CELEBRATING NIGERIA AT 66 WITH THE PEOPLE OF IDEMILI SOUTH.
Today, 1st October 2026, I was delighted to join the good people of Idemili South at our Local Government Secretariat, Ojoto, as we marked the 66th Independence Anniversary of our dear country, Nigeria.
It was a fitting and colourful celebration of our nation, our people and the enduring Nigerian spirit of resilience. Sixty-six years after independence, our journey as a nation has come with moments of great promise, challenges, growth, and remarkable progress. Through it all, Nigerians have continued to believe, work, hope and move forward.
In my goodwill message at the event, I reaffirmed my belief in Nigeria and in the capacity of our people to build a better future. I also expressed my sincere appreciation to Ndi Idemili South for their tremendous support, prayers, confidence, and commitment to the progress of our Local Government Area.
I deeply appreciate our outgoing Mayor, Hon. Mrs Amaka Obi (Iyom Ifeabata), for her leadership and the remarkable foundation she has laid for the continued development of Idemili South. Her contributions to our dear local government will remain an important part of our collective journey, and I thank her immensely for the opportunity to celebrate this important national occasion together.
I equally acknowledge and appreciate the presence of the Leader, Idemili South Congress of Councilors, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ezeunyim, and all my other Councilor colleagues present; our Traditional Rulers and titled men; APGA leaders; religious leaders; Town Union Presidents; Women and Youth Leaders; our HLGA, Chief Victor Orji (Commodore) and the entire local government staff; members of the security agencies; market leaders; members of the media; our APGA candidate for Idemili North & South Federal Constituency, Chief Ikenna Iyiegbu, Ikecubana (Onyechimel’eze); the youth corp members; and all distinguished guests who honoured the occasion with their presence.
A special appreciation goes to our wonderful schoolchildren, whose impressive march-past displays, drama presentations and cultural dances brought so much life and colour to the celebration. I commend our teachers and everyone who worked behind the scenes to prepare them.
I also sincerely thank the various support groups who came out in their numbers, participated actively and added their own unique performances and colour to the occasion. Your presence made the celebration even more memorable.
As we celebrate Nigeria at 66, let us continue to believe in our country, remain united and peaceful, and contribute our quota towards building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for our children and generations yet unborn.
For us in Idemili South, the journey continues. We will continue to work together to consolidate, strengthen and extend the gains already made, while building an even greater future for our people.
May God bless our dear country, Nigeria, and may God continue to bless and prosper Ndi Idemili South.
Indeed, Idemili South is rising from the grassroots to greatness.
~ Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu (Olutek)
Mayor-Elect, Idemili South LGA