Celebration as Non indigenes Recieve Anambra Government’s Commendation

By Praise Chinecherem

The sleepy town of Amawbia in Awka South LGA of Anambra State witnessed an inflow of eminent personalities from far and near as non indigenes in the State held her end of the year celebration.

The celebrants under a very strong umbrella of Association of Non-Indigenes Welfare, Anambra State (ANISA/ANIAS), marked the end of the year in a grand style.

ANISA/ANIAS also used the occasion to do a fund raising for her five hundred million Naira, three storey building complex.

In his welcome address, the President General (PG) of the association, Chief Amb. Great Ikechukwu Ugwuoke (JP) said that the occasion marked another significant milestone in the existence of ANISA/ANIAS.

He said that the journey has been that of unity, progress and shared desire to build a peaceful and prosperous community for all.

Amb. Ugwuoke revealed that the vision of the group is clear and noble as it is predicated to build a united, progressive and inclusive community where all non indigenes living in Anambra can thrive, feel secure and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth and development of the State.

“To this end, our mission therefore is anchored on four pillars: Welfare and support which embodies to cater for the well-being of members ensuring that no one stands alone in time of need.

Representation and advocacy which is the active channel through which the concern and interest of non indigenes are heard, respected, and addressed.

“Unity and cooperation which helps us to foster strong relationship among the diverse ethnic groups living in Anambra State while promoting peaceful coexistence with our host community.

Empowerment and development is a strategy we adopt to pursue programs that build capacity, enhance opportunities and uplift our members economically, socially, and culturally.” He said.

Amb. Ugwuoke noted that the association did not come into existence out of convenience but out of necessity and that ANIAS/ANISA has become a strong voice for all non indigenes in Anambra State.

In his speech, the Mayor of Awka South LGA, Hon Chinedu Okafor congratulated Amb. Great Ugwuoke for rallying all the non indigenes together under one umbrella.

He pointed out that the passion and commitment of the ANISA/ANIAS PG to his people are what encouraged him to support his aspiration to have an office complex for non indigenes in Anambra State.

The Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, Chief Dr Ebuka Onukwo, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seahorse Lubricants represented by Hon Earnest Igboanugo congratulated Amb Ugwuoke and his team of Executives.

He promised to always support the initiative of ANISA/ANIAS.

The Special Adviser to Gov Charles Soludo on Political Matters, Dr Alex Obiogbolu in his own speech applauded the leadership of the association for galvanizing their members positively for productivity.

He noted that the non indigenes contributed significantly to the successful run of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the last Anambra State Governorship election.

Obiogbolu said that at a time that many groups were desiring to be pushed into supporting the reelection of Prof Charles Soludo, ANISA without any form of hesitation threw in everything at her disposal to support the incumbent governor.

He assured the leadership of ANISA/ ANIAS that the government of the day will continue to carry them along in the scheme of things, noting that non indigenes have been benefitting from the empowerment programs of Gov Soludo.

In his votes of thanks, Alhaji Bello Maigari, thanked God for a very successful outing even as he expressed his gratitude to government functionaries, traditional rulers, clergies and everyone who took out time to be part of the program.

The highlight of the occasion was the N500m fund raising for the ultra modern three storey ANISA building complex, induction of new cabinets members, award of honour for deserving dignitaries and cultural display among others.