Ikechukwu Eze-okoli Solidarity Movement Inaugurated In Ukpor

By Izunna Okafor

It was a moment of fanfare and responsible engagement, as the people of Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State happily thronged to embrace the official inauguration of Ikechukwu Eze-okoli Solidarity Movement, acronymically known as IESM. 

The event which held in Ukpor the Nnewi South capital, attracted dignitaries and representatives from the ten towns that make up the local government area.

Speaking at the occasion, the founder and benefactor of the Movement, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze-okoli who registered his interest to contest for the Chairmanship position of Nnewi South in 2021, noted that the Movement has both political and philanthropic undertones and primarily aims at speeding up the developmental wheel of Nnewi South, while also promoting good governance and youths political participation.

He said "We are moving towards a paradigm shift in Nnewi South; and the youths of Nnewi South have decided that this is our time to make Nnewi South a better place than it is today; and that is why I have come out, as a messenger, to help accomplish this mission."

He further solicited the support of the people to enable him emerge victorious in the election, assuring that he willingly availed himself and promised not to disappoint the people if given the mandate.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director General of the Movement, Sunday Nwachukwu (Dara Oburuotie) opined that Nigeria, today, needs to have knowledgeable, dedicated and selfless youths occupy every political leadership position at all levels of government, so as to liberate the country, which he argued, is tired of recycling old leaders, majority of whom have nothing good to offer the country again.

Giving more hint about the Movement, he said, "We have 20 political wards in Nnewi South Local Government Area, but Ikechukwu Eze-okoli Solidarity Movement recognises the non indigens in Nnewi South as an additional ward, thereby recognizing 21 wards."

"Structurally, the Movement hierarchically has the Founder, the DG, three Zonal Coordinators (for Ukpor, Mbanese and Ochi zones); and we are also here to inaugurate 4-man exco for each of the 21 wards," he added.

In their separate remarks, the parents of the benefactor, Mr and Mrs Ralph Eze-okoli described the Movement as a very significant one, looking at its vision and mission. They urged their son to always put God first and have the interest of the people at heart at all times, even as they called on the youths and the entire people of Nnewi South Local Government to give him the maximum support needed for the realisation and full actualisation of the Movement's mission and vision.

On his own part, the member representing Nnewi South Constituency 2 in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi, who himself is also a youth, extolled the vision of Ikechukwu Eze-okoli, who he noted, has taken a bold step, even as he reassured his continuous support for every pro-youth initiative and engagement within and outside the council area.

Among others, the highpoint of the event included the inauguration and official swearing in of the four-man executive of each of the 21 wards, by Barr. Samuel Anozie who is also a stakeholder in Nnewi South.

Present at the well-attended event included the President-General-2-Elect of Ukpor Improvement Union, Chief Uzozie Chukwujekwu; APGA Youth Leader for Nnewi South, Hon. Emeka Aniehobi; Secretary General of APGA in Nnewi South, Mr. Azubuike Osuchukwu; the Media Director of Ikechukwu Eze-okoli Solidarity Movement, Ezim Ifechukwu; Chief Fedrick Abinnu; Hon. Sonny Anaekwe; Chief City Nwokemodo; Hon. Sunny Anaekwe; Chief Paul Ezike, among many others.