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By Uzo Ugwunze

The Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area (INLGA), Hon. Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Global), has commissioned the first ultra-modern park built by Barr. Asha Nnabuife and handed over to the LGA under the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Eke Nkpor Uno Central Motor Park, Chief Stanley Nkwoka, who also represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the event, thanked the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Barr. Asha Nnabuife, for embracing the PPCP initiative. He commended Nnabuife for making INLGA the first location where such a park with modern facilities was built by an individual to standard and handed over to the government, urging others to emulate him.

According to Nkwoka, "This PPCP initiative is a hallmark of the present administration. It represents positive change happening in Nkpor. This is the first park of its kind in Anambra State, equipped with modern facilities."

He added, "The best thing that has happened to Anambra State in recent times is the election of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as Governor. The second is the local government election, with Soludo being the first Governor to implement local government autonomy. During the Christmas season, INLGA ranked first in road palliative efforts, achieving zero potholes. I want Idemili North LGA to emerge first by a wide margin among all 21 LGAs in the upcoming gubernatorial election because our Governor has great ideas and a vision to improve the lives of Anambra people. This is evident in initiatives like PPCP, youth and human capital development, and massive infrastructural development, among numerous other projects."

Nkwoka further stated, "Presently, park administration is under the LGA. As this park begins operations today, Thursday, March 6th, no tolls or levies should be collected from drivers and Keke riders for the next five days. By Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection can commence here. From next week Tuesday, digital enumeration and revenue collection will begin in Idemili North LGA. With this, we can execute projects like the Uzo Ofuu road and many others without necessarily involving the Governor."

Earlier in his address, the donor, Chief Barr. Asha Nnabuife, a former Chairman of INLGA, welcomed the Mayor and, by extension, His Excellency, to his hometown. He expressed his happiness at identifying with the state's PPCP initiative and promised to grade and expand the Uzo-Ofuu road, which connects the Eke Nkpor-Nnobi road and leads to the Afor Nkpor-Awka old road.

Nnabuife said, "This is the first program initiated by Governor Soludo, encouraging individuals and private organizations across Anambra communities to adopt the PPCP program and undertake meaningful projects for their communities, as the government cannot do everything alone. This is the first place where we are implementing the PPCP program, the first of its kind in Idemili North, and the first millennial park fully secured with modern gadgets in Anambra State."

He continued, "Ochendo is doing well because I served at the INLGA seat for eight years and know who is performing. Abatete and Nkpor are brothers, so we must support our own and commend him for his competence. This park is a role model. African Dubai Taiwan is about doing things uniquely and to international standards. The road in front of this park is called Uzo Ofuu, and I have told the Mayor that I will grade and expand this road to Afor Nkpor. Afterward, the Mayor and I will plead with the Governor to tar the road."

Nnabuife emphasized, "The essence of this park is to make it accessible to the people. We considered four locations for this park, but the LG Works Authority approved this particular site. This park, which will be kept clean and managed by APGA youths, will be retouched yearly to maintain its aesthetics. This is a gesture to prove that Nkpor is for APGA. I built this park without seeking personal interest but to generate revenue for the LGA. I have already paid a significant portion of the park's revenue, covering up to one year, to INLGA, though there may be outstanding levies to be addressed regularly. I urge the management of this park not to hike levies for drivers and Keke riders, ensuring that passengers, residents, and indigenes of INLGA do not suffer."

Former Deputy Chairman of INLGA and President of the Ububa Nkpor Youths Movement, Hon. Chike Chikeze, praised Nnabuife, Nkwoka, and Soludo, assuring them that "APGA is for Nkpor, and Nkpor is for APGA." Hon. Chikeze warned hoodlums to steer clear of the park, highlighting that the ultra-modern park features modern toilet facilities, a water borehole, CCTV cameras for 24-hour surveillance and security, and a 24-hour lighting system. He pledged that the park's cleanliness, adorned with the new Anambra State colors, would be maintained.

Additionally, the Special Adviser on Parks and Markets to INLGA, Engr. Emmanuel Idemili (Emma Gulder), advised the new Eke Nkpor Uno Central Motor Park management to collaborate with the management of the existing park in the neighborhood. This collaboration would ensure that drivers taking different routes use designated parks to avoid clashes of interest or multiple taxation.

Other distinguished personalities present at the event included the INLGA Leader of Councillors, Hon. Samuel Anikpe Wester Oyinatumba; INLGA Secretary, Hon. Paul Okoye; Chief of Staff, Hon. Chukwunonso Dim (Udala Mbaukwu); PA to the former INLGA Chairman, Barr. Buchi Okechukwu; APGA party stakeholders; and former PG of Nkpor, Chief Emeka Mbagha, among others.