Igwe Anthony Okorie, the traditional ruler of Amechi Awkunanaw Community in Enugu State, has tasked wealthy Nigerians in Diaspora to “think home and invest home’’.
Okorie, whose community was located in Enugu South Local Government Area, gave the task in an address at his first Ofala Festival Celebration held in the community on Sunday.
The Ofala celebration was used to confer chieftaincy titles on 19 illustrious sons and daughters from the area.
The monarch noted on the occasion that there was dire need for wealthy Nigerians to support government at all levels by investing at home thereby creating more work places within the localities.
“I am appealing to our illustrious sons and daughters abroad to think home; come and invest at home as our localities and communities need development especially on work-place creation.
“This community with its teeming youth population need industries, other work-places and skill acquisition places to fully engage our youths and make them self-reliant as well.
“We should join hands with governments at all levels most especially the administration of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to invest, develop and put down unique ideas from other climes that will help us at home here,’’ he said.
Earlier, President-General of the community, Chief John Egbo, thanked the people for their peaceful disposition and their unrelenting support to constituted authorities.
Egbo also lauded Ugwuanyi for appointing illustrious sons and daughters into political offices in the state and ensuring that the state remained peaceful and secured.
“We are grateful to God and the governor for enabling us to peacefully carry out all we are doing in the community in love,’’ he said.
Responding, one of the awardees, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, General Manager of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), lauded the spirit of oneness and brotherhood existing in Amaechi Akwunanaw community.
Ngwu, who was installed with the Chieftaincy title of “Ohabuenyi of Amechi Akwunanaw’’, expressed optimism that the reign of the monarch would bring further peace, unity and development to the community.
“I am happy that the monarch deemed me worthy to be given this chieftaincy title among many illustrious sons of the community.
“With this, the stage is set for me to contribute more for the development of my community,’’ he said.
A lot of dignitaries witnessed the Ofala celebration, which included: Governor Ugwuanyi and former Governor of Old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwaobodo.
