The decision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to rename the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after the late Chinua Achebe, is a progressive stance that will encourage spirit of positivity, diligence and hardwork among young people in Anambra State.
The acting National Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu made this known in a chat with TNC correspondent in Awka.
Governor Soludo had over the weekend, announced the renaming of the Umueri Airport after the late renowned Nigerian novelist and poet.
However, some quarters have criticized the decision, insisting the former Governor Willie Obiano who built the project should have had his name on the facility.
But the Ohaneze Youths leader, Okpalaezeukwu believes the governor was right in his decision, as it will help immortalize the late literary icon.
Okpalaezeukwu also said the Governor’s stance will help set the right examples for the young people to toe the path of hardwork and resilience.
“Igbo Youths Worldwide under the aegis of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide have commended Governor Soludo on the recent and laudable immortalization of Prof. Chinua Achebe with the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport.
“Indeed, it is worthy of commendation and recommendation and marks an outstanding celebration of values and recognition of Patriotism and Selfless Service,” Okpalaezeukwu said.
The Ohaneze youths also commended the foremost posthumous recognition of past heroes of Igboland by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, during Igbo Day 2023.
“It is a way of reclaiming the very essence and soul of our Society by encouraging the living on hardwork, resilience and leadership of the likes of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Eze Igbo Gburu-Gburu, The Peoples General), Thompson Aguiyi Ironsi, Chief Michael Okpala, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (Owelle of Onitsha), Prof. Chinua Achebe and many others who impressed gationalism and growth in various field of endeavor.
“We are proud, we are inspired,” he emphasized.
Okpalaezeukwu further said the Igbo youths are relieved by the visible dividends of good governance stamped across the length and breadth of Anambra State, as championed by Governor Soludo.
In his words, “the projects range from quality roads and other infrastructure, Youth Development and Empowerment through the renowned 1 Youth 2Skills project that has engaged and adequately developed Over 10,000 (ten thousand) youths, security, law and order for a fertile and business friendly investment hub for Investors and other development partners; human resource development, especially the latest Free Education Declaration and implementation to the letter.
“This points to the governor’s proactiveness and vision to engender a major turnaround in the fortunes of Anambra State and we commend him.”
On the happenings in the Southeast and the insecurity situation, Okpalaezeukwu said the Ohaneze youths align its views with the resolve of the Truth Justice and Peace Commission, on the need for a Non-Kinetic measures towards tackling the unique security challenges in South East.
This he said; “is because we strongly believe that Truth and Justice are panacea for Peace.
“We commend also Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the South East Governors for the sense of unity and commitment for stability and security in Ala-Igbo shown during both South East Security and Economic Summit and Igbo Day Simultaneously held in Owerri and Enugu respectively.
“We therefore reaffirm our total support and commitment to peace and stability in South East and Nigeria at large.”
