ANAMBRA MUST SHOW GRATITUDE TO GOV OBIANO, says Dennis Okafor, the new Ojoto monarch
By Chuks Collins, Awka
Over the weekend, Chief Dennis Okafor was formally presented and accepted by the Ojoto Community in Idemili South Council of Anambra state as the new traditional ruler of the community, as the Ojo of Ojoto- Eze Ebube 2 of Ojoto in place of the late Igwe Augustine Obidiwe, who joined his ancestors about two years ago.
The community also used the opportunity to hold an emergency General Assembly where they tackled some issues of urgent communal importance. There they reviewed critically the development efforts of Gov Willie Obiano as it affects Ojoto community. They also acknowledged the appointments to illustrious sons and daughters of the community, as well as the infrastructural developments of the administration in Ojoto.
Consequently they resolved unanimously and endorsed the governor for a second term in office.
The new Igwe-elect, Igwe Dennis Adindu Okafor spoke to journalists shortly after in his palace. CHUKS COLLINS was there. Excerpts:
Q: Your Highness, how can you describe the events of today?
A: Today is memorable day to me and to all people of goodwill, especially all sons and daughters of Ojoto, our friends and well wishers. This is because it is today that I was formally presented and accepted by the leadership of the community to the Ojoto Akanasato General Assembly at the community hall amidst jubilation and happiness, as the Igwe-elect.
This was sequel to having successfully satisfied the long rigorous and stringent selection process as set out in the constitution for selection of new traditional ruler(Igwe)in Ojoto
This includes being presented to the isi Okpala-Ojomo(head of the Okpalas) of Ojoto; whose duty it was to crown a new Igwe of Ojoto.
Q: How can you describe Gov Willie Obiano’s administration of the state so far?
A: I commend the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for providing democracy dividends, especially security to the entire people of the state. The all-round security of lives and property in the whole state has given all citizens including visitors deep sense of security and liberty in going about their businesses without fear or molestation. It has also buoyed the confidence of both local and foreign investors are now continuously trooping into the state, unlike before when businesses were relocating out of the state in droves.
Gov Obiano is on record today as top among the few state governors who are paying workers’ salaries on schedule.
Q: To what extent can you say the administration has touched the lives of Anambra citizens particularly your subjects?
A: His integrated mass community development strategy is second to none nationwide. Am aware other states of the federation and international development agencies have been under studying him to inculcate his style as an international module, particularly for all developing countries of the world. This is with a view to ensuring that democracy dividend and government presence reaches every constituting community.
Today! Gov Obiano’s administration has taken the state government’s infrastructure development drive to all the nearly 200 communities in the state. This was made possible through the N20million choose-your-project policy.
Each community was mandated to build or undertake any project of their choice and have been informed that any community that completes and had theirs certified would embark on another project for the second phase of the policy. This has never happened in the state or anywhere else before. This is novel. Same in Agriculture revolution-Rice, vegetable, yams and cassava, all which have become so popular once again amongst our farmers that we now have enough for export.
Anambra rice, vegetables, cassava and yam are now international brands on the international market. It is very heartwarming.
Q: Your community this afternoon endorsed the governor’s reelection bid. What advised the move?
A: We in Ojoto have done it before in giving the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) our block votes and are going to do it again. I therefore urge Anambra citizens to collectively give him massive support at the poll their for him to continue with his good works for the people of the state,
He has given appointment to some of our sons and daughters. Has also been in very good terms with many other of our people. He is a friend and we shall reciprocate it to show gratitude.
