…as Monarch marks 50 years on the throne
By Petrus Obi.
It was a rare show of magnanimity in Enugu State. A record breaking individual effort in the history of community development in the State. And Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was part of the large turnout of people who graced the historic event.
The story of a young prince, Engr. Lawrence Eze and his passion for community development did not just start, yet last weekends commissioning of a 4.5km of asphalted rural road with street lights in his Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government was remarkable.
Prince Eze is virtually an unknown person when compared to money bags like the chairman of Peace Mass Transit, Maduka Onyishi who recently commissioned a 1.5km road in his Nsukka area.
A seasoned administrator and philanthropist Prince Eze failed in his bid to become a local government chairman in 2011. Rather than deter or discourage him from contributing to the development of his backward area, lacking in basic infrastructure, it rather appeared to have spurred him to action.
Today he has done what no political office holder has attempted in the area.
For a start, the humble Prince took it upon himself to grade the roads leading from Nara, through Mburubu to Nomeh rail lines. This he has done since 2013 making the hitherto impassable roads accessible.
He had also rehabilitated 3 bridges that linked the communities of Ugbawka-Nara-Mburubu-Nomeh. That timely intervention re-connected the communities and put smiles back on the faces of motorists.
In a welcome address at the event Prof. Alphonsus Njoku, on behalf of the President of Mburubu town Union noted that Prince Eze apart from helping students to achieve their academic aspirations flagged off a scholarship scheme in 2016 through which several indigent students have received financial boost for their education. “He has also been helping the sick and pregnant mothers pay their hospital bills.”
Professor Njoku also used the opportunity to remind the governor that “Prince Eze and his political supporters have severally expressed the desire to have him save his people in the capacity of Executive chairman,” pointing out that he has the capacity to excel in any responsibility given to him.
An elated governor Ugwuanyi who commissioned the road project congratulated the people of Mburubu for being blessed with such an illustrious son whom he said has shown example that should be emulated by others.
He noted that while the state government is committed to develop its rural communities, the people and well meaning individuals should assist considering other competing needs and dwindling economy.
Prince Eze who was overwhelmed by the quality of people in attendance thanked the governor for providing the enabling environment which made it possible for him to complete the project on time.
He however shocked the people and even the governor when he announced that his community road project will continue until the entire community is ashphalted.
The road commissioning coincided with the celebration of 50 years on the throne of his father, HRH Igwe Emmanuel Eze, Ozulumba 1 of Mburubu.
