The Traditional Ruler of Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Augustine Azuka Ngoddy, has commissioned several projects executed by the outgoing Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Sir Kenneth Akwuobi.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat in Atani, coincided with activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The event was attended by schoolchildren from various parts of Ogbaru, Hon. Afam Ogene, traditional rulers, council staff, associates and well-wishers, as well as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service and local vigilante groups.
Among the projects commissioned were the Traditional Rulers’ Council Building, Legislative Building and a fully furnished Administrative Block equipped with closed-circuit television cameras.
The facilities had previously been destroyed by unknown gunmen before Akwuobi assumed office. The outgoing mayor subsequently embarked on their reconstruction, completing the projects within months.
Commissioning the facilities, Igwe Ngoddy commended Akwuobi for his determination and resilience in rebuilding the council complex.
The monarch recalled the deplorable condition of the facilities before their reconstruction, saying Akwuobi had promised upon assuming office to rebuild the structures and had fulfilled his pledge.
He described the mayor as an “Omenife,” meaning a person who accomplishes tasks considered difficult or impossible by others.
Igwe Ngoddy subsequently dedicated the completed projects to God and for the benefit of the people of Ogbaru, Anambra State and Nigeria.
In his Independence Day address, Akwuobi said the theme of the 66th anniversary, “From Reform to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” was appropriate given the challenges Nigeria had faced over the years.
He said the country had survived civil war, economic crises, military rule and insecurity while remaining united as one nation.
According to him, current reforms, although difficult, were laying the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future.
The outgoing mayor also commended the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as reforms in security, healthcare, road infrastructure, education, healthcare personnel recruitment, economic development and the fight against touting and lawlessness.
Akwuobi said Ogbaru Local Government had benefited from the state’s security interventions, particularly following the destruction of the council secretariat and Traditional Rulers’ Council building.
He acknowledged the role of Governor Soludo, security agencies and his administration in the reconstruction of the facilities.
He described the rebuilt council complex as a symbol of “From Reform to Stability, From Ashes to Edifice, From Despair to Renewed Hope.”
Akwuobi urged the people of Ogbaru to remain united, reject criminality and divisive activities, and protect public property.
Expressing satisfaction with his administration’s achievement, the mayor said the reconstruction of the council secretariat demonstrated his commitment to the people of Ogbaru.
He said he had inspected local government secretariats across Anambra State and believed the reconstructed Ogbaru complex compared favourably with others.
“I can beat my chest and say that under my watch as Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government, the secretariat was reconstructed,” he said.
The ceremony also featured a march-past by schoolchildren and civil servants, alongside cultural dance performances.
King’s Ambassador Secondary School, Atani, and Otumoye Primary School emerged winners of the march-past competition and received awards from the mayor.
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