A high-level tripartite meeting involving the Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU) Worldwide, the Ohafia Council of Monarchs (Nde Ezieogo), and the Ohafia Traditional Rulers Council was convened to strengthen collaboration, address pressing community challenges, and chart a unified path for development.
The meeting, called by the OIU, brought together key stakeholders with the aim of fostering synergy among the union, traditional leadership institutions, and autonomous communities, while also addressing issues requiring urgent attention across Ohafia.
Proceedings began with an opening prayer delivered by the OIU Vice President-General, Chief Stone Kalu, followed by the traditional presentation of kola nut and accompanying rites, symbolizing hospitality and unity.
In his address, the President-General of OIU Worldwide, Prince Kalu Ikpemini, expressed appreciation to the royal fathers who attended the meeting. He, however, lamented the absence of representatives from some autonomous communities despite efforts to secure their participation.
Prince Ikpemini also briefed participants on the union’s December elections and urged continued support from traditional leaders to ensure steady progress and unity within Ohafia.
Highlighting ongoing development efforts, he outlined several initiatives undertaken by the union since assuming office. These include plans to establish Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Ohafia for WAEC and JAMB examinations, advocacy for government intervention to address erosion challenges, and collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify anti-drug campaigns in the area.
The President-General further informed the gathering about a recent OIU fact-finding visit to Okon-Aku following the January communal crisis. He stated that the union subsequently submitted a memorandum to the government’s Panel of Inquiry and petitioned the police authorities for the release of individuals arrested while responding to official invitations to testify before the panel.
He also reported on OIU’s courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, as well as a stakeholders’ meeting convened by Governor Alex Otti with Ohafia leaders and OIU executives in Abuja.
According to Prince Ikpemini, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring electricity supply to Ohafia, rehabilitating Ohafia General Hospital, and creating an enabling environment to support the town’s urbanization as Abia State’s third city.
The governor also assured that the Greater Ohafia Development Authority would undertake road construction projects across the area, subject to budgetary capacity. He called for detailed information on the Ohafia chieftaincy structure to help the government find lasting solutions to persistent traditional leadership disputes affecting several communities.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, cooperation, and collective action toward sustainable peace and development in Ohafia.
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