Umuopara Council of Chiefs Inaugurates New Exco
It was a moment of joy as the newly-elected executive of Umuopara Ahia Asa Council of Chiefs in Umuahia South local government area of Abia State were duly sworn-in with unprecedented pomp.
The epoch-making occasion held at Nkwoha Umuopara on Tuesday, January 13, 2023 under the distinguished chairmanship of Hon. Emeka Jacob Obioma, the Chief Whip, Abia State House of Assembly and member representing Umuahia South State Constituency ably represented by Hon. Nwabueze Oledingwa, the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia South local government area.
After the opening prayer, presentation of kola nut and recognition of notable personalities present, the out-going chairman, Umuopara Council of Chiefs, High Chief Hon. Emmanuel Uka Nwosuagwu presented his valedictory speech.
He thanked his fellow chiefs, stakeholders and the entire people of Umuopara for their love and support throughout his tenure, which began in 2020.
He pledged his total support for the new executive of Umuopara Council of Chiefs and urged them to sustain their enviable legacies of peace and accountability.
Thereafter, the new executive of Umuopara Council of Chiefs filed out for swearing-in.
Those sworn-in include the new chairman, Chief Dr. Smart Onyekachi Nwokorie (Eziokwu bu Ndu), Chief Ikechukwu Onwubiko (vice chairman), Chief Ahiwe Onyeneke (secretary), Chief Mrs. Lilian Obiakaraije (assistant secretary), Chief Anaekperechi Osueke (financial secretary), Chief Chiedozie Imebugo (treasurer), the chairman, Correspondents Chapel, NUJ, Abia State, Chief Journalist Sam Obinna Ibe (PRO), High Chief Jonathan Ndudim (welfare officer) and Chief Chukwudi Ehiogu Ahuekwe.
In his 12-point inaugural address, the Chairman of Umuopara Council of Chiefs, Chief Dr. Smart Onyekachi Nwokorie expressed great joy and profound gratitude to God for his emergence as the first executive Chairman of Umuopara Council of Chiefs in the election conducted on December 18, 2023.
He appreciated the the Royal Fathers of Umuopara, his fellow chiefs, stakeholders and his support group, Odinma Umuopara for their love and overwhelming solidarity.
He lauded HRM Eze (Engr.) Wisdom Ekueku, the chairman, Umuopara Traditional Rulers Council and Vice Chairman, Umuahia South Council of Traditional Rulers for his immense contributions towards their successful inauguration and royal blessings.
He assured him and the people that he would not disappoint the confidence reposed in him stressing that with HRM Eze (Engr.) Wisdom Ekueku as the driver of whatever agenda they have that he would drive them safely to the Promised Land.
The renowned Educationist/Proprietor of Standard Group of Schools, progenitor of Super New Yam Festival in Igbo Land and Pillar of Culture in Abia State said that he would run an open door policy adding that the progress of Umuopara is a joint task that must be accomplished.
He paid glowing tribute to the first appointed Chairman of Umuopara Council of Chiefs, late High Chief Ekedozie Nwoku and craved the indulgence of those present to observe a minute silence in his honour.
He also congratulated the immediate past Chairman of Umuopara Council of Chiefs who just handed over to him, High Chief Hon. Emmanuel Uka Nwosuagwu for the successful completion of his tenure, colossal sacrifice for the betterment of Umuopara and his unalloyed support to the new executive.
He promised to sustain the gains of past administrations of Umuopara Council of Chiefs and even surpass them.
He harped on the need for cultural rejuvenation in Umuopara as well as restoring and sustaining the dignity of the chieftaincy institution adding that they would work in synergy with the traditional rulers of Umuopara and the town union to give the people a purposeful leadership.
He disclosed that the new executive of Umuopara Council of Chiefs would complement the effort of the traditional rulers in providing good security network and settlement of disputes in Umuopara as well as liaising with the illustrious sons, daughters, stakeholders, agencies and public-spirited individuals to help them in the areas of roads, schools, civic centres, scholarship awards, skill acquisition and other developmental projects in Umuopara.
His address drew resounding ovation and the people expressed optimism that he has all it takes to fulfill all that he has promised to do.
Thereafter, HRM Eze Stephen Ihuoma, the Obi na Ukwu of Ngodo congratulated Chief Dr. Smart Onyekachi Nwokorie (Eziokwu bu Ndu) on his emergence as the new Chairman of Umuopara Council of Chiefs.
He told him that leadership is not a bed of roses and urged him to make God the bedrock of his administration and to always remain courageous even when things appear to be going contrary to expectations.
