There are people who symbolize light to their communities and the larger humanity. These people in selfless terms do whatever possible to lighten the burden of their people.
Figuratively and practically, Hon. Chijioke Williams represents light to his community, Umuihugba, Umuodu autonomous community, Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State. He is so described for reasons of his vision and commitment to the development of his community yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The ex- Mayor of Owerri and flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for Owerri Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, CDB Williams has a pedigree of service and a name etched in gold for his progressive efforts at community development and leadership.
At any point in his life, he has eyes on anything that improves his immediate community, state and humanity and takes no chances to attract the dividends of democracy to his people whenever the opportunity calls. No wonder he was conferred with the prestigious traditional chieftaincy title of Igbommiri of Owerri.
Recently, Hon. CDB Williams attracted Solar Lights to his Umuihugba, Umuodu autonomous community of Owerri Municipal Council in addition to his historic attraction of other projects in the past. Online and conventional media outlets carried news of this impactful project he attracted to his community, courtesy of the partnership of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in its “Light Up the Niger Delta”, programme, Umuihugba Community and Imo state in general.
The Solar Lights project is one of the strategic projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission for its nine state members. These projects do not come on their own without the right leadership pull. They need arrowheads to draw the attention of the commission and all the protocols involved.
Its necessity as key facilitator of business and social activities in the modern age, compelled this visionary leader and son of Umuihugba, Umuodu, Hon. Chijioke Williams to spearhead its attraction to his community to dispel darkness from the community, especially in the face of irregular power supplies by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC.
Umuihugba, Umuodu as part of larger Owerri Municipal needs regular street lights to boost commercial activities and promote security of lives and property of residents. This realization compelled Hon. Williams to commence efforts at its attraction to light up the community at nights and keep night marauders at bay.
According to media reports, the NDDC Solar lights were 229 in number, covering the entire streets within the community
It covered entire Ihugba, Amaram Street/Amaram Extension Christ Church Road extended to the market, Kagha, Odor Streets,Chikwere, Mbaise road (from Fire Service to Douglas), parts of Tetlow Road, Zanders,Madumere, Njirobeako and Oparaugo streets.. It lightens all the dark spots in the community including the health centre, community Hall and the traditional meeting place (Obi) of all the villages of Umuodu.
In his interaction with journalists in his home, Hon. Chijioke Williams said the feat was a healthy partnership between NDDC, in its “Light Up The Niger Delta” programme, Umuihugba Community and Imo State in general.
He explained that the Solar lights come up by 7.am and go off by 6.30 am, adding that they would aid security and strengthen social and economic activities at night, making it easier for Point Of Sales, POS, operators to carry out their transactions.
He described light as one of the most effective tools to combat criminal activities in the community as night marauders could be picked from any distance within the community.
He was full of appreciation to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Governor Hope Uzodinma and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the ‘Light Up Niger Delta programme.
As well, he enjoined the people and residents of Umuihugba, Umuodu community to give their support to the life impacting policies and programmes of the APC -led government at all levels as they carry out their social and commercial services in the community.
He further assured that the 3R Administration of Senator Hope Uzodinma would leave no stones unturned in implementing its urban development and renewal policies aimed at sustainable peace, security and social economic development of the state..
It would be recalled that before the Solar lights project, Hon. CDB Williams had earlier attracted the Umuihugba Health Centre and the tarring and drainage of the hitherto untared portion of Amaram Street under Governor Hope Uzodinma’s five kilometers per local government programme among other projects.
His leadership attributes could rightly be ascribed to why his people have confidence in his ability to represent them. Of course, selflessness and vision are higher credentials for leadership. The people of Owerri Municipal are really proud of you!
By Emmanuel Chukwu.
