FIC Report (Abia State) – Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has made a strong case for the leadership of the different States to fast track discussions on national cohesion and inclusiveness which he noted is imperative if the Country’s various nationalities must continue to remain one.
Governor Ikpeazu made this assertion at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, during the grand finale of the 31st Anniversary celebration of the creation of Abia State, Presentation of Staffs of Office to Ezes-Elect as well as Honours & Merit Award presentations.
The State celebrated her 31st Anniversary in grand style with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu honouring distinguished Abians for their exceptional contributions towards the development of the state.
He drew the attention of all to three things the leadership of the country needs to focus on in the march towards the future to include Security, Socio-economic Development, National Cohesion and Inclusiveness insisting that the most important thing at this time is National Cohesion and Inclusiveness.
According to the Governor, the South East Zone needs a voice,”We need to know what is on the table for Ndi Abia and for Ndi Igbo. That is the way to go because we have suffered under the present government where no Igbo man is in the hierarchy of Service Chiefs, no Igbo man is in the top echelon of decision making, no Igbo man is anywhere. In Nigeria of tomorrow, we need to be on the table, not outside the table.”
The Governor congratulated the Awardees and said that the Awards were given to them on behalf of other hardworking Abians and lauded their commitment and love for the State. He paid glowing tributes to the founding Fathers of the State who worked tirelessly to ensure the actualization of the creation of Abia State and wished the entire people of Abia State, a happy 31st anniversary.
The event featured the cutting of the Anniversary Cake and Presentation of Merit Award to 8 deserving Abians for their selfless services to the State.
Prestigious Awards of Enyi Abia, Oke Osisi Abia, Oke Oji Abia, Ada Ugo Abia and Odo Abia were conferred on Nine deserving Abians including Ambassador Empire Kanu (Enyi Abia), Dr. Alozie Ananaba (Oke Oji Abia), Prof. Maduike Ezeibe (Oke Oji Abia), and Mrs. Chinenyem Ozoemela (Ada Ugo Abia) for their numerous contributions to the progress, peace and development of the state.
Governor Ikpeazu also used the occasion to present Staff of Office to Thirty Five Traditional Rulers of various Autonomous Communities in the State charged them to ensure peace and security reign in their communities thereby warned them not to work against the government.
Abia Governor Ikpeazu said that though the State has not gotten to her expected destination, “Abia is a work in progress” describing peace and security as the greatest achievement of Abia at 31.
He paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the State who he said “worked tirelessly to ensure the actualization of the creation of Abia State”, and wished the entire people of Abia State a Happy 31st anniversary.
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of Abia State Advisory Council, Sir. Chikezie Wachuku called for the collective efforts of all to achieve a secure and safe Abia by being their brother’s keeper.
He used the forum to commend the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his human and infrastructural development in the last 7 years especially the provision of a Long Term Development Plan which spans from 2020-2050, which he said is the first comprehensive plan towards a systematic development of the State and urged successive administrations to ensure optimal utilization of the plan for the greater good of the State.
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of Abia State Advisory Council, Sir. Chikezie Wachuku called for the collective efforts of all to achieve a secure and safe Abia urging citizens to be their brother’s keeper.
A lecture presentation on “A Competitive Economy Using The Small And Medium Enterprises As A Pilot For Viral And Strong Abia Of The Future” by Dr. Chukwu Udensi the Head, Department of Management, ABSU was presented as well as the launch of two books – “The Torrents Of Testimonies: Voices From Abia State Nigeria and “Power With A Purpose.”
The Governor used the occasion to rename the International Conference Centre, Venue of the celebration to Ochendo International Conference Centre in honour of his Predecessor, Senator T.A Orji.
Answering questions from Journalists, HRH Eze, Engr. Martins Obasi Totty on behalf of the entire good people of Aro-Achara Nsulu Autonomous Community, Isialangwa North LGA congratulated the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu on the historic 31st Anniversary of the creation of Abia State as well as numerous achievements made by Governor Ikpeazu in the last 7 years.
The Governor’s ingenuity in enunciating good policy thrust as pillars of development geared towards ensuring that Abia is taking the lead in various areas of development in line with the visions of our founding Fathers is commendable.
He equally thanked Governor Ikpeazu for giving him the Staff of Office as a Traditional Ruler to superintend over the affairs of the Community, Aro-Achara Nsulu Autonomous Community.
The event attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, members of the State House of Assembly, PDP Governorship candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne, his running mate, Barr. Okey Igwe, Secretary to Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, Head of Service, Sir. Onyii Wamah , Commissioners, PDP State Chairman Executive Chairmen, Elder Statesman – Chief Tony Ukasonya, Engr. Augustin Alaribe, Ambassador Empire Kanu,Traditional Rulers, members of the clergy amongst other dignitaries.
