… Advocates more government presence, spread of development projects
By Njoku Macdonald Obinna
Following the urgent need to provide a common platform for patriotic intelligentsia from United Egbema Kingdom (Imo|Rivers States) to converge and converse on the development of Egbema area; brainstorm, advocate, plan, and galvanize needed supports to build capacity, enlighten the people, broaden their horizon and consciousness to demand for inclusive governance, good leadership, and even distribution of common wealth, Egbema Tink Tank became a child of necessity to address some of the fundamental issues in Egbema land.
The 2024 Annual Conference which is the second edition since its establishment with the theme; ` Uniting For Impact`: had an illustrious son of Egbema, a distinguished scholar of note, an uncommon philanthropist, and avowed advocate of community development and Niger Delta region, Dr. Ejike Chukwu (MON), as chairmam of the occasion.
During his remarks, the distinguished scholar and oil maverick, Ejike Chukwu (MON), noted that over the years, Ohaji|Egbema area has been playing a pivotal role in economic advancement of Imo State and the country at large through the exploration of its abundant natural deposits of oil and gas.
He however, regretted that a strategic local government with a viable economic value like Ohaji|Egbema which contributes significantly to national development through its natural resources and human capital has continued to suffer untold hardship; shortage of power supply, lack of drinkable water, bad road network, massive youth unemployment, inclusive governance and pollution of farmlands through oil spillage and gas flaring.
Pushing for unity of purpose as a people, a rather proactive and pragmatic community leader, Dr. Ejike Chukwu, called on the sons and daughters of Ohaji Egbema home and abroad to unite together in love as a people, be progressive-minded, embrace developmental initiative, and eschew all forms of unhealthy competition, internal bickering, or communal rivalry which are not only divisive but a clog on the wheels of progress. He also challenged eligible Egbema indigines to throw themselves up for various elective positions; House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, chairman of NDDC and other federal government’s boards.
Regretting that people from the area have been seen by power brokers as willing tools for political manipulations during electioneering season, he challenged them to prove the naysayers wrong by waking up from their slumber and standing to take their rightful place in the socioeconomic and political affairs of Imo State and Nigeria.
The highpoint of the event was his donation of the sum of One Million Naira to support duo projects of education scholarship and empowerment programme in the community. Dr. Ejike Chukwu’s unwavering commitment to fostering unity in Egbema is exemplary as he strongly believes that a united Egbema will be better positioned to demand its fair share of development and representation.
No doubt, this belief drives his community-oriented initiative, which focuses on empowering widows , supporting the less privileged, and creating opportunities for young people through educational scholarships in higher institutions of learning. And over the years, he has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration through his tireless advocacy, community engagement, and humanitarian efforts.
Accompanied to the watershed event by his friends and associates, Chief Barr. Reginald Uwakwe, Chief Ugo Okene, and Dr. Mrs. Vivian Dimgba, Project Manager, Ejike Chukwu Foundation,where he was honoured with an award of excellent community service alongside former Inspector General of Police, Chief Mike Okiro, Dr. Alban Igwe , Hon. Dr. Ogochukwu Amuda, Dr. JC Omaegbu, Prof. Best Odinaoha, Prof. Jason ossaii , Hon.Chief Gideon Meffor , among others.