The newly inaugurated Executive of the Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU) has reaffirmed its commitment to purposeful leadership aimed at delivering positive and sustainable development to the people of Ohafia.

The Executive has called on Ohafia indigenes and residents, both at home and in the diaspora, to cooperate with the new leadership as it mobilises resources and opportunities to address the developmental needs of the 26 communities that make up the Ohafia clan.

The President-General of the Union, Prince Kalu Ikpemini, disclosed this following the Executive’s preliminary and inaugural meetings, which were held both physically and virtually in January.

Following strategic engagements with Ohafia monarchs, led by His Royal Paramountcy, Ezie Ohamoha, Elder Awa Orji Udonsi, as well as a separate meeting with key stakeholders, the Executive resolved to establish an Advisory Committee. The committee is tasked with developing a framework to maximise development opportunities from relevant government institutions and agencies, including the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority, and Cross River Basin Development Authority, among others.

The proposed framework will position the Union to meet defined timelines for targeted community programmes, particularly in infrastructure development and human capacity building.

As a precursor to these initiatives, the Executive has formally written to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), requesting increased surveillance across Ohafia and advocating for the establishment of an NDLEA office within the local government area. This move is aimed at strengthening the fight against drug abuse and safeguarding the future of Ohafia youths. The request is currently receiving attention at the agency.

Similarly, the Union has concluded plans to attract Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres to Ohafia. This initiative is designed to ease the mobility burden faced by students who currently travel long distances, including to Umuahia, to participate in tertiary matriculation examinations.

In another intervention, the Executive has written to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, through the Honourable Member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, requesting urgent attention to the Elu/Amuke Road erosion menace. The matter has since been raised on the floor of the House and is being actively followed up by the Union’s representative, Hon. Etiokwe.

In line with its peace-building mandate, the Executive also conducted a fact-finding visit to Oko-Aku Community in connection with the communal conflicts witnessed there last month. Subsequently, it made a formal submission to the Abia State Government’s Administrative Panel of Enquiry, outlining modalities for achieving lasting peace in the community.

The President-General and members of the Executive have reiterated their determination to restore Ohafia to its rightful place of honour, dignity, and prominence within Abia State. The leadership assures the people of an all-inclusive administration focused on harnessing individual and collective potentials to achieve sustainable development for the Ohafia clan.

As stated in the Holy Writ:
“The Lord Almighty has sworn, surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.” — Isaiah 14:24

Signed:
Chief Emele Onu
National Publicity Secretary
Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU)