By Sunday Nkama
Afikpo Local Government Council on Wednesday joined the nation in celebrating its 65th Independence Anniversary, marked with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor
The grand ceremony, which also commemorated the 29th Anniversary of the Creation of Ebonyi State and the 49th Anniversary of Afikpo as a Local Government, was held at the Government Secondary School ,Afikpo. The event was a spectacular display of unity, patriotism and communal solidarity as residents including Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies, Government Officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders in attendance
In his speech shortly after reading the President’s Address, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI, Timothy,A. U expressed heartfelt gratitude to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his trailblazing leadership, which he said had magnificently justified the celebration. He noted that the Governor’s commitment to developing all parts of Ebonyi State, particularly Afikpo Local Government Area, had yielded significant dividends and urged the people to continue to sustain their support the administration.
In a stirring tribute, the Council Chairman lavished praise on the visionary founding fathers of Ebonyi State, hailing their unwavering dedication and selfless sacrifices that laid the foundation for the state’s existence. His words of commendation also resonated with the incumbent and former Governors, whose tireless efforts and transformative leadership have catapulted the state to its current developmental trajectory.
With fervent passion, the Councils Chairman urged the present generation to draw inspiration from these trailblazers and make meaningful contributions that will propel the state to unprecedented heights of progress. He emphasized the importance of collective effort in shaping a brighter future for generations yet unborn, leaving an indelible legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of Ebonyi State’s history.
Earlier, Pharmacist Anthony Ogbonnia, a former Chairman of Afikpo LGA and Chairman of the Occasion, lauded Governor Nwifuru’s leadership and the Council Chairman’s selfless efforts in enhancing the lives of the people. He implored the residents to remain united and supportive of the government’s initiatives, assuring them that collective efforts would catalyze greater development and progress in the area.
In the vote of thanks, Engr. Dr. Francis U. Orji, a former Commissioner for Solid Minerals, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Nwifuru for providing Ebonyians with abundant reasons to celebrate, acknowledging the Governor’s impactful leadership. He also thanked the Council Chairman, for organizing a colorful and memorable event and wished all stakeholders journey mercies, concluding the event on a note of appreciation and unity.
The celebration was replete with a majestic march past, captivating cultural displays, and patriotic songs by the Okwuruoha Women Movement for FON.
The results of the March Past Competition among Schools as announced by the Education Secretary of Afikpo Local Government Area, Hon Idris Nwachi are as follows:
- Secondary Category: – 1st Position: Government Secondary School, Afikpo – 2nd Position: Unwana Comprehensive Secondary School – 3rd Position: Enohia Itim Secondary School
- Primary Category:
- 1st Position: Government Primary School, Afikpo
- 2nd Position: Agba Migrant Primary School, Ozizza
- 3rd Position: Okpokum Migrant Primary School, Akpoha
- Nursery Category:
- 1st Position: Unwana Central School
- 2nd Position: Government Primary School, Afikpo (Nursery)
- 3rd Position: Ndibe Community Nursery School.
- Primary Category:
Cash gift and certificates were given to the Schools for their superlative performances by the Executive Chairman of the Council, NWACHI, Timothy A. U
Indeed, the 65th Independence Anniversary celebration in Afikpo Local Government Area was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of unity, patriotism, and collective effort in nation-building.
