By Chioma Nwamah-Ahamefula
The Anambra State Boundary Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace and ensuring the peaceful resolution of boundary disputes across communities, local government areas and neighbouring states.
Speaking during the Committee’s meeting held at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall, Lighthouse, Awka, on July 29, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the Committee, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, said the Anambra State Boundary Committee has become more proactive than ever, attributing its achievements to the support of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
Dr. Ibezim noted that the Committee, established by law to manage inter-community, inter-local government and inter-state boundary matters, has successfully resolved several long-standing disputes that had remained unresolved for many years under previous administrations.
Presenting the Committee’s activity report, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Hon. Okoye Bethel Ekenechukwu, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Soludo and his Deputy to the peaceful management of boundary issues across the state. He also appealed for improved funding, operational vehicles and other equipment to enhance the Committee’s effectiveness.
The Committee approved requests for the demarcation and monumentation of boundaries between Mgbachu Nkpor and Eboitenani Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government Area, Agbudu Nando and Igbariam in Anambra East Local Government Area, as well as Ndikelionwu and Amaokpala in Orumba North Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of Eboitenani Umuoji, Chief Hon. (Sir) Chijioke Orakwue, expressed appreciation to the Committee, saying that the long-standing dispute with Mgbachu Nkpor over the Okofia land had been peacefully resolved. Similarly, Chief Godwin Onwukwe of Mgbachu Nkpor confirmed that the mediation by the Committee had brought lasting peace between both communities.
The deputy governor assured both communities that the state government would permanently demarcate their shared boundary to prevent future disputes and preserve the peace already achieved.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of Agbudu Nando Community, Prof. Kenneth Ofokansi, and the President-General of Igbariam, Sir Anthony Chiekwe, commended the State Boundary Committee for approving the boundary demarcation, describing the exercise as a proactive step toward strengthening the existing cordial relationship between both communities and preventing future boundary conflicts.
Chioma Nwamah-Ahamefula is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
