IDEMILI SOUTH RISING: ENGAGING THE IFEDIMMA GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT IN NNOBI.
Today, I had the privilege of gracing the inaugural meeting of the Ifedimma Grassroots Movement (IGM) at Ubaha Village, Nnobi. This event was a gathering of former Labour Party stalwarts, executives, members, and political stakeholders from Nnobi Ward 1.
It was a deeply engaging and encouraging gathering, and I was delighted to take the message of “Idemili South Rising” to this important group of grassroots stakeholders.
I used the opportunity to respectfully appeal to the members of the movement to come together and support the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the true grassroots political party in Anambra State. At a time when the transformative impact of the administration of our dear Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, is being felt across communities through the Solution Agenda, it is important that we collectively support APGA so that these developmental initiatives can continue to reach every community and every household across Anambra State.
I attended the meeting alongside the Councilor representing Nnobi Ward 1 and Leader of the Idemili South Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ezeunyim; the APGA Chairman for Nnobi Ward 1, Hon. Chibueze Okonkwo; and the APGA Councilorship Candidate for Nnobi Ward 1, Hon. Anthony Okonkwo.
In his welcome address, the convener of the movement, Comr. Chinonso Obiefuna, who is the immediate past Labour Party Chairman in Nnobi Ward 1, explained that IGM was established as an umbrella body for former Labour Party executives, members, and stakeholders in the ward. He noted that the group remained united even after achieving victory in the last general elections in Nnobi Ward 1.
He further emphasized that the emergence of a son of Nnobi and a grassroots politician as the frontrunner for the office of Mayor of Idemili South has created an opportunity for the group to lend its support towards consolidating the gains already made in Idemili South.
I was particularly encouraged by his commitment to mobilize the members of the movement en masse to join APGA, even as he disclosed that he has personally concluded plans to join the party.
That declaration was a powerful demonstration of the growing acceptance of the message of “Idemili South Rising,” a message built around continuity, development, inclusive governance, and the determination to take our communities to greater heights.
The gathering also brought together several respected personalities and grassroots stakeholders, including Evang. Peter Obi, Mr. Uba Nnemelu, Hon. Gab Okafor, Lady Grace Uche, Hon. Onyeka Nzewi, Engr. Obinna Obika, Elder Ogochukwu Anyaeche, Mrs. Nkiru Akile, Mr. Ufondu Obika, and many others. Their presence added great value to an already inspiring engagement.
I am deeply grateful to the entire Ifedimma Grassroots Movement for the warm reception, the frank and constructive engagement, and, most importantly, for their willingness to work with us towards a greater and more prosperous Idemili South.
Our journey is a journey of unity. It is a journey of grassroots participation. It is a journey of development.
Indeed, Idemili South is rising from the grassroots to greatness.
Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu (Olutek)
APGA Mayoral Candidate, Idemili South LGA