Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The people of Umuanigbiyovo Oyiwode, in Akpawfu, Nkanu East Council Area of Enugu State, have appealed to the state government to carry them along in the ongoing Farm Estate projects across the state.
They said the land in which the farm was situated belonged to two families that make up Akpawfu Town, namely Anigbiyovo Oyiwode and Ani Oyiwode.
Mr Remigius Ani, a member of the community, told Journalists that the appeal was to allow peace and justice in the community by recognising that both families owned the land.
“They should be carried along in terms of any benefit from the government to the owners of the land and avoid a situation whereby one family would be compensated leaving the other.”
According to him, the community is also using the opportunity to thank Enugu State Government for what they are doing and for finding the community worthy to establish the project.
“We are completely overwhelmed with joy because it is the first time a government in Enugu State is opening up the economic potential of Enugu.
“Looking at Ovu Lake, there are also conglomeration of lakes around the land that can serve as source of water to farm. I thank the government for the initiative.
“We want to use this opportunity to let Governor Mbah to know that where the farm estate is situated belongs to two families in Akpawfu. We believe in equity, justice and peace in Akpawfu,” he said.
He said the land had a history dated back to colonial days where their forefathers defended the land from Native Court down to Africa Court of Appeal.
He added that in 1988, there was a misunderstanding over the land and the parties went to court again and the matter went through all strata of courts up to Supreme Court.
“So we are pleading to the governor, that any way he wants us to assist his government either by way of adviser or cooperation that we are ready.
“We have trained professionals in various fields who can assist,” he appealed.
He urged the governor to construct a few kilometers road that would link the community with Akanu Ibiam International Airport which according to him, was not less than 20 minutes drive.
One of the elders in the community, Chief Anthony Anigbo, said that the community had been in litigation over the years before the Supreme Court judgement.
He appealed to the governor to take a bold step and correct the anomalies of the past by carrying everybody along.
“We are loyal to his government and we appreciate him for all the work he is doing in Enugu State,” he said.
Another community elder, Chief James Ogbu, lauded the state government for the project.
He added that the land had been lying fallow, pleading to the government to carry them along when compensation is being paid.
