…Pledges Continued Support to the Community and Naval Institution

Being moved by the deplorable state of the road at the Nigerian Naval Outpost, Odekpe- Ogbaru, Anambra State; an  Igbo  illustrious son,  industrialist,  and philanthropist of note—  High Chief Dr. Amb. Anthony Ikenna Obele (Okwunze Aguata)—  in keeping to his promise of fixing the age long dilapidated road: on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, officially flagged-off construction of the 2km road located at the Navy  Officers’ Mess, amid jubilation by the community and road users who had suffered untold hardship  due to bad road and flood. 

Speaking after the flag- off ceremony at the  project site, the road contractor, Engr. Tobechukwu Nzekwe, commended High Chief Anthony Obele’s courage and bold step in  single- handedly executing the over N500M road project as part of his social responsibility  at a  time when there seems to be no   hope in sight to fixing the neglected road. 

The  Managing Director of Toshel Construction Group, Engr. Nzekwe, who maintained that Chief Anthony Obele  is a man with a large heart for humanity,  however, remarked that the gesture is a timely wake-up call for Anambra industrialists, investors, and successful businessmen; including the diaspora, to always think home and develop home as exemplified by the industrialist and uncommon philanthropist.

Chief Dr. Anthony  Obele—  Chairman of Mekens Nigeria  Ltd— a multi- billion Naira business conglomerate with interests spanning: real estate, road construction, maritime, logistics, hospitality, oil and gas, and community development—  is an uncommon philanthropist, a man  who sees community development and human capacity building as a living organism that must be allowed to thrive and breath, and not just a slogan. His personal drive,  convictions, and commitment toward youth  empowerment initiatives are both  unassuming and heartwarming as he has continued to use his resources to build communities while empowering the youths.

The  strategic road that links  Odekpe village  to neighbouring towns like Ozubulu, Nnewi, when completed, will not only ease the long traffic jam but also accelerate economic activities in the area, the Project Supervisor told the press. 

This divine intervention of a road construction project sponsored by Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele is accentuated by a  community leader,  Chief Emeka, who spoke to the  Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, Njoku Macdonald Obinna ,  during the flag- off ceremony, as he declared that  after many years of waiting , God has heard their cries and sent Okwunze Aguata  that has taken up this multi- million Naira project all alone . “ This is the development we have been yearning for “, he said. The construction of the road will definitely change the social and economic life of Odekpe village and the entire Atani Ogbaru community.

The soft-spoken Commandant of Nigerian Naval Outpost,  Odekpe Onitsha, Kabir Yusuf, in a heartwarming interaction with the media, applauded the philanthropist, Chief  Obele, for his  community – oriented based leadership and sincerity of purpose in constructing a  road that has become a nightmare to the users  during raining season as the overflow  from the Niger River keeps flooding the area, leaving many  homes deserted.

While praying for God’s continuing protection and providence on the road facilitator and sole sponsor, Chief Ikenna Obele,  Chief Emeka  maintained that the project aligned with the Public/Private/Community/Partnership Initiative of the Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s led Solution Administration; advising the youth,  community leaders and all stakeholders to get involved by protecting both men and equipment that would be  deployed to the site during and after the execution of the road construction project.