By Ikechukwu Odu

NSUKKA- There was excitement and fanfare at the Ngwuru Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi granted the community autonomous status.

This gesture which is in tandem with the governor’s aggressive rural development initiative, has exposed the community to more socio-economic and political engagements with the state government.

*Traditional ruler of Ngwuru Ancient Kingdom, HRH Igwe Linus Nosike Obayi (7th right), his wife, Lolo Rose (6th right), with the cabinet members and reverend fathers during the inauguration of Igwe’s cabinet at Ngwuru, Nsukka. PHOTO: IKECHUKWU ODU

Ngwuru Nsukka which is the clan head of the nine communities that make up Nsukka Council Area said this feat which Governor Ugwuanyi made possible for them has eluded the community for nearly two decades, which is why they are very grateful to him.

In an address presented by the traditional ruler of the community, HRH, Igwe Linus Nosike Obayi during the inauguration of his cabinet members in their village square over the weekend, he said Governor Ugwuanyi has opened windows of opportunity for socio-economic development for the people of the area by making them an autonomous community, adding that his victory in the gubernatorial election in the state is a genuine expression of the  people’s mandate.

Speaking on the inauguration of his cabinet members, Igwe Obayi said: “It really took me time to pick the best that would make up my cabinet. Ngwuru is the oldest community in the whole of Nsukka and being the oldest, we are supposed to set the pace for others to emulate us. I have chosen people that would fast-track peace and development in Ngwuru.    “I am gender sensitive; I have three women already in my cabinet and would bring two more because I know that women are bridge builders,” he said.

President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, being received by Ezechinyereugo 1 of Ngwuru Ancient kingdom, Igwe Linus Nosike Obayi, during the inauguration of pioneer igwe’s cabinet at Ngwuru, Nsukka, Enugu State. PHOTO: IKECHUKWU ODU

One of the cabinet members, Prof. Tony Ugwu Obayi, in a keynote address said the inauguration marks the official introduction of their first democratically elected traditional ruler to the community, calling on all to join hands to take the community to an enviable status by promoting peace and development initiatives.

He added that as foot soldiers, the cabinet members would represent the traditional ruler properly in worthwhile situations to promote peace and unity in the entire Nsukka Council Area and Ngwuru in particular, stressing that they would use this opportunity to attract development projects to the people.

Also expressing his joy, another cabinet member, Ifeanyichukwu Alumona, assured that the cabinet will ensure progress in the community. He said: “We have to make sure that there is peace and progress in Ngwuru town. We would pursue and get whatever our people are entitled to from the government or any other place,” he said, adding that part of their duties is also to advise the traditional ruler promptly in matters of interest to the community.

The event attracted several respectable Igbo sons and daughters including the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nniah Nwodo among others.