EBONYI STATE GOVERNMENT TO RENOVATE AKANU IBIAM PALACE.

Ebonyi State Government  is  to renovate the palace of the  former premier of the Eastern Region, Dr.Akanu Ibiam, within a year  or in the alternative, erect a   new palace  in  two years.

Governor David Umahi, who made this known on Thursday, also    promised  to commence the rehabilitation of  the bad portions of the Afikpo-Unwana Road within  the  next couple of weeks. 
Umahi,who extolled the leadership qualities and pioneering role  Dr. Ibiam   played in the creation of Ebonyi State, said his administration would continue to accord  him  the highest honour.  

Until his death in  July 1995, the late premier, who founded Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was the traditional ruler of Unwana. 

Umahi was also in   Ekoli Edda where he inaugurated  the street light initiated by his administration through the Sustainable Development Goals.

A statement on Friday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted Umahi as having told   the mammoth crowd  in Ekoli Edda he could not proceed to Edda without   visiting    Akanu Ibam's home.

"We   went to Akanu Ibiam’s palace; we saw that the  road  which leads to his palace  needed urgent attention. And at Akanu Ibam palace,we offered to renovate it (palace) within the period of one year or in the alternative,  build a brand new palace within a  period of two years. So, the Afikpo North LGA chairman and the Regent of Unwana, Alu Ibiam and others in the community   will advise us on what to do." 

Umahi charged  the caretaker chairmen of the  13  LGAs  to protect electric cables and street light installations   in their areas against  vandalism. He also   called on the people of Edda to work together so as to attract more development,describing Edda  people as one of  the richest in terms of intellectual capacity and  wealth  in the state.

His words: "  I want to challenge every local government- there should be no stealing of cables.
"If you show example with one person who steals cable, by taking such  person to police, others will learn their lesson.
"I want our people here in Edda to work together. You are one of the richest local governments in terms of intellectual capacity and wealth. And so, you have to deploy these in a way of unity to work together and live together." 

The chairman of Afikpo south LGA,Chief Eni Uduma, had applauded Governor Umahi  for his people- oriented programmes  and assured that the people of Edda were solidly behind him.

Uduma said that three foreign based Edda sons – Johnson Oti, Udu Chima and Odogwu Agwu -  had promised to provide over  10,000 litres of gas to ensure that the street light did not go off for a second in the community.

Before Umahi turned on the light, a 99-year-old community leader, … conferred on him the chieftancy title of man of valour. He prayed for divine guidance on the governor and good health.