The retired Army General, Ike Nwachukwu yesterday was excited as his Amaeke community in Ovim, Isuikwuato LGA honoured him with a life-size statue of him.
Gen Nwachukwu expressed his excitement that his Amaeke Ovim community honoured him yesterday with a life statue, stating that it was the greatest of all the national and international recognitions he has so far received.
The community had during its Amaeke Day celebration, unveiled a life-size statue of the general, flagged off a community bridge, held Gen. Ike Nwachukwu marathon race and honoured its illustrious sons and which attracted people from far and wide, including former military authorities, Brig. Gen. Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, Tukur Yusuf Brutai, and Azubuike Ihejirika.
Others include Amb. Okey Emuchay, Amb. Empire Kanu, Ebube Nwachukwu who is the youngest brother of Ike Nwachukwu, former Minister, Henry Ikoh and a PDP chieftain in the state, Chief Tony Ukasoanya, among others.
Gen. Nwachukwu said, “I have been honoured everywhere by the Army, federal government, nationally and internationally  but today’s is the greatest by own people, being honoured with a huge, life-size statue when I am alive, not when dead”.
In his speech, the Traditional ruler of Amaeke and the Eke Ukwu II of Amaeke Ovim, HRH Eze Iroegbulam Victor Egbe described Gen Ike Nwachukwu as “Our good senior brother (Iya) who has been helping us even with advice and development”.
“All over the world have been honouring him and we now said we will confirm it. He has made the royal father job easy for me”. Eze Egbe said.
The royal father thanked Gen. Nwachukwu over the community bridge that was flagged off, stating, “The bridge is important as it leads to a vast fertile and rich land which is a great economic opportunity” to Amaeke people, and thanked his people for their support and commitment towards him.
Also speaking after the event, a former Minister of Science and Technology, Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh expressed his happiness to be associated with Gen. Nwachukwu, describing him as a household name.
In their various speeches, awardees, including Ochiabuto Igbokwe, Onyeneke Ekekwe, Nwabueze Victor Ihedigbo, Uchechi Enwerem and Igbokwe OGB Igbokwe appreciated the royal father, stating that the award will ginger them to do more for the community.
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