch of road is very important to the people as it will open up access to one of the major food baskets in Anambra State.
“We have many needs in Orumba, but the following are very pressing: Ajalli-Ogbuli-Umuabiama-Ufuma road, Ndiokpaleze road, the second bridge on that road is in a very bad state. Also water bolehole in Ndiokpaleke, Ajalli-Nawfija-Umueji road, Ezira Victory High School road, Isulo-Eziagu road, Owerri Ezukala-Ogba Ukwu Cave road, Ogbunka-Umueji-Ufuma road, Ihete Aro Ikpa road, needs serious attention,” he stated.
Other needs of the area, he noted, are the Pal Brewery-Aguluezechukwu road, Oko, erosion menace in Oko, erosion at the comprehensive hospital, Enugwu-Abor, the Police Station and mini barracks in Ajalli, construction of office secretariat in the local government. “We are told they are over conjested.”
He also stated: “Your Excellency, our requests may appear too many, but these are borne out of needs that were not addressed earlier than now, and we will appreciate your kind attention to these our humble requests. Your Excellency, on behalf of our Forum and traditional rulers, I thank you for giving us this opportunity to host and honor you today.”
Obieri also applauded the governor on his deep interest in upgrading the educational standard in the state, commending his able leadership of Anambra State. “We are very proud of your activities especially in the area of improved security in Anambra State. You have made a mark for other states to emulate.”
According to him, Orumba Forum is made up of Orumba elites in Lagos and Abuja, and as a non partisan pressure group and we therefore have no affiliation with any political party, adding that their aims and objectives are to foster good relationship among themselves, support the good government initiatives at both state and federal levels, ensuring, and if need be, fight to get their fair share of government patronage.
“From North to South, one task we have in common is taking the delivery of inter-personal goodwill a notch higher, and redeem ourselves from the shackles of inglorious days of “they” and “us.” We are one indivisible unit bounded with love and unflinching desire to progress,” Obieri also stated.
Orumba Forum’s scholarship scheme receives
appraisal
By Ikenna Nwosu
By Ikenna Nwosu
The scholarship scheme
of the Orumba Forum, a non-government organization, has received a major
appraisal, this time from the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano,
who lauded the efforts of the Forum in awarding scholarships to deserving
students of the area.
The Governor stated this during the 2015 Scholarship Award Scheme of the Forum and the formal reception of the Governor in the area, held in Nanka, Orumba North, describing the scheme as the best gift the Forum could give to the young and bright students who merited the gesture.
He added that the beneficiaries will always remember that in all their lives, and that the project used to happen before now, where communities used to come together to train people, stressing that at some point it disappeared.
He said that some of the known names today have benefitted in one way or the other from community support when they were going to school, noting that the government wants to bring back those kinds of great ideas.
He stated: “You do not leave it to the
government alone. Whoever has money that can train whoever that is not his
child, should do so. That is the only way the fellow you train will not forget
you, because when the history is written, there is no way they will not bring
in your name.”The Governor stated this during the 2015 Scholarship Award Scheme of the Forum and the formal reception of the Governor in the area, held in Nanka, Orumba North, describing the scheme as the best gift the Forum could give to the young and bright students who merited the gesture.
He added that the beneficiaries will always remember that in all their lives, and that the project used to happen before now, where communities used to come together to train people, stressing that at some point it disappeared.
He said that some of the known names today have benefitted in one way or the other from community support when they were going to school, noting that the government wants to bring back those kinds of great ideas.
“So I thank Orumba Forum once more. I also want to assure, that you have been covered in everything we are doing. First for the Orumba North/South, you all have commissioners working with me. You know Nikky Ugochukwu, one of you; I insisted and made sure she is where she is today. Even the former Deputy Governor and many more of your children are also working with me now. I just told your President, Obieri, that I will require two people from the Forum for board appointment recommended by the Forum,” he stated.
He continued: “I will not conclude until I visit some of your requests that are here. They are about sixteen from North and South. Ordinarily, I will say done! But you know things are very difficult now. As a matter of fact, we are only four states that pay salaries regularly now.”
The governor hinted that there is a massive drop in the fat allocation from the federal government, and therefore, when they are faced with such circumstances, what they do is to cut their cost and improve on the Internally Generated Fund (IGR), “and basically, that is what we are doing.”
