By Mary Ugorji
A governorship aspirant of Labour Party in Imo State, Sir Basil Maduka, says his aspiration is aimed at bettering the lots of the people who he said need good living.
He made the promise while speaking in his country home in Akpodim autonomous community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, recently.
Maduka regretted the continued economic retrogression in the state has left the people impoverished, restless and perplexed, adding that if he emerges governor of the state, he would galvanize all stakeholders who will contribute ideas towards harnessing the resources of the state to improve trade, commerce, industry, infrastructure, education, agriculture and sports for development.
“Everybody knows the problems of Imo State since it was created. If you check, you can see that the state is going backwards, instead of moving forward- even from 1999 to date. It is assumed that there is something wrong with it. The state seems to be stagnant twenty-four years down the line. Can we continue like that? It is absolutely not allowed- because every parent ought to leave a legacy for his or her child. What can we say is there for our children? Empty treasury is usually kept. I think the time has come for us to change the ugly narrative”, he maintained.
Maduka noted that prior to his aspiration, “I have been training people in the universities –giving them scholarships, finding job opportunities, leading people to good governance, among other humanitarian services.
As a person who belongs to a private sector, I find joy in championing good living and making people happy. Now, when you cannot go further you need a government platform to continue”.
Maduka who posited that he singlehandedly sponsored the January 1, 2023 Oji Ezinihitte Mbaise Festival, affirmed that “it is one of the legacies bequeathed to us, to keep in unison. The next time Ezinihitte will host it is in 2039. I’m the chief host of the ‘2023 Oji Ezinihitte Mbaise Festival. Two days ago, before the event, my community honoured me because of what I have been doing for them. I have been grading their roads, putting up street lights, coordinating employment opportunities before the day”.
He added that Oji (kolanut) is unique. “The ceremony unites Ezinihitte people. Because of the way it is celebrated, Oji Ezinihitte has gone beyond the Mbaise nation. People from all walks of life come to participate in it. We are proud of it. We also use the time to do one or two projects, such that it is usually said among us that is so that this is what we achieved”.
The philanthropist was emphatic that the Oji Festival became symbolic that it turned out as a political rallying point hence most political aspirants and candidates of different political parties use the opportunity to market themselves. He appreciated his relations, friends as well as his political supporters: Maduka Movement and team from across the twenty seven local governments of the state and others from far and near for their solidarity.
After taking part in the feast of unity and progress characterized by the ceremony, Maduka described it as the best and a great success in the history of the festival. He thanked sons and daughters of the area that had returned for it both from within and outside the country, adding that they contributed immensely towards its success.
In the same vein, the chief host’s wife, Lady Ngozi Maduka, said she was happy too with the successful outcome of the festival.
According to her, “this is an occasion that happens in sixteen years. It happened in our presence. We thank God and give Him all the glory”.
Elder brother to the host, Engr. Maurice Maduka, who spoke on the virtue of truth and sincerity, said “it is my truthfulness and sincerity that have helped me today. God will help my younger brother to become governor of Imo State, thanking God for his wife’s successful delivery of twin children in 2022.
