By The Qoheleth
In a country marred with political upheaval, poor economic aggrandizement, massive corruption and religious dichotomy, what will make a lot of sense to both the people, their leaders and all stakeholders is the enthronement of people-oriented programmes that will bring people out of the doldrum. This vision of massive developmental programme and economic empowerment is what Dr Matthew Amadi, popularly known as Mazi Gburugburu has brought to bear in Imo State. The foundation of this movement was solidly laid last week in Umuekwune, Ngor Okpala, Imo State, his native home.
As a torchbearer and pace setter, he took the bull by the horn by pulling thousands of people, youths and women from all parts of the country to his vision because according to him, the time has come; Oge Eruola.
The Mazi Movement (TMO), a non-governmental organization set up to implement the developmental vision of Dr. Amadi was inaugurated over the weekend witnessed by thousands of people, who not only came to witness the event but also keyed into this vision.
According to Mazi Gburugburu, “This day marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward creating a more equitable and sustainable future for our local communities. It is not just the launch of an organization; it is the birth of a movement. A movement that embodies hope, empowerment, and collective action. A movement that seeks to uplift our local communities, support those in need, and create sustainable change from the ground up.”
The event was graced by distinguished politicians, traditional rulers, renowned entrepreneurs, youth and women organizations.
Addressing the people at the event, the renowned academic, entrepreneur and philanthropist opined that, “we must realize that we are on the cusp of a new era where we must bring this idea to reality as it is dictated by our historical necessity, our sense of urgency, and a conviction that having found our mission, posterity will judge us harshly if we betray it.”
Various people interviewed by The Qoheleth commended the efforts of Mazi Gburugburu on his developmental strides especially at the grassroots level. Dr. Amadi’s commencement of his developmental programme from the grassroots and in his home state is strategic because charity, they say begins at home.
This laudable movement was preceded by visits by Dr. Amadi to about 15 communities to support and encourage women in their developmental strides which revolved around August meetings. Some of communities visited include Ibeku and Obeama Nguru in Aboh Mbaise LGA, Ogbeke and Umuokpo in Owerri West LGA as well as Umuohiagu, Orishieze, Upe, Imerienwe and Umuekwune in Ngor Okpala LGA. In each of his visits, he donated millions of naira to the women to assist in their developmental projects within their various communities.
During his visits, Mazi Gburugburu lamented the neglect of the communities by government but rather focusing in their selfish interests and the votes to be gotten from the people during elections. He emphasized the importance of August meetings towards the development of communities in Igbo land tracing its origins to developmental meetings held by Igbo women after the Biafran War to assist their husbands. He therefore declared that anyone who downplayed the importance of women to community development is wasting their time. He encouraged the women to take as much interest in governance same way they do in the immediate development of their families and communities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to a new style of leadership that champions development through collaboration with the people.
Dr. Amadi has also become a driving force in the pursuit of community development in Imo State and beyond. He informed The Qoheleth that he took up this mission to empower communities, improve quality of life, promote social cohesion, encourage participation, promote cultural preservation as well as support economic growth and development.
Dr. Matthew Chima Amadi, (Mazi Gburugburu) hails from Umuehieze, Umuekwune in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State. He is a distinguished scholar, researcher, and advocate for transparency and good governance. With a diverse academic background and wealth of professional experience, he has made significant contributions in the fields of political science, economics, and development studies. His commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in governance has earned him recognition and accolades nationally and internationally.