He revealed that his predecessor awarded massive road contracts shortly before he left and that those roads are being taken care of by his government, adding that the federal government is owing the state 27 billion on road works. “So you have patience with me. That is why I brought the commissioner for works, I will send him to go and see those roads and if there is some we can fix now so that people can be using them pending when fund comes.”
He described the demand by Orumba Forum for a borehole as a “piece of cake,” assuring that he will look into it among other things. “I will take your requests seriously, and my team will study them and select the ones we can do within the financial constraints I told you earlier.”
According to the governor, Anambra is doing well in education, and because of that, the cut- of mark for Anambra to be admitted into the university is 224, while some other states is just five adding that, that is why they are working hard to ensure that when the students graduate, they will find a place to work.
He further assured that he will intensify his efforts on his four pillars: agriculture, trade and commerce, oil and gas, and industrialization, stating that his government is doing well at these early stages in setting up those areas.
“The value-chain will certainly accommodate most of you as you graduate. Anytime people ask me, what are you doing differently in education? I say we are doing three things; one is upgrading the infrastructure that we met on ground. Infrastructure does not include only the building; it includes the teaching aids, and that is my definition of infrastructure,” he pointed out.
He said that infrastructure is critical in what his government is doing, and that good school environment helps learning. “You cannot stay where mad people are and read well. Second is the comfort of the students, there comfort is critical to enable them read very well. That is what we are providing by encouraging that there are bole holes and fencing of schools, particularly in girl’s hostels, so we do not have a repeat of the Chibok Girl’s drama.”
He also stated: “We provide running water. We are about to improve electricity because A company is investing so much money in exploiting the gas in one of the Orient Petrol wells. We will be able to get 85 mega watts of electricity and that is about what we are consuming now. So that is doubling what we have and that will actually move round all the places and if you watch what is happening, I just signed plenty of money to reconnect vandalized electrical wires.”
Obiano assured that most of the schools in Anambra will be connected properly with electricity and that they will have light to do prep among other school activities, adding that the comfort of students is number two pillar in what his administration is doing in education.
“The third and very important is training and retraining of our teachers and looking into their welfare. When I took over, they were the first set of people I addressed and I reassured them that when the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) which I inherited, which was N480 million moved to about a billion Naira, I will revisit their case, it is now about N1.1 billion, and I did that,” he also stated.
We’ve
shown extraordinary leadership, maturity – Igwe Achina, Obiora
Ogonna Umeh
Ogonna Umeh
The Igwe Achina, HRM Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora,
the Eze Idegwu 111, has said that his Igwe in Council has shown extraordinary
leadership quality and maturity in the way they have so far managed their
relationship with their fellow brothers over the autonomous issue.
Speaking during the December 2015 Idegwu Day festivities in Achina, Igwe Obiora noted that instead of flexing their strength and advantageous position, they have continued to dangle the carrot in order to bring their brothers back to the fold.
“This, we do by offering their wards identification letters unconditionally, attending funerals and other important functions and finally not using instruments of authority to stop any activity not authorized by the council,” he stated.
According to Igwe Obiora, they have adopted the biblical attitude of allowing the wheat and weed to grow together until the harvest, adding that the benefit of this civil approach is the voluntary return of some Umunna from the autonomous enclave to the fold without any compulsion.
On the issue of land purchase in Achina, he noted that Igwe-in-council has streamlined land sales and purchases in Achina by setting up administrative steps that must be taken for any piece of land to be considered validly sold in Achina.
He said that the structure that encourages both buyers and sellers alike to ensure that any sale of land is done in the open, involving the chairman of the ummunnas, their Ichie and Igwe in that order, has put to an end the “bad blood” and dissatisfaction that follows badly-managed transactions like sale of land.
He also stated: The Igwe-in-council has proactively managed in timely manners the bitterness and transfer of hate crimes to the future generation as diokpalas can now be stopped from selling a family inheritance unless they have good accord with their siblings.”
Speaking further, Igwe Obiora noted that Idegwu Day is significant because it is the celebration of the greatness of their ancestral heritage, Idegwu Egbe Buru Oku Asoghi Anwuru, adding that it is a great occasion of reflection for all Achina people.
“While reflecting on the sacrifices made by our forefathers, laying down their lives for this great town, we are also reflecting on our contributions as individuals, groups, unions, associations, organizations etc, to the continuity of the good works started by our ancestors,” he further stated.
According to him, Idegwu Day is also the celebration of their rich cultural heritage, as will be witnessed by several ancient cultures that were presented, adding that it is a celebration of life and achievements as it affords Achina people the opportunity to look back and assess how far they have moved in the past three years.
