Hon Rome Ibekwe

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD FOR GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP – A MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION.

Today, Wednesday, 10th June, 2026, at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I was deeply honoured to receive the Distinguished Service Award for Grassroots Leadership, conferred on me by the Department of Educational Management and Policy, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, during its 20th Anniversary and National Annual Conference.

I am delighted to formally share this recognition with the good people of Anaocha and all those who have supported our vision for a progressive and prosperous local government. This award is not merely a personal achievement; it is a reflection of our collective commitment to grassroots development, responsive governance, and the advancement of Anaocha Local Government Area.

Since assuming office, we have remained focused on delivering meaningful projects and programmes that improve the lives of our people. The trust, support, and partnership we have built together have continued to inspire our efforts and have contributed immensely to the successes we celebrate today. Therefore, this honour belongs not only to me but to every son and daughter of Anaocha who believes in the ideals of service, unity, and development.

I was accompanied to the event by distinguished personalities and stakeholders, including Chief Mrs. Ngozi Obikwelu (Iyom Ugochimelueze); Hon. Ikeobi Ejiofor, former Chairman of Anaocha Local Government and APGA candidate for Anaocha Constituency II in the Anambra State House of Assembly for the 2027 elections; Hon. Barr. Ndubisi Obiadi, former APGA Chairman in Anaocha and the APGA candidate for Anaocha Constituency I in the Anambra State House of Assembly for the 2027 elections; Hon. Sir Anthony Ugorji, APGA Chairman in Anaocha; Dr. Nelson Omenugha; councillors, party stakeholders, supporters, friends, and numerous well-wishers whose presence added colour and significance to the occasion.

I sincerely appreciate every one of them for standing by me and for their unwavering support. I dedicate this award to them and to the entire people of Anaocha. Together, we have come this far, and together, we shall achieve even greater milestones.

I also thank Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who continues to lead the way in Anambra and for giving us guidance at the grassroots. We owe it all to him. I also appreciate the incumbent Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, who equally graced the occasion.

As we celebrate this achievement, let us remain steadfast in our resolve to build a greater, stronger, and more prosperous Anaocha for present and future generations. One thing thing is clear: Greater Anaocha will continue.

My dear Ndi Anaocha,

I warmly welcome you all to the glorious month of June. To God Almighty be all the glory for His mercy, protection and abundant blessings upon our people, our families and our beloved Anaocha Local Government Area.

As we step into this new month, I am filled with gratitude and hope because Anaocha continues to record meaningful progress in many areas of development and governance. Together, we have continued to build a peaceful, productive and forward-looking Local Government that all of us can proudly call home.

One of our recent landmark achievements is the successful commissioning of the E-Mechanic Workshop, a visionary project that will not only provide quality automobile services within Anaocha and beyond, but will also serve as a skill acquisition and empowerment centre for our youths. Through this initiative, many young people will acquire practical technical knowledge, become self-reliant and contribute positively to the economic growth of our communities. This is the kind of development that secures the future of our people.

I am also delighted that insecurity in Anaocha has been reduced to its barest minimum. Today, our communities continue to thrive peacefully as our people go about their businesses and daily activities without fear. This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of our security agencies, community leaders, vigilante groups, stakeholders and every peace-loving citizen of Anaocha. I sincerely appreciate your cooperation and commitment towards sustaining peace and order in our land.

The month of June signifies growth, renewal, productivity and the beginning of greater expectations. In governance and politics, June reminds us that leadership must continue to blossom with accountability, service and unity of purpose. It is a period that challenges us to remain focused on development, reconciliation and people-oriented governance. As political activities continue across the nation, let us continue to place the interest of Anaocha first, promote peace among ourselves and support every effort aimed at moving our Local Government forward.

I also thank God for the successful conclusion of the recent APGA party primaries. Democracy grows stronger when processes are conducted peacefully and participants embrace unity after contests. I congratulate all those who emerged victorious and commend everyone who participated with maturity and sportsmanship. The strength of our party and our people lies in our ability to remain united despite political differences.

May this new month bring greater peace, prosperity, favour and opportunities to every home in Anaocha. May God continue to bless our farmers, traders, youths, women, elders and leaders. Above all, may Anaocha continue to succeed, progress and achieve even greater things for generations yet unborn.

Happy New Month to you all.

I give thanks to Almighty God for the victories recorded by sons of Anaocha in the recently concluded APGA primaries. Indeed, it is a moment of gratitude, joy and renewed hope for our people and our great party.

I specially congratulate Hon. Dozie Nwankwo on emerging as the APGA flag bearer for the Anambra Central Senatorial Election ahead of the 2027 general elections. His victory is a testament to hard work, commitment, loyalty to the party and the confidence reposed in him by party faithful.

