The Onitsha North Library, Imeobi Onitsha which was built by His Youthfulness, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government was yesterday officially commissioned by His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe mni,CFR, Agbogidi (Obi of Onitsha).
Hon. Patrick Agha who spoke during the event which was anchored by the Secretary of Onitsha North Local Government, Hon. Onochie Ozoma, explained that it became necessary for the facility to be built in order to ensure that the culture of reading and researching without difficulty is upheld among children, readers, researchers and other categories of stakeholders.
Hon. Patrick Agha who described the facility as very important particularly in this Covid-19 pandemic period and beyond, stressed that the facility was one of his administration’s human capital development projects. To this end, it will aid in assisting the Agbogidi’s programme of re-inventing Onitsha to the academic path which Ndi-Onitsha is known for.
Furthermore, the Chairman heaped praise on both the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha for the remarkable strides they have made in the education sector; particularly in terms of the academic laurels won at local and international competitions and also the excellent results in national examinations. He also cited the first position won by Regina Pacis School Onitsha at the world Technovation competition held in 2019 in the United States of America.
Speaking on His Majesty Obi Nnaemeka, Hon. Agha stated that the Obi of Onitsha has invested personally in the education of Onitsha youths. He cited the example of SMEDAN, one of the Obi’s schemes where SS3 remedial students are put on scholarship tutorial for a re-take of the exit examinations. In addition to the sponsorship of the annual long vacation tutorial scheme termed LVT programme, which hosts primary/secondary students of Onitsha North and Onitsha South Local Government Areas.
With the library located within the lush green, flowery precinct of the palace of Obi of Onitsha, Hon. Agha said that immense consideration is given to the hallowed nature and sanctity of the Imeobi. Hence, he will ensure strict behavioural conduct of people who come into the facility, in line with signifying and respectful civil ethics.
Speaking on security issues, he revealed that security cameras are placed at strategic points for monitoring users of the library and security of people and property. Also, to further bolster the security, the Onitsha North Local Government will work in tandem with the Imeobi security infrastructure to ensure effective use of the Library.
His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe on his part lauded the Chairman for his kind gesture and emphasised that the project repositions Onitsha for both reading and learning since they are both important for knowledge.
He gave credence to the maxim which says Knowledge is power; given the fact that Ndi Onitsha has clearly benefited from it, evident in the number of great men and woman in all professions Onitsha has produced. He also beckoned on Ndi-Onitsha to return to the path of reading so as to restore Onitsha as a centre of learning.
His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe promised to donate more books to the library, announcing that the whole building will be turned into a library while the ICT centre will be moved to the new complex under construction.
Notable personalities who gathered to witness the remarkable event include Hon. Udeh, representing Onitsha North Local Government Transition Committee, Engr. Aguegbodo, Fr. Johnbosco Okafor, the Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Diocese, the Nigeria Police Force, led by AC John Ogubuaka, Onitsha Constituent groups, led by Sir Andy Ekweogwu (PG), APGA, led by Hon. Martin Obika, Book Donors, led by Sir Kpajie Ibegbu, SAN, Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese on the Niger, the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC) led by Barr. ABK Offiah, etc and teams of the press.
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InlandTown! 2020
