The Mayor Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi has reiterated his administration’s commitment to working for the collective development of all communities.
Chief Afurobi gave the assurance when the leadership and key stakeholders of Ozuorji Kindred in Ozulobu Autonomous Community, Umumeze Amuda Isuochi, visited him to seek greater recognition as the landlords and original donors of the land on which the local government headquarters is situated.
The Mayor who took time to clarify misconceptions surrounding the earlier meeting, explained that the previous meeting was not about land matters in Nkwoagu, as speculated, but focused on plans to develop Eke Market, rehabilitate the car park, and rebuild the burnt timber market.
“These meetings were strictly about infrastructural and economic development, not land ownership,” Chief Afurobi clarified.
He therefore charged the leaders to prioritize communal interests above personal or sectional considerations, stressing that peace and cooperation remain vital for the progress of Umunneochi.
Mayor Afurobi used the occasion to announce that efforts were underway to revive the Afor Ojide Market, describing both markets as potential sources of significant internally generated revenue if properly developed.
Lending his voice, Hon. Engr. David Mba, Councillor representing Amuda Ward, reaffirmed the purpose of the earlier meeting and clarified that invitations were duly extended to representatives of Umumeze Ozulobu, who unfortunately neither attended nor sent a delegate.
He, however, assured that efforts would be made to carry everyone along in subsequent engagements.
In his presentation, Chief Innocent Ubah, Chairman, Umuavuta Ozuorji, explained that their visit was prompted by an online report about a recent meeting between Amuda critical Stakeholders, Traditional Rulers and the Mayor, which they claimed they were neither informed of nor represented.
He revealed that the omission caused concern among Ozuorji people, given their historical role as land donors, and stressed the need for their inclusion in all related future discussions.
In his speech, Stakeholders, Chief Patrick Okafor described the development as one that created disaffection within the community, and appealed to the Mayor to always remember Ozuorji Kindred in future engagements.
Contributing, Mr. Ezinwa Edwin Okpara, Chairman of Ozuorji Kindreds, appreciated the Mayor for his open and detailed explanations, which, have helped clear earlier misconceptions arising from the online publication.
