Industrialist Urges Awka Indigenes to Prioritise Peace, Development
Chief Jonathan Nzekwe, member of the Awka Traditional Ruler’s Advisory Council, has called on Awka indigenes to set aside divisive politics and work collectively towards achieving lasting peace, unity, and sustainable development.
Nzekwe, Lagos -based industrialist made the appeal shortly after his elevation, alongside eight other distinguished sons of Awka, as certified Cabinet Chiefs and members of the Obi Gibson Nwosu Cabinet Advisory Council in Awka on Sunday.
He described the honour as both a recognition of service and a call to greater responsibility in promoting peace, stability, and progress within the community.
According to him, the conferment of traditional titles should not be viewed merely as a ceremonial recognition but as a commitment to selfless service and community development.
“As a certified chief, one must be humble, approachable, and willing to listen attentively to the needs and concerns of the people,” Nzekwe said.
“You must be tolerant and accommodating of different opinions and interests within the community. Traditional leadership demands sacrifice, wisdom, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.”
He further said members of the Cabinet Advisory Council have a critical role to play in bridging the gap between the traditional institution and the people.
“As members of the Cabinet Advisory Council, we must remain close to our people, understand their aspirations, and listen carefully to their concerns.
Only then can we provide informed and meaningful advice to the traditional ruler for the benefit of the entire community,” he said.
The oil magnate used the occasion to appeal to Awka indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite behind efforts aimed at restoring the town’s historical prestige and influence in Igboland.
“My simple message to our people is this: do everything possible to ensure that Awka enjoys peace.
“If it requires your personal resources, contribute them. If it requires your time and effort, give it to them willingly.
“Whatever you do should be geared towards promoting peace because Awka needs sustainable peace to move forward and experience meaningful development,” he stated.
Nzekwe warned that continued disunity could undermine the town’s influence and allow other communities to surpass Awka in areas where it once held a leading position.
The industrialist highlighted Awka’s historical significance as the home of the famed blacksmithing tradition for which the town is renowned across Nigeria and beyond.
“Other towns are striving to occupy positions that traditionally belonged to Awka in Anambra, we must not allow internal divisions to weaken our collective strength and heritage.
“We are the capital city of Anambra and custodians of the ancient blacksmithing technology that brought Awka recognition across the region.
“Our ancestors possessed remarkable skills in metal works and various crafts, making Awka a centre of innovation and enterprise,” he noted.
He commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for intervening and resolving the long-standing traditional stool dispute in the community,
Nzekwe described the development as a major step towards reconciliation and stability.
“Governor Soludo has done well by helping to address the lingering traditional stool tussle that affected our community for years.
“With that challenge largely resolved, this is the time for all sons and daughters of Awka to close ranks, embrace unity, and work together for peace.
“Only this can help us attract the kind of development and prosperity that our people deserve,” he said.
He urges community leaders, youth groups, stakeholders, and residents to place the collective interest of Awka above personal ambitions.
He said peace, unity, and cooperation remained the foundation upon which lasting development could be built.
