For the people of Nsugbe and Adazi Nnukwu communities in Anambra State, the presentation of certificates of recognition to their newly elected traditional rulers marks more than a formal government ceremony.
It is the beginning of a new chapter in community leadership, with expectations that the new monarchs will unite their people, settle differences and help restore peace at the grassroots.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo presented the certificates to Chief John Nweke, the traditional ruler of Nsugbe, and Chief Ethelbert Muoka, the traditional ruler of Adazi Nnukwu, at the Government House in Awka.
The Governor said their emergence followed the required legal process, beginning at the community level and passing through the local government before receiving the final approval of the state government.
Soludo described the two monarchs as the first traditional rulers to be officially recognised during his second term in office and charged them to see themselves as fathers to everyone in their communities, regardless of political affiliation or personal differences.
He urged them to use their positions to promote peace and unity, stressing that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of conflict.
Beyond the ceremony, the Governor revealed that his administration is working on a new Community Administration Law aimed at tackling some of the persistent leadership problems confronting communities across the state.
According to him, the current system, in which communities are largely administered through voluntary associations and town unions registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, has sometimes created factions and resulted in prolonged court battles over leadership.
He said the proposed law would establish a more structured and unified system for administering communities and reduce the disputes that often divide families and neighbours.
Soludo also appealed to older traditional rulers to mentor and guide the newly recognised monarchs as they assume their responsibilities.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Ifeanyi Ezeaka, said twelve traditional rulers received certificates of return during Soludo’s first tenure.
He said the new monarchs also emerged through a rigorous selection process conducted in accordance with the law.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Presidents-General of Nsugbe and Adazi Nnukwu communities, and other stakeholders.
For the people of the two communities, however, the real test begins after the certificates have been presented: whether the new royal leadership can turn the authority entrusted to them into peace, unity and development for their people.
Soludo hands over ‘mantle of leadership’ to new Nsugbe, Adazi Nnukwu monarchs
For the people of Nsugbe and Adazi Nnukwu communities in Anambra State, the presentation of certificates of recognition to their newly elected traditional rulers marks more than a formal government ceremony.
It is the beginning of a new chapter in community leadership, with expectations that the new monarchs will unite their people, settle differences and help restore peace at the grassroots.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo presented the certificates to Chief John Nweke, the traditional ruler of Nsugbe, and Chief Ethelbert Muoka, the traditional ruler of Adazi Nnukwu, at the Government House in Awka.
The Governor said their emergence followed the required legal process, beginning at the community level and passing through the local government before receiving the final approval of the state government.
Soludo described the two monarchs as the first traditional rulers to be officially recognised during his second term in office and charged them to see themselves as fathers to everyone in their communities, regardless of political affiliation or personal differences.
He urged them to use their positions to promote peace and unity, stressing that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of conflict.
Beyond the ceremony, the Governor revealed that his administration is working on a new Community Administration Law aimed at tackling some of the persistent leadership problems confronting communities across the state.
According to him, the current system, in which communities are largely administered through voluntary associations and town unions registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, has sometimes created factions and resulted in prolonged court battles over leadership.
He said the proposed law would establish a more structured and unified system for administering communities and reduce the disputes that often divide families and neighbours.
Soludo also appealed to older traditional rulers to mentor and guide the newly recognised monarchs as they assume their responsibilities.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Ifeanyi Ezeaka, said twelve traditional rulers received certificates of return during Soludo’s first tenure.
He said the new monarchs also emerged through a rigorous selection process conducted in accordance with the law.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Presidents-General of Nsugbe and Adazi Nnukwu communities, and other stakeholders.
For the people of the two communities, however, the real test begins after the certificates have been presented: whether the new royal leadership can turn the authority entrusted to them into peace, unity and development for their people.
