By Douglas Princemola
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, a distinguished group of leaders and influential figures from the Ideato North and South regions of Imo State came together to honor the Imo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Dr. Sir Chika Benson Abazu. Their visit was marked by warm congratulations and high regard for his recent appointment within Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, widely known for its “Shared Prosperity” ethos.
During this meeting, the delegation expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Abazu, particularly for his selection of Hon. Engr. Chuks Okwaraejiaku—affectionately referred to as Babature—to take on the pivotal role of Coordinating Chairman overseeing the Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO) Services in Imo State.
The gathering took place at the prestigious Imo State Secretariat Complex in Owerri, bringing together a host of esteemed personalities, including prominent traditional leaders and respected chieftains from the Ideato community.
Among those in attendance were His Royal Highness, Eze GA Ezeihekaibee (V) of Umumu-Isiaku Ancient Town, Eze Ukawune of Umuma-Ebenmano Clan, His Royal Highness, Eze KU Chinedo, known as Ezeoha II and Ezeduruiheako IV of Ntueke Ancient Kingdom, as well as Dr. Ambrose Iwuchukwu, Chief Dr. IC Maduagwu, Chief CJK Chinedu, and Chief Maxwell Nwokeji.
A youthful and dynamic leader from Ideato South, Hon. Ikechukwu Obioha, expressed immense satisfaction with Dr. Abazu’s recent appointment, commending him for his wise choice in selecting Babature to serve under the administration of Governor Uzodimma.
Prince Ogunsanya Bimbola Kehinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Imo Ministry of Transport, offered high praise for Dr. Abazu, describing him as a “perfect fit for the role” and expressed deep appreciation to the people of Ideato North and South for their unwavering support.
While speaking of Dr. Abazu’s remarkable character, Prince Ogunseye lauded his humility and dedication, noting that despite his impressive qualifications as a Medical Doctor, Dr. Abazu remains fully committed to serving the state with excellence in his capacity as Commissioner for Transport.
Chief CJK Chinedu also commended both Governor Uzodimma and Dr. Abazu, highlighting the Commissioner’s efforts to promote unity and recognize talent through the strategic appointment of Babature to the VIO Services.
Expressing heartfelt joy, HRH Eze GA Ezeihekaibee shared that the people of his community, and indeed the entire Ideato South, are deeply grateful for Babature’s appointment.
Representing the youth of Ideato South, Hon. Comr. Christian Nwaneri, popularly known as Alaga-Bullet, voiced their full support for Dr. Abazu’s political journey, expressing pride in his achievements and the recent appointment.
Alaga-Bullet further applauded Dr. Abazu for his discernment in recognizing Engr. Babature as a worthy candidate to serve within the ministry.
In his response, the celebrated Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Abazu, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming support from his community.
He acknowledged the Governor’s wisdom in appointing him to this position and expressed confidence in replicating the success he previously achieved in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, now within the Ministry of Transport.
Dr. Abazu emphasized that his primary focus remains on achieving tangible results rather than personal gain, and he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring high performance standards for Babature.
He also laid out ambitious plans for significant advancements in the transport sector, including the development of a comprehensive multi-modal transport system with backing from the World Bank.
Dr. Abazu assured the delegation that Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to reconstructing major roads in Ideato North and South would be honored and fulfilled.
The event culminated in the ceremonial presentation of a Hausa goat to the Commissioner, accompanied by exchanges of warm pleasantries and the capturing of memorable photographs to mark this important occasion.
