By John Asiegbu
His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe, (Obi gburugburu) of Isiama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to tackle what he described as unprecedented hunger currently ravaging Nigerians by embracing agriculture for increased food production, sufficiency and security in the country.
The royal father made the call on Sunday, 26th October,2024, while speaking during the celebration of the 2024 Isiama New Yam Festival.
Ohanwe who attributed recent astronomical death toll of Nigerians to excruciating poverty, hunger and starvation, advised FG to do something urgently to save its citizens from extinction.
Ohanwe also called on president Bola Ahmed Tinibu’s led government to release the detained leader of the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kalu for peace to return to the Southeast, identifying his continued detention as the root cause of insecurity and unrest in the zone.
The pilot traditional ruler said that Kalu’s release would reduce the high level of insecurity in the Southeast, pointing out that incessant sit-at- home enforcement in the zone had adversely effected it’s economy.
“I stand on my authority as a vocal royal father to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to please, release Mazi Nnamdi Kalu for peace to return to the Southeast . Our people are sick and tired of insecurity, anxiety and tension”
The scholarly monarch further called on the FGN to create one more state in the $outheast for the sake of equity, fairness and justice.
Ohanwe, who is also the Chairman, Governing Council of Benjamin Uwajimogu College of Education , Ihitte/Uboma, decried the fact that the Southeast has only five states while other geo-political zones of the nation have six states respectively.
The colourful new yam festival which served as a rallying point to notable personalities in the state, featured the presentation of meritorous awards to deserving sons and daughters of Okigwe Zone and beyond.
The Senator representing Okigwe Zone in the red chamber of the national assembly, Hon. Patrick Ndubueze C., Hon. Mariam Onuoha representing Okigwe North Federal Constituency in the green chamber of the national assembly as well as the member representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency in the Imo State house of assembly, Hon. Samuel Osuji, received various excellence awards respectively.
Chief Charles Ahize, Lady Chika Duru, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh and Ethelbert Tableth Onuoha were some of the awardees
Highpoint of the event was performing the new yam Festival ritual ( Iwa ji) by the chief host, Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe while flanked by his guests
Speaking to journalists, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, expressed satisfaction over the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed while the ceremony lasted, describing Ohanwe as a competent, courageous and peace-loving monarch.
He therefore, urged the people of Okigwe Zone particularly the youths, to remain peaceful, law-abiding and continue to support the Shared Prosperity Government of Senator Hope Uzodinma for more democracy dividend in the zone
The President- Generals of Isiala Mbano Town Unions and traditional rulers from the LGA were all in attendance among whom was HRH Eze Dr. Mathew Onweni of Ogbor Autonomous Community.
The Eoch-making event also featured the exhibition of the community’s rich cultural heritage as women and masquerade groups took turns to entertain the delighted crowed.
