From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The traditional ruler of Ogidi community in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, Igwe Alexander Onyido, has stated that the launch of the special security architecture codenamed Operation Udo Ga Achi/Agunechemba by the Chukwuma Soludo administration has stemmed the tide of criminality in the state thereby making the residents feel much safer and relaxed to engage in their respective endeavours.
Speaking while delivering his address at the Ogidi Town Hall yesterday during the Ito Aro festival celebration of octogenarians in the community, Igwe Onyido said Ogidi community had also keyed into the laudable security initiatives of Governor Soludo and called on all residents and stakeholders to support the initiatives to fully succeed since security matters remains a collective responsibility.
He said: “Governor Soludo should be commended in this direction. There has been a sharp decline in kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related crimes since the new security measures of the Executive Governor came into force. Nevertheless, we cannot afford to be complacent, hence we remain unrelenting in our efforts at strengthening our internal security. A lot has been done and still being done.
“There are little things we can do to boost our personal security. The cost of installing the CCTV in our homes is nothing compared to the consequences of not doing so. Most often, it is easy to spot these bad eggs by their conduct in the public. It is a good precautionary measure to watch and observe the behaviour of other road users and drivers,” he stated.
The monarch explained that the Ito Aro Ogidi festival is meant to honour their senior citizens and aged parents who have attained the age of 80 and above. He said the festival serves as their vehicle for delivering love and a sense of belonging to that class of Ogidi indigenes.
He called on youths of the community to embrace the community’s values and cultural identities and avoid the trending vices of indecent dressing and wearing dreadlocks which most times expose one to police raids and unnecessary scrutiny by security agencies.
Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Hon. Stanley Nkworka who graced the occasion extended the goodwill of the Anambra State Government to the people of the community and the celebrating octogenarians.
The Idemili North Mayor described the Ito Ogbo festival as a remarkable event that shows that one has come of age and deserves to be celebrated alive instead of lavish burials.