Igbo Community in Utonkon Demonstrates Solidarity with Ado Local Government Chairman

The Igbo Community in Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area recently paid a solidarity visit to Engr. Sunny Oche, the Local Government Chairman, expressing their support for his leadership and that of Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia (Ph.D.).

Led by Mr. James Ezeh, Chairman General of the Igbo Community in Utonkon, the delegation congratulated Engr. Oche on his election victory and commended his commitment to unity and inclusivity. Mr. Ezeh highlighted the longstanding peaceful coexistence between the Igbo community and their Utonkon hosts, spanning over a century.

The community presented a range of requests, including the roofing of their community hall and increased employment opportunities for their members. Their goodwill gesture included gifts of a goat, yams, plantains, and a keg of palm wine.

Engr. Oche expressed gratitude for the visit and the community’s continued peaceful coexistence. He pledged his support within the framework of the Local Government’s responsibilities, highlighting a substantial cash donation he made towards completing the roofing of their community hall. He emphasized the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in economic growth and assured the community of opportunities within this sector. He also highlighted Governor Alia’s commitment to rural development, citing the construction of a vital link road from Mbeke to Ijigbam connecting the Igumale-Agila road and free medical outreach programs as examples of support the Local Government is receiving from the Governor. He encouraged the women to register a Cooperative Society that will serve as an enabler for Bank Loans and direct access to Government Support emphasising that Government is looking in the direction of SMEs more than before.

Ukwonyo Ward Councilor Barr. Francis Ede Ojoko and Mr. Mathew Egba, Special Adviser to the Chairman on Special Duties, also addressed the gathering, praising Engr. Oche’s leadership and reaffirming the positive contributions of the Igbo community to the local economy. Mr. Mathew Egba encouraged them to go about their businesses without let or hindrance with an advise that they should always stay out of trouble while Barr. Ojoko encouraged them to get involved in active politics citing few who were involved and never sustained the tempo.

The visit concluded with an exchange of pleasantries via a telephone conversation between the wife of the Chairman and the women in the delegation with a reaffirmation of mutual respect, and a commitment to continued collaboration between the Igbo community and the Ado Local Government.

Principal Private Secretary to The Chairman reports