By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The field and the entire surroundings of the Awor Hall in Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State were filled to the brim over the weekend, as a mammoth crowd trooped out in their numbers to reaffirm their solidarity with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo-led administration in the state.
The event — A Day with Mr. Commissioner, Nnewi South Stakeholders Connect, and Mini Rally — was organized by the State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu (popularly known as Omus and Ayaora Ezinifite), to galvanize massive grassroots support for the Governor and his re-election bid ahead of the forthcoming November 8 governorship election in the state.
The carnival-like rally, which was spiced up with various thrilling performances, also attracted top government functionaries, political elites, religious and community leaders, APGA stalwarts, and key stakeholders from Nnewi South and beyond, all of whom were visibly excited and energized in their solidarity with the Solution Governor.
Addressing the crowd, the National Chairman of APGA, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, described the event as a clear demonstration of the people’s love and confidence in Governor Soludo and the party. He further eulogized the Governor’s unparalleled achievements in just three years in office, which he said cut across every sector of the state economy and every local government area.
Recounting the numerous accomplishments of the Soludo-led APGA administration, the National Chairman emphasized that the Governor began his works from the underserved and previously neglected parts of the state (in the spirit of APGA’s mantra of “Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya”); and has since continued to spread his transformative touch to other areas. He cited signature projects such as the newly-commissioned ultra-modern Anambra Government House that broke a 34-year-old jinx, the Solution Fun City, the ongoing roads and bridges constructions across the state, human capital development initiatives, free education policy, among others, all tailored towards building a livable and prosperous homeland for all.
While commending the organizer, Barr. Ezeokenwa, who reassured the people of Nnewi South of the Governor’s commitment to executing more projects in the area, also passionately urged Ndi Anambra to take full advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by acquiring their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ensure that APGA retains power in the November 8 poll. According to him, APGA remains the only truly homegrown party that understands and addresses the peculiar needs of Anambra people.
On his part, the Host of the event and State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, described the massive turnout as a proof of the people’s unshaken belief in Governor Soludo’s leadership and the APGA ideology. He reaffirmed his full support for the Governor and pledged to continue mobilizing more grassroots support to ensure a landslide victory for APGA in the election.
According to him, the achievements of the Soludo administration are visible and impactful, especially in infrastructure, environmental reforms, urban renewal, youth empowerment, security, and general governance, adding that no sincere Anambra indigene would wish to truncate such progressive strides. He called on his fellow Nnewi South indigenes and stakeholders to rally around the Governor to ensure the council area delivers maximally in the upcoming election.
Commissioner Odimegwu, a proud son of Ezinifite and respected stakeholder in Nnewi South, also used the opportunity to express gratitude to Governor Soludo for the numerous appointments and opportunities extended to the people of Nnewi South, assuring that the area would remain solidly behind the Solution government.
Earlier in his address during the traditional kola nut ritual, the Chairman of Nnewi South Traditional Rulers Council and Traditional Ruler of Ezinifite, H.R.M. Igwe Samuel Anayo Obika (Igwe Chinwatakwe), expressed delight over the event and described it as homecoming for their illustrious son, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment.
The monarch commended Governor Soludo for his developmental strides and assured that the people of Nnewi South are in full support of his administration and his second term bid.
Speaking further in an interview, the royal father lamented the inadequate government presence in Nnewi South despite the council’s contributions and large voter strength. He expressed hope that Governor Soludo’s remaining first half in office and his second term would correct the imbalance and attract more developmental projects to the area.
Also addressing the gathering, the Managing Director/CEO of Seahorse Lubricants Ltd. and aspirant for the forthcoming Anambra South senatorial by-election under APGA, Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, extolled Governor Soludo’s visionary leadership and developmental strides, emphasizing that Anambra State cannot afford a disruption in the current momentum of progress. He urged the people to rally behind APGA and the Governor to consolidate the gains already made.
The senatorial aspirant, Dr. Onunkwo, while recounting his achievements and human capital development initiatives before joining politics, also reassured of his personal and corporate commitment to supporting the government and empowering the masses when given the opportunity to serve as senator, even as he appealed to the people to support his aspiration and massively vote for APGA in the coming elections.
The event also featured a cultural dance competition for women groups, where the winners and other lucky participants smiled home with various electronic appliances and gifts. In addition that, over three thousand bags of rice were distributed to the constituents, further adding colour to the rally.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Local Government Mayor of Nnewi South, Hon. Van George Ezeogidi (Ijele Utuh); the State Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe; Minority Leader and member representing Nnewi South II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi; former lawmaker, Hon. Kingsley Iruba; Managing Director/CEO of Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), Mr. Tony Ujubuoṅu; former Chairman of Nnewi South LGA, Chief Ossy Iyiegbu; and Nnewi South APGA Chairman, Hon. Azubuike Osuchukwu.
Others include the Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), Chief Celestine Anere; former National President of Anambra State Association of Town Union Council (ASTUC), Barr. Titus Akpudo; the Permanent Secretary of Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Nwabufor Nwankwo (Dikeora); former Chief of Staff to former Governor Willie Obiano, Chief Primus Odili, APGA State Women Leader, Mrs. Esther Obiekesi; APGA State Youth Leader, Tochukwu Obiadi, among other notable personalities.
The official reception of over twenty new members into APGA formed the highpoint of the event, as the party continues to swell its ranks ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
More photos from the event:
