Anambra Cultural Day: Anambra indigenes urged to cast, guide their votes
By Joshua Elekwachi
Ahead of upcoming governorship elections in Anambra State, the Indigenes of the state within and outside Abuja who are eligible to cast their votes were advised to cast and guide their votes.
This message was given to the indigenes of the state by Chief Handel Okoli and Matthew Okeke Esq at the recently marked Anambra Cultural day in Abuja the nation’s capital, by the Abuja Chapter of Anambra State Town’s People Association (ASTPA).
The Association organises Anambra Day every two years in Abuja. The title for this year was 2021 Anambra Cultural Day Symposium with the theme, ‘Taa Bu Gboo.’
Sending the message across through a keynote address he delivered at the event, Okoli said, “I mustn’t end this paper without giving us a charge and word of encouragement. We are gifted, robust, prosperous, competitive and resilient.
“From available records, we are a unique people, with greater potentials in every area of our national life and economy. We are small but powerful and irrepressible go-getters. For this reason and many more reasons, I charge you all to go home and cast your votes for a new governor for Anambra. Don’t be afraid, because God is in control.”
He went on, “Cast your vote and protect it from any voter fraud. Use your telephone to capture every important scene. Remember that this great state has been in a trajectory of steady growth in the last few years and therefore, too precious for us to allow it to be eviscerated by any rogue politician. Bite your conscience and elect someone who possesses the pedigree, track record and demonstrates proper understanding of our collective aspiration as a people.
“We can take the lead inmost areas, including youth employment, manufacturing, power generation, environmental protection, health, education, among others, if we go home and elect a governor: befitting of Anambra State; that can represent us in the National Council of State; National Economic Council and such other sensitive bodies.
“A governor who understands Nigeria and can play comfortably in the international scene is what we need to attract foreign direct investment to complement industries of our entrepreneurs. This is no time for sentiments,” he said.
Similarly, Barr. Okeke, while delivering a paper titled, ‘Election in Anambra State; Development and Standard of Living,’ had this to say, “Consequently, in this forthcoming governorship election, we have to insist that the popular votes count! The votes if the electorates must count!
“Their votes must be counted and ultimately accounted for in delivery in of good governance. However, we must observe that for these to work, there must be citizens vigilance, because vigilance is the eternal price for liberty.
“These are the ways that the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State will bring development and subsequently improve the standard of living of the people. Taa Bu Gboo for thorough preparations for the conduct of 2021 governorship election in Anambra State.”
Other discussants who sent the message of Taa Bu Gboo through different topics were Dr Uche Nwankwo who spoke on Apprenticeship/Nhachi in public service, politics and trade; Chief Emeka Nwabueze, on Unity of Ndi Anambra; Basil Ezenwa, on Developing Anambra together at home and from the diaspora, Pastor Onuora on Respect for elders and Chief Billy Okoye who also spoke on Mmekorita Umunwanne.
The event also witnessed cultural completion between town unions that participated, based on compartment, attire and uniformity, punctuality, orderliness, among others. Based on that, Ekwulobia town union won first position, while Awkuzu and Enuguagidi got second and third positions respectively.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Emeka Offor, who was represented by AIGP Chris Ezike (Rtd) spoke at length non the success of the event and the need to continue to promote culture, which if continued, according to him would promote unity among Ndi Anambra.
Governor Willie Obiano, represented by Anambra State liaison officer in Abuja, Mrs Agatha Manafa hailed the organisation for using the Association to promote unity and rich culture of the state, for a long time.
The Local Organising Committee Chairman, Amaechi Ezeokoye, however, admitted that the event went on well in line with their plans. Calling on the few Anambra town unions in Abuja that have not yet joined the Association to emulate others and join the Association due to its advantage. Ezeokoye however said rekindling of culture and language would go a long way to prevent a tribe from going into extinction.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President General, Chief Arinze Anadu (Nwachinemelu) rolled out the Association’s plans of, among others sponsoring indigent children of Ndi Anambra in education, empowerment and job placement for Ndi Anambra.
He also said that the Association had it in plan to acquire land for construction of ASTPA estate in Anambra, a plan he said they have set up a machinery for.
