The State Government is to commence distribution of relief materials and other palliatives to residents of riverine parts of the State immediately the flood recedes.

Governor Willie Obiano disclosed this yesterday when he presented Certificates of Recognition to traditional rulers of two communities in Ogbaru Council Area.

The newly recognized traditional rulers are, Igwe Fidelis Nsofor of Umunankwo community and Igwe Lawrence Oguguo of Akiliozizor Community.

The event which took place at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, attracted stakeholders in the community as well as friends of the royal fathers.

Presenting the certificates, Governor Obiano said the recognition should afford the newly elected traditional rulers the opportunity to pursue peace among members of the community, reminding them of the need to support his administration.

He further harped on the need for the traditional rulers to also focus on initiating programs for youths empowerment and mobilization, to complement government’s efforts to gainfully engaging them away from crime.

The Governor who revealed that the third phase of the choose-your-project community development initiative will soon commence, said farmers and fishermen whose means of livelihood were destroyed in the flood will be assisted to restart their businesses.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Mr. Greg Obi, remarked that all the necessary processes were duly followed before the traditional rulers emerged and emphasized that the efforts of the Obiano administration in resolving traditional
rulership tussles and enthroning leaderships is to entrench peace at the grassroots.

In an admonition, the traditional ruler of Okpuno, Igwe Sunday Okafor, reminded the new royal fathers of the responsibility they owe their people to be upright and transparent in their dealings and urged people of the communities to rally round them to enable them succeed.

For the National President of the State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, Chief Alex Onukwue, traditional rulers are very key in community mobilization noting that the way Governor Obiano handles their issues goes a long way to show the premium he attaches to community development.

In their separate remarks, the newly-recognized traditional rulers, Igwe Nsofor and Igwe Oguguo, expressed appreciation to the State government for recognizing them and pledged to lead their people with the fear of God and in the path of peace and progress.