“Today, we are celebrating 15 years of post-crises town union and its harmonious blend with the traditional institution. I am therefore highly delighted to welcome all of you to this celebration of all celebrations in Achina,” he noted.
He said that the 2015 Idegwu celebration is a special one to him because it coincided with his 5th year on the throne, and recalled that during his maiden Ofala festival in 2012, he confessed that his first two years on the throne was a period of learning for him and the other members of his cabinet.
In his words: “I did invite all of you to cooperate and join hands with us in making this town great again in this same occasion. I also promised you that I was going to leave my door open to all of you in discharging my function as the royal father of the town.”
He continued: “Today, I want to thank all of you for the tremendous support and encouragement I have received from you, which has inspired me and has also led to a catalogue of achievements within the past three years.”
Speaking during the December 2015 Idegwu Day festivities in Achina, Igwe Obiora noted that instead of flexing their strength and advantageous position, they have continued to dangle the carrot in order to bring their brothers back to the fold.
“This, we do by offering their wards identification letters unconditionally, attending funerals and other important functions and finally not using instruments of authority to stop any activity not authorized by the council,” he stated.
According to Igwe Obiora, they have adopted the biblical attitude of allowing the wheat and weed to grow together until the harvest, adding that the benefit of this civil approach is the voluntary return of some Umunna from the autonomous enclave to the fold without any compulsion.
On the issue of land purchase in Achina, he noted that Igwe-in-council has streamlined land sales and purchases in Achina by setting up administrative steps that must be taken for any piece of land to be considered validly sold in Achina.
He said that the structure that encourages both buyers and sellers alike to ensure that any sale of land is done in the open, involving the chairman of the ummunnas, their Ichie and Igwe in that order, has put to an end the “bad blood” and dissatisfaction that follows badly-managed transactions like sale of land.
He also stated: The Igwe-in-council has proactively managed in timely manners the bitterness and transfer of hate crimes to the future generation as diokpalas can now be stopped from selling a family inheritance unless they have good accord with their siblings.”
Speaking further, Igwe Obiora noted that Idegwu Day is significant because it is the celebration of the greatness of their ancestral heritage, Idegwu Egbe Buru Oku Asoghi Anwuru, adding that it is a great occasion of reflection for all Achina people.
“While reflecting on the sacrifices made by our forefathers, laying down their lives for this great town, we are also reflecting on our contributions as individuals, groups, unions, associations, organizations etc, to the continuity of the good works started by our ancestors,” he further stated.
According to him, Idegwu Day is also the celebration of their rich cultural heritage, as will be witnessed by several ancient cultures that were presented, adding that it is a celebration of life and achievements as it affords Achina people the opportunity to look back and assess how far they have moved in the past three years.
“Today, we are celebrating 15 years of post-crises town union and its harmonious blend with the traditional institution. I am therefore highly delighted to welcome all of you to this celebration of all celebrations in Achina,” he noted.
He said that the 2015 Idegwu celebration is a special one to him because it coincided with his 5th year on the throne, and recalled that during his maiden Ofala festival in 2012, he confessed that his first two years on the throne was a period of learning for him and the other members of his cabinet.
In his words: “I did invite all of you to cooperate and join hands with us in making this town great again in this same occasion. I also promised you that I was going to leave my door open to all of you in discharging my function as the royal father of the town.”
He continued: “Today, I want to thank all of you for the tremendous support and encouragement I have received from you, which has inspired me and has also led to a catalogue of achievements within the past three years.”
Idegwu
Day promotes community development – Achina PG, Ezechukwu
Success Kanayo Uchime
Success Kanayo Uchime
The Idegwu Day celebration in Achina, Aguata local
government is said to be a period to rekindle and regenerate the love of Achina
people towards community development. It is also designed to bring the people
together in order to look into the past, assess their progress as a community,
and also infuse in them a sense of community service.
These facts were brought out by the President-General (PG), Achina Town Union (ATU), Hon. Obiora C. J Ezechukwu, in a statement during the celebration of 2015 Idegwu Day in the town on December 31, 2015, adding that the significance of the celebration lies in the fact that it is a celebration of love, brotherhood, and friendship.
He explained that though some Igbo cultures and traditions were found to have negative influences on the society, but it is not so with the Idegwu Day cultural festival, adding that the celebration goes beyond enjoying cultural dances and masquerade displays.
