By Obom Rowland*
*08066540170*
No doubts, Mbaise is a great and prominent nation, endowed with both material and human resources, capable of launching her to greater enviable heights.
Regrettably, the advancement of Mbaise nation has been retarded by numerous sumountable challenges, some of which have lasted for so long and are begging for serious, immediate attention.
But to address our challenges, we must be deliberate, strong-willed, resolute and dogged. We must begin to think self- propelled solutions provisions, because none other, can love Mbaise people more than we can love ourselves.Put differently, solutions to challenges confronting us as a people are better addressed , first by us while we seek external supports.Where there is a way, equally there is the will.Agree?
Over the years, especially in recent times, the “development-and solution-driven” passions of umu Mbaise have greatly endeared us to our many challenges, as we find escape routes. Individuals and groups of individuals have sought and are still seeking diverse channels through which solutions are delivered to our people.
Recently, one of Mbaise’s solution seekers- Bar. Malachy Nwaekpe- in his quest to ensure restoration of regular electric power supply in Mbaise, filed a petition against EEDC, NERC and others, at the House Committee on Public Petitions. Now, the public is “hearing” the matter. Victory is in sight. Many thanks to Greater Mbaise, an Mbaise People’s platform which is galvanizing the much needed material and non material supports towards an anticipated good end, at the hearing. For so long have we waited. No remedy.
To mention another, Mbaise People’s Congress and her able leadership, are walking the talk in establishing University of Mbaise in Mbaise. This dream, when fully birthed, will not only make Mbaise an educational destination, but also an emerging new city, thereby facilitating our dream of Mbaise urbanization. Self help in motion. Got it?
Over the years, one of Mbaise’s prominent organisations- Mbaise Policy Roundtable – has, through her annual global summit, initiated and executed people- oriented projects aimed at the development of Mbaise and her people. It’s been a record of successes.Development, via self help. That’s it!!
Ikoro Mbaise Global Forum has also made and are still making landmark achievements in the areas of uniting sons and daughters of Mbaise, and promoting Mbaise culture amongst many others.It has been awesome. A people, helping themselves. Sure!
Mbaise U.S.A, through its leaderships and members, has a tradition of positively affecting lives of umu Mbaise.Very pronounced is their regular MbaiseUSA medical Missions, designed to serve the medical needs of our parents, brothers , sisters and others . Commendable! Encouraging self-help initiatives. Aren’t they?
Other Mbaise- borne social groups, not mentioned herein, are steadily and gradually making their transformative marks in the lives of Mbaise people . Applauses!. I salute their sense of common purpose . If we don’t do it for ourselves, who will?
Our religious and traditional organisations and their leaderships, whose diverse arrangements and inputs have helped reposition our people for good, are greatly appreciated. We can’t get tired.Not now. Never!
We also have selfless individuals whose desires to grow Mbaise through their philanthropic and humanitarian “rescue interventions”, have emiliorated the sufferings of our people. Mr. Amarachi Ogu of Amaraya Foundation; Bar. Emma Njoku of Emma Njoku Foundation;Dr. Summers V.C. Nwokie of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, to mention but a few, are philanthropy personified. Our “Mbaiseness” is gorgeous.And to you, who quietly uplifts lives of other sons and daughters of Mbaise, I raise a glass. Imeela. Jishie ike.
Our political class, appointed, selected or elected, I appreciate every sincere effort of yours towards making Mbaise nation better. Although that’s why you offered yourselves.Time and impact are of essence. Take note.
May I remind you all that the offices you occupy are not for eternity. Soldier come, soldier go. Barracks remain. Ndi Mbaise expect a lot from you. We expect you to be in the forefront of our struggles for emancipation and liberation. Hons. Emeka Chinedu, Samuel Nkem Otuibe, Henry Agbasonu and Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie, you are our legislative voices of Mbaise extraction. Mbaise needs you now, more than ever. Roar and bring back our state and national “cakes” and hand them over to us. Others in federal, State and local governments should think Mbaise. By so doing, our mountains become levelled.
Addressing challenges confronting Mbaise nation is our collective responsibility. We must work together to get the problems fixed. We must also be united and bold enough to demand good governance from our leaders, some of whom have balkernized us as to keep us silent or busy chasing shadows.
A new dawn has emerged. Mbaise is marching forward and forces of darkness can not stop us. God bless Mbaise nation as we address our challenges. Peace.
