The Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI Timothy A. U has advocated for collaboration between the Military and Local Communities in intelligence gathering. This according to him is the surest way of creating a united front to contain insecurity in the Country
The Council Chairman stated this on Thursday when he received members of Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji who visited Afikpo LGA as part of their study tour to Ebonyi State
Nwachi, who applauded the Nigerian Military for their sacrifices in combating terrorism and other threats to the Sovereignty of the country noted that their gallantry deserves to be complemented, and their tactical operations,enhanced, through a robust intelligence gathering methodology.
While wishing the Students, safe journey back to Jaji, Kaduna State, the Council Chairman appealed that the Military High Command should always give consideration to the youths of the Area who are interested and applied to join the Military to ensure that the Local Government quota was not Short changed
Addressing the stakeholders of Afikpo Local Government Area, the Leader of the Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Commodore Abdulhakeem olushina Ojebode disclosed that the Team visited Ebonyi State to carry out studies on the Theme ” Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Internal Security”
Commodore Ojebode who is also the Director, Department of Maritime Warfare in the College hinted that the Team comprised of officers from various Branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces as well as others from Ghana, Togo, Gambia and Botswana
He expressed great satisfaction with what he saw on ground and thanked the Council Chairman,NWACHI, Timothy A. U and the Stakeholders of the Area for the warm hospitality given to them
In a Goodwill message, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters,Hon Stephen Uchenna Igwe who thanked the Nigerian Military for their prompt response in tackling insecurity, assured them of the support and collaboration of Gov Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru led administration
In a Vote of Thanks, the Chairman of Ebonyi State Founding Fathers Forum who is also the Chairman of Afikpo LGA Elders Council and a Federal Commissioner, South East Development Commission,High Chief Hyacinth Ekuma Ikpor (Opia Ehugbo) commended the Team for the Choice of Ebonyi State and Afikpo Local Government Area for their study tour and expressed optimism that the enormous intellectual materials and intelligence tips they have harvested will assist the Armed Forces and other security agencies in addressing the security threats plaguing some sections of the Country
Before the reception and interactive session at the Local Government Headquarters, the Council Chairman, NWACHI, Timothy A. U led the Team to Ndibe Beach, Unwana Beach and the Palace of Ezeogo Dr Akanu Ibiam on sight seeing
The colourful reception held for the august visitors was heavily attended by Prominent Sons and Daughters of Afikpo Local Government Area including Ebonyi State Head of Service, Dr(Mrs) Rita Okoro represented by Dr(Mrs) Isioma C. Azunna-Inyang (Permanent Secretary,Office of the Head of Service).Prof Ajuka Obasi Nwogo (Commissioner for Market Development and Parks; Rt Hon Chief Christopher Omo Isu (Former Speaker & Chairman, Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service); Hon Chief Fidelis Nnachi Inya(SA to the Governor on Infrastructural Development for Concession): the Chairperson of the LGA, Mrs Keziah Uduma Nwachi; the Vice Chairman,Hon(Mrs) Josephine Chinwe Nwogo; the Leader of the Council,Hon Joel Inya Egwu and other Councilors; Council Secretary,Hon Priscilla Alu Idam; Chief of Staff to the Council Chairman, Apostle Peter Agha Uduma; HRH Ezeogo Bassey Onya Idam ( Chairman, Afikpo LGA Traditional Rulers Council and his Colleagues); Engr Dr Francis Orji (former Commissioner for Water Resources/ Solid Minerals); Hon Gerald Obinna Agha (former Council Chairman,2007 -2010); Pharm Tony Ekoh(Former Council Chairman,2010 -2015); Hon Chief Ogbonnia Okogwu (ATWA President General); Ichie Maurice Isu(Okabue Essa Ehugbo); Mr. Fred Egwu (Chairman,Eto Ehugbo); Engr Tony Oko Egwu (former Commissioner for Power & Energy); Chief Egwu Okwa; Elder Paul Agha; Elder David Egwu; Chief Dr Ifeanyichukwu Ewa(Flexible); Chief Mathew Ewa Ibemgbo; Hon Innocent Inya Eluu and Hon Ibiam Inya Agha
Others are, the Leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria
(C A.N); the 5 Coordinators in Afikpo LGA; Security Chiefs in Afikpo; the Hon Supervisors; Okwuruoha Women support Group; Essa and Eto Ruling Council; Ukeogo Unwara; Isi Elia Ehugbo; Town Union Executives; youth Leaders; Women Leaders; Staff of the Council/Education Authority; and Party Stalwarts
The event also featured presentation of gift to Afikpo LGA Chairman, NWACHI, Timothy A. U by the members of Senior Course 47 AFCSC as well as the confernment of Chieftaincy title of Ochi-agha on the Leader of the Team, Commodore Ojebode by the Traditional Rulers of Afikpo Local Government Area led by HRH Ezeogo Bassey Onya Idam