The Member representing Oyi constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Sir Innocent Ojike, Ojicam, has flagged-off the perimeter fencing and renovation of Odumodu Primary School Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area.
The constituency project, which will be completed within thirty days, will gulp over seventeen million naira; with the lawmaker providing more than half of the total budget to cover the renovation of two blocks of thirteen classrooms, offices and functional toilets.
In his speech at the flagg-off ceremony held at the school premises, Honourable Sir Ojike said he embarked on the project to save the lives of pupils in the school, given that the school is very close to the expressway; and has no fence, saying that the gesture is a little way of contributing to humanity.
The lawmaker, who had his primary education at the school, said he decided to make the school environment conducive for teaching and learning, and to shield the pupils from intruders.
He appealed to public office holders to avoid enriching themselves with public funds, and assured Oyi people that he will continue to give them good reprentation.
It would be recalled that as Anambra House of Assembly member-elect, Honourable Sir Ojike financed the fencing of Iguedo Primary School Awkuzu, and on the day he was sworn-in, he distributed shuttle buses to the youths of Oyi council area.
Also, persons above seventy years of age are presently enjoying his monthly salaries at Nteje, and the solar energy light from Oye-Olisa market Ogbunike to other parts of the community was equally installed by the lawmaker.
He also provided shelter for one Mrs Nwankwo, and at the same time reconstructed the abandoned culvert at Eke-Market; all in Umunya, even as he recently handed over a motorcycle to a young man from the community as part of his empowerment programmes.
Earlier in his remark at the event, the Transition Committee Chairman of Oyi Local Government Area, Honourable Emma Nweke, described Honourable Sir Ojike as a lawmaker who has combined very well his primary duty of lawmaking and oversight functions with that of execution of projects.
The TC Chairman said the people of Oyi council area are enjoying good representation from the local government area to the state and national levels, adding that the lawmaker is a man that keep his promises.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the Ekeata-Awkuzu – Umunya road project, which according to him was started more than forty years ago during the administration of Jim Nwobodo; but was abandoned until the Soludo regime started all over again.
The Oyi council Chairman appealed to politicians to always try to leave a legacy while in service.
On his part, the President General of Umunya Development Union, Chief Innocent Nwabueze, commended the House of Assembly member for his numerous achievements, adding that since he assumed office, many people from Umunya; especially those in diaspora, have shown interest in the development of the community, and that an individual is presently installing security cameras in strategic points in Umunya.
According to the Chief Nwabueze, many light projects are ongoing in Umunya, stressing that there is need to re-write the history of the community by contributing to it’s development.
Contributing, a philanthropist, Chief Ifeanyi Anachunam, said he is soildly behind the lawmaker because of his antecedents, adding that the House member is somebody that can be trusted, and will not fail his constituents.
Also speaking, a stakeholder, Chief Sunny Udegbunu, said he is happy with what Honourable Sir Ojike is doing in Oyi Local Government Area, adding that the lawmaker has done so much, and that his return to the House will not be a problem, having given a good account of himself.
A former Special Adviser to Dr Chris Ngige, Honourable Ifeanyi Agulue, said it was a thing of joy to witness the flagg-off of the projects in Umunya, stressing that the community has what it takes to develop on its own.
He said people living in the diaspora are really interested in the development of Umunya; with emphasis on skill aquisition, which he said he will capitalize on if voted the next President General of the community.
Honourable Agulue said he will liase with critical stakeholders to secure employments for Umunya youths, while sports development and advancement of education will receive priority attention.
The Headmistress of Odumodu Primary School Umunya, Mrs Anthonia Ikwuonye, said they were overwhelmed with joy when the House member decided to fence the school, adding that the event was a memorable day for them and a great historical outing that will be indelible in the minds of the pupils and staff of the school.
Highlights of the ceremony were the foundation stone laying by Honourable Sir Ojike for the fencing work to commence, while cultural groups and pupils of the school entertained the audience.
Dignitaries present at the event were the Oyi Local Government APGA Chairman, Mr. Arnold Maduka, Chief Obi Ezeana, Mr. Augustine Umelue, Chief Obed Nweke, Sunday Esedo, Sunday Nweke, Councilors from Umunya wards one and two.
Credit: Damian Egwuonwu
