By Don Peter Okoro.
It was a gathering of Who Is Who in Nnewi on Tuesday the 11 of April 2023 when members of the Nnewi Concerned Citizens and their Guests gathered in large numbers to chart a new course for the development, advancement and progress on the Industrial and Ancient Kingdom of Nnewi. It was tagged Easter Summit.
Speaker after Speaker spoke on the imperative of turning Nnewi into the best City in the world. Ogbuefi Melie Onyejepu was quite exhaustive in his Presentation, as he delved into history to unearth the story of how the Indigenes of Nnewi pioneered the Transportation Industry in Nigeria beginning from the 1940s.
He also spoke on the Industrial Revolution in Nnewi which has made her one of most industrialized towns in Africa and the fact that Nnewi habours the greatest number of Billionaires in any single location in Nigeria.
The Distinguished Senator Representing Anambra South Senatorial District,Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, did not talk much. He went straight into action to demonstrate how the Security Gadgets he procured for Nnewi are working.
He demonstrated what he has done, what he is doing and what he intends to do to ensure that Nnewi is 100% secured and Crime Free. On Security, he revealed a budget of ever 1Billion Naira out of which 600 million Naira will go for the Insurance of the Operatives.
The equipments procured so far include a Monitoring CTV Camera capable of covering the entire Anambra South. The workings of the gadget was practically demonstrated by the Senator himself to the delight and applause of the invited guests. He also stated that over 50 Million Naira and an additional 100 Million Naira has been budgeted for Human Capacity Building in terms of Vocational and Skills Acquisition Programs for Nnewi Youths in order to ensure that no Nnewi youth is left unemployed.
In his speech, the Co- Chairman of the occasion, an Eminent son of Nnewi, Professor Obi Nwosu described Nnewi as a”great City by all standards.” He further posited that:”It is also famous in many aspects.I am glad to participate in discussions to position Nnewi in the league of Global Cities Doing a memory lane review, Nnewi has made its mark in Commerce, Socials, Education, Industries, Technology, Politics and all sundry Development. Nnewi is always endowed with fair-minded people at every turn of life who readily sacrifice their time, wisdom (and sometimes money) to seek for the betterment of Nnewians.
This time around, Nnewi Concerned Citizens are at it again doing advocacy and lobbying for Freedom, Peace and Progress. I advise, they avail the opportunity to achieve their aims. In terms of: Freedom from enslavement and imprisonment and to aspire to any post or economic position and to live peacefully and to work progressively. Peace is something we all treasure and many here will will pay heavy duties for peace to reign. Nothing pass peace. They say Udokamma , Udoka.
In terms of Progress, Nnewi people need to enjoy development, security, advanced service and amenities. Amenities such as NAUTH,CHS, UNIZIK are outstanding examples established by the Heroes of Nnewi. They are enormous wealth creations and healthcare services secured by the likes of Sir Augustine Ilodibe of blessed memory,Chief Izundu of Ndiojukwu Uruagu and a host of others. One of the Conveners, Chief Emeka Alutu ( Omekannaya) expressed his gratitude for the huge turnout and level of goodwill shown so far.
He also expressed his gratefulness for the success and hitch free atmosphere under which the Summit was conducted.He especially thanked the Distinguished Senator, Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah who supported the Nnewi Concerned Citizens with over 12 Sienna Jeeps, over 24 Motorcycles over 50 walkie-talkies and training programs for effective Security Services. He equally used the opportunity to enjoin other well to do Nnewi indigenes to key into the agenda and emulate the good gesture of the Senator by contributing their own quota towards the advancement and peace of Nnewi. Other Conveners include: Prince Onwa Nwafor Orizu, Chief Bernard Okeke,Chief K.C. Oranekwu. Special Guests present were Senator Ifeanyi Ubah,Hon. Augustine Ike Ikedoji, while the Chairman of the occasion was Chief Ben Okoye.
The high point of the event was the Grand Arrival of Her Excellency,Dr. Oluchukwu Elijah Ojukwu the President– General of Umunwanyigbo Worldwide, whose majestic entrance at the event kept everyone on their toes as many struggled to catch a glimpse of the famous Philanthropist and Women Leader who doled out a whooping #500,000 to support the event. And of course, Miss Genevieve Ukatu, 2nd RunnerUp of The Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria (MBGN)Beauty Contest and Miss Supranational Nigeria 2023 who is due to represent Nigeria in Poland later in the year.
She is from the Ukatu– Ezeogine Royal Family of Ndiakwu Otolo-Nnewi. It was indeed a huge success as Guests were treated to a variety of delicacies prepared by reputable Catering Service Outlets.