Former ASTPA President Town Unions Rallies Support for Soludo’s Devt Strides

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja 

Former President of the Anambra State Towns Peoples Association (ASTPA), Chief Emeka Mbagha, has pleaded with mass media professionals of Anambra extraction to be of positive influence in the ongoing efforts by the state government towards accelerated development of the state.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of League of Anambra Journalists in Abuja (LAJA), Mbagha said that what journalists say or write about Anambra State can impact on development and influence how the state and its people are perceived nationally.

The politician who had also served President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, FCT chapter commended the journalists for coming together under a common professional platform.

“It is very important and key that you are coming together as people of the same profession. Being in Abuja and of Anambra extraction means you represent the eyes, the ears, the nose, and the voice of Anambra people,” he said.

“It is what you see and say that will reflect who we are. Some people may want to paint Anambra in a negative light, but you have the responsibility to present the truth,” he added.

Mbagha also reminded members of Anambra’s historic role in Nigeria’s development of journalism in Nigeria and the struggle for independence.

“Journalism played a key role in the independence of this country. The West African Pilot, owned by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, was used to challenge colonial rule and mobilise Nigerians toward independence,” Mbagha noted.

The former ASTPA president further urged members to remain connected to their roots by participating actively in their town unions and the Anambra State Towns People Association.

“I encourage every one of you to be part of your town unions and the Anambra State Towns People Association because community participation strengthens unity and development,” he said.

Earlier President of the association, Ikenna Okonkwo, who chaired the session along side Vice President Ferdinand Ezigbo and General Secretary Princess Ekwi Ajide, said the association has outlined plans and programmes aimed at strengthening the organisation and improving members’ professional and social upliftment throughout the year.

He enjoined members to take the activities of the organisation more seriously.  

Also speaking at the event, the APGA Youth Leader and the party’s Chairmanship Candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, praised the industrious nature of the Anambra people which he said has made the state a business hub.

He described Anambra people as historically forward-looking and industrious, noting that the state has consistently led in education, commerce, and professional development.

“Historically, Anambra people have always been in the lead. While many others were not prioritising education, Anambra people were going to school, doing business, and striving for excellence,” he said

Similarly, president of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Benjamin, urged members of the League to remain united and supportive of one another.

“There is nothing you cannot achieve when you stay together. Unity among members will help this association grow stronger and achieve greater success,” Benjamin said.