The indigenes of Umuekwune community in Ngor/Okpala local government area of Imo State have rehabilitated her 18-kilometer road abandoned by Imo state government over a long period of time. The project which gulped over N20 million naira showed how resilient the community could be through collective efforts.
His Royal Highness Eze George Nwosu (Odum Egbulu Umuekwune) noticed the deplorable condition and near collapse of all the major Roads leading to the town and called the attention of his people towards it. According to him, the major and connecting roads within the town had become so bad that it is near impassable even in dry season. Unfortunately, there has been no sign of government doing anything to repair them.
The bad portion of the roads include the major road from Ulakwo, passing through Imerienwe to the town, the link roads between Umuekwune and Emeabiam and that between Umuekwune and Orishieze. Having noted that the neighbouring communities have gone ahead to grade their roads to make them motorable, the traditional ruler made a clarion call to the indigenes both within Nigeria and in diaspora.
In response to this, the indigenes of the community set up a committee led by Messrs. Don Chris Okere and Richard Obi Chioma. A WhatsApp group was opened where distinguished indigenes of the town were added. A tentative budget was set for grading the major and connecting roads, as well as repairing the terrible spots from the boundary between Umuekwune and Imerienwe to the boundary between the town and Umuoye Etche in Rivers State.
Within a short period of time, and through the effective support of the indigenes in diaspora led by Chief Vitus Eleanya, funds were raised to the tune of over N26 million. With this, the road was rehabilitated. The committee, after the project gave thorough account of the work to the applause of the people.
These are comments from some Umuekwune indigenes over the success of the road rehabilitation.
“Thanks to Everyone. Those who supervised and those who contributed to this project. Umuekwune is proud of you. You all have done great. May God bless and reward all of you abundantly.”
- Chief Vitus Eleanya
“Greetings to everyone in the house! I commend and appreciate everyone who has contributed in one way or the other towards the success of Umuekwune road rehabilitation in 2025. Thanks.”
-Obi Chioma
“I want to congratulate and thank you for this detailed description of expenses. God will pay you back in the dedication you showed in the execution of the road project. I just wish the electricity project will be in the same manner. God bless you.”
-Obed Nworgu
“Thanks immensely Sir Don Chris, Sir Rich Obi Chioma and all who contributed in putting all these together. It appears very detailed and transparent. We applaud all your efforts, patience and time in putting this together. May our good Lord abundantly reward you all. To all who donated to this project, we say a big thank you and pray God to reward all of us. Kudos to Ekwune sons and daughters. Together we can do more.”
-Declan Igbo Eleanya
Kudos to you and your team sir, accountability is the trust and with it, we are capable of pulling down every mountain that will stand against the development of Umuekwune. Please let’s move. My greetings to the general house too. Oga adiri anyi na mma. Ya gazie o!”
-Kingsley Okere
“Big thank you to the coordinators of this project for your sacrifice. Our reactions and comments here is indicative of expressions of gratitude and appreciation for a job well done. To all those who contributed financially and otherwise may Jehovah replenish you 1000 folds. To those who desired to contribute but were unable to do so at this time, due to other constraints, we appreciate you too. Umuekwune is a work in progress and there are other opportunities to contribute in future. The revelation here is that with proper coordination and assurance of accountability, we can bring out the best in our community, and trust me our best is good enough. Thanks to all of us.”
-Polycarp Kelechi Nwalor
“Brothers and sisters of Umuekwune, I want to personally thank Don Chris and those who helped him execute the Umuekwune road rehabilitation project and also those that contributed for the project. I pray that the Almighty God will visit us with this special spirit to do other projects like the security and electricity. Thanks.”
- Chef Oliver Nwachi.
“I will start by praising and thanking Sirs Richard Chioma, Don Chris Okere and Eze George Nwosu and others who did a wonderful job on Umuekwune road. Kudos.”
- Celestine Aliri Nwordu
“Honestly, this is the best thing that has happened to our town, Umuekwune since I was born. Our sons and daughters coming together to execute a project with selected committee working assiduously with a very good sense of honesty.”
- Chief Theo Ikeh
