By Tony Ezike
The Director General of the South-East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has been honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title Ugochazuluwa Nanka in recognition of her outstanding contributions to community development, particularly her interventions in addressing the Nanka erosion menace.
The honorary title, conferred on Senator Ekwunife in January 2020, was officially presented to her on Friday, February 14, following her unavoidable absence during the initial investiture ceremony.
Presenting the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of His Royal Highness, Igwe Godwin Ogochukwu Ezeilo, Ezekunie Ezeadisionu (Obunanka of Nanka), the Vice President Emeritus of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Afam Okeke-Ogene, noted that Ekwunife was carefully selected, duly screened, and presented to the monarch for the honour by the Nanka Patriotic Union, through the President General-in-Council.
Chief Okeke-Ogene described Senator Ekwunife as an exceptional leader with the ability to identify challenges, the dexterity to provide solutions, and the determination to execute projects, especially those that serve the common good of the people.
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Senator Ekwunife appreciated the revered monarch, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, the esteemed Council of Chiefs, and the leadership of the Nanka Patriotic Union for recognizing her contributions.
Speaking further, she emphasized the severity of the Nanka erosion, describing it as one of the most active erosion sites in Africa. She also expressed confidence in the federal government’s commitment to launching the second phase of intervention efforts.
“If the Nanka erosion menace is not mitigated quickly, it has the potential to extend beyond Anambra to neighbouring states. It has already eaten deep into Oko, is advancing toward Orlu, and poses a looming threat to other areas. But by God’s grace, that will not happen.”
“I believe that very soon, with a more competent contractor and advanced feasibility studies, the reclamation process will be intensified, yielding significant results.”
Senator Ekwunife expressed joy that the good people of Nanka had fulfilled their promise to present her certificate of recognition at a convenient time. She reiterated her commitment to serving Anambra State, whether in public office or not.
“Anambra belongs to all of us. Anyone willing to serve the people can do so, regardless of political affiliation or public office status,” she remarked.
“When I intervened in the Nanka erosion crisis, I was not representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency; I was representing Anaocha, Njikoka, and Dunukofia. However, as the then Chairperson of the House Committee on Environment, I ensured that Nanka benefited from my position, and I am glad that my efforts were appreciated.”
Concluding her remarks, Ekwunife extended her gratitude to the traditional leadership and people of Nanka.
“On behalf of my husband and the entire family, I sincerely appreciate the Igwe-in-Council and the good people of Nanka for finding me worthy of this prestigious honor. May God bless you all,” she said.
