Atani Monarch Commissions Akwuobi’s Legacy Projects as Ogbaru LG Mayor Bows Out
By Polycarp Ifeanyi
The Traditional Ruler of Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Igwe Augustine Azuka Ngoddy, has commissioned a number of legacy projects executed by the Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Sir Kenneth Akwuobi.
The commissioning ceremony, which coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration, was held at the Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat in Atani.
The colourful event attracted schoolchildren from across Ogbaru, Hon. Afam Ogene, associates, well-wishers and representatives of various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service and the local vigilante group.
Also in attendance were staff of the Ogbaru Local Government Council and traditional rulers from across the council area, including the Traditional Ruler of Ohita, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nelson Esimai, among others.
The projects commissioned included the Traditional Rulers’ Council Building, Legislative Building and a fully furnished Administrative Block equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
It would be recalled that the facilities were razed by unknown gunmen before Hon. Akwuobi assumed office. The Mayor subsequently undertook their reconstruction, rebuilding and completing the facilities from scratch within months.
While commissioning the projects, Igwe Ngoddy commended Sir Akwuobi for his tenacity and resilience in rebuilding the burnt council secretariat.
The monarch said he was always saddened whenever he recalled the deplorable condition of the council facilities before their reconstruction.
According to him, Sir Akwuobi, upon assuming office as the substantive Mayor of Ogbaru, had promised to rebuild the burnt facilities and has now fulfilled that promise.
He praised the Mayor for keeping his word, describing him as an “Omenife”—one who accomplishes what others consider impossible.
The revered monarch dedicated the completed projects to Almighty God and for the benefit of the people of Ogbaru, Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
In his Independence Day address, Sir Akwuobi said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had themed this year’s anniversary, “From Reform to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
According to him, the theme was apt.
“For 66 years, Nigeria has endured civil war, economic shocks, military rule and insecurity, yet we have remained one indivisible nation.
The reforms of today, tough as they may seem, are laying the foundation for a stable and prosperous tomorrow where every citizen will have a stake,” he said.
The Mayor noted that the stability was already evident in Anambra State under Governor Charles Soludo’s Solution Agenda, which, he said, had consolidated reforms in security, healthcare, road infrastructure, free education, free antenatal and delivery services, recruitment of teachers and health workers, economic regeneration, and the fight against touting and lawlessness.
He said Ogbaru Local Government was a direct beneficiary of the security reforms, recalling what he described as the darkest period when the council secretariat and Traditional Rulers’ Council building were razed.
Akwuobi commended the intervention of Governor Soludo, the security agencies and the resilience of his administration, which, he said, made it possible to reconstruct the facilities from the ground up.
He described the rebuilt complex as Ogbaru’s symbol of “From Reform to Stability, From Ashes to Edifice, From Despair to Renewed Hope.”
The Mayor urged the people of Ogbaru to remain united, shun divisive propaganda, criminality and the destruction of public property, and teach their children that Nigeria remains richly endowed with human and natural resources.
He also expressed optimism that a new Nigeria was possible.
Appreciating his guests, Akwuobi expressed satisfaction at having fulfilled his promises to the people of Ogbaru, saying the reconstruction of the council secretariat into a modern edifice was a testament to his commitment and love for the community.
“I have gone round all the local government secretariats across Anambra State and I found out that none of their buildings can match our own Ogbaru Local Government edifice,” .
“Today, I can beat my chest and say that under my watch as Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government, the secretariat was reconstructed,” he said.
Highlights of the event included a march-past by schoolchildren and civil servants, as well as cultural dance performances.
At the end of the competition, King’s Ambassador Secondary School, Atani, and Otumoye Primary School emerged winners in the march-past and received awards from the Mayor, Hon. Sir Kenneth Akwuobi.
