Onitsha Residents Praise OCHA Brigade’s Anambra North Zonal Commander for Professionalism

By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha

Residents of the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, have commended the Anambra North Zonal Commander of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), Mr. Martine Obiefuna, for his professionalism in the discharge of his duties.

The residents urged the agency to begin enforcing other environmental laws without delay, particularly those relating to indiscriminate urination in unauthorized places, blockage of drainages, and open defecation.

They noted that since the agency had fully resumed operations on the major roads after a few months’ absence, stricter enforcement was necessary.

Residents of Onitsha ,especially those in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area also praised Mr. Obiefuna for his clampdown on street traders and sewage offenders in the area.

Some occupants who spoke to journalists in Onitsha described the recent OCHA Brigade operation in Okpoko, led by Obiefuna, as a display of competence and commitment to duty.

“OCHA Brigade is clearly an orderly, disciplined, and health-focused enforcement agency, geared towards protecting Anambra—the Light of the Nation. This is exactly what we want from this agency. I am impressed by how they carried out their duties along Obodoukwu Road, Okpoko, and I am sure others also appreciate their professionalism,” said Nwaokoli

Mr. Alfred Chuma added, “It is expected that OCHA Brigade should by now have begun apprehending offenders involved in indiscriminate waste disposal, open defecation, as well as other related environmental violations. This is vital to ensuring that our environment is conducive for habitation. There are places one cannot stay even for a minute because of the offensive odour.”

Also speaking, a human rights advocate, Hon. Sir Boniface Nwachi, stated that the OCHA Brigade is well suited for its mandate.

He urged Governor Charles Soludo and the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Chief Celestine Anere, to improve the agency’s staffing quality and provide adequate motivation.

Nwachi, now a businessman in Aba, Abia State, noted that he had witnessed the OCHA Brigade in action and maintained that the agency would provide effective solutions toward realizing a healthier Anambra in line with Governor Soludo’s agenda.

“My advice is that Anambra State should fully embrace the OCHA Brigade as the agency capable of delivering the Healthy Anambra policy. They are capable of safeguarding the numerous facilities brought to the state by Prof. Soludo,” Nwachi noted.