Dom Okafor


By Abba-Eku Onyeka, Abuja 


The member representing Aguata Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Honourable Dom Okafor has called for prioritizing infrastructures, ease of doing business in Anambra state, and investing in sustainable energy solutions and harnessing the  state's agriculture to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth.


Making the call in a keynote address he delivered at the 2023 edition of Anambra Cultural Day in Abuja, he noted that the State was blessed with exceptional human capital, rich history, abundant natural resources, extraordinary individuals who have excelled in various areas. He however reminded them that their strength lies in their unity, even as he urged them to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences and work collectively towards the common goal of a better Anambra.


Masquerades during the event 


Earlier in his welcome address, Sir Arinze Anadu urged all the stakeholders to collaborate with the government in power to make Anambra, being the Light of the Nation, the best State in Nigeria. The administration, according to him was premised on transparency,  responsiveness, members and youths' welfares and skill acquisition, among others. He however appealed to the state government to recognize ASTPA as a community in the Diaspora and include the association in its annual budgetary allocation.


Chief Anadu,  the President General (PG) of the ASTPA, further counseled Anambra people in the FCT to remain united and always think home,   noting that they uset the event to among others, promote unity, love, development, business and marriage opportunities. He therefore added that they used the themes at each year's event to send positive messages across to the indigenes.


Earlier in his remark, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Simon Okeke said: “Anambra is known to be The Light of the Nation and we should live up to that name.


"Let us continue to be ideal men and women of the progressives. We should live up to our name by virtue of the way we compose ourselves both publicly and privately. I am directing this specifically to our Anambra youths. Our people become known to conquer most physical, natural and man-made obstacles on their way to business pursuits. Our legendary swift moves to succeed where others have failed by the side should be something to be thankful to our God.


"But this should be without being arrogant and too loud. Some of our youths are known to be too loud in their victory over all odds of their business pursuits. Our being loud and arrogant attracts the envy and disgust of our neighbours and host communities. Such trends are alien to the core values of Ndigbo. Let it be known that being our brothers' keepers is one of the core tenets of Onye Igbo," he reminded.


Extending warm wishes to the ASTPA members, the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah saw the event as a testament to the state's commitment to preserving its culture, promoting unity and diversity, bringing community members to honour their roots and showcasing their talents. An event like this, according to him, does not only bring happiness to the communities, but also serves as an avenue for cultural exchange and understating, even as he hailed Ndi Anambra for positive impact they have had on the FCT.


Also in a goodwill message, an illustrious son of Anambra, Hon Chinedu Obika who represents AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency at the National Assembly hailed the event, saying the seed the indigenes were sewing that day, through  showcasing of their cultural heritage would advance the course of binding the people.


Speaking shortly at the event, the Local Organizing Committee Chairman of the event and its Chairman, Publicity Committee, Amaechi Ezeokoye and Remigius Ezenwa respectively, similarly thanked God for the success of the event and urged town unions that were yet to join the association not to hesitate to do so, due to its benefits. "Town unions that are yet to join this association shouldn't  hesitate to do so, due to its benefits," appeals Ezeokoye, while Ezenwa thanked God for its success and hailed those who helped in making the occasion a success.


On the usual raffle draws that were done, different people winning different things, ranging from sewing and grinding machines, deep freezers, gas cookers,  bags of rice, among others, but the executive officer of the association from Achina Town Union, Chuks Anozie won star prize of a plot of land in ASTPA Estate in Nando, Anambra state. However the Abuja chapter of Uga Improvement Union (UIU) won first position in the overall fiesta cultural competition in this 2023 edition, while second and third positions went to Enugwu - Agidi Brotherly Union and Nteje Development Union respectively.