Onyenucheya Grass-root Movement on Monday, showed support at the Grand Civic Reception of Colonel Augustine Akobundu in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State.
The people of Ikwuano and other beneficiaries of the Chukwuemeka Onyenucheya Foundation in their numbers, also showed support , hoisting their banners around the Council headquarter, Isiala Oboro.
Colonel Augustine Akobundu (rtd) served as the Honourable Minister of State for Defence and as the immediate past National Organizing Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party.
Conferring a Chieftaincy title of ‘Dike Akolamba’ on Colonel Akobundu, the chairman, Ikwuano traditional rulers, HRH Eze Ndimele, said the title was in recognition of his contribution to the development of Ikwuano and Nigeria at large during his meritorious service as the PDP National Organizing Secretary and his continuous zeal and will to serve his people.
Eze Ndimele who spoke on behalf of four other monarchs representing each of the clans, charged the Colonel to continue doing more for the people.
Speaking to newsmen, Rtn. Dr. Onyenucheya stressed that “Col. Akobundu has earned his political stripes and deserves to be celebrated, when we celebrate the doers in our community, it motivates the upcoming generation to strive to do better”.
Earlier in his speech, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji congratulated Col. Akobundu whom he said has distinguished himself both in the military and political terrains of the nation.
He described him as a proud son of Ikwuano who has meritoriously rendered quality service to his people, adding that service has bestowed a huge task on Col. Akobundu to galvanize the entire people of Ikwuano Local Government for peace to reign permanently in the area.
In his speech, the senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji CON, said Akobundu deserves the recognition and honor accorded to him because of his towering achievements and outstanding contributions to the people of Ikwuano LGA, the State, and Nigeria in general. He prayed that God will continue to uphold and prosper him and give him good health as he continues to positively impact his people.
Responding, Col. Austin Akobundu noted that the display of love by the people showed that they value his contributions. He promised to remain dedicated and also support young people who has ambition in politics to bring the desired development to the community.
“I am completely overwhelmed by the show of love from my people. This lavish reception simply indicates that my people value the input I have made throughout my time at the party and this has simply humbled me. Going forward, I will dedicate my time to helping and guiding the young ones who are yearning to go into politics to bring the desired development to Ikwuano.”
