Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu (middle) and other royal fathers with their guests
By Tony Adibe, Enugu
The newly appointed Enugu State Project Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP), Engr. Sir Greg Nnaji has paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu East Local Government Area Traditional Rulers Council to inform them of his appointment and seek their blessings.
Engr. Nnaji visited the council at its office located at the Enugu East LGA headquarters in Nkwo Nike, where he was warmly received by the Chairman of the council, His Royal Majesty, HRM Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, the Crown Mayor of Nike and traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike community, alongside other traditional rulers.
Speaking during the visit, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, who is also the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, said the RAMP Coordinator visited the traditional rulers to intimate them about his new appointment by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Igwe Ugwu lauded Governor Mbah for the appointment and described it as a well-deserved recognition of one of their sons. He recalled that Engr. Nnaji had previously served the state as Commissioner for Science and Technology as well as Commissioner for Works.
Igwe Ugwu expressed confidence that the new RAMP Coordinator would justify the trust placed in him by the governor. He explained that Nnaji has consistently demonstrated competence, professionalism, and attention to detail in every assignment entrusted to him.
Igwe Ugwu also commended the developmental strides of Governor Mbah, adding that the governor has transformed Enugu State into what he described as a “construction site” through numerous infrastructure projects, while also reviving several abandoned projects and industries within the state.
However, the traditional rulers offered prayers for Engr. Nnaji’s success in his new role and also prayed for Governor Mbah, asking God to grant him wisdom and guidance in the administration of the state.
In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Kingsley Obinna Anike, who represented the chairman of the council, Engr Beloved Dan Anike, lauded Governor Mbah for once again remembering the local government area by appointing one of their sons to the important office.
Earlier in his speech, Engr. Nnaji told the native rulers that his appointment followed an invitation by Governor Mbah to the Government House in Enugu, where the governor requested his credentials.
“Your Highnesses, I will ask that we appreciate God Almighty, the maker of heaven and earth, in whose hands our lives and destinies lie. Help also thank the governor who found your son, Greg, worthy both in character and learning to occupy the position of the state coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project in Enugu State,” he said.
He added that Governor Mbah personally insisted that he take up the responsibility.
“The governor invited me to Government House. Of course, it is a great responsibility when the governor invites you to see him. He requested my credentials and ensured that somebody like my humble self was appointed to the position. Our governor does not talk too much, but he is a man of his word,” Nnaji stated.
Other traditional rulers present at the meeting included HRH Igwe Felix Ugwu, the Igwe of Emene Nike and Secretary of the Traditional Rulers Council; HRH Igwe Barr. Emeka Ugwu, traditional ruler of Ugwogo Nike; HRH Engr. Damian Edeh, the Public Relations Officer of the council; and HRH Igwe Godwin Ugwu, the Igwe of Edem Nike Autonomous Community.
Also in attendance were HRH Igwe Titus Okolo, Igwe of Amorji Nike and one of the Patrons of the Council; HRH Igwe Dennis Chijioke Ekete, Igwe of Ogbeke Nike and Vice Chairman of the council; HRH Igwe Edwin Udoku Edeoga, one of the Patrons; and HRH Igwe Mike Ogbuchi, Igwe of Mbuluanwuli, member of the council.
But Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, the Crown Mayor of Nike, advised other appointees to emulate Engr Greg Nnaji, stressing that many appointees don’t even reach home.
“In other words, the community will not have the feel and taste of what the governor has done to them. While many are complaining, many have been appointed to different offices, but they don’t take the appreciation and thanksgiving home so that his or her people will understand what the governor has done.
Igwe Ugwu said: “They see it as a personal appointment, but Engr Nnaji understands that appointment for one is appointment for all by going to the Royal Fathers to pray for him and thank the governor for the show of love.”
