Eze Nwandu Hailed as a Blessing to Ihitteafoukwu as Civic Centre Project Takes Off
By Anselem Anokwute
The people of Ihitteafoukwu Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State have been urged to rally behind the development initiatives of their traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Eze Okwudiri Devine Nwandu, Akaraka III of Ihitteafoukwu, as the community embarks on the construction and renovation of its Civic Centre.
The official flag-off of the project has been described as a significant milestone in the development history of the community and a demonstration of the monarch’s commitment to human capital development, infrastructure and the preservation of the community’s heritage.
The project, according to community stakeholders, is expected to provide a befitting centre for meetings, social activities, cultural programmes and other communal engagements, while serving as a symbol of unity and collective identity for the people of Ihitteafoukwu.
Since his emergence as traditional ruler, Eze Nwandu has reportedly shown considerable interest in projects aimed at improving the welfare and development of his people. His interventions, particularly in the area of infrastructure and advocacy for improved road connectivity, have continued to attract commendation from members of the community.
One of the major projects associated with the new administration is the road initiative linking the abandoned Aba Branch Junction in Ehime Mbano with Okpala Community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area. The strategic road corridor traverses several local government areas, including Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise, and is viewed as an important gateway linking communities within Owerri and Okigwe zones.
Community members have therefore described the monarch’s development agenda as both visionary and people-oriented, stressing that traditional leadership should complement government efforts by mobilising citizens and attracting development to their communities.
The flag-off of the Civic Centre project, in particular, has been welcomed as more than a construction initiative. It is seen as a renewed commitment to community development, unity and the preservation of the people’s collective heritage.
Eze Nwandu has consequently appealed to sons and daughters of Ihitteafoukwu, both at home and in the diaspora, to take ownership of the project and contribute towards its successful completion.
The appeal underscores the belief that sustainable community development cannot be achieved by one individual alone, but through the collective efforts of individuals, families, organisations, corporate bodies and other well-meaning stakeholders.
The Civic Centre, stakeholders noted, belongs to the entire community, and its successful completion would provide a lasting legacy for present and future generations.
As Eze Nwandu approaches his first anniversary on the throne, his supporters say the projects initiated under his leadership provide an opportunity to demonstrate the fulfilment of his commitment to the development and advancement of Ihitteafoukwu.
They urged the people to give the monarch genuine, courageous and constructive support, insisting that unity of purpose remains essential to achieving the development objectives of the community.
The people of Ihitteafoukwu, they added, should see the Civic Centre project as a collective legacy rather than the personal project of the traditional ruler.
“ When we come together, we can achieve great things. When we build together, we leave a legacy together,” the stakeholders said, while congratulating the entire people of Ihitteafoukwu on the commencement of the project.
