Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo has called for collaboration with the Oko community in the fight against erosion menace threatening the community.
He lamented that despite government efforts in terms of materials, equipment, and other interventions, there is still much to be done to check the advancing gullies which he said are capable of creating natural disasters.
Soludo however during the Commissioning of the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre, Oko, yesterday, organized by the Ide Memorial group, blamed sand excavators for the erosion menace in Oko town, warning that the area may not escape from natural disaster if nothing serious is done to immediately halt the advancing gullies.
He disclosed that a task force had since been set up against sand excavators in the area.
“The task force is empowered to impound any tipper or vehicle used in the excavation business and ceased for one year.
“Anambra government has concluded plans to commence the rehabilitation of Pal Brewery Road and the Oko General Hospital for better health delivery services.
Earlier, Coordinator, Ide Memorial group, Chief Handel Okoli, who was former Special Assistant to the President (Special Duties), recalled thus, “As a gifted child Ide’s journey to greatness started with humility and an acute sense of purpose. God blessed his efforts and gave him special destiny helpers.
“Ide was stupendously endowed with material wealth and a vast intellectual industry,.. and yet despite all the capacities that follows wealth and influence, Ide did not abuse God’s gifts , but rather he deployed them towards human capacity development, complemented by his philanthropic disposition”, Okoli added.
Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the event, Chief Reuben Muoka, said that the event exhibited the cultural showpiece of Oko people, aimed at reawakening the memories of the former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme, his life and collected speeches.
He said, “The event has also witnessed a surge in the number of Oko sons and daughters, as well as friends and well wishers who came into the town for the Christmas and New year celebrations.
“It would also feature the Nkwa Nkwa, a women dance group whose origin dates back to the 19th century, with a characteristic unique rendition, unique steps and unique costumes.
“Oko is the home of late Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, the popular film actor, Prof Laz Ekwueme, Federal Polytechnic Oko among other establishments.
“The event serves as a home coming of Oko sons and daughters living in Nigeria and diaspora. It’s a time for the cultural renaissance of our community, which is in realization of the think home call and cultural revival among Ndigbo, championed by the Soludo administration in recent times.
“For us, this event is our own big way of celebrating former Vice President Alex Ekwueme( Ide Oko), whose giant statue was also unveiled by Prof Soludo, a unique being who also appreciates culture and works of art.”
