By Ifeanyi Nwegbo
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, High Chief Dr. Egbuna Okechi, has dedicated his 2026 New Yam Festival, popularly known as Iwaji, to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in appreciation of the commencement of construction on the 4.08-kilometre Umueri Chinua Achebe International Airport Road.
Speaking during the celebration at Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area(LGA), Dr. Egbuna described the commencement of work on the road as a welcome development for a community that had long sought improved access to the airport and surrounding areas.
He disclosed that the project had been awarded, mobilisation funds released and construction commenced, expressing gratitude to the Soludo administration for responding to the community’s longstanding demand.
The Deputy Chief of Staff recalled his advocacy for the road, including a peaceful protest in 2020, noting that the project represented an important step towards addressing the infrastructure needs of Umueri and improving connectivity around the airport.
He recounted the history of land acquisition for the airport, tracing the process to the administrations of former Governors Chris Ngige and Peter Obi. He alleged that compensation remained unpaid to some affected landowners during the earlier stages, while crediting the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano with paying compensation to landowners in Ivite Umueri.
Dr. Egbuna called on the people of Umueri and the wider Omambala community to support development initiatives at both state and federal levels, urging them to sustain their support for the Soludo administration and President Bola Tinubu, while advocating support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in forthcoming legislative elections.
He cited the awarded Otuocha Abaji Abuja Road as a federal infrastructure project that could improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and stimulate commercial activities across the region.
The Iwaji celebration also featured an award presentation and the conferment of the traditional title “Akpokuedike Ogbu Umueri” on Dr. Egbuna by elders of Ogbu Ivite Umueri.
The delegation was led by the community’s oldest man and included 90 years old Chief Egini, who joined other elders in honouring Dr. Egbuna.
The celebration brought together community leaders and residents to mark the New Yam Festival while recognising what the organisers described as Dr. Egbuna’s contributions and commitment to the development of Umueri.
Ifeanyi Nwegbo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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