By Sunday Nkama
On Friday, stakeholders of Afikpo Local Government Area paid homage to their cherished Sister, Daughter, Mother and Leader, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, GCEHF, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, as they celebrated the joyous occasions of Christmas and the New Year with her at her Lodge.
Leading the delegation, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI, Timothy A. U, extolled the Deputy Governor for her exemplary leadership prowess.
He described her as a dependable, faithful and reliable lieutenant of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, emphasizing the profound pride the people of Afikpo LGA feel for her distinguished public conduct and quality representation of His Excellency, the Governor, at various public fora.
The Council Chairman thanked the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for fostering an atmosphere of peace in Afikpo and for spearheading landmark development projects that are transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the area, adding that these initiatives have not only elevated the quality of life for residents but also reaffirmed the Governor’s uncommon commitment to the progress of Afikpo LGA.
In their separate speeches, some of the distinguished personalities of Afikpo extraction — including the Chairman of the Afikpo LGA Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Ezeogo Bassey Onya Idam; the Member representing Afikpo East State Constituency, Hon. Chief Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali; former Minister of Health, Professor Christian Onyebuchi Chukwu; the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Okoro; the Hon. Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Amari Omaka; former Council Chairman, Pharmacist Tony Ekoh; and Member of the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board, Chief Donatus Ezeogo Aja — expressed their utmost satisfaction with the Deputy Governor, noting that she radiates dynamism, creativity, and inspiration in the diligent execution of her official duties.
They extended profound gratitude to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for the strong confidence he has reposed in his Deputy and reaffirmed the steadfast support of the people of Afikpo LGA and their readiness to rally behind his re-election bid for a second term.
In her response, the visibly elated Deputy Governor expressed deep appreciation to Afikpo stakeholders for their warm visit.
She conveyed profound joy at the prevailing unity, peace, and harmony among the people of Afikpo, urging them to persist in their oneness.
Seizing the moment, she issued a fervent call for one hundred percent support and loyalty to Governor Nwifuru, as reciprocation for the monumental strides he has achieved in Afikpo Local Government Area and across Ebonyi State at large
