Today, an innumerable number of people in Ikwuano LGA Headquarters marched and danced in the grand reception of Col. Austin Akobundu Rtd.
Activities to welcome Col. Austin Akobundu hit a feverish pitch as various community groups hoisted their banners around the Council while rolling out their drums.
A foremost group in Ikwuano LGA, who within a short space has become a political force to reckon with, Igwebuike Youth Initiative left an indelible mark in the hearts of the high and the low as they went around in their intimidating numbers to celebrate the political juggernaut.
While speaking, the Executive Chairman, Chief Stephen Mpamugo appreciated all and sundry who came out to pay their respect to Col. Austin Akobundu. He further said that the celebrant has distinguished himself throughout his sterling career and the people of Ikwuano are very proud of him.
After the chairman’s speech, a chieftaincy title named *Dike Akolamba* was conferred on the celebrant by the chairman of the Ikwuano traditional rulers, HRH Eze Ndimele together with four (4) other Eze’s representing each of the clans.
According to the chairman of the Ikwuano traditional rulers, HRH Eze Ndimele, the recipient of the title was selected for this noble title in recognition of his contribution to the social, political, and economic development in Ikwuano LGA, Abia state, and Nigeria at large during his meritorious service as the PDP National Organizing Secretary and his continuous zeal and will to serve his people.
HRH Eze Ndimele concluded that it is his fervent hope that the celebrant sees this conferment as a mark of honor and challenge to do more for the people of Ikwuano LGA.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji congratulated Col. Akobundu whom he said has distinguished himself both in the military and political terrains of the nation.
He further extolled the celebrant, describing him as a proud son of Ikwuano who has meritoriously rendered quality service to his people.
Concluding, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji said that service has bestowed a huge task on Col. Akobundu to galvanize the entire people of Ikwuano Local Government for peace to reign permanently in the area.
He wished the celebrant well in all his future endeavors.
In his speech, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji CON, Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, said he was delighted to witness the great event “because a prophet has been honored in his hometown”.
The Senator said the celebrant eminently deserves the recognition and honor accorded to him because of his towering achievements and outstanding contributions to the people of Ikwuano LGA, the State, and Nigeria in general. He prayed that God will continue to uphold and prosper him and give him good health as he continues to positively impact his people.
In his speech, Col. Austin Akobundu described the reception as his homecoming.
“I am completely overwhelmed by the show of love from my people. This lavish reception simply indicates that my people value the input I have made throughout my time at the party and this has simply humbled me. Going forward, I will dedicate my time to helping and guiding the young ones who are yearning to go into politics to bring the desired development to Ikwuano.”
In attendance are, but not limited to; Member representing Umuahia North State Constituency, Hon Kelechi Onuzuruike, Member representing Obingwa West State Constituency, Hon Thomas A.C. Nkoro, Member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Hon Stanley Nwabuisi, State Chairman of People’s Democratic Party, Rt Hon Alwel Asiforo Okere, former Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu CON, Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, Party stakeholders in Abia State, Ikwuano LGA, Members of the State Executive Council, women and youth groups, traditional rulers and top government functionaries graced the occasion.
Colonel Augustine Akobundu (rtd) served as the Honourable Minister of State for Defence and as the immediate past National Organizing Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party.
Aaron Elekwachi
(Media/Publicity)
Ikwuano LGA
