Anambra community honours 89-year-old plumber for fighting erosion

Obosi community in Idemili North council area of  Anambra state last week Sunday honoured a  plumber, who is an octogenarian, Chief Samuel Nwangwu, for fighting erosion menace in the area for many years.

The traditional ruler of Obosi community, Igwe Iweka, bestowed the award on Nwangwu during the 2019 New Yam (Iwaji)/Obiora Festival.

The monarch, who also marks his 8th years anniversary, expressed concern over erosion scourge in the area. He said Nwangwu spent the greater part of his longevity fighting erosion menace with his resources.

“For decades, he spent his resources and energy wedging deep canyons from moving upland after other houses beyond him had been swallowed by the scourge,” the monarch said.

He noted that the World Bank was currently working on an erosion site at Ugamuma village as well as a major water scheme.

However, Iweka appealed to the Federal Government for more assistance to fight the scourge.

In his remarks, Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra commended the people of the area for maintaining peace.

Obiano, who announced plans to inaugurate the second phase of “Operation Kpochapu” on Oct. 11, to fight crime and criminality, warned criminals to depart the state or face the wrath of the law.

Mrs Sharon Ikeazo, the Minister of Environment, state,  assured that the Federal Government would tackle erosion challenges facing the community and other areas of the state.

“I will make a tour of erosion sites at Obosi, Oba and other areas of the state as part of my first duty,” she said.

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The lawmaker representing Idemili North constituency in Anambra state house of Assembly, Hon. Ifeanyi Chiekwu, who also spoke on the erosion menace, said the state expects assistance from the federal government in erosion control and that President Mohammadu Buhari should assign delegates to visit Anambra to ascertain the level of damages caused by erosion.

He emphasised the need for all to join hands in making the state more habitable and assured that the government will always strive to meet the needs of the people.

In his speech, the President-General of Obosi, Mr Ike Okolo, explained that the iwaji festival was a reminder of the values for peaceful co-existence and oneness in the kingdom.

Okolo commended President Mohammadu Buhari for appointing Ikeazo into his cabinet.

In an interview, the octogenarian, Mr Samuel Nwagwu, who expressed delight at the award said that he had fought erosion for over 50 years as a plumber.

The 89-year-old pledged not to relent until the Federal Government wades in to salvage the erosion menace, which he noted had almost eaten up most buildings and roads in the area.

Other dignitaries at the event include Sen. Uche Ekwunife representing Anambra Central, Chief Rommy Ezenwoka,  prominent sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers from other communities, among others.

Our correspondent also gathered that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Obosi, Mr Usman Ibrahim was also honoured by the community for helping to fight crime and ensuring peace.