Aka Ikenga, a think-thank group of Igbo intelligentsia and professionals has commended Governor Alex Otti, OFR, for his transformative leadership in Abia State, stating their intentions and readiness to mobilize their members worldwide to invest in Abia State.
The group, led by their President, Agbalanze Dr. Chike Madueke gave their commendation on Tuesday, 5th November when they paid a working visit to Governor Otti at his Umuehim Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government.
During the visit, Aka Ikenga outlined their agenda, focusing on the development of the Southeast through infrastructure projects, addressing security challenges, and promoting regional integration. Dr Madueke emphasized Aka Ikenga’s core principles, “Aku Ruo Ulo” and “Ako n’ Uche”, encouraging Igbos in the diaspora to prioritize home investments and adopt a more strategic approach in political matters.
Presenting their seal of commendation to Governor Otti, the President of the group said, “On behalf of Aka Ikenga, I present to you this Aka Ikenga Seal of Commendation. We commend you for the good work you are doing in Abia State and the region and say to you that we see what you are doing and are in support of what you are doing. And, we want to partner with you for the progress of Abia State and Igbo land”.
Governor Otti thanked them for coming and for their commendation. He told them that Abia is open for business and partnership with those who are not from Abia, noting that no society or kingdom was developed by the indigenes alone. In his words, “We are all the same people. I tell people that once you leave here in Abia, we don’t know whether you are from Anambra, Enugu or any other State. Once you stay here, you are from here. And, we have demonstrated that by giving appointments to people who are not from here and we work them”.
“I have clearly said that no town or kingdom was developed that was developed by indigenes. Somebody should show me one. Not the US, anywhere in the US, not the UK. If you don’t open yourself up for fresh and new ideas including capital, your growth will be stunted. We are very, very open; we don’t care where you come from”.
The Governor informed his guests that he has been able to rid the State of criminals and criminalities, build infrastructure and made the State Conducive for business. He highlighted the development of a technology hub as a priority.
In his vote of thanks, a member of the group Prince Anthony Nwakaeze, President of the Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants of Nigeria (ACVITEMN) thanked Governor Otti for making their visit seamless without subjecting them to difficult protocols as they went through some places they have tried visiting.
“We are promising you as we said before, Igbos are not looking for who will give us money. What we are looking for is who will provide leadership and we will bring our money to fix Igbo land. We promise you that Aka Ikenga will mobilize their members across the world to come to Abia and invest”.
Other members of Aka Ikenga in attendance were Chief Uche Amajor Vice President – Abia state, Engr. Joe Okolo, Vice President – Enugu state and Chief Collins Ugwu, Director of publicity
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
05-11-2024
