Engineer Makes Case For Rural Communities Dev

An Engineer and the President-General, United Igbo Community (U.I.C) Rivers State, Chief O.I Ezenekwe , has advocated for socio-economic development of rural areas of the country through public and private sector initiative. Ezenekwe, in his address at the 2010 Igbo Day in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, said the Igbos have the human resources and the entrepreneurs to invest in the economy of their states in order to facilitate the development of the rural communities.  The UIC President-general, who did not hide his feelings about the weaknesses of the Igbos said that time has come for them to adjust to the right proportion in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The weaknesses of the Igbos, according to him, include low level of patriotic spirit and unhealthy business practices.   Given this scenario, the UIC leader said there is need for rebranding of some Igbo men, explaining that the development informed the choice of this year’s Igbo Day celebration theme, “Rebranding Igbo Community for Challenges of 21st Century.”  He remarked that the era in which the Igbos do anything for money has gone. According to him, “we should work towards leaving a legacy to be used as a yardstick by our children” .

Ezenekwe, however, called on the Igbos in Rivers State to participate fully in the forth coming voters registration exercise. He noted that the success of the electoral process should begin with the concept of one man one vote and that every vote must count. He told the Igbo politicians that there is nothing wrong about political ambition, but advised the politicians to play the game according to the rules.

Eze Adiele Maduagwu, Eze Onunekwuru Igbo 111 Rivers State/Bayelsa, in his good will message, noted that the Igbo Day Celebration is an annual event in which the Igbos reflect on their past against the present in order to chart a new course for the people of Igbo race.  At the occasion, 16 persons were honoured for their contributions to the socio-economic and political development of the Igbo people. They include the governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; Chief Nnamdi Nwokekoro, Chairman, Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority; Sir Polycap Ndounteng; Chief Jonny Olisakwe; Chief Nobat Obasi and Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo.

Also honoured were Chief I. Nwaonwu, Engr. B.A. Worgu, Chief Dan Nwaogu, Chief Light Afonne, Chief Anaene Nkachukwu, Chief Chris Anyanwu, Engr. Ferdinand Zozie Nwankwo, Engr. Ezeifedi Umeukaeje, Mrs Ngozi Moses and Rev. K.C. Ezeh. Cultural dances added colour to the occasion.

Bekweru Weli