Anambra Industrialist Urges Awka Indigenes to Prioritise Peace, Development

By Our Reporter

LAGOS -based industrialist and member of the Awka Traditional Ruler’s Advisory Council, Chief Jonathan Nzekwe, has called on Awka indigenes to set aside divisive local politics and work collectively towards achieving lasting peace, unity, and sustainable development in the state capital.

Nzekwe, popularly known by his traditional title, Chinyelugo, made the appeal while speaking with journalists in Awka, where he reflected on the future of the community and the responsibilities that come with traditional leadership.

The prominent businessman spoke shortly after his elevation, alongside eight other distinguished sons of Awka, as certified Cabinet Chiefs and members of the Obi Gibson Nwosu Cabinet Advisory Council. He described the honour as both a recognition of service and a call to greater responsibility in promoting peace, stability, and progress within the community.

According to him, the conferment of traditional titles should not be viewed merely as a ceremonial recognition but as a commitment to selfless service and community development.

“As a certified chief, one must be humble, approachable, and willing to listen attentively to the needs and concerns of the people,” Nzekwe said.

“You must be tolerant and accommodating of different opinions and interests within the community. Traditional leadership demands sacrifice, wisdom, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.”

He further explained that members of the Cabinet Advisory Council have a critical role to play in bridging the gap between the traditional institution and the people.

“As members of the Cabinet Advisory Council, we must remain close to our people, understand their aspirations, and listen carefully to their concerns. Only then can we provide informed and meaningful advice to the traditional ruler for the benefit of the entire community,” he added.

The oil magnate used the occasion to appeal to Awka indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite behind efforts aimed at restoring the town’s historical prestige and influence in Igboland.

Reflecting on the town’s rich history, Nzekwe noted that Awka once occupied a position of prominence among neighbouring communities and served as a centre of leadership and influence.

“There was a time when neighbouring communities looked up to Awka for guidance and direction. Historical records show that the first Igwe of Awka, Nnebe, presided over the affairs of several surrounding communities before circumstances changed and things began to decline,” he said.

He stressed that peace remains the most critical requirement for the town’s advancement, urging residents to make personal sacrifices where necessary to ensure harmony and stability.

“My simple message to our people is this: do everything possible to ensure that Awka enjoys peace. If it requires your personal resources, contribute them. If it requires your time and effort, give them willingly. Whatever you do should be geared towards promoting peace because Awka needs sustainable peace to move forward and experience meaningful development,” he stated.

Nzekwe warned that continued disunity could undermine the town’s influence and allow other communities to surpass Awka in areas where it once held a leading position.

“Other towns are striving to occupy positions that traditionally belonged to Awka in Anambra State. We must not allow internal divisions to weaken our collective strength and heritage,” he said.

The industrialist also highlighted Awka’s historical significance as the home of the famed blacksmithing tradition for which the town is renowned across Nigeria and beyond.

“We are the capital city of Anambra State and custodians of the ancient blacksmithing technology that brought Awka recognition across the region. Our ancestors possessed remarkable skills in metal works and various crafts, making Awka a centre of innovation and enterprise,” he noted.

Commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his intervention in resolving the long-standing traditional stool dispute in the community, Nzekwe described the development as a major step towards reconciliation and stability.

“Governor Soludo has done well by helping to address the lingering traditional stool tussle that affected our community for years. With that challenge largely resolved, this is the time for all sons and daughters of Awka to close ranks, embrace unity, and work together for peace. Only then can we attract the kind of development and prosperity that our people deserve,” he said.

He concluded by urging community leaders, youth groups, stakeholders, and residents to place the collective interest of Awka above personal ambitions, emphasizing that peace, unity, and cooperation remain the foundation upon which lasting development can be built.