Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe and Governor of Anambra State, Chief Obiano (right) at the seminar
By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Willie Obiano has commended the traditional rulers of Onitsha, Obosi and Ogbaru for their support to the construction company handling the 2nd Niger Bridge, expected to be delivered by February 2022.
He was speaking during the 2019 traditional rulers’ council seminar at the Government House, Awka.
The seminar which is 8th in its series has the theme, “Igbo Enwe Eze,” meant to address the aberration that kings don’t exist in Igboland.
Declaring the seminar open, Chief Obiano said that such support has helped to advance the progress of work on the project that will ensure prompt delivery.
The Governor asked the monarchs to brainstorm and take a position on areas such as the total abolishment of the Osu Caste System, the seeming “Anglacization of Igbo names where people say things like Anambrarians instead of ndi Anambra, cultism, as well as traditional rulers who prefer to live outside their communities, among others.
A cross section of traditional rulers at the event
On the N21million community choose your projects initiative, Governor Obiano commended communities that have completed the first and second phases of the project, but stressed that those that are yet to complete theirs will not participate in the upcoming third phase.
He urged them to take time to support the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme so that members of their communities will enjoy the benefits.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Greg Obi, said the theme of seminar goes to the heart of ndi Igbo, their origin and history which is important to the Governor and stressed the importance of increased cooperation between traditional rulers and presidents-general of communities for the good of their people.
The Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers’ Council and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, said that the topic was chosen to challenge ndi Igbo to genuinely relate with kings in other regions, noting that ndi Igbo have been as guilty in propagating the falsehood that Ndi Igbo don’t have kings.
Igwe Achebe expressed optimism that the seminar will produce a recommendation to state government on herdsmen menace, review of existing constitutions in their various communities, review of traditional marriage, burial rites as well as proposal of town union administration as the 4th tier of government.
The seminar which is an annual event, serves as a review session for monarchs in the state to brainstorm on their challenges and chart better ways of engagement with their community members and all levels of government among others and was also attended by traditional rulers of the old Eastern Region which was the first time since the war end of the Nigeria -Biafra War.