“It is indeed the celebration of our cultural heritage which must be sustained in order to avoid losing our cultural identity and sense of direction. Any community that allows its culture to perish would have succeeded in allowing itself to go into extinction,” he stated.
He continued: “Moreover, the celebration of Idegwu Day provides opportunity for our people, especially the younger ones to mix freely, visit relatives, attend village and kindred meetings, and also get acquainted with their people. This kind of interaction engenders love among the kindred and also induces the sense of responsibility on the youths based on our extended family system.”
Hon. Ezechukwu noted that the celebration also helps the youths to discover and appreciate their root and to endeavor at all times, to work hard to improve their condition towards meeting societal standards and conditions.
According to him, families that have been in disarray due to some misunderstandings normally would use this opportunity to come and sort their differences out with the view to settling them finally.
“As our people believe that problems are not solved by running away from them, but by facing them squarely, the best way to solve them is not even by making phone calls across the cities, but by coming home to our fatherland. The peaceful spirits of our ancestors are still there to help bring peace to our families,” he also stated.
He recalled that the Idegwu Day celebration as it is in Achina today, was first conceived and caused to be celebrated in 1975, by the then Achina Patriotic Union (APU), led by the late Chief (Hon.) Godwin Ogbuozobe, and that it was in that year that the festival was proclaimed a triennial event.
The PG also recalled that prior to 1975, Achina community had in 1959 and 1965, marked the celebration of the re-union of her indigenes, which was widely known as the “return years,” noting that historically, the highlight of the celebration in 1959 was the opening of the then magnificent Achina town hall and the civic center, under the leadership of the then chairman of APU, late Chief Ben Ezenwa.
“Specifically, it was on the 29th day of December, 1959, that the ceremony took place amidst displays of various cultural dances and masquerades. The return year of 1965 also witnessed the great mass return of our people living abroad, primarily to renew acquaintance with their kith and kin back home,” he also stated.
He emphasized that records have it that the return year of 1965 was greeted with much joy as almost all the families of Achina people living abroad returned home for the celebration, and that it was celebrated as usual at the Achina town hall. “Many dancing groups and masquerades featured and competed for trophies/prizes.”
Hon. Ezechukwu said it is regrettable that due to some communal feuds, the celebration of the festival was not observed since that of 1975 as expected until 2003, when it was revived by the Achina Town Union under the leadership of Chief Okey Okpalugo, adding that in that year, what might be regarded as the Idegwu Day celebration proper was celebrated in a grand style.
According to him, the event attracted Achina people in their true colors as those living abroad and some in Diaspora returned home in their numbers to celebrate the epoch-making ceremony, noting that it witnessed the greatest assemblage of their people in recent time.
“There were colorful cultural displays from various branches of Achina Town Union, and was climaxed with the outing of very old, but very well known masquerades which had been seen for more than 50 years before then,” he further said.
These facts were brought out by the President-General (PG), Achina Town Union (ATU), Hon. Obiora C. J Ezechukwu, in a statement during the celebration of 2015 Idegwu Day in the town on December 31, 2015, adding that the significance of the celebration lies in the fact that it is a celebration of love, brotherhood, and friendship.
He explained that though some Igbo cultures and traditions were found to have negative influences on the society, but it is not so with the Idegwu Day cultural festival, adding that the celebration goes beyond enjoying cultural dances and masquerade displays.
“It is indeed the celebration of our cultural heritage which must be sustained in order to avoid losing our cultural identity and sense of direction. Any community that allows its culture to perish would have succeeded in allowing itself to go into extinction,” he stated.
He continued: “Moreover, the celebration of Idegwu Day provides opportunity for our people, especially the younger ones to mix freely, visit relatives, attend village and kindred meetings, and also get acquainted with their people. This kind of interaction engenders love among the kindred and also induces the sense of responsibility on the youths based on our extended family system.”
Hon. Ezechukwu noted that the celebration also helps the youths to discover and appreciate their root and to endeavor at all times, to work hard to improve their condition towards meeting societal standards and conditions.
According to him, families that have been in disarray due to some misunderstandings normally would use this opportunity to come and sort their differences out with the view to settling them finally.
“As our people believe that problems are not solved by running away from them, but by facing them squarely, the best way to solve them is not even by making phone calls across the cities, but by coming home to our fatherland. The peaceful spirits of our ancestors are still there to help bring peace to our families,” he also stated.
