Anambra State Young Progressives Party (YPP) Deputy Governorship Candidate, Uzu Okagbue, has called for urgent restoration of security and good governance in the state, saying that only then can its cultural and economic potential be fully unleashed.
Okagbue made the remarks after joining the people of Umudioka and Ogidi as they celebrated the Mkpikpa and Nwafor festivals, describing the experience as deeply moving and culturally enriching.
“Today, I had the profound honour of joining my brothers and neighbours in Umudioka and Ogidi as both communities marked the cherished Mkpikpa and Nwafor festivals,” he said. “It wasn’t merely a celebration; it was a vivid reminder of who we are: a people steeped in heritage, resilience, and pride.”
He noted that each venue radiated with the vibrancy of Igbo heritage:
“Every venue I visited radiated with the richness of our culture, our dances, our language, our masquerades, our community spirit. It was beautiful. It was refreshing. It was a stirring reminder that, despite the shadows that now hover over our state, Anambra’s soul is alive and yearning to shine.”
However, Okagbue lamented that insecurity has continued to undermine communal life and economic activities in the state, casting fear even over sacred festivals:
“The enduring beauty of our culture is being dimmed by the pressing failures of governance. At the heart of these is insecurity, an evil that has not only shattered lives but has also crippled our economy, muted our social vitality, and cast fear over even the most sacred communal celebrations,” he said.
“Today, I witnessed cultural resilience. But I also saw the caution in the eyes of elders, the reduced crowds, the shortened processions—subtle yet telling signs of a state held hostage by fear.”
Okagbue emphasized that his political journey with Sir Paul is rooted in purpose and a clear vision for a safer Anambra:
“This is precisely why Sir Paul and I are not just committed to politics; we are committed to purpose. A core plank of our vision is the restoration of security across Anambra. Not for show. Not for applause. But so that our communities can breathe again. So that our festivals can flourish without anxiety. So that we can open our doors to the world and proudly export the richness of Mkpikpa, Nwafor, Elimede, Ofala, and Igu Aro beyond the banks of the Niger and across continents.”
He insisted that the state’s challenge is not a lack of potential but leadership misdirection:
“Anambra does not lack potential, it suffers from misdirection. We must fix leadership. We must restore safety. Only then can we truly unleash the cultural, economic, and human possibilities of this great state.”
Okagbue ended on a message of hope and resilience to the people:
“To Ndi Anambra, I say this: hold on. Do not give up on our homeland. The night may be long, but morning is coming. A new dawn is possible. And joy—real, shared, sustainable joy—is coming.”
