From Ignatius Soroibe, Abakaliki , The Executive Director, Natural resources, Agriculture and Rural Development of the South East Development Commission, SEDC, Dr Cliff Ogbede, has assured Ngor Okpala people that he would continue to justify the support and confidence they repose in him since his appointment.
Dr Ogbede stated this on Easter Monday during a civic reception organized in his honour by the good people of Obiangwu Autonomous Community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area,Imo state held at Central School Obiangwu.
Responding to an address presented during the occasion by the chairman of the Reception Organizing Committee, Prof. Maxwell Opara as well as the remark made by the chairman of the event, Okenze Kenn Agbiriogu,
Chief Ogbede said, “I am so happy for this show of love and honour,I promise not to disappoint the people of Ngor Okpala.The Commission has a budget to intervene in various critical infrastructural projects to make life more meaningful for the people of the south east.”
He expressed happiness that “the people of the South East are now ploughing into what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing and also happy with what Governor Hope Uzodinma is doing in Imo state.”
He assured that “before two years, meaningful development that someone can feel and see will be around, just like the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission has said. ”
Speaking, a former governor of Imo State. Rt.Hon Emeka Ihedioha described Dr Ogbede as a ” rugged and dogged fighter” when it comes to fighting for his people and pleaded with the people to give their son a level playing ground to improve their lives.
Ihedioha said, “I know him, he will do it. So, when he comes, please oblige him,”
The chairman of the SEDC Chief Emeka Nwogu, represented by Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, thanked President Tinubu for setting up the commission after 54 years as well as thanking the deputy speaker, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu for facilitating the composition of the board.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of SEDC, Dr Mark Okoye said, “the commission will embark on projects that will make the South East the preferred investment destination of Nigeria within five years, in the areas of agriculture, building of industrial parks, modern housing community, new markets ,sports developments, innovations and technology.
A cross section of very excited sons of Obiangwu Autonomous Community have expressed their boundless joy over the appointment of one of their own, Dr .Ogbede to the exalted position. In his reaction, Mr Modestus Nwachukwu, from Umunehi Obiangwu expressed gratitude to God for the all important position given to an Obiangwu son. He pointed out that with this”Position now being held by Nwa-Obiangwu, the community will now experience development through the youths that Dr Ogbede will engage,he felicitated with Dr Ogbede on his appointment.”
On his part Mr Innocent Amuchie, the secretary of Afo Agarachaa committee, as well secretary and chairman of Finance Sub- Committee of the Reception Organizing Committee ,explained that the people were at event to ” Rejoice with one of their own for his elevation and thanked God for this appointment given to Dr Ogbede.”
According to him, ” We hope that, that appointment will bring development to our local government in general and our community in particular,we pray and wish him good luck as he steps into that position.”
An array of dignitaries graced the occasion including the Traditional Ruler of Obiangwu Autonomous Community,HRH ,Eze Sam Ordu, Eze Anthony Ekwe of Ezemba Autonomous Community, as well as the Chairman of Ngor Okpala Council of Traditional Rulers; Eze Fred Nwachukwu of Ngor Ancient Kingdom. Dr Chima Matthew Amadi of “The Mazi Organization”T.M.O,,
Hon Matthew Nwogu representing Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala in the House Of Representatives; Chief Victor Muruako of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, all village heads in Obiangwu, various women groups across Obiangwu, Barrister Damian Nosike, Mr Isidore Nosike,Mr Amaechi Opara, the newly elected Obiangwu development Union,Aba branch Chairman.Chief Charles Ashimole, Mr Cosmas Soroibe,Mr Clifford Obijuru,Dr Hyacinth Emele,Dr Perry Njoku among others. Countless numbers of traditional dances entertained the guests. Chief Emeka Opara A.KA. Dan satch and his Famous Oriental Brothers International Band dazzled the excited guests.
Highlights of the occasion include the presentation of agricultural products by Ndom Obiwuruto, Obiangwu Development Union Women’s Home And Abroad, and special prayers by Obiangwu pastors Association.
Indeed Obiangwu community recorded the highest number of guests gathered in one occasion at this” Mother of all receptions ” All kudos to the Afo Agarachaa Obiangwu that powered the program.