He recalled that the Idegwu Day celebration as it is in Achina today, was first conceived and caused to be celebrated in 1975, by the then Achina Patriotic Union (APU), led by the late Chief (Hon.) Godwin Ogbuozobe, and that it was in that year that the festival was proclaimed a triennial event.
The PG also recalled that prior to 1975, Achina community had in 1959 and 1965, marked the celebration of the re-union of her indigenes, which was widely known as the “return years,” noting that historically, the highlight of the celebration in 1959 was the opening of the then magnificent Achina town hall and the civic center, under the leadership of the then chairman of APU, late Chief Ben Ezenwa.
“Specifically, it was on the 29th day of December, 1959, that the ceremony took place amidst displays of various cultural dances and masquerades. The return year of 1965 also witnessed the great mass return of our people living abroad, primarily to renew acquaintance with their kith and kin back home,” he also stated.
He emphasized that records have it that the return year of 1965 was greeted with much joy as almost all the families of Achina people living abroad returned home for the celebration, and that it was celebrated as usual at the Achina town hall. “Many dancing groups and masquerades featured and competed for trophies/prizes.”
Hon. Ezechukwu said it is regrettable that due to some communal feuds, the celebration of the festival was not observed since that of 1975 as expected until 2003, when it was revived by the Achina Town Union under the leadership of Chief Okey Okpalugo, adding that in that year, what might be regarded as the Idegwu Day celebration proper was celebrated in a grand style.
According to him, the event attracted Achina people in their true colors as those living abroad and some in Diaspora returned home in their numbers to celebrate the epoch-making ceremony, noting that it witnessed the greatest assemblage of their people in recent time.
“There were colorful cultural displays from various branches of Achina Town Union, and was climaxed with the outing of very old, but very well known masquerades which had been seen for more than 50 years before then,” he further said.
Amesi
PG lauds Gov. Obiano on new Igwe
Ikenna Nwosu
The President-General (PG) of Amesi Improvement
Union (AIU), Ezekiel Chukwuneke, has
appreciated the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State in
recognizing and equipping their candidate for the Igweship of the town with the
legal documents and other paraphernalia of a royal father.Ikenna Nwosu
Chukwuneke made this known during the 2015 triennial Akalabor festival held at the Central School field Amesi on December 23, 2015, adding that the entire Amesi indigenes pledged their unalloyed support and loyalty to the governor and his team.
In the same vein, he also appreciated the immense contributions made by the Local Government Chairman, Chief Chukwuma Umeoji, adding that his support has remained indelible in their minds. “We also appreciate the Aguata Traditional Rulers Council for their moral and fatherly support all through the process. May you live long! To all individuals and organizations that contributed to the success story, we pray God to reward you abundantly.”
According to him, the occasion marked the official unveiling and presentation of their new traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Paul Ogbuachor, the Igwe Akalabor 11 of Amesi to all and sundry, adding that the event also afforded Amesi people the opportunity to assemble in order to commemorate the rich legacies of their great ancestor, Akalabor.
“We have packaged for the entertainment of our guests, cultural activities, displays of alternative machine, football league and non-denominational prayer session. We are also conferring chieftaincy titles on some notable sons and daughters of Amesi for their genuine and purposeful contributions towards the uplifting of the community and the society at large,” he stated.
The PG commended the A.I.U executive committee members, the branch chapters and the Mass Return Committee for their selfless efforts and resilience in accomplishing the task of hosting the event. “I appreciate in no small measures, the keen interest shown by Amesians abroad towards the uplifting of our town. We pray for the sustenance of your think-home philosophy. We are proud of you.”
He felicitated with their new royal father on his successful installation to the throne and pledged their loyalty and support to his administration at all times, adding that their congratulation is also going to the newly coronated members of Ndi Ichie and the awardees of Amesi chieftaincy titles. “We urge you to strive at living up to the calling of your present status.”
While acknowledging the visit of Governor Obiano and his entourage, he hoped that the governor’s visit would afford him the opportunity of getting firsthand information on their yearnings and challenges before them.
He stated: “We will welcome a concerted effort by government towards the completion of Obizi Regional Water Scheme to ease the problem of water shortage experienced by communities in this area.”
In his own speech, the chairman of the 2015 Mass Return and the coordinating committee, Mr. Casmir Anazodo, said that Amesi as a community, is known to be celebrating their ancestral father, Akalabor every three years, and that it is an event every Amesi indigene is praying to be alive to witness.
