Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Ogidi Community, the home of late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, has elected a farmer as its President General (PG) for the next four years in line with the Constitution the Community.
Chief Ikwuka Okoye, aka (Anumili) was elected the 17th PG of Ogidi community, in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, on October 14, in a keenly contested election involving four candidates.
Okoye told newsmen in an interview in Ogidi community on Wednesday that it was a victory well deserved.
“I am very grateful to God that everybody that trooped out for the election conducted themselves well and waited patiently till the election was concluded in a peaceful manner.
“It is a sign of unity and progress for the community,” he said.
Okoye said the election was organised under the watch of Anambra Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with its head of delegation Mr Tony Onyekomelu, Head of Department Town Union Affairs, on ground with his team to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the election.
He said he was grateful that the eligible people who participated in the election gave him 991 votes, which saw to his emergence as the newest PG of the community.
Okoye said the runner-up, Chief Chike Maduagwuna, got 705 votes; while the third position went to Mr Collins Mendu, with 455 votes; and Chief Nnaemeka Akobi scored 299 votes to emerge fourth position.
“All these men are gallant men of Ogidi community who by all standard have what it takes to be the PG of the community but at this time God chose me through the votes of the people, I will not take the victory for granted , we are all winners in our customary engagement.
“I call on them to please join me to serve and take the community higher. I ask that as egg heads they are to always bring in ideas for collective development of the community,” Okoye said.
The PG said that other elected executives were, Chief Chijioke Ewesiobi Okeke-Vice President, Chukwuemeka Muoenam-secretary, Chief Obinagha Kenneth-treasurer, Chief Chukwuemeka Obor-financial secretary, Achebe Ikechukwu-Public Relations Officer, Obiora Frank Chinwendu-Assistant secretary and Elochukwu Osondu-provost.
“I pledge to work with all my brothers and officers in this capacity to ensure we provide transformational leadership to our people where collectively social economical and political ideologies will be harnessed for common good of the people,” he assured.
Okoye said that as a farmer, that he will introduce cottage farming, piggery, poultry, fishery and other forms of farming in the community to encourage the unemployed to get involved in farming to be financially independent.
“We will form community Development Fund; pay the skill trainers, after the period of training the youths who have shown interest in skills like carpentry, tailoring, welding, mason amongst others.
“We will give a starter pack to the trainees to start their own business and I urge youths that have talents in skillful arts to visit the union’s office,” Okoye said.
He, however, lamented the increased crime rate in the community especially cultism amongst youths and urged mothers to monitor the company their children keep to help them refrain from crime and criminality.
Okoye said that the team will introduce neighbourhood watch and ‘operation know your neighbour’ as a quick way to combat youth restiveness in the community and will engage the youth organsations and village and kindred leaders in actualising the goal.
He also restated his resolve to fight insecurity in partnership with security agencies by setting up a Central vigilante outfit that would cover the entire community.
Okoye also said that the community was faced with erosion menace and pleaded with the state government through the ministry of environment to assist Ogidi to fight erosion menace.
A Chieftain in the community, Chief David Obidike, who expressed satisfaction with Okoye’s victory and disclosed that it was the first time a son of Abor in Akanano quarter, would emerge as the PG of Ogidi
