By Tony Ezike
A community based organization known as Mbaukwu Progressive Union (MPU) on Sunday 5th May, 2024 unveiled a new executive committee ably led by Alex Dozie Ibezim and charged with the responsibility of piloting its affairs for the next three years.
The newly elected officers are as follows:
- Chairman: Alex Dozie Ibezim
- Vice Chairman: Chijioke Okeke (Enyioha)
- Secretary: Agwata Bernard
- Assistant Secretary: Chimezie Okoyeugha
- Financial Secretary: Collins Ozigbo
- Treasurer: Mr. Jude Okoye
- Dr. Chidi Nwokike, among others.
Vice Chairman of the committee Bldr Chijioke Okeke while delivering the Chairman’s welcome address highlighted the importance of MPU Awka branch working together as a community united in purpose and vision.
He further described the founding of the union as a significant milestone in their collective journey towards progress, equality and prosperity for all.
Chairman of the branch Alex C. Ibezim emphasized the efforts of the group in fostering unity, empowerment and positive change within Mbaukwu community and among members, adding that they are guided by the principles of inclusivity, compassion and justice.
The Chairman urged members to imbibe the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, and join hands and hearts to tackle the challenges facing the organization, while leveraging available opportunities to actualize their objectives.
Ibezim cautioned against existing barriers of division, and called on members to break it down by coming together, building bridges and forging a path towards a better tomorrow.
“Ndi nkem (MPU Awka branch), as we embark on this transformative journey, let us remember that our strength lies in our diversity, our resilience, and our shared humanity. Let us strive to uplift the voices of the marginalized, to champion the course of the oppressed, and to stand in solidarity with those in need.
“In the words of Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha, “Nothing gets transformed in your life until your mind is transformed”. Let us therefore, pledge ourselves to the noble task of making our MPU Awka branch and Mbaukwu community great, our nation, and our world a better place for all”, he stated.
Alex Ibezim concluded by enjoining members to be their brother’s keepers as they embark on what he described as a journey of progress, unity, love and hope.
Prominent members of the community present include, but not limited to the highly reputed traditional institution of Mbaukwu community, ably represented by Ichie Dominic Nwoye (Ebubedike Mbaukwu), Ichie Ruben Obodoaku and Ichie Prof Odum.
MPU Awka branch extends special appreciation to the clergyman in their mist, Rev’d Father Dominic Anyalagbuna, a bona-fide member of MPU who also administered the oath of office for the new executive committee, which was officially constituted in March 03, 2024.
In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of MPU Awka branch Bldr Chijioke Okeke stated;
“I feel delighted to be listed among this noble committee of men who have been carefully selected to serve the Awka chapter of MPU and by extension our beloved community Mbaukwu.
“I want to seize this opportunity to felicitate with Anambra state government under the pragmatic leadership of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his two years anniversary in office. In my opinion, those were two years of massive development and other sundry services.
“The achievements of governor Soludo’s administration within the period under review, especially in Awka capital territory is indeed unprecedented, considering the network and quality of road infrastructure being done by the governor. More importantly, the state government’s inclusion of Contractors Contract Liability Period, which is why you hear today, ‘this road is guaranteed for 20 years’.
“I also wish to notify the government about the sufferings of National Youth Service Corps members and Mbaukwu residents, who are meant to use Umuawulu, Obeagu NYSC Igwe junction road in Mbaukwu. That road is strategic given that it links Umuawulu, Mbaukwu and other routes.
“The plight of these copers plying that route to access their orientation camp should be part of government’s priority considerations. The last administration awarded the contract which includes bridge construction. While the bridge is already done, other ancillary works seems to have been suspended indefinitely, thereby rendering the road unmotorable.
“It is important to note that the good people of Mbaukwu community have done a number of palliative works on that road to enable pedestrian and motorcycles passage, but that is not enough. I wish to advise the state government to revisit that particular road and make it useful to the youth copers, host community members, other road users, and Ndi Anambra in general.
“In a nutshell, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo is showing us another approach to administration, which is coming with all the concepts and attributes that resonates quality service to the people”, he said.
Speaking earlier, in the course of administering the oath of office, Rev’d Father Dominic Anyalagbuna declared that the new MPU leadership is a unifying factor amongst members and the community by extension, adding that it will engender tolerance, love and peace among members.
“You have been selected by all of us here to represent us, so we commit you into the hands of God, praying that God will give you the necessary grace, to carry on this very difficult task. A task that is likely to attract hatred, as well as diverse ideas, suggestions and opinions.
“We ask God to give you the necessary grace to bear this burden, to love everyone despite anything that could happen, to continue to let the light shine and bring forth progress, peace, joy and love through Christ our Lord”, he prayed.
See video containing the Chairman’s welcome address:
