Monarch Tasks FG On Floods

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has urged federal
government to map out strategies to forestall flood disasters in the country.

Achebe made the call in Onitsha, Anambra State on Friday at
his 10th coronation anniversary and 2012 Ofala festival.

He commiserated with victims of flood disasters in the
country and commended Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State for his efforts in
evacuating and rehabilitating victims.

He said that peace and reconciliation built on truth and
transparency had been his guiding principle since the past ten years.

“We have achieved the goals we set in the past 10 years but
there are still areas to look into, such as education and youth
empowerment,”  he said.

Achebe noted that  he would improve on vacation tutorial programme for the children, introduced some years ago to facilitate the admission of students from the area to tertiary institutions.

The traditional ruler said his cabinet would design a
framework for the development of Onitsha inland town in collaboration with the
state government.

The Obi, who commended the Federal Government for approving
the completion of Zik’s Mausoleum, called for the creation of Orumili State
from Anambra.

In his goodwill message, Governor Peter Obi said the state
government was committed toward rebuilding Onitsha, citing the ongoing road
project in the city as part of his administration’s efforts in that direction.

The governor congratulated the traditional ruler on his
anniversary celebration and prayed for his success on the  throne.

In his remark, the Deputy Speaker ,House of Representatives,
Emeka Ihedioha, assured the people that the National Assembly would appropriate
fund for the development of the town in the 2013 budget.

The ceremony, which was attended by dignitaries from across
the country, witnessed royal dance by the Igwe accompanied by titled chiefs.