From TCNEWS
The keys of ultra-modern Isieke civic centre built and richly equipped by Lady Nneoma Johnson Chukwu, wife of Chief Johnson Chukwu, member of the Abia State Security Trust Funds, has been handed over to Ugwueke Community in Bende L.G.A, of Abia State.
The benefactor, Lady Nneoma Johnson Chukwu, in her remarks shortly before the commissioning, expressed gratitude to God for the provision, emphasizing that the presence of such projects will attract many more developments to the entire community.
Commissioning the Isieke Civic Centre, during the event which also wrapped up the Ibo uzo festival of Chinyereugo Age Grade, the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, extolled the sterling qualities and excellent performance of Lady Nneoma Johnson Chukwu and her husband, Chief Johnson Chukwu and appreciated their philanthropic gestures and selfless service to Ugwueke people.
Governor Otti described the Civic Centre as “more than just a building; but a facility bearing a beacon of hope that will afford the people of Isieke the opportunity to enhance human capital development, share resources and work towards a common good of building a stronger and more productive community”.
Dr. Otti also commended Chief Chukwu for his support to his wife in achieving her pet project and enjoined prominent people in various communities across the state to embark on developmental projects to assist the Governor Alex Otti’s administration achieve its desired overall development in the state.
Governor Otti, further lauded Chief Mrs. Nneoma Johnson Chukwu, for contributing to the development of Ugwueke community and for putting smiles on the faces of the women in the area and challenged other prominent individuals in the area to emulate the couple.
The Abia State Governor who emphasized the importance of community-driven projects like the Isieke Civic Center in fostering development and growth within local communities, seized the opportunity to assure the people of Ugwueke of his administration’s commitment to peaceful resolution of all boundary issues facing the State.
He pointed out that the boundary issues facing the state are connected to the strategic location of the State; bordered by seven states, four in the South-East and three in the South-South of the country.
His words, “Be rest assured that all boundary issues of the state will be addressed in the forthcoming boundary meeting slated for the 12th and 13th of August, 2023 by the National Boundary Commission, Abuja. We are very confident that this all-important meeting will directly activate the delineation of our boundaries with neighboring States, including our own Ugwueke and Akaeze in Ebonyi State”.
Furthermore, he described the Ibo uzo festival as a rich cultural heritage of the Isieke people which will not only bolster the economy and development of the area but will go a long way in attracting more tourists both local and international to participate in the festival, hence, boosting the cultural tourism sector of the State.
In his speech, the former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, thanked Chief and Chief Mrs. Johnson Chukwu for their numerous achievements and charged them not to relent in providing basic amenities to their community.
Mr. Obi who stressed the need for leaders to shun corruption in order to achieve a prosperous Nation for the good of all citizens, charged people in positions of authority to see leadership as a divine call to serve, adding, “Leadership position is by the grace of God. When you see yourself in such leadership position, use it to bless people”.
He called on all Abians to continue to support Governor Alex Otti, in delivering the dividends of democracy and prayed to God to touch the hearts of leaders across the country to use public money for public good.
In their respective goodwill messages, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Igwe; Former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Uche Ogah; and Member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, eulogized the humanitarian gestures of Chief Johnson Chukwu and implored him to continue his good works.
The Mayor, Bende LGA, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, in his remarks, praised and commended Chief Johnson Chukwu and his wife for their commitment to the think-home philosophy.
He highlighted that the new civic centre, equipped with numerous machines and devices, would not only serve as a hub for skill development and community engagement, but is expected to play a crucial role in empowering the youth, providing them with opportunities to learn and develop practical skills that can lead to gainful employment aimed at reducing crime and unemployment among the youths
The Mayor expressed his hopes for continued blessings and success for Chief and Chief Mrs. Johnson Chukwu.
Contributing, a famous Nollywood actor, Chief Kanayo O.Kanayo, while enumerating the benefits of people connecting with their roots, commended the Governor, Dr. Otti for creating an enabling environment in the state and encouraged all to contribute to the development of their communities for a better future.
Also in his speech, a Labour Party chieftain in Bende L.G.A, Chief Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, lauded the role of individual efforts in community development and commended the initiator of the Isieke Civic Centre, Ugwueke, Chief and Chief Lady Johnson Chukwu
While emphasizing the strategic importance of such Corporate Social Responsibility projects to societal transformation, Chief Chinasa, described the project as a crucial driver of grassroots development and symbol of enduring community progress.
The Labour Party chieftain joined in call, encouraging other well-to-do Abians to emulate Chief and Lady Chukwu by bequeathing such life-enhancing projects to their communities.
Earlier in an address, the President General Ugwueke Development Union, Mr. Igwe Elekwa, commended Governor Alex Otti on his landmark achievements so far, and thanked him for appointing Chief Johnson Chukwu to serve in the State Security Trust Funds.
He also appreciated the landmark achievements and outstanding performances of Chief Chukwu, and thanked his wife for her contributions to the community and prayed God to bless the Johnson Chukwu family.
He used the forum to appeal to the Governor to come to their rescue in the rehabilitation and construction of identified roads to enhance social and commercial activities in Ugwueke land, upgrade of Ugwueke Secondary School to a State College of Agriculture as well as appoint their sons and daughters into political offices.
The event witnessed the gathering of personalities including, Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi; Chairman Ugwueke Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Sir Ikwunna Ukwu and other prominent personalities.