▪️ By Jane Ronke Ogunsakin
***Says it stimulates local economy
***Youth body lauds donor’s efforts in human capital development, others
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” – Albert Pike
The above quote by Albert Pike summarizes why on Friday, November 2, 2021, all roads led to Ndiagu Akpugo, one of the rural communities in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, reason for which was the official inauguration of 1.9 km Achikpa – Ugwuagba – NARDO road, solely financed by Chief Bernard Okwudiri Ede, Chairman of NARDO Group.
Gov. Ugwuanyi (L) and Chief Bernard Edeh
Welcoming the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and all and sundry to the epoch making event, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Council, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani observed that many private individuals who are sponsoring one developmental project or the other in Enugu State are leveraging on the peace and security of lives and property in the state as made possible by the visionary Governor Ugwuanyi.
Nnamani who said that government cannot do everything for the people, commended the sponsor of the project, Chief Bernard Edeh for his kind gesture, and called on other well meaning individuals to emulate him.
In his remarks, the former Inspector General of Police, IGP Ogbonna Onovo Rtd. poured encomiums on the governor, describing him as a true leader “whom I can follow his lead even if I am blindfolded because of the trust and confidence I repose in him”.
He pointed out that Ugwuanyi was the first sitting Governor in the history of Enugu State to tar a road in Akpugo.
During his time out, the sponsor of the project Chief Bernard Okwudiri Edeh said that he was propelled by the hardship being faced by his people who could not freely move from one place to another due to the deplorable condition of the road over several years, noting that the governor’s style of leadership was the elixir that spored him onto taking such an action. He dedicated the road to the loving memory of his grandmother, Chief Mrs. Nwonovo-Onuma Edeani, a traditional birth attendant.
Nwonovo-Onuma the traditional birth attendant carrying triplets surrounded by other children
Also speaking, the member representing Nkanu East/West Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon Nnoli Nnaji could not hide his love for the good deeds of Ugwuanyi, and sang praises to God for him.
In his address shortly before the commissioning of the road, the Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi applauded Chief Bernard Edeh for his philanthropy, noting that such intervention stimulate local economy and improve standard of living.
Chief Nwabueze Nnamani in white and Chief Bernard Edeh
“It is heartwarming that this expensive infrastructure project was undertaken by an illustrious son of this community (Ndiagu Akpugo), Chief Bernard Edeh, Chairman of NARDO Group, to ease the movement men and material within the community is examplary, commendable and complements the efforts the administration in rural infrastructure development.
“Indeed interventions of this nature stimulate local economy, improve the living standard of rural dwellers and stem rural urban migration.
Achikpa – NARDO road
“Chief Edeh, I am particularly touched that you you dedicated this road to the blessed memory of your grandmother, Chief Mrs. Nwonovo-Onuma Edeani, famed for her outstanding selfless service as traditional birth attendant birth attendant.
“The good people of Akpugo and entire Nkanu West, you have as always treated me to a very warm reception this afternoon. Your sentiment, support and solidarity have been unwavering over these years and are highly appreciated.” Governor Ugwuanyi said.
A cross section of VIPs at the occasion
In their separate comments Prof. Joseph Ene and Chief James Ani expressed happiness over NARDO’s large heart.
L-R: NARDO and Chinwendu
In another development, the Nkanu Youth Welfare Association, NYWA, has expressed happiness over Chief Bernard Okwudiri Edeh’s developmental strides and empowerment of women and youth of the area.
The association recently honoured him with a deserving merit award and conferment of Patron of the group.
Ede Woba (r) and NARDO
Speaking during a presentation of a plaque in honour of his untiring contributions in human capital development efforts as well as various developmental project, the leader of the association, Mr. Chinwendu Okoye, thanked him for the 1.9 km road, setting up of businesses for some youths and distribution of palliative items among the less privileged in Akpugo, in the past.
They urged him not to allow those they described as hawks to hijack his people oriented projects, and always carry the youth along as they were ever ready to answer his call.
NARDO (l) and Kenechukwu
Responding, Chief Edeh who happily accepted the award, expressed appreciation for the honour extended to him, noting that it would encourage him to do more.
He urged the youth body to be engaged in one meaningful activity or the other so as not to fall prey to vices.
Members of the Nkanu Youth Welfare Association on the visit include Mr. Ede Woba, Vice Chairman, Mr. Kenechukwu Nnamani, Secretary among others. GMTNews
What a man with golden heart
He gave back to the community which is still cool