Ndi Nimo, a community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state on Saturday, May 27, 2023 came out in their large number in their effort to resolve the lingering Owa land dispute.
ANN reports that the members of the community together with developers, land surveyors, went on an inspection tour of the controversial obodo-owa land.
Traditional ruler of Nimo Igwe Maxi Ike-Oliobi, in his speech at the meeting, called for calm urging aggrieved members of the community to maintain orderliness. He insisted that the ongoing project was for the betterment and interest of the community.
Owelle Nimo described the ill-treatment he had been getting from some Nimo people as unfortunate.
“When i entered this venue, most of you refused to give me my deserved standing ovation and as the head, i will continue to accept all manner of treatment in good faith. Before now, many people had been insulting my personality and i accept it because I am the head”.
“Feel free to express yourselves and ask necessary questions. No one knows it all and nobody is an island of knowledge so let’s act with wisdom and decorum,” Owelle Nimo submitted.
On his part, the traditional prime minister of Nimo Community, Retired Justice G.U Ononiba in his speech, commended the organisers of the meeting for their initiative in trying to making sure that the misunderstanding is resolves amicablly.
Ononiba while giving the history of Owa spoke extensively on how Nimo got the land. He retrated that he is in the position to set the records straight as one someone who have the full details. The Onowo appealed for understanding from all aggrieved parties.
“Nimo will be greater and stronger regardless because disaggrements is part of life and democracy. We must strive to move the community forward despite our misunderstanding. We are all one and must learn to leave in peace and harmony.
President General of Nimo, Chief Ekene Okafor Omabu, while addressing the crowd said its the first time in the history of the community for such gathering to be held. He called for calm, understanding and self control stating that the interest of the community should come first.
The PG reiterated that ndi Nimo are all one and should work for the unity and progress of the community. He called on the youths of the community to be more dedicated and committed through attending meetings, bringing suggestions and contributing their quota to the growth of the community.
‘The essence of the town hall meeting is to rub minds and be on the same page for the sake of peace, unity, progress and posterity. Let us iron our differences in peace and harmony”. Omabu pleaded.
Barrister Peter Afuba, SAN while addressing members of the community took his time in explaining and making clarification on misunderstandings on the Obodo-oma land
“Obodo-oma has 1,362 plots of land and it was resolved by the committee that each will be sold at three million, one hundred and ten thousand, after which fifty thousand naira will be paid annually for each plot sold and will be deposited at the purse of Nimo Town Development Union (NTDU) which will be used in the development of the community.
Afuba who spoke extensively, explain in details how the construction of Owa land started till its present state. He gave account and also gave a breakdown on the income and expenses made soo far on the land.
ANN who participated in the tour, gathered that some motions of the lands has been mapped out for building of schools, hospital, market, stadium and civic center and the roads are already motorable
The youths who could not hide their anger towards the leadership of the community, in protest, rejected the kola presented to them and also blocked the gate when the traditional ruler wanted to leave the meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Dr. Valentine Oliobi urged the leadership of the community to suspend the selling of lands and focused on developing its boundaries.
In an interview with ANN, Chief Chimezie Reginald said development is very important in any community. He called for patience, peace and understanding and urged all members of the community to contribute their quota to the development of the land.
“They should ask questions and make investigations before making conclusions. It is better for us to live in peace and harmony. We are all one and we don’t have any other village except Nimo and we should not destroy the peace we are currently enjoying”.