He reminded him to take heed of the maxim, ‘Power intoxicates’ in order not to allow his new position to enter his head.
He said that Umuopara Council of Chiefs is an association and by virtue of that the new executive are not in anyway authorized to take decision concerning the people without the consent of the traditional rulers of Umuopara.
The Royal Father frowned at the high incidence of kidnapping in Umuopara and called for concerted effort to halt the ugly trend.
On his part, HRM Eze Akpunku Iheuwa appealed to the new executive of Umuopara Council of Chiefs to ensure that the Nkwoha Hall is completed early next year.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Emeka Jacob represented by the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia South local government area, Hon. Nwabueze Oledingwa congratulated Chief Dr. Smart Onyekachi Nwokorie and the new executive of Umuopara Council of Chiefs for their emergence.
He noted that Chiefs are the backbone of traditional rulers and urged them to continue to assist the traditional rulers of Umuopara to pilot the affairs of the area well.
He said that leadership at any level even within family circle is fraught with numerous challenges and prayed God to give them the wisdom to pilot their affairs well.
He charged them to work assiduously with the traditional rulers to ensure peace in Umuopara as well as to checkmate the high incidence of crime, especially kidnapping in the area.
Royal Super High Chief Sir Emenike Onuoha, (JP Ambassador of Peace), the President General, Umuopara Clan Union
Speaking, the President General of Umuopara Clan Union, Royal Super High Chief Sir Emenike Onuoha (JP, Ambassador of Peace) expressed satisfaction with the successful inauguration of the newly-elected executive of Umuopara Council of Chiefs.
The former Umuahia South Council boss and patron of Umuopara Council of Chiefs promised to support them in attracting development and other good things that would take Umuopara to greater height.
Sir Emenike Onuoha said that Umuopara is blessed with eminent personalities in different walks of life and has never lagged behind other town unions in the state or found wanting in any sphere of life.
However, he regretted that lack of understanding and unity of purpose have made them really not to be where they are supposed to be.
Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that they would change the narrative this time and take their rightful position in the state and the nation.
Contributing, the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Abia State, Chief Sir M. C. Egwu congratulated the new executive of Umuopara Council of Chiefs on their hitch-free election and successful swearing-in.
He reminded them that the essence of the association, which he is one of their patrons is to ensure that there is peace and progress in Umuopara including sustaining their culture so that they would bequeath it to the next generation.
He urged the new executive to work closely with the traditional rulers and expressed confidence that the new executive under the chairmanship of Chief Dr. Smart Nwokorie would take Umuopara Council of Chiefs to enviable height.
Similarly, Mrs. Folakemi Okezie, the
Abia State Director of Culture appreciated the new executive on their emergence adding that it is not easy to win election.
She urged them to be focused in order to achieve their goals.
She expressed confidence in the calibre of people who are part of the executive describing them as people of unimpeachable integrity.
She assured them that the doors of Abia State Ministry of Information and Culture are wide open for them.
She disclosed that they have been working hand in hand with the new chairman who she described as the pillar of culture in Abia State.
She wished them a successful tenure stressing that they are going to work together for the betterment of Umuopara, Abia State and the nation.
Chief Ikechukwu Onyenweke Onwubiko expressed delight on his election as the vice chairman of Umuopara Council of Chiefs.
He said that even before his election that he had already made up his mind on how to add value to Umuopara Council of Chiefs.
He promised to ever remain loyal to the chairman, Chief Dr. Smart Nwokorie and assured the people that they would not disappoint the confidence reposed in them.
High Chief Ben O. Nwaokafor, the vice chairman of Ogbodiukwu Council of Elders and treasurer, Ogbodiukwu Council of Chiefs expressed happiness with the outcome of the election.
He said that Chief Dr. Smart Onyekachi Nwokorie is the choice of the people and assured the people that he would live up to expectations.
He advised him to be tolerant because serving people is not easy.
In a vote of thanks, one of the chairmanship contestants, Chief Kingsley Ikokwuadighim Atulomah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vanderry Hotel and Suites thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the election.
He assured the new executive of his total support and urged them to live up to expectations.
The ceremony was a huge success and attracted the presence of traditional rulers, top government officials, seasoned bureaucrats, notable politicians, lawyers, business moguls and a galaxy of other distinguished personalities including Prince Osinachi Gideon of DSTV Nollywood.
It climaxed with unforgettable reception at Chief Dr. Smart Onyekachi Nwokorie’s palatial country home.
