Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has commissioned the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre in Oko, in honour of former vice president of Nigeria and renowned politician, Dr Alex Ekwueme.
The ceremony held at the weekend, was a blend of celebration and commitment, with Governor Soludo praising Ekwueme’s contributions while simultaneously addressing the critical issue of erosion threatening Oko.
Soludo, visibly moved, thanked the people of Oko for honouring a man who is not just a father of Oko and Old Aguata Union (OAU) but Anambra, Nigeria and Africa.
The governor commended the Ide Memorial Group and other contributors for building the Civic Centre in Dr. Ekwueme’s memory, recalling his role in the “Ekwueme Movement.”
Soludo emphasized that Ekwueme as an idea and an institution will never die, stating that Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones concept was Ekwueme’s idea.
The governor spoke about the urgent issue of erosion threatening Oko, recalling a previous townhall meeting he had with stakeholders, where he reiterated the threat faced by the community.
He noted that sand mining and uncontrolled flooding are key contributors to erosion in Oko.
He explained that solving it requires collective action from the community, individuals, and the government.
The governor announced a ban on sand mining and the formation of a task force for enforcement, with severe penalties for defaulters.
He also revealed plans for a 25-person committee to develop solutions to the challenge.
He pledged to construct crucial roads, including the Oko-Ogboji-Aguluezechukwu road with a spur to the civic centre and the Oko-Ndiowu road as well as the Pan Brewery road.
Earlier, Oko Peoples Union Chairman, Luke Nweke, expressed gratitude for the completion of the Civic Centre and Governor Soludo’s support in combating the erosion.
