By Chisom Okpala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Barr. Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka, has urged traditional rulers across the state to strengthen grassroots governance by effectively communicating government policies, promoting compliance and championing peace and development in their communities.
Ezeaka made the call during the 3rd Quarterly Meeting of Traditional Rulers held on Sept. 24, describing the forum as an important platform for interaction, collaboration and exchange of ideas on issues affecting communities. He urged traditional rulers to attend the quarterly meetings regularly to strengthen cooperation between government and the traditional institution.
The commissioner stressed that traditional rulership goes beyond the privilege of wearing the crown, urging royal fathers to use their positions to attract lasting peace and development to their communities. He also encouraged them to represent government effectively at the grassroots while drawing attention to areas requiring government intervention.
Ezeaka announced that the Ministry would soon introduce a Community Complaint App through which traditional rulers would be able to report challenges affecting their communities and receive prompt feedback and intervention from government.
He further disclosed that the ministry would constitute committees to promote peace and conflict resolution and facilitate sustainable development initiatives across communities. He reaffirmed the Solution Administration’s commitment to working with traditional rulers to advance peace, security, good governance and community development.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, the Deputy Chairman and Traditional Ruler of Okija, Igwe Emeka Okezie, commended the Federal and State Governments for the deployment of an Army battalion to Anambra, describing it as a timely intervention in efforts to address insecurity, particularly in the southern part of the state.
The traditional rulers noted that the strengthened security presence would enhance the state’s peace and security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property. They also called attention to the growing challenges of flooding and erosion in various parts of the state.
The council appealed to the Federal and State Governments to intensify flood prevention and erosion control measures, sustain public enlightenment campaigns in flood-prone areas and expedite palliative works on deteriorating roads and erosion-ravaged sites.
The royal fathers also urged residents to support government efforts by regularly desilting drainages and waterways and avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal. They expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among government, traditional institutions and community stakeholders would promote security, environmental sustainability and infrastructural development across Anambra State.
Chisom Okpala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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