The Agbaja Peoples Summit holding from November 2, 2022 received a big boost yesterday with the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi endorsing the project and pledging the state government’s support.
He commended a delegation of the Planning Committee which paid him a visit yesterday in his office for initiating the program which will focus on the unity and economic development of Agbaja land.
He tasked the organisers to lead the effort in involving the private sector in the development of our rural areas.
The delegation was led by Venerable (Prof) Chinedu Nebo who is Chairman of Agbaja Leaders of Thought, the umbrella association of Agbaja people that initiated the Summit. He told the governor that the Summit would be a vehicle for unity, progress and socio-cultural advancement of Agbaja people.
It will be a rare occasion for two former governors of the state. While Governor Ugwuanyi will be the Special Guest of Honour at the momentous event, his predecessor in office, Barr. Sullivan Chime who is Patron of the Association, will deliver the Opening address.
The 2-day event starts from Wednesday, November 2, 2022 with an Investment Summit which will identify the development potentials in Agbaja land and produce a blueprint for harnessing them for the benefit of the people.
On the second day, Thursday November 3, 2022, Agbaja people, their in-laws and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond, will converge in their thousands at the Michael Okpara Square for a Cultural Carnival.
Though an event for social and cultural interaction, he said it would be used to confer awards and recognize sons and daughters of Agbaja land who have in their various endeavours impacted the people.
Nebo, former Minister of Power, told the governor that Agbaja people were proud of their past leaders who spearheaded the creation of Enugu State and the advancement of Wawa people.
“Over the past few decades, however, we have been working hard to sustain those legacies and build on them for the wellbeing of Agbaja people. This is the philosophy behind the formation of Agbaja Leaders of Thought (Nzuko Agbaja) as a non-partisan socio-cultural umbrella association of Agbaja people”, he said.
He reeled out a long list of past leaders who he said bequeathed the present generation a legacy of leadership, public service, industry and a rich culture, adding that Agbaja people have reunited to seek a common cause and build on those legacies.
He thanked the governor for promoting peace and unity in the state, adding that it would stand as one of his most enduring legacies.
He also appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the cordial working relationship with key Agbaja people in his administration. “This shows clearly in the harmonious relationship that exists between Your Excellency and our daughter, the Deputy Governor of the State, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo. It is also evident in the confidence you have so generously reposed in your Chief of Staff, Dr. Festus Uzor who is also our illustrious son”, he said.
Nebo noted that while the governor and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama do not belong to the same political party, such political difference has not proved an inhibition to their cordial relationship and official cooperation.
He thanked him for those three in particular, “and many other sons and daughters of Agbaja who have had the privilege to benefit from your administration and the warm relationship that has become your defining character”.
Earlier in the week the Chairmen of Udi Local Government Area, Phillip Oko and his counterpart from Ezeagu Local Government Area Chukwudi Ozoelouba as well as the Deputy Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, attended the expanded meeting of the Planning committee in Enugu to show support for the program.
We recall that Nebo who had earlier announced the event in a statement issued in Enugu two weeks ago, said the gathering will provide a platform to foster unity and rekindle the bonds of kinship among the various communities that make up Agbaja.
According to him, the event will bring together thousands of Agbaja sons and daughters from over 100 communities in Udi, Ezeagu and parts of Enugu North Local Government Areas of Enugu State and in the Diaspora.
He solicited support from Agbaja people towards realizing the lofty objectives of the summit, adding that the event will be a defining moment in Agbaja history.
Other members of the Planning Committee in the entourage included the Chairman, Surv. Ugochukwu Chime and Secretary, Hon. Sheddy Ozoene, Barr. Ricky Agu, Prof. Eddy Nwobodo and Ozo (Dr) Ferdinand Anikwe. Others are Princess Helen Ekene Ozobu, Chief Val Ozonweke, Mr. Obinna Ene and Moses Ejike who is the Coordinating President-General of town unions in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
