Soludo calls for enduring peace in Awka, visits the Monarch at annual festival

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By Madu Obi

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has called for enduring peace, unity, and infrastructural transformation in Awka, the capital city.

He spoke during a historic solidarity visit to the traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, to mark this year's annual Imo Awka festival.

The governor, who made history as the first state chief executive to pay homage to the Awka monarch during the traditional festival, stressed the cultural imperative of a unified leadership, emphasizing that in Igbo tradition, it is an absolute taboo for a single community to have two kings.

Addressing a gathering that included the Prime Minister of Awka, the President General of the town union, the Ọzọ Awka society, among others groups, Governor Soludo expressed the joy that peace has officially returned to reign in the capital.

Describing himself as a man of peace, the governor assured residents that his administration is fully committed to repairing and rebuilding the state capital.

The governor announced plans to construct a grand central palace designed to serve the community for generations to come and urged the Awka people to lead the way in partnership with his government.

Speaking on the religious dimension of the festival, Soludo said the state celebrates with people of all faiths, noting that because freedom of worship and religion is guaranteed, traditionalists should freely observe their customs, while Christians celebrate theirs in harmony.

He commended the President General and the Ọzọ Awka titleholders for guaranteeing a peaceful celebration entirely free of security breaches.

In their speeches, the President General of Awka, Chief Fred Chinwuba, and the Traditional Prime Minister of Awka, Engr. Benjamin Okoye, appreciated the governor for his peace overtures, as well as developmental strides in the state, particularly in Awka, pledging to continue supporting his administration.