Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress and frontline aspirant for the Chairmanship of Obanliku Council has assured the Obanliku people that Obanliku Day and New Yam celebrations will certainly take on a new dimension that will attract visitors from both near and far, once he become the Local Government Chairman.
Chief Ayang in his felicitation message, stated that he is prepared and ready to advance the fortunes of Obanliku Local Government.
The message reads: My fellow Obanliku people, I extend my warmest greetings to you as we celebrate the auspicious occasion of our New Yam Festival and the 33rd anniversary of our beloved Local Government. This milestone marks a significant chapter in our journey as a people, and I am honoured to be a part of this celebration. Our New Yam Festival is a time-bound tradition that showcases our rich cultural heritage and the bounty of our land.
As we gather to give thanks for the harvest, let us also reflect on the progress we have made as a local government. Thirty-three years of growth, development, and resilience is a testament to our collective efforts and determination. May I commend your dedication and hard work which has continued to ensure effective food supply and sustainability in our Local Government and neighbouring communities.
Historically, the land of “Abanlikwuo” became an entity recognised as Obanliku Local Government Area on August 27, 1991, through a proclamation by the then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida. Over Thirty-three years past, we have continued to co-exist in peace, harmony, tradition, and common heritage.
Though we have had our challenges, we have equally made some meaningful strides worthy of celebration. As we rejoice on this day, may I pay tribute to our past leaders and founding fathers, who in the last thirty-three (33) years, have made sacrifices that have enhanced our collective achievements as a people. Their commitment has contributed to a more united, peaceful, and hospitable Obanliku, as is often remarked across the globe.
It could be recalled that under Hon. Akpi Uwanede’s led Leader of Council and Late Hon. Animpuye David as Chairman of Council, a motion was moved, and agreed that every last Saturday of August be set aside to commemorate the creation of Obanliku and also to celebrate the New yam festival. Thus, today is remarkable in our history.
As Obanliku people, the new yam festival is deeply rooted in our nation’s history and agricultural practices and serves as a key cultural event that symbolizes prosperity, unity, and gratitude. As we all know, yams are regarded as the “king of crops,” and this festival marks the official start of the yam harvest season.
Significantly, the New Yam festival goes beyond harvest celebration; it is an avenue to foster cultural preservation, social cohesion, thanksgiving, and gratitude to the Almighty. It equally enhances cultural education for the younger generations and economic advancement for us all. We must therefore, celebrate with a sense of unity, cooperation, and positive social ties.
As a frontline aspirant seeking to serve Obanliku as chairman of the council, I am not oblivious of the task ahead; hence, it behooves me to hit the ground running if given the mandate. Under my watch;
√ Obanliku, as an interstate with an international border, will undergo a security architecture revamp to reduce clashes and security threats.
√ Our headquarters in Sankwala will undergo immediate restructuring for infrastructure improvements.
√ Scholarships and school bursaries will be available for those in need to enhance their education.
√ Priority will be given to youth and women’s empowerment, including 70% representation in my cabinet.
√ The welfare of all local government staff will be prioritised to improve performance and productivity.
√ A consultative forum will be in place to provide valuable advice and contribute to the success of my administration. This will also serve as a means of accountability.
I am prepared and ready to advance the fortunes of our dear Local Government. Obanliku Day and New Yam celebrations will certainly take on a new dimension that will attract visitors from both near and far, once I become your Local Government Chairman.
I congratulate you all, while encouraging you to stay united, steadfast, and determined to build a better and more prosperous Obanliku of our dreams. Together, we can rebuild Obanliku.
Thank you and stay blessed.
Once again, Happy New Yam celebration, and may Obanliku be prosperous.
Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ebebe Ayang, JP.
