By CYPRIAN AJAH
THE quest for rural Development has been a burning desire of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. On assumption of office, the governor presented certificates of returns to the newly elected executive members of several communities in the state through the Commissioner for Rural Development, who will take development down to the grassroots.
Presenting the newly elected executive body of Okpanku Development Union (ODU) to the commissioner, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Rural Development, Uche Ogbonna, said the Ministry of Rural Development is set to reach out to the people. He commended level of understanding between the ministry and the people, assuring that the ministry is willing to solve the problems of the rural people and that government is ready to extend their hand of fellowship to Okpanku People because Okpanku is the food basket of Aniniri and Aninri is the food basket of Enugu State. “This team is willing to work with you. They were accompanied by the former leaders of the association and the traditional Prime Minister of the town,”Ogbonna said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Chief Innocent Enejere, also told the representatives of Okpanku that Enugu State Government is not only willing to extend their hands of fellowship but it is also ready to respond to the needs of the community.
“We are committed to respond to the needs of the people, especially, now that your son is part of us. He was instrumental to extinguishing the fire accident in Okpanku few days ago. We know you as a law abiding people since the creation of the state,” remarked.
Presenting certificate of returns to ODU executives, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Ozor Gabriel Onuzuruike, reminded the executive that their offices require sincerity and accountability as they may be called by the community or the government to render account of their stewardship.
Speaking on behalf of the executive, the President General of Okpanku Development Union, Barrister Julius Ajah, promised the Enugu State Government that his administration would do everything within its power to work together with the government to attract development in the community. He emphasized that the four points agenda of Governor Ugwuanyi for rural development must not elude Okpanku.
In his closing remarks, the traditional ruler of Okpanku, His Royal Highness, Igwe Reginald A. Chukwu, who was represented by the traditional Prime Minister, Onowu Denis Uzoigwe, expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated executive members, describing them as embodiment of hope. He assured the state government that the team presented to him was carefully elected by the people to pursue the agenda of community development for the next four years.