Moves to ensure mutual understanding, peaceful co-existence and unity among Ndi Aguleri-Otu in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State were made by stakeholders and other illustrious sons and daughters of the communities at the Enugwu-Otu Mkpunando Day celebration.

 

The celebration was championed by Ndi Odimma Enugwu-Otu Mkpunando Aguleri.

The event featured unveiling of the statue of the first traditional ruler of Enugwu-Otu Mkpunando Aguleri, the Late Igwe Nchekwuve Ogugua, lectures and cultural displays.

 

Speaking on the importance of the event, the traditional ruler of Mkpunando-Otu Aguleri, Igwe Johnson Onyeaka-Mbanefo, said the event came at the right time , noting that without unity and peace, there will be no progress and development, stating that it also reminds them of the common history and patrimony of the communities and efforts made by their brothers for the development of the communities.

Igwe Onyeaka-Mbanefo noted that when next it will hold, there will not be any other programme in the communities so that all their subjects will attend and learn the culture, tradition and custom of Ndi Enugwu-Otu Mkpunando Aguleri.

On his part, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Otu Aguleri, Igwe Emmanuel Igboanugo-Ejiofor, recounted some of the achievements made by Igwe Ogugua, saying that he brought massive development and gave their people access to quality education.

 

He said that the statue erected in his memory is a step in the right direction and commended the efforts of Odimma Enugwu-Otu Mkpunando Aguleri for initiating and promoting peace in the area.

The oldest Ichie of Enugwu-Otu Aguleri, Chief Okechukwu Obalim asked Ndi Odimma Enugwu-Otu Mkpunando Aguleri to channel more energy in helping the youths of the communities to learn and promote their cultural heritage.

 

Earlier in his address of welcome, the co-ordinator, Odimma Enugwu-Otu Mkpunando Aguleri, Mr. Tony Udevi-Nwabia said the programme serves as an avenue for them to begin to think home, plan to support their people living with disability in their communities and initiate projects that will empower their people and bring development to the community.

In a lecture on ‘History of Enugwu-Otu Mkpunando Aguleri and the journey so far’, Chief Anthony Obidigwe said the communities are endowed with enough human and material resources to bring development to the community but needs adequate idea and planning to properly harness the potential.

 

A medical practitioner and indigene of the community, Dr Linus Nweke also delivered a lecture on healthy living and management at the event.

 

Awards presentation was the major highpoint of the programme.