He noted that Akalabor 2015 is not only a celebration of family reunion, showcasing of their cultural heritage, masquerade display, soccer tournament and prayer session, but rather, it is a historic event in Amesi as it marked the end of an era and the dawn of a new one.
He stated: “Akalabor this year ushers in a new dawn of kinship in our town. This 2015, our town will be conspicuous to all because a new traditional government is being instituted according to the collective will of our people. This new dawn will inspire all of us to be part and parcel of a collective vision to make our tomorrows today’s reality.”
Anazodo appreciated the PG and his team for their vibrancy, dynamism, potential and doggedness in piloting the affairs of the town, while also appreciating the committee and sub-committee members who put in their best in order to make the event a memorable one.
Policing is a shared responsibility – Ajalli DPO
By Obi Okeke
The Ajalli Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP
Patrick Odoemelem, said that the job of policing the communities is a shared
responsibility by all, as it is part of the civic responsibility of all
citizens to help the Police in fighting crime.
He made this known in a statement during the Police children’s Christmas/end of year party organized by his Division in Ajalli, Orumba North, adding that no Police Force anywhere in the world can succeed in the onerous task of crime fighting, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, due enforcement of laws, protection of life and property, investigation and prosecution of offenders, without the active support, assistance and cooperation of members of the public.
He pledged to remain focused on their vision, which is to be a leading national, professional and efficient law enforcement organization, adding that their mission is to provide safety and security in Nigerian communities, protect and respect human rights and also promote community partnership in preventing and controlling social disorder.
“We are to serve you better in line with our core values of loyalty, hard work, integrity, humility and honor,” he stated.
CSP Odoemelem disclosed that the party was for the children in the community, and as such, it was pertinent to address them and their parents, adding that the children and their guardians should remember that children are special gifts from God, and that the greatest legacy they can bequest children is to give them sound education, protect them from child labor, abuse, trafficking, hawking and exposure to moral dangers when they should be in school studying.
He stated: “Remember that the greatest investment is the one you make on your children. Train your children to grow up and become responsible, good, law-abiding citizens. Teach them good morals and fear of God. It is our responsibility to train, nurture and direct them in the way they should go, so that when they grow up, they will not depart from it, as the Bible says in Proverbs 22:26.”
Still quoting from Proverbs 23:13, he admonished the parents not to withhold discipline from their children, that if they beat them, they will not die, noting that they should not spare the rod and spoil the child as foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but that the rod of correction shall drive it far from them, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:15.
“You should therefore discipline and correct your children when they do wrong. Do not send them to go and hawk on the road as this will expose them to moral danger, especially the girl-child. It is our responsibility to provide for and train our children so that they will take care of us in our old age,” he also stated.
He further stated: “Also remember to teach them sex education at an early age, so that they will not become victims of the dreaded HIV/AIDS.”
To the children, CSP Odoemelem urged to always respect their parents, guardians and elders, and that they should be serious with their education/studies, advising them not to join bad friends, groups, and cults.
“Do not take drugs; avoid crime and criminality and anything that can put you or your family into trouble. Honor your father and mother so that it shall be well with you and your days will be long, as mentioned in Exodus 20:12,” he admonished.
Also quoting Proverbs 20:20, he encouraged the children: “Do not provoke your parents to anger, and do not give them cause to curse you as it will follow you. Remember what the Bible says, that anyone that curses his father or mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.”
He further encouraged them to take their education seriously, as it is the only thing they need at this tender age that will make them become responsible citizens tomorrow, urging them to be obedient and to respect their parents and elders, and also to be of good behavior to everybody.
“Remember to report any strange things, persons, cars/vehicles, incidents or observations to your parents/guardians. Do not accept gifts/presents from strangers or persons you do not know and do not enter their cars. Do not take what does not belong to you, and do not tell lies,” CSP Odoemelem further admonished.
He made this known in a statement during the Police children’s Christmas/end of year party organized by his Division in Ajalli, Orumba North, adding that no Police Force anywhere in the world can succeed in the onerous task of crime fighting, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, due enforcement of laws, protection of life and property, investigation and prosecution of offenders, without the active support, assistance and cooperation of members of the public.
He pledged to remain focused on their vision, which is to be a leading national, professional and efficient law enforcement organization, adding that their mission is to provide safety and security in Nigerian communities, protect and respect human rights and also promote community partnership in preventing and controlling social disorder.
“We are to serve you better in line with our core values of loyalty, hard work, integrity, humility and honor,” he stated.
