Nigeria @ 66: Anambra Community Leaders Call For Conscious Efforts To Better The Lot Of Citizens

By Joseph Egbeocha

The immediate past National Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has expressed concern that after 66 years of independence, Nigeria as a nation is marching backwards, judging by the cost of living, education and other essential needs of ordinary citizens.

Speaking at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka during the 66th Independence Day celebration in Anambra, Chief Okeke-Ogene, who said he witnessed the first celebration in 1964 during which he received his first plastic cup and Nigerian flag as gifts, regretted that things have not been easy, especially for South Easterners after the civil war.

He expressed hope for the emergence of a leader who will reposition the economy of the nation, and called on leaders at all levels, as well as citizens, to join hands in the development of the nation, while thanking Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his development strides in the state.

Describing Nigeria as an important nation in the world, a retired Director in the Federal Civil Service, Lady Dora Ezezika, wondered why things have degenerated as they are today in Nigeria, but expressed hope for a better tomorrow where there will be improvement in the economy, educational system and job situation, and where leaders will be more sensitive to the challenges facing ordinary citizens, just as the citizens should make their own contributions for the good of the nation.

For the President General of Abba Town Union, Dr. Roy Chinweuba, a functional local government system and faithful implementation of good policies and programmes already in existence will help better the lot of Nigerians, while his Igbariam Progress Union counterpart, Mr. Anthony Chiokwe, and an Enugwu-Ukwu community stakeholder, Mr. Emmanuel Atuegbu-Dangana, who also called for conscious efforts to better the lot of Nigerians, enjoined citizens to support their leaders.