Ihiteowerri set aglow as HRH Eze J.U.N. Ezerioha (IV) Commissions Project By Her Concerned Citizens.
The border town of ihiteowerri ancient kingdom in Orlu LGA of Imo State, South East Nigeria was recently set aglow in community development by her concerned progressive-minded citizens, especially those those resident abroad, in the area of market development projects, one of which was sited at Orie Okohia (a.k.a. Orie Amagu).
Information correspondent, Fortune Obikwere reports that this market, which was before mow dotted with dilapidated structures was given a new look with beautiful structures by the community’s progressive-minded citizens ably led by Mr. Chibuike Obijiaku, who lives abroad.
Commissioning the newly built shops recently, the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness, Eze James Ujumadu Nwizu Ezerioha (IV), Obi D 19th of Ihiteowerri and Clan Head of the former 14 communities of Orsu Alamiri in Orlu LGA, praised the good work done by his subjects and described them as worthy sons of the community. While praying the Almighty God to continue to bless and keep them, the Royal Father admonished other youths in the community to emulate the good examples set by these progressive-minded citizens.
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the group, Mr. Chibuike Obijiaku told Eze Ezerioha, Cabinet Chiefs, Village Heads, Village Chairmen and other members of the community present that the group was motivated by the sorry state of the market and the need to improve entrepreneurship among the citizenry, pointing out that developing the market would help to reduce unemployment and restiveness among the youths, who would now apply themselves to the value-chain associated with market development.
Mr Obijiaku praised the market leaders for keeping the spirit of the market alive and the member representing Orlu/Orsu/Oru East in the Federal House of Representatives, Asiwaju Gerry Alagboso for tarring the road liking the community with Anambra – describing him as a friend to Ndi Ihiteowerri. According to him, more is yet to come.
Also reacting, a community leader in the area, Chief Nnadiekwe (Anaegbuachara) said that he was encouraged by the bold steps taken by “Our Boys Abroad” and few of them at home, who had the development of the community at heart, adding that posterity would forever remember their kind gestures. He called on others youths to emulate them. This view was also upheld by a member of the Village heads, Chief Venitus Alagbosu.
In an interview with an information correspondent, Fortune Obikwere, Mr Chike Obijiaku said:
“The project was thinkered by the progressive-minded youths living at home and abroad, who came together to decide what to do to change the condition of the market. It all started with Mr Onyeka Adimoha (Elelia Concerns) who it was that initiated this meeting and we keyed in….”
“So, it was a combined effort of all the youths from the entire old Ihiteowerri autonomous community, who came together to give the market a face lift so that it can look like others at Aguata, Anambra state and Obibi Ochasi in Imo state, for example. The product of our decision is what we are seeing here at the moment…we are on a very right track.”.
“The completed and commissioned structure was built by a group of progressive youths led by Mr Chike Obijiaku and supported by Mr. Onyeka Ofonze, Samson Onyeanusi, Marcel Chukwudi (Machuks), Gerald Ofonze (Osould), and the number of others too numerous to mention.”
“Having seen what the progressive youths did, the Ihiteowerri Development Union (IDU) progressive-minded youths living in Imola-Padova Branch, Italy, whose Chairman is Mr Joseph Ugochukwu with individuals like Mr Kevin Obijiaku (Umarudiko), Mr Elilia Cletus Ofonze, Gerald Ofonze, Christian Nwosu and many others, came together for Ihiteowerri progress and thus started the yet to be completed one, whose foundation laying ceremony was performed be HRH Eze J.U.N. Ezerioha (IV) recently.”
“There are other projects we have at hand. One of them is a culvet at Aboh Ndida primary school side. We also hope to bring our people together once in a year to celebrate ourselves…” This growing Iroko from Ihiteowerri charged members of of the Community to be steadfast in their actions to develop the town. “We want progress not Boko Haram, automomy can’t divide us, we would always be together.” He conludes.
In an interview also Chief Nnadiekwe (Isiuzo 1 of Ihiteowerri – Anaegbuahara) said: “The project was started by our progressive-minded sons living in Italy. Am the chairman of the market. I made the suggestion to them and they keyed in to it. This is a great work by our children. God will continue to bless and keep them..” he concludes.
Also interviewed were two market women: Mrs Ijeoma Okorie and Mrs. Apolonia Ibeh, who all expressed joy over the whole project and prayed God to prosper the donors.
The event was attended by who is who in the Eze’s cabinet, community Leaders and Town Union Executives. Highlight of the event was the commissioning of the newly constructed shops and foundation laying ceremony of new ones under construction.
Below are some of the pictures taken at the event.
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