CSP Odoemelem disclosed that the party was for the children in the community, and as such, it was pertinent to address them and their parents, adding that the children and their guardians should remember that children are special gifts from God, and that the greatest legacy they can bequest children is to give them sound education, protect them from child labor, abuse, trafficking, hawking and exposure to moral dangers when they should be in school studying.
He stated: “Remember that the greatest investment is the one you make on your children. Train your children to grow up and become responsible, good, law-abiding citizens. Teach them good morals and fear of God. It is our responsibility to train, nurture and direct them in the way they should go, so that when they grow up, they will not depart from it, as the Bible says in Proverbs 22:26.”
Still quoting from Proverbs 23:13, he admonished the parents not to withhold discipline from their children, that if they beat them, they will not die, noting that they should not spare the rod and spoil the child as foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but that the rod of correction shall drive it far from them, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:15.
“You should therefore discipline and correct your children when they do wrong. Do not send them to go and hawk on the road as this will expose them to moral danger, especially the girl-child. It is our responsibility to provide for and train our children so that they will take care of us in our old age,” he also stated.
He further stated: “Also remember to teach them sex education at an early age, so that they will not become victims of the dreaded HIV/AIDS.”
To the children, CSP Odoemelem urged to always respect their parents, guardians and elders, and that they should be serious with their education/studies, advising them not to join bad friends, groups, and cults.
“Do not take drugs; avoid crime and criminality and anything that can put you or your family into trouble. Honor your father and mother so that it shall be well with you and your days will be long, as mentioned in Exodus 20:12,” he admonished.
Also quoting Proverbs 20:20, he encouraged the children: “Do not provoke your parents to anger, and do not give them cause to curse you as it will follow you. Remember what the Bible says, that anyone that curses his father or mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.”
He further encouraged them to take their education seriously, as it is the only thing they need at this tender age that will make them become responsible citizens tomorrow, urging them to be obedient and to respect their parents and elders, and also to be of good behavior to everybody.
“Remember to report any strange things, persons, cars/vehicles, incidents or observations to your parents/guardians. Do not accept gifts/presents from strangers or persons you do not know and do not enter their cars. Do not take what does not belong to you, and do not tell lies,” CSP Odoemelem further admonished.
Ndikelionwu Welfare Association budgets N53M for 2016
By Ray Kanu
Ndikelionwu Welfare Association (NWA) is to spend N53 million this fiscal year, which will go into the completion of the town’s hall, rehabilitation of the town’s health center, fencing of the principal’s quarters of Ndikelionwu Community School among other vital community projects.
The President-General (PG) of the Association, Mazi Okey Okereke, made this revelation during their Annual General Mmeeting (AGM), adding that NWA has ensured that greater attention is paid to the needs of the school, though they are still battling with the enigma of low enrollment of students. “Unscrupulous people tried to deprive the school the full support coming from the state government.”
On security issues, Mazi Okereke decried the activities of the town’s vigilante: “It is with pain in my heart that I report that from all indications, it is obvious that the town’s vigilante has not only failed, but has since become an obstacle to establishing a viable security network for the protection of lives and property in the town. The clear roles of the Hon. Emma Nwene-led security outfit are currently having serious implications for other critical areas of life in the town.”
Still indicting the town’s security outfit, he noted that his executives at one time acted in concert with Ndiowu and Omogho to ensure that the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) distributed commensurate electric power to the three towns.
“The move was successful. But now, the town suffers a blackout due to the lack of security and the unpatriotic roles played by some security elements in the town that ensured that the transformers are vandalized. The outcome of this is that the distribution company is now said to be angry with our town as a result of the disagreement between some members of its staff and the youths over the vandalization of Ndikpa village transformer,” he stated.
According to Mazi Okereke, efforts are however still on to restore electricity, regretting that Umuochu village is yet to be hooked-on to the national grid because of the shoddy job done by the contractors and their local collaborators. “Efforts are equally on to ensure that all those involved do not escape with their loots.”
Speaking further on the ongoing reconstruction of the town’s hall, he pointed out that it is to the glory of God that having plunged into this reconstruction work with utmost bare hands, his administration has brought the project to its present level.
He stated: “I know that with our trust in God and with your support, we shall have a beautiful town hall before the end of the present administration. The executive committee of NWA wishes to express, here again, our profound gratitude to all who have supported the project.”
He continued: “We will not disappoint you. May the good Lord replenish you and your name immortalized as a result of this gesture. However, the work is far from being finished. We therefore urge our people, home and abroad, to donate generously towards the speedy completion of the project.”
