It was an epic and colorful gathering of a sort as the leadership of Nguru Umuaro Central Youth Assembly (NUCYA), the apex umbrella youth body of Nguru Umuaro community in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State on Saturday August 28, 2021 gathered for it’s general election at the annual general assembly of the body.
The event which witnessed the presence of prominent leaders of the community who came to felicitate with the youths as well as observe the process of the election to ensure that the exercise conforms with the provisions of NUCYA constitution. Leading the executives of Nguru Umuaro Development Union (NUDU) to observe the election was the President General of NUDU, Hon. Peter Okereafor. Also present, was the honourable member representing the Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala Federal constituency and a great son of the community Rt. Hon. Bede Uchenna Eke amongst others.
The exercise which commenced with accreditation of delegates from the five villages that made up the community, was declared open with the President’s opening remarks/ valedictory speach by Pastor Fintan Chinedu Anuforo, where he thanked the delegates for the opportunity given to his executives to serve the community as well as the support to accomplish the task of community building. He therefore urge delegates to use the occasion to elect credible leaders with capacity and requisite exposure to give the youth and the community effective leadership.
The motion for the dissolution of the house was moved by the former President of the Assembly Hon. Cajetan Akuta and seconded by his predecessor in office Engr. Iyke Ekeh, followed the appointment of a three man electoral panel with Barr. Casmir Anyanwu, the immediate past Secretary General of NUDU as Chairman, Hon. Collins Okereocha as Secretary and Mr. Casmir Okere as member, whereupon the house stood dissolved.
The election to the office of the President had initial three contestants in the persons of Mr. Ugochukwu Ekeji, Mr. Okoro Martins Chibueze and Dr. Obinna Osuji. During manifesto presentation, Mr. Okoro Martins Chibueze announced his withdrawal from the contest leaving the duo of Mr. Ekeji and Dr. Osuji to struggle for the total accredited 62 delegates. At the end of balloting, the result as announced by the Chairman of the panel saw Dr. Osuji pulling a total of 43 votes while his opponent secured 19 votes.
At the of the exercise which was most transparent and peaceful, the following officers were returned elected and subsequently sworn into office to pilot the affairs of the youths for the next three years: Dr. Obinna Osuji- President, Comr. Justin Mbaegbu- Vice President, Comr. Chibuzor Aguocha- Secretary, Anuforo Chijioke- Assistant Secretary; Comr. Akuta Damian Jnr. – Publicity Secretary; Sabastine Nwalor- Treasurer; Mr. Ifeanyi Onwuliri-Financial Secretary; Azoro Joseph- Provost; and Chibuzor Ukaonu -Ex-officio.
In his acceptance speech, the President Dr. Obinna Osuji expressed his gratitude to the entire delegates who found him worthy to serve the youths and the community at a very auspecious time like now. According to him “I accept this overwhelming call to serve my fellow youths with every sense of responsibility and I pledge by the special grace of God that I will give nothing less than the best as expected. We will work together with everyone to give NUCYA the kind of vibes that will bring our youths to the front desk of community building”
Speaking to pressmen after the exercise, the Publicity Secretary of the Assembly, Comr. Akuta Damian Jnr. described the outcome of the election as the true reflection of the present mood and sentiment of the youths whom he said are desirous of positive impact. He further stated that the new leadership will adopt the SMART AGENDA of the President as a working document, and set up practical and realistic roadmap towards it’s full implementation with specific deadlines.
