Recently, a Yoruba community risiding in Abia State under the aiges of Yoruba Community Development Association, Abia State chapter stormed the Aba Governor’s Lodge and presented to the Abia State Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D, an award of THE MOST ACCOMMODATING GOVERNOR IN NIGERIA
This award truly is a well-deserved one as Governor Ikpeazu has in several ways and manner demonstrated true love and sincere spirit of accommodation to virtually every segment of the people of Nigeria. Having schooled in the North, particularly at the University of Maidugri at a tender age and school also in University of Calabar as well as lived in Lagos, he learnt unity in diversity and has remained a preacher of unity, peace and development. This friendly and accommodating spirit of the Governor became more visible during the lock down period occasioned by the novel COVID-19 pandemic, where he shared palliatives to all segments of the society including Muslim communities and other segments of individuals of non Abia origin.
Receiving the leadership of the Yoruba community who visited him and later presented the award to him, Governor Ikpeazu assured the Yoruba Community and all other ethnic groups in Abia State that his administration would always ensure Abia people coexist with them peacefully.
Of course, as a man, who believes in entrepreneurial development, the Governor equally assured them of his resolve to sustain the provision of enabling environment for all to pursue their legitimate businesses. He made it public that no non Abia indigene has any reason whatsoever to entertain fears about residing and doing business anywhere in Abia State because Abians take them to be part and parcel of the State. And they are expected to join the Governor in growing the Abia economy.
For Governor Ikpeazu every citizen of Abia State has a responsibility to protect non indigenes, because a Yoruba man and former Military Governor of the then Western Region, Late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi preferred to die with an Abia son and former Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi instead of allowing him to be taken away from his house where he was on official visit in July 1966. That singular gesture by the late Fajuyi has a major historical significance and makes it imperative for every Abian to ensure non indigenes are well-protected from any form of harm.
It is this accommodating spirit that made the Governor to visit his brother Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State last week to commiserate with him on the destruction of public and private property in Lagos as a result of the hijacked #EndSARS protest. To further show his concern to the non indigenes in the State as well as carrying them along, the Governor announced that one of the members of Youruba community will be appointed his Special Adviser on Ethnic Harmony among other appointments and Committees where non Abians have been part of. Also, the Governor stated that he would give the Youruba community leadership vehicle for their official use and urged them to formalize their request for a parcel of land to enable him give the necessary instructions to the Commissioner for Lands. Though a christian, Dr. Ikpeazu’s committment to accommodation and tolerance made him to promise to repair the vandalized mosque.
Prior to now, it is on record that the Governor has been identifying with Hausa Community and Muslim communities in the State. He has been hosting them and meeting with them as the need arises. Also, periodically, they pay him Sala homage as he supports them in various ways. The Governor has equally hosted The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II donated in October, 2017 as the first class royal father visited Abia State. One can recall that the Ooni of Ife, at the peak of the pandemic donated two motorized fumigators to Abia State to fight against COVID-19. These things and more are no doubt benefits associated with establishing and sustaining good relationships which Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is championing.
In all, accommodation, tolerance and love are virtues everyone should posses and it is more expected by leaders at all levels. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is one of the few leaders with such an accommodating spirit and should be celebrated for this.
Keep it up Governor Ikpeazu!
Keep it up great leader!
Keep it up The Most Accommodating Governor In Nigeria!
Ubani Newman Ubani
Senior Aide to the Governor
(New Media & Publicity)
19/11/2020.