ASATU Visits Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe

EMMY YOUNG

The National President of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, Hon Barr. Akpudo Titus (Ichaka-Egbe Eji Gbu Agu Eziowelle) led Executive members of the association cum governing body of the Association to pay a courtesy visit to the Traditional ruler of Onitsha ancient kingdom, HRM Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi). 

The ASATU State Executives were warmly and heartily received on arrival at Ime Obi Onitsha by Sir Chike Ekweogwu- the President General of Onitsha and other members of the Igwe’s cabinet. 
Also in the host contingent is the Capacity Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Council His youthfulness, Hon Patrick Aghamba, who also doubles as President ASATU Youth Wing.

One of the objectives of the visit was to formally introduce the newly elected Executives to HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe and also to identify with their vision and mission for and giant developmental relationship between the Town Unions and Traditional institutions across the 179 communities in the State.
Another key objective was to solicit for the support and Royal blessings from Igwe Alfred Achebe.

In his opening speech, the ASATU President, Hon Titus Akpudo thanked HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe–the Obi of Onitsha, for honouring the association’s request to pay a courtesy call on him and for the very warm reception accorded the ASATU delegation. 

He further noted that the Association was very mindful of the busy nature of the office of HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe, and accordingly considered the honour of the visit to be a clear and unambiguous manifestation of the high esteem which the Igwe Alfred Achebe holds. He also extolled the leadership of His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano– the Executive Governor of Anambra State, for his recognition of the important role of Anambra State Association of Town Unions as a body with his administration in his untiring quest to deliver good governance to the people of Anambra State. 

Continuing, he stated that the Governor has been doing his best to ensure peace, stability, unity and development in the State and the ASATU body had seen his dynamism in the various interventions put in place to address the challenges facing the people of Anambra State in recent times and particularly the recent security challenge facing the entire Nation and however, made it clear that security of lives and properties is everyone’s business and should be given uttermost attention by all. While commending the Governor for the bold steps, he equally eulogized him for keeping up the level of political will in order to remain consistent. 

He also saluted HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe and his cabinet for the courage and commitment in building an enduring culture of good corporate governance, promoting the rich culture of Onitsha people such as the Golibe Festival and ethics in his administration and in the management of the affairs of the Traditional Council in South East geo-political zone, while noting that he was not surprised at Igwe Achebe attainment.

Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe has been decorated as An Ambassador of Messengers of Peace in Africa and member National Board of Trustees of The Scout Association of Nigeria amongst other numerous awards he added. 

Moreover, he went down history lane and told HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe how he accorded himself, the State and the entire Igbo tribe a wonderful respect during President Buhari’s visit to his palace. Saying that “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”. 

However, ASATU National President pledged loyalty to HRM Igwe Achebe and asked for continuing synergy between Ndi Igwe and their President General, as he went on to state that the ASATU  has concluded plans of embarking on a peace mission to all the affected communities in State so as to enable the Association ensure restoration of  peaceful coexistence of the two most important organs in the communities, for once this step is taken successful community crises, which normally led to imposition of Caretaker committees and crime will be reduced to drastically.

In his response, HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe, thanked the National Excos of ASATU for their visit, while also noting that Anambra State has been good example in the areas of good governance and the development of human capital and infrastructure, and added that the Governor had sustained this through the selection of professionals in his administration, whom the Governor believes can impact positive change in governance in Anambra State.

Furthermore, he acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in the areas of security of lives and property of the citizens, improved ease of doing business, attraction of foreign direct investment, self-sustenance and good ethical conduct in the implementation and delivery of government’s projects, services and particularly the ‘community choose your project initiative’. 

Speaking further, HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe charged the ASATU State Executives to dispel the consent that Traditional Rulers and President General do not work together but rather to develop a team spirit, synergy among the two institutions in order to achieve great sustainable goals. And equally implored the various PGs present to align with their various Traditional rulers and bring into action a bid to assemble community vigilante group and to make ensure they carry the youths of the community along. 

In their respective appreciation speech, the Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, His Youthfulness Hon. Patrick Aghamba, thanked HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe for his kind gesture, noting Igwe Alfred Achebe is a man whose values, legacy and contribution speak volume particularly the ongoing projects in the city. While Sir Chike Ekweogwu added his voice in appreciating Igwe Alfred Achebe for devoting his time, fatherly blessings and advice to the State Executives.

The visit had in attendance the National President of ASATU Hon Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha North LGA & National President of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Youth Wing–His Youthfulness Hon. Patrick Aghamba. Prof Charles Nwadigwe–1st Vice President. Hon Offorkansi IK–3rd National Vice President. Sir Ugochukwu Udemezue–2nd Social Secretary. Engr Umeghalm Edwin–National Publicity Secretary. Hon Nwaka Christopher– Liaison Anambra North. Prince Nwanze Afubera–National Treasurer. Engr Kenneth Okafor–National Provost II. Hon Chukwunwike Madueke– 1st National Assistant Secretary. Hon Silas Umejike–Financial Secretary and host of others.