Alex Ekweme’s Family Appreciates Willie Obiano For Standing by Them

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May Ekweme’s Death bring Lasting Peace in the family, Oko community to Obiano.

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano yesterday received in audience the delegation from Oko Community, Orumba North LGA led by the Igwe, HRH, Prof. Laz Ekwueme.

The delegation which were received at the Governors Lodge Amawbia, has the representatives of the Ekwueme Family, the President General of Oko Community, Ndi Ichie and other major stakeholders of the community. 

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The leader of the group, Prof Laz Ekwueme informed Gov Willie Obiano that they were at the Lodge to appreciate him for standing by the Ekwueme Family, Oko Community and Orumba North LGA, during the burial of one of their Sons, brother and former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme. He took time to express their deep gratitude to Obiano for according Dr Alex a befitting burial as a statesman.

Speaking further, Prof Ekwueme informed Gov Willie Obiano that the Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) have started work at the grade 'A' Oko, Nanka, Agulu gully erosion sites, which according to him is the biggest nightmare of the community and environs.

Igwe Ekwueme decried the activities of sand excavators which according to him aggravates the level of gully erosion around the area and appealed to government to see to curbing or putting an end to the activities of the sand scoopers.

Responding, Gov Willie Obiano appreciated the delegation for finding time to visit the Lodge, pointing that the Late Dr Alex Ekwueme was a true statesman. Going down memory lane, Chief Obiano recounted his relationship with the late Vice President which he summed as cordial.

"I am aware that the Federal Government of Nigeria gave a support to the Ekwuemes, I am deeply grateful to them", said Gov Willie Obiano, who could not leave out in appreciation, the Government of Enugu State, led by His Excellency, Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for receiving and according our late Sage the state burial he deserves.

Gov Obiano used the occasion to inform the delegation that he was happy that NEWMAP is now working in Oko, he equally told them that the Agency (NEWMAP) is currently working in 13 erosion sites  in the state.

"A forthnight ago, we signed a partnership to work on 9 erosion sites in the state with environmental experts, that will help in managing the erosion sites that dots the landscape of Anambra", Obiano said

Speaking further, Gov Obiano observed that the state is currently experimenting with a grass called Vertiva, which according to him helps in checking erosion. "We are encouraging our people to start planting some of these trees that help in checking erosion like Bambo, breadfruit trees and others. They are equally economically viable", Chief Obiano opined.

Concluding his speech, Gov Willie Obiano informed the visiting delegation that Anambra has the highest number of ashphalted roads, said that works are ongoing in several sites across the state. 'We now pay our PGs some stipends and has increased the stipend of ndi Igwes to help them administer their communities adequately. We will continue to ensure that we remain the safest state in Nigeria", Gov Obiano submitted.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of the delegation, Chief Ezezika Isaiah appreciated Gov Obiano for his giant strides in all the facets of governance. He reminded the governor that as a community, they will continue to support him and his government.

You may recall that late Dr Alex Ewkueme died on 19th Nov, 2017, and was buried on 21St Feb. 2018.

By Obika Chidiebele.