The people of Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, under the aegis of Owaza Community Development Association, OCDA, on Saturday, at the Owaza Central School Playground, bestowed honour on three sons of Asa in Government for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Ukwa West and the society at large.
The occasion, which had many dignitaries of Asa land in attendance, was used to call for the restoration of electricity light in Ukwa.
Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Fluchon Integrated Services Ltd, Engr. Adinigwe Nwoke, who was the Chairman of the occasion, said the OCDA considered it necessary to honour some sons of Ukwa West in Government, who have succeeded in bringing tangible developmental projects to the area.
He appealed to all their sons and daughters occupying various positions inside and outside government to work assiduously towards the restoration of electricity light to Ukwa West.
While receiving his award, the Commissioner representing Abia State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Eruba Dimgba, said the award given to him by people of Owaza would reinvigorate him to do more for society. He stressed the need for peace in the community in order to move the area forward, adding that he would not let them down.
In his speech, the Abia State Commissioner for Environment thanked the OCDA for the honour bestowed on him, adding that the occasion called for celebrations instead of strife and resentment among some people.
He called for support for the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who he said had shown much love for the people of Ukwa, pointing out that the reconstruction of Obehie – Umudobia – Owaza road would be flagged off soon by the Governor.
Ogbonna assured that government would pay compensations to all those whose land have been acquired for the Abia Industrial Innovation Park, AIIP.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Ukwa West, Pastor Dike Nwankwo, expressed appreciation for the recognition given him, and noted that it speaks to the fact that more work was expected of them.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the Grand Civic Reception, Mr. Dennis Nwankwoji, FCA, said, “Today’s occasion marks the grand homecoming and civic reception being hosted by the entire people of Owaza Ancient Kingdom in Ukwa West Local Government Area to honour the exemplary leadership and contributions of our sons and brothers, who have distinguished themselves in public service with profound patriotism and the highest sense of responsibility.
“Time and space would not permit us here to reel out the numerous contributions of these eminent personalities to the socio-political and economic advancement of Ala-Asa within the relative short period they have been in the administrative and governance structures at various levels; but suffice to say that they have acquitted themselves distinctively.”
Among dignitaries that graced the occasion were former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Pastor Ralph Egbu, former member, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chimezie Nwubani, President General, Asa Development Union, ADU, Chief Goodluck Nwuju, former Commissioner, Abia State, Chief Stanley Eche, former Director, Niger Delta Development Commissioner, Sir Rogers Nwachinemere and Chairman, Newsportal, Mr. ThankGod Ntaku.
Others were the Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Hillary Onyedi Titus, Director, NDDC, Mr. Victor Asonye, Traditional Prime Minister, Ipu West Autonomous Community, Chief Maxwell Nwagbara, Secretary General, Owaza Town Union, Dr. Lucky Eleogu, Secretary, Ukwa West Local Government Area, Barrister G.O.C. Ihenko and former Transition Chairman, Ukwa West, Chief John Ajuzieogu.
