By Ikenna Nwokedi
Dunukofia Local Government Area under the leadership of its hard-working Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nonyelum Onyemaobi on Wednesday, 28th December 2022 held her Silver Jubilee plus anniversary celebration to mark the 26th year existence of the Local Government.
The colourful event which took place at the Dunukofia LGA Secretariat in Ukpo was part of the week long activities which commenced on Christmas day encompassing Dunukofia Peace Volleyball, Face of Dunukofia Pageantry, Dunukofia @26 Unity Football Cup and Dunukofia Silver Jubilee Plus Grand Finale.
In his address, the Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Onyemaobi stated that Dunukofia has been existing in two local government of Njikoka and Idemili since 1906 until 1996 when the efforts of Prince Engr. Dr. Arthur Ikpechukwu Eze to make it a homogeneous Local Government yielded good result.
Hon Onyemaobi disclosed that upon its creation twenty-six years ago, it shared boundaries with Awka North, Idemili South, Njikoka and Oyi LGAs.
He noted that the Local Government has evolved since its creation as a number of sole administrators, transition and elected local government chairmen have served and brought in their administrative acumen until the present administration came on board in August 2022.
He informed that Dunukofia is an agrarian area notable for farming and food production appreciating all who contributed financially and otherwise to the success of the epoch-making event.
Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Ben Akabueze said the event was a memorable moment that provided the opportunity to welcome retinue of distinguished personalities in celebration of the cultural heritage, communal progress and individual success.
Pastor Akabueze highlighted some of the immeasurable achievement and growth witnessed in the local government topmost amongst them being the completion of the main Secretariat building and movement to the permanent site.
He thanked Prince Eze for the immense role he played in ensuring that Dunukofia is recognized in the state and the nation at large.
In his remarks, Prince Dr. Eze thanked Hon. Onyemaobi for the initiative behind the Dunukofia at 26 celebration.
The Oil magnate stated that the current Transition Committee Chairman before his appointment was known for his doggedness and positive spirit in ensuring that whatever he is committed to ends up being productive.
Engr. Eze narrated the history behind the creation of Dunukofia as a local government, the challenges faced in achieving that status and success stories one of which is the creation and inauguration of Nigeria Police Zone 13 Command Headquarters in Ukpo.
He emphasized that the six communities of Dunukofia are always united while he made a pledge of N1billion during the foundation laying for the Construction of Dunukofia Unity House, Multipurpose Skill Acquisition Centre and Farm produce processing factory.
The colourful occasion witnessed presentation of awards to illustrious sons and daughters of Dunukofia for various categories such as gold, silver, administrative, post humous, Nne Eji Ejemba and Okpotokpo Ada categories.
Other high points of the occasion were fund raising for Dunukofia Unity House, Multipurpose Skill Acquisition Centre and Farm produce processing factory project championed by Chief/Co Launchers, Chief Vincent Udobu and Chief Ben Amuta, cutting of Dunukofia Unity Cake, cultural and art exhibitions as well as musical performances by Iyom of various towns and Dunukofia choral group.
Present during the occasion were top government officials, political office holders, aspiring politicians, captains of industries, top academic scholars, transition committee chairmen from sister local governments, culture custodians, friends, well wishers and the good people of Dunukofia.
