It was a sight to behold as the people of Amaifeke Clan in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, rolled out en mass to celebrate their own; the Executive Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Pastor Chris Mbarie.
The event which took place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Premier Primary School Field Amaifeke Orlu, had many personalities from the LGA, and across the State – Former governor of the State, Dr Achike Udenwa, represented by former State Commissioner for Health, Dr Vin Udoku, Chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Institutions and Community Policing, HRH Eze Dr. E. C Okeke, (Ezeudo 11 Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom), the traditional ruler of Isi 1 of Amaifeke Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Okey Ihemegwo.
Others – Commissioner for Education Prof Bernard Ikegwuoha, representing the governor of the state, the former member Representing Orlu, Orsu, Oru East Federal Constituency, Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso, Orlu lawmaker, Hon. Ikenna Ihezuo, former Oru West Chairman, Hon. Willie Okolieogwo, Imo Hope for Good Governance, among others, present to witness the ceremony.
Speaking the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Fab Ukozor who said the celebration marked a milestone in the history of the community, averred that they have had local government Chairmen but Mbarie, is a special one.
Ukozor explained that when there was insecurity in the state, especially in Orlu Zone, every young man in the LGA ran away, but the executive Chairman, he said stood his ground and was able forestall peace, and tranquility in the LGA.
He noted that during his election, that there were lots of in fighting but because God has ordained him to pilot the affairs of the LGA, he emerged victorious.
Ukozor further welcomed Mbarie as the Executive Chairman, saying, “you cannot be in doubt of our support to you, because from the event you can see that all the traditional rulers and all that matters in the community are here to celebrate you. We are solidly behind you, and we wish you well, and pray that God willing, you will be returned for second tenure.
Adding his voice, Chief Ozioma Chukwudi Okolie Akuaka on behalf of the organizing Committee, appreciated all that were present to celebrate with them, reiterating that the community has continually been blessed with great political leaders, like Pastor Chris Mbarie
Okolie who commended him for all he has been doing for them, beginning from when he was their sole administrator, called on him and Governor Hope Uzodimma to look into all the Primary Schools in Amaifeke which he said are dilapidated.
He continued that they should also look into provision of more Solar powered street lights, and also find solution to the low turnout of power supply in the community, among others.
Representing the Governor of Imo State, was the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, representing the Governor of the State, commended the people for the celebration.
Looking at their request, he assured them of the governor commencing rehabilitation, and building of new schools in the 305 wards in the state.
In response, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Pastor Chris Mbarie expressed immense joy over what the people had done, saying that he was elated to be honoured in such magnitude.
Mbarie specially lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma, for appointing him as the Sole Administrator of the LGA, adding that the experience he acquired from there gave him an edge to emerge victorious during the Local Government.
He also appreciated the traditional rulers; HRM Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, HRH Eze A. O. Nwaele, HRH Eze Okey Ihemegwo, for supporting for the celebration to hold.
Assuring the people of greater days ahead, Mbarie recounted his achievements saying, ” Immediately after my swearing-in as the duly elected Executive Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area on the 3rd of October, 2024, I quickly embarked on the evacuation of the heap of refuse within the premises of Enugu Electric Distribution Company (EEDC), ORLU to aid the flow of vehicular movement along the EEDC/ ORLU Hotels road, and maintain a clean and conducive environment.
“To curb the perennial encroachment of traders and indiscriminate parking of vehicles along major roads in Orlu, I quickly inaugurated a new Road Task Force with an onerous task of decongesting the roads and this has returned sanity on our roads and ensured the free flow of traffic on the major roads in Orlu.
“In the area of Security in Orlu, I have deliberately and repeatedly engaged the President Generals, Village Chairmen and Youth Leaders of all the Autonomous Communities in Orlu and counselled them on the need to collectively secure our communities and report any form of nefarious activities or security breaches in our communities. This simple approach has greatly improved the security situation in our communities as we witnessed scores of celebratory community activities, during the 2024 Christmas celebration.
“In the course of my campaign leading to to the Local Government elections, I made a firm promise that women will benefit immensely from my administration. In fulfilment the promise, I embarked on the empowerment of about 300 indigent Women with the sum of Eighty Thousand Naira each to alleviate their suffering and help them engage in any petty trading of their choice. Through the efforts of my Vice – Chairman, a father figure in my administration, High Chief Cajetan Nwanebo (Oji Motor Eme Ogo), we held a 3day intensive training for Youths and women with an interest in poultry farming.
“Currently ongoing is a new administrative block of 9 offices and an Executive chamber for the vice chairman, the secretary of the Local Government, the supervisory councillors and other senior administrative officers of the Local Government. The ground breaking ceremony was performed on the 27th December, 2024 and hopefully it will be commissioned by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, The Executive Governor of Imo State before the end of August 2025.
“We undertook grading of roads in all the communities through the elected councillors from the 13 INEC wards in December 2024 as a palliative measure to make the roads motorable during the festive period and also boost economic activities.
“We also ensured the regulation of Orlu Scrap Union, the Relocation of Orlu Motorcycle Spare Parts Market in Umuna to Owerri – Ebeiri, the building of an Ultra Modern Shopping Mall at Owus Avenue among other people oriented projects,’Mbarie stated’.
He noted that all the achievements he was able to accomplish with the help of his Vice Chairman, High Chief Cajetan Nwanebo.
He appreciated the people ones again and assured of not disappointing in the confidence they have reposed in him.
The high point of the event was the Executive Chairman receiving awards, and gifts from the people. There were cultural performances; dance by women group, masquerade displays, among others.
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