By Don Peter Okoro
The Non Indigenes Welfare Association Women Wing on Saturday, the 15th of October 2022, paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Igwe Nnewi Dr. K.O.N. Orizu 111,CON. at his palace.
The Delegation which comprised of the Executive Members was led by the Vice President,Mrs. Chinasa Onyeka, Secretary General Mrs. Theresa Ngozi Okeke, Deputy Secretary General, Mrs Ndidiamaka Elegonye who is equally the Secretary of the Umudim Chapter. Chief Akubudike D.I. Ojinnaka, the Grand Patron of the Association was also present among the other Executive Members.
The Association has Lady Magarret Chukwuneke as President, but was unavoidably absent. Addressing the Igwe on behalf of the women, the Vice President, Mrs. Chinasa Onyeka, appealed to the Igwe to prevail on the Anambra State Government, led by Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to reconsider the recent increase in the fees being paid by Motorcycles, Tricycles and shuttle buses transport operators and others.
The women begged the Igwe to use his good position to convince the Governor to reduce the levies and fees in the interest of the poor masses. Secondly, the women called on the Igwe to use his good office to make it possible for non indigenes to get jobs in the Local Government Council and allocate two or three Councillorship Seats for non indigenes. The women however expressed their gratitude to the community for the Vice Chairman slot reserved for non indigenes in Nnewi and promised to continue contributing their quotas towards the progress and development of the Community.
The women pointed out that:” No doubt our people have been contributing a lot to the political, social and economic growth of Nnewi in so many capacities and levels, therefore, Our Royal Highness, granting our appeal would indeed be like a tonic for us to do more.” She thanked God for the Igwe’s life and era as the Traditional Ruler of the great town which from all indications remains the centre of commerce and industry in the entire South East.
Responding, the Igwe who was physically present, first of all, thanked the women for finding the time to pay him a visit. He assured them that the demands they have made are valid and well noted and hinted that he would meet with the appropriate authorities to tender their concerns. He however enjoined them to continue to be law abiding and live peacefully with the host community.
The Igwe also asked the women to live harmoniously with their husbands and avoid issues that will cause disaffection within their family circles. It was a worthwhile visit and those who participated were highly elated by the response and hospitality of oldest living Monarch in the country.
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