…Laments vandalism of Ohafia power installations
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has commended his Ohafia kinsmen for banning metal scrap scavengers from operating in the community following their alleged link with incidents of theft and other criminal activities in the area.
The Deputy Governor spoke at Amaekpu Ohafia during Ohafia Dialogue organised by Mben Political Assembly to advance the development of Ohafia nation.
He lamented the vandalism of Ohafia electricity installation along Itu-Ututu-Ihie-Ohafia 33KVA line by hoodlums, saying it had stalled socio-economic development in the area.
He decried the activities of vandals
popularly known as Ndi Akpakara in the area.
The Deputy Governor recalled his personal efforts to actualise the Ohafia electricity project only for it to be vandalised by hoodlums.
Emetu saluted the courage of Ohafia Council of Monarchs, saying the ban will help restore sanity in the area.
The Deputy Governor, however, commended the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal constituency, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, for drawing the attention of the National Assembly to the electricity challenges of his constituents.
He added that Governor Alex Otti is also making efforts to see how Abia North could get power supply from the 141 MW Gas-fired Aba Integrated Power Project.
He further said that the approval of Greater Ohafia Development Authority would fast-track the development of Ohafia and its environs.
Emetu solicited the continued support of Ohafia people for Gov. Otti who, he said was committed to development of the area.
He further announced that Ohafia has been listed by Governor Alex Otti to be among the six communities to host Abia State Cocoa estates.
Speaking earlier, the National President of Mben Political Assembly, Michael Kalu Mba, said the forum was fully committed to developing Ohafia.
“The essence of the dialogue is to bring together Ndi Ohafia. Every community in Ohafia is in dire need of projects like road, health facility among others”.
He thanked Gov. Otti for approving the establishment of GODA, and urged Ohafia people to support MPA in its efforts to transform the political and socio-economic landscape of Ohafia.
In a lecture, the lead paper presenter, Mr Nkem Palmer of the World Bank, said that “population figure of Ohafia is ever increasing because the town is expanding as a city inhabited by people from different tribes and clans.”
He noted that the 21,000 housing units in Ohafia, was inadequate for over 300,000 human population in Ohafia.
In his address, the the Udumeze of Ohafia, Prince Uma Agbai Olugu who is the Chairman of Ohafia Council of Monarchs, praised the Mben Political Assembly for organising the dialogue and appreciated Ohafia indigenes for their contributions to the development of Ohafia land.
He called for co-operation between the Ohafia political leaders, peace and unity among them .
The monarch said Ohafia should harness its population advantage for the development of the clan.
