By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Arewa and Oduduwa Youth Forum, Anambra, has pledged support for the administration of the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Ikechukwu Mofunanya, commending his inclusive leadership and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.
The forum made the pledge during a familiarisation and congratulatory visit to the council headquarters on Nov. 11.
Led by its President, Mr Mohammed Umaru, the delegation commended Mofunanya for accommodating residents from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Umaru said the visit was to congratulate the mayor and express the forum’s willingness to collaborate with his administration.
“We came to congratulate you, sir, and to pledge our unalloyed support and collaboration with your leadership agenda,” he said.
In his response, Mofunanya thanked the delegation for the visit and its show of support for his administration.
He also explained the political position of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the party had adopted President Bola Tinubu as its preferred presidential candidate while fielding its own candidates for legislative seats.
The mayor urged members of the forum to take the message to their communities and households, particularly among Hausa and Yoruba residents in Onitsha South, and encouraged them to participate actively in the political process.
He described Onitsha South as a cosmopolitan area where people from different parts of the country lived, traded and pursued their aspirations without ethnic discrimination.
“Onitsha South is the only LGA where every tribe from the 36 states of Nigeria lives, trades and prospers without discrimination. This is our strength, and we must protect it,” he said.
Mofunanya assured the forum of his administration’s continued support for its development and welfare, reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance.
Umaru, in turn, pledged the forum’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the council and supporting the implementation of its programmes and policies at the grassroots.
The visit was attended by the Special Adviser on Political Matters and Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Hon. Barr. K. K. Oguejiofor; Secretary to the Local Government, Mr Paul Onuachalla; Councillor representing Ward 7, Hon. Aniebue Chibuife; and Supervisors for Education and Security, Hon. Odili N. and Hon. Modilim Chukwudozie, respectively.
The visit underscored the importance of inter ethnic cooperation and community engagement in promoting peaceful coexistence in Onitsha South.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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