With the countdown to the Year 2025 Governorship election in Anambra State, the Central Planning Committee, credible Youth bodies, Women Groups, Traditional Rulers, Community and Religious Leaders, and indeed, the entire Anambra Central Senatorial Zone is set to hold a befitting Grand Civic Reception and Conferment of “Most Dependable and Supportive Deputy Governor of the Year Award,” in honour of their illustrious son, H. E. Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, at the forthcoming Anambra Central 34 Years Anniversary and Cultural Festival. This is part of social activities marking the creation of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone since 1991, organized by the prestigious socio-cultural organization, Anambra Central People’s Forum.
The 2-Day social event scheduled to take place on Friday, 23rd May 2025, and Saturday, 24th May 2025, respectively, at the Igwebuike Primary School Field, Abagana (Opposite Njikoka Divisional Police Headquarters), is billed to have the celebrated State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, as the August Visitor.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Achebe Chris, Esq., who disclosed this while addressing journalists in Awka yesterday during their strategic periodic meetings, said:
“We share in the joy which pervades all of Anambra State and Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, in particular, on account of this worthy recognition. The best way to encourage champions of good governance who are passionate about making a remarkable difference is by rewarding them. It is called positive reinforcement.
“H. E. Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim is a shining example. His emergence to occupy the number two position in the political hierarchy of the state has been applauded in many quarters, which is also believed to have given the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone a sense of belonging in the political equation for which the Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo-led administration of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is commended.
“As a dependable ally of the Governor, the Deputy Governor has, to the admiration and commendation of Anambrarians, demonstrated constant charismatic devotion and availability to the call of duty. He is known to have clinically tidied up state matters with a touch of finesse and to the satisfaction of his boss.
“His comparatively high and unparalleled sense of responsibility, cultivated from public sector orientation, has always provided the vista for constant engagements in public service.
“The contagious peace and harmony that have prevailed in the Deputy Governor’s relationship with his boss are proof that both men are servant-leaders who, as it were, are divinely paired.
“Additionally, one will attest to the glory of God that we have a brilliant Executive Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, at the helm of affairs, who is supported by his Deputy, Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to build an unbreakable team that has raised the bar of excellence in governance in Anambra State,” Achebe said.
Highlighting the significance of the event, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee emphasized that civic reception, as it obtains in our clime, is a well-thought initiative designed to celebrate and further motivate outstanding sons and daughters of the soil who have surmounted the odds to distinguish themselves in their various vocations, adding that in the case of H. E. Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the reception is an honour well-deserved.
On his part, Prof. Philip Nwabueze Atanmo, who is one of the major stakeholders of the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone and erstwhile President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State chapter, said that H. E. Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim has sacrificed so much in the goal of making Anambra a peaceful, prosperous, and livable state, as espoused by the Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo-led administration, adding that “he deserves to be honoured with a befitting Grand Civic Reception.”
Also speaking, Prof. Edwin Akusoba, former President-General of Nnobi community and member of the Local Organizing Committee, extolled the virtues of Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
In his contribution, Akusoba remarked that the Anambra Deputy Governor is evidently well-schooled in the complementary role of Deputy Governor and is maximally utilizing the same in reducing the burden of governance on his boss, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, adding that this has strategically stood him out and, in its wake, won Anambra State many celebrated peace accords and laurels.
Meanwhile, the Anambra Central Thirty-Four Years Anniversary and Cultural Festival is organized to specifically showcase the rich cultural heritage, exploits of the people, arts and crafts, God-given natural endowments, and unique tourism potentials. Many prominent Igbo sons and daughters, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, youth bodies, and women groups are expected to grace the great occasion.