I also rejoice with other victorious sons of Anaocha who emerged during the primaries:

1. Barr. Prince Chukwudi Oli (Oba Ezeafia), APGA flag bearer for Anambra Central and DNA House of Representatives.
2. Hon. Ikeobi Ejiofor, APGA flag bearer for Anaocha Constituency II.
3. Hon. Ndubisi Obiadi, APGA flag bearer for Anaocha Constituency I.

These victories are not just personal achievements but collective victories for Anaocha and for the progressive ideals of APGA.

Now that the primaries are over, it is time for Project APGA ahead of the forthcoming elections. Other political parties are equally preparing their candidates, and we must remain focused, united and committed to ensuring that APGA carries the day once again. Victory can only be sustained through unity, hard work and collective sacrifice.

I sincerely appreciate the National Chairman of our great party, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, for his seamless leadership and the innovations he has continued to bring into APGA. Without doubt, our party conducted itself better than many other political parties during the primaries, and that speaks volumes about the quality of leadership we presently enjoy.

I must also commend the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for the noble role he has played in strengthening the party and ensuring a credible platform through which party members could freely vote during the primaries. His leadership continues to deepen democracy within our party structure.

Today, APGA has gone beyond being merely a political structure. It has become a family party built on shared values, collective goals and a common vision for the progress of our people.

To those who did not emerge victorious, I encourage you not to see the outcome in a bad light. Rather, see it as part of the democratic process and place the supremacy of the party above personal interest. I urge everyone to support those who emerged for the greater good of APGA and Ndi Anambra.

Indeed, APGA remains the party to beat.

Today, I join family, friends, political associates and the good people of Anaocha to celebrate a dependable brother, Deputy Mayor and committed party man, Hon. Barr. Peter Oge-Emeneh (Okwute Di A*o), on the occasion of his birthday.

Over the years, he has remained a steadfast and nicely to me, demonstrating uncommon passion , dedication and a sincere commitment to the growth and progress of Anaocha Local Government Area. His spirit of collaboration, humility in service and readiness to support every genuine effort aimed at advancing our people have continued to stand him out.

As a proud and devoted APGA stakeholder in Anaocha, Hon. Peter Oge-Emeneh has continued to uphold the ideals of our great party through hard work, discipline and service to humanity. His contributions to governance and grassroots politics are worthy of commendation.

On this special day, I pray that God grants him greater heights in all his endeavours, good health, wisdom and continued strength to keep serving humanity diligently. May this new age usher in more success, fulfilment and outstanding achievements in both his political and personal life.

Happy Birthday once again, my dear Deputy Mayor. I wish you many more fruitful and prosperous years ahead.

Yesterday , I had the honour of celebrating Children’s Day with the wonderful children of Anaocha. It was indeed a special day set aside to remind our children of the importance of their future and the great possibilities that lie ahead of them. After all, no adult ever skipped childhood. Truly, “the child is the father of the man.” When one reflects deeply on this timeless saying, its poetic and profound meaning becomes even clearer — the future of every society rests in the hands of its children.

Since I assumed office, we in Anaocha Local Government have remained committed to ensuring that every May 27th celebration becomes beautiful, memorable, and impactful for our children. We did it last year, and this 2026 celebration was even bigger and better. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, joy, learning, and healthy competition. Drama presentations, quiz competitions, and several other activities took place, with many prizes won by deserving participants.

I was particularly delighted to witness the active participation of our children from both primary and secondary schools, who displayed remarkable passion, intelligence, confidence, and enthusiasm throughout the event. Their energy and brilliance reassure us that the future of Anaocha is indeed bright.

The event was also graced by notable personalities and party stakeholders, including Barr. Chukwudi Oli, the DNA candidate from Anaocha who recently emerged victorious in the House of Representatives primaries, alongside Hon. Ikeobi Ejiofor, Hon. Barr. Obiadi, councillors, party executives in Anaocha, and many other distinguished guests.

As we celebrate our children today, I pray that they continue to prosper, excel, and grow into responsible leaders who will shape a better tomorrow for our society. We remain committed to contributing meaningfully to their sustainable development through education, mentorship, and opportunities that will help them achieve their dreams.

Happy Children’s Day to all the children of Anaocha and beyond.

SPECIAL INVITATION TO THE OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF E-MECHANIC WORKSHOP

I warmly invite the good people of Anaocha Local Government Area, APGA party faithful, community stakeholders, friends of the Local Government, and the general public to the official commissioning of the newly completed E-Mechanic Workshop situated at the Local Government Headquarters, Neni.

This project represents another deliberate step towards youth empowerment, skill acquisition, innovation, and sustainable development within Anaocha. It is our collective commitment to creating opportunities for growth, self-reliance, and technological advancement in our communities.

I therefore urge all sons and daughters of Anaocha, supporters of progressive governance, and lovers of development to come out in large numbers to witness this important milestone.

Date: Wednesday, 20th May, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Local Government Headquarters, Neni

Your presence will be highly appreciated as we celebrate this remarkable achievement together.