By Comr. Amos Oge Kalu

Tuesday, December 31, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the history of Okon-Aku, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, as the community revived its traditional celebration, Okon-Aku Day. This momentous occasion brought together community members to reflect on the past year and make projections for the future.

Despite being a sudden plan, the event was a resounding success, signaling an unprecedented leap towards a brighter future. The 2024 Okon-Aku Day focused on enhancing border security as a catalyst for holistic development, set to commence in 2025.

The event’s impact was underscored by the presence of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, who graced the occasion and addressed the enthusiastic crowd with assurances of hope and support from the Governor Alex Chioma Otti administration. The Deputy Governor’s presence demonstrated the state government’s commitment to realizing the community’s dreams and aspirations.

Chief Okwara, National President of the Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU), chaired the event and shared exciting news with the community. He revealed that during their interaction with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, they had requested the inclusion of the Elu-Amuke-Okon-Aku-Afikpo road in the 2025 budget. Chief Okwara announced that their request had been acknowledged.

Furthermore, the Okon-Aku Development Union, led by Chief Okorie Kama, had successfully reopened the road from Okon-Aku to Amuke, transforming it from a death trap and haven for miscreants into a safe and accessible route.

Chief Kalu Mba Nwoke (Etieokwe), the member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, reiterated his commitment to pursuing bills that would ensure security and the reestablishment of the ERIE farm settlement, which he described as the food basket of Abia and Nigeria.

For decades, Okon-Aku community faced numerous challenges, with evil seemingly prevailing over good. However, with the emergence of new, vibrant leadership, Okon-Aku is poised for transformation. During the event, Nnaka the IV of Okon-Aku, HRH Eze Engr. Ndukwe Iko, and the Ezie Ogoo Okon-Aku, Ezie Igomini Okorie, emphasized the need for government support to facilitate the community’s recovery. The event’s highlight was a successful fundraising campaign for a security outfit, which received overwhelming support from the community, including generous donations from the Nnaka and Ezie Ogoo.

A notable moment came when the “Amiri Mma” traditional dance group, comprising young girls, donated N2,000 (two thousand naira) from the money they received during their performance. This gesture symbolized the community’s renewed spirit of love, unity, and determination to drive development and progress in Okon-Aku Ohafia.