Mazi Okereke urged all Ndikelionwu people to reinvent their winning values of family, hard work and exemplary courage, so that in their life time, they may collectively solidify the foundations of godly, healthy and prosperous Ndikeliownu that remains unassailable.
Also speaking during the AGM, the Eze of the town, HRM Eze (Prof.) Chukwuemeka Ike, Eze Ikelionwu X1, urged all Ndikelinowu youths to ensure they are empowered economically in other to live a life free of poverty and lack, adding that they have been able to train three sets of people on economic empowerment.
He regretted that the indigenes would not want to come to benefit from this government gesture, adding that the government wants people to start cooperative societies in order to benefit from soft loans that are usually disbursed to such societies.
“I appeal to our people, especially the youths to be hard working, so they can be productive. Let our people support our town’s school and other projects going on in the town,” he stated.
He noted that he will soon have in place the Eze’s cabinet that will be charged with the responsibility of providing necessary advise to him, adding that there will also be in place a title to be known as Ugwu Ndikelionwu to be given to deserving indigenes of the town.
By Ray Kanu
Ndikelionwu Welfare Association (NWA) is to spend N53 million this fiscal year, which will go into the completion of the town’s hall, rehabilitation of the town’s health center, fencing of the principal’s quarters of Ndikelionwu Community School among other vital community projects.
The President-General (PG) of the Association, Mazi Okey Okereke, made this revelation during their Annual General Mmeeting (AGM), adding that NWA has ensured that greater attention is paid to the needs of the school, though they are still battling with the enigma of low enrollment of students. “Unscrupulous people tried to deprive the school the full support coming from the state government.”
On security issues, Mazi Okereke decried the activities of the town’s vigilante: “It is with pain in my heart that I report that from all indications, it is obvious that the town’s vigilante has not only failed, but has since become an obstacle to establishing a viable security network for the protection of lives and property in the town. The clear roles of the Hon. Emma Nwene-led security outfit are currently having serious implications for other critical areas of life in the town.”
Still indicting the town’s security outfit, he noted that his executives at one time acted in concert with Ndiowu and Omogho to ensure that the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) distributed commensurate electric power to the three towns.
“The move was successful. But now, the town suffers a blackout due to the lack of security and the unpatriotic roles played by some security elements in the town that ensured that the transformers are vandalized. The outcome of this is that the distribution company is now said to be angry with our town as a result of the disagreement between some members of its staff and the youths over the vandalization of Ndikpa village transformer,” he stated.
According to Mazi Okereke, efforts are however still on to restore electricity, regretting that Umuochu village is yet to be hooked-on to the national grid because of the shoddy job done by the contractors and their local collaborators. “Efforts are equally on to ensure that all those involved do not escape with their loots.”
Speaking further on the ongoing reconstruction of the town’s hall, he pointed out that it is to the glory of God that having plunged into this reconstruction work with utmost bare hands, his administration has brought the project to its present level.
He stated: “I know that with our trust in God and with your support, we shall have a beautiful town hall before the end of the present administration. The executive committee of NWA wishes to express, here again, our profound gratitude to all who have supported the project.”
He continued: “We will not disappoint you. May the good Lord replenish you and your name immortalized as a result of this gesture. However, the work is far from being finished. We therefore urge our people, home and abroad, to donate generously towards the speedy completion of the project.”
Mazi Okereke urged all Ndikelionwu people to reinvent their winning values of family, hard work and exemplary courage, so that in their life time, they may collectively solidify the foundations of godly, healthy and prosperous Ndikeliownu that remains unassailable.
Also speaking during the AGM, the Eze of the town, HRM Eze (Prof.) Chukwuemeka Ike, Eze Ikelionwu X1, urged all Ndikelinowu youths to ensure they are empowered economically in other to live a life free of poverty and lack, adding that they have been able to train three sets of people on economic empowerment.
He regretted that the indigenes would not want to come to benefit from this government gesture, adding that the government wants people to start cooperative societies in order to benefit from soft loans that are usually disbursed to such societies.
“I appeal to our people, especially the youths to be hard working, so they can be productive. Let our people support our town’s school and other projects going on in the town,” he stated.
He noted that he will soon have in place the Eze’s cabinet that will be charged with the responsibility of providing necessary advise to him, adding that there will also be in place a title to be known as Ugwu Ndikelionwu to be given to deserving indigenes of the town.
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