From Ijeoma John Nnewi
The first female Governor in Nigeria,Dame Virginia Etiaba has eulogized the Incumbent Transition Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State Engr Chris Obiorah for the bold step he took to immortalise her.
Etiaba made this known at her residence in Nnewi.She disclosed that Chris Obiorah was not the first person to occupy the seat but as an intelligent man he found it fit to remember her.
“When things start cropping up and you have an intelligent person, Engr Chris Obiorah is somebody that one will recognize, appreciate and know that being on that seat ,he has to to be versatile in whatever that is happening in his Local Government”she said
Etiaba stated that when Obiorah came up as TC Chairman, he saw that she(Dame Virginia Etiaba) deserved honor revealing ,”that was what happened yesterday”
She thanked the people of Anambra State especially her hometown, Nnewi that honoured her by naming a street after her through the TC Chairman’s initiative. She further advised the outgoing Chairman to be ready to extend his mentorship to the newly elected chairman and his team.
She revealed that people were rejoicing and jubilatiing yesterday,saying that” it is now that Virgy Etiaba has been recognized “
Etiaba disclosed when she was on seat,she was not blowing her trumpet adding she went there to serve her country, state and most especially her local government, Nnewi North.
She appreciated Dr Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto whom she called an Iroko who has an eagle eye and never sleeps in any matter concerning his people.
Etiaba further commended Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Alexander Chika Okafor, Late Ifeanyi Uba whom she said left them suddenly adding that his legacy remains and many others who contributed positively to the growth of their community, Nnewi.
“By honoring me, it’s a legacy. I am happy that I am alive to witness it. It is usually good to honor one when alive because it helps to encourage others.”
“Look at what we are now in our country, in our state. It is as a result of not coming out to serve the people. If we have it at back of our mind that service is the most important thing when one is alive, it’s the best,” she added.
She revealed that the event gave her the opportunity to meet the personality that would take over from Chris, the new Chairman elect, Mayor Echezona Anazodo. Etiaba said he has to take a lift from the person he would replace.
Etiaba commended him for choosing a lady as the Deputy Chairman adding that this showed that” women are pressing on”
She advised the Deputy Chairman, Mrs Ijeoma Okoli to carry everybody along both male and female so that LG would be a place to be emulated.
Etiaba said that her eyes would be opened to advise and mentoring adding that she considered herself right now as a mentor.
“It shall be well with Nigeria, Anambra State and Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State” she prayed.