…as Hon Nwanjoku outlines devt plans for the community, others

The Traditional Ruler as well as the people of Obeagu Oduma autonomous community have reiterated their support for the Executive Chairman of Aninri Local Government Area, Hon Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, pledging that they would foster relationship that will ensure the success of his administration.

This was even as the council boss assured that his administration would not let the people down, insisting that he would fulfill all the promises contained in his manifesto.

The community's delegation, who was on a working and support visit to the council chairman at his office on Wednesday in Ndeabo, led by Igwe Jerome Iyiagu, described Nwanjoku's victory at the just concluded polls as a testament to the confidence the people reposed in his leadership qualities.

The delegates expressed optimism about the positive changes the administration will bring to their community and the entire council area, adding that Nwanjoku had started his government on a strategic path.

Igwe Iyiagu, while thanking the state governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for including their community as a beneficiary of the new rural roads’ construction in the state, seized the opportunity to highlight the poor condition of their only link road.

"While we are here to celebrate with you, it's also crucial to bring to your attention the state of our road, which has isolated us from other villages.

"We are confident in your capacity to address the security challenges within our council and assure you of our unwavering support to sustain peace in our area.

"We extend our full support for the vision of our esteemed governor and are committed to collaborating with your administration to achieve the goals set forth for the betterment of our region."

Meanwhile, the President-General of the community, Engr. Anyanwu Ikechukwu, lauded the governor for the ongoing infrastructural and industrial rebirth in the state.

 "There is no doubt that Enugu is undergoing significant changes and transformation that is evident, even to the naysayers, and our local government is no exception,” he added.

Describing Nwanjoku as a grassroots leader who had been mobilizing resources for human capital development, the PG said his election had drawn celebrations among the people of their community.

 According to him, "Our chairman has demonstrated his capability in the past, and we are certain that, under his leadership, we will thrive as others have. We stand firmly behind you and will support you until the end.

"We urge you to address the fact that Obeagu Oduma is completely cut off due to the collapse of Ngene Aku bridge. We believe you possess the ability to resolve this protracted issue."

Reacting, the council chairman reflected on his long-standing relationship with the people of Obeagu Uduma, noting that Obeagu's contributions were integral to the political history of Aninri.

"The politics of Aninri LG began in Oduma, and if you count Oduma, you must count Obeagu first. The political journey of Oduma commenced with the late James Chukwuani, who mentored late Igwe Onyiaoha Nwanjoku, ensuring that the light never dimmed."

"Thanks to the political efforts of late Igwe Nwanjoku, Aninri produced its first speaker, Abel Chukwu."

He assured them of his commitment to prioritize their welfare, recognizing their significant role in his election as the council chairman, and pledged a collective commitment to developing the council.

"I understand the challenges faced by the people of Obeagu, and I empathize with their plight. We will thoroughly assess the situation, and in collaboration with our dynamic, innovative, and transformative governor, the road will receive the attention it deserves.

“The governor has already dispatched a team from the state government to evaluate that road. Rest assured, you have not been forgotten.

"This collaboration is vital; we want to ensure that we address the road issue based on available resources. If His Excellency's team undertakes the road repairs, we risk damaging the bridge, leading to a waste of our limited resources.

"While you manage the current situation with remedial measures, I assure you that after the rainy season, our administration will construct an access road for the people of Oduma to ease their plight,” he assured.

He went further to elaborate on his plans for Aninri.

"I promised our people a significant number of roads within my first year in office because we are here to provide quality service. We will seek strong partnerships with the state government to enhance our IGR and make our plans feasible.

"Our people are in distress. We will end the era of our youth having to travel to Enugu town to write the UTME due to the lack of an ICT center. We must establish ICT centers in all three political zones and equip them with modern technology.

"We are thinking outside the box to build infrastructure that will catalyze the development of our council,” he said.