From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Ugbaike community, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local government Area, Enugu State, erupted in wild jubilation recently during the civic reception in honour of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the state Commissioner for Rural Development, Prince Emeka Mamah.
During the colourful ceremony held at Technical College, Ugbaike , the Royal fathers conferred on Governor Ugwuanyi, the traditional title of Gburugburu Ugbaike in recognition of his developmental strides in the community and Enugu State in general.
Setting the tone for the ceremony, Chairman of the Planning Committee, a retired Permanent Secretary in Enugu State, Nze Dennis Eze said the Ugbaike community collectively agreed to not only host the Governor and appreciate him with a chieftaincy title but also to praise him for finding their son, Prince Emeka Mamah worthy of being a member of the state Executive Council.
President General, Ugbaike General Assembly, Joseph Odo, a legal practitioner in an address pointed out the peoples appreciation of the Governor’s benevolence to Ugbaike community and Igbo-Eze North in general.
He said the thank-you duty the people owe to government is to remain law abiding always and also participate actively in the promotion and sustenance of the policies and programmes of Ugwuanyi’s people friendly government.
The President General also conveyed the appreciation of the Ugbaike community to the governor for appointing another indigene, Nze Chidi Nwaomeh as his Special Assistant and the speedy diligence which the government applied in responding to the outbreak of yellow fever in Igbo-Eze North.
“We cannot let go of this opportunity without recognizing the unique brand of social engineering which Your Excellency has brought to bear in Enugu State. A brand rooted in decency, peace, honesty, hard work, and relentlessly geared towards the resilient all –round development of Enugu State. Peace has never been so tangible in our state and love so eloquent. For all these, we thank you and urge you not to rest on your oars. The vineyard is still in need of labour and labourers . Thankfully, the timeline, the finishing line is not too near” he said.
While thanking the Governor for the ongoing road projects in Igbo-Eze North, the community also presented three request to him namely-completion of the Obollo Afor-Ugbaike-Igbogoro road, upgrading of Ugbaike Health Centre to a Cottage Hospital and the asphalting of the Amufie- Ugbaike –Inyi road whose earth work has been done through the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP).
The son of the soil on whose recognition the ceremony took place, Prince Emeka Mamah, Commissioner for Rural Development , Enugu State , in a remark described Governor Ugwuanyi as “the Project Governor who has taken Enugu State to the next level”.
Prince Emeka who is the first son of the late transport mogul and traditional ruler of Umuozzi , Igwe James Mamah of Ifesinachi Transport, appreciated the Governor for making him part of the state exco and the people of Igbo-Eze North who also reposed confidence in him to represent the local government area .
He noted that the ceremony marked the first time his community Ugbaike was hosting the governor in their midst and expressed confidence that the governor’s actions in the remaining period of his tenure would not only reverberate across the state but also stamp a solid feat of development in the annals of history.
He also presented one request to the Governor-the recognition of another autonomous community from Ugbaike.
He noted that his people were earnestly yearning for such having selected and presented a traditional ruler in that direction and now waiting for government approval.
Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the people immensely for their warm hospitality and their kind words.
He expressed gratitude to the people also for the peace and understanding prevailing among them.
He announced a donation of N20 million naira for the upgrade of the Ugbaike Health Centre and assured the people that other demands would be discussed at the exco level with Prince Emeka Mamah whose portfolio handles rural development projects.
“I thank you all for the special recognition and reception. What makes it also spectacular is the fact that the entire people of Igbo-Eze North LGA unanimously consented to the appointment of Prince Emeka Mamah as a Commissioner. It is a result of his capacity, foresight and great ambassadorial roles. Ide Mamah, Enugu state government is proud of you. You are a great ally. I thank the family of Igwe J.O Mamah for the gift of Ide and I can assure you all of our determination to make Enugu State our pride of place” the governor said.
Chairman, Committee of Friends Planning Committee, Mr. Ike Onuh described the ceremony as a grand success and appreciated all who worked harmoniously to ensure a hitch-free event.
Among the dignitaries that graced the event included members of the state executive council, Member representing Igbo- Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Dr Simon Atigwe, Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Igbo-Eze North 1 constituency in the House of Assembly, Ethel Oyibo Ugwuanyi, Chairman , Igbo-Eze North local government area, Prince Ejike Itodo and Zonal Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Enugu North, Nze Michael Onyeze among others.