The Archdeacon of Onicha East Archdeaconry, Ven. Chinyereze Otuonye, has raised the alarm over the deplorable condition of roads in Omukwu, Onicha Nwafor Autonomous Community, Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
)Ven. Otuonye made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Eze Anthony Nwanguma, by a delegation of the Anglican Diocese of Mbaise Women’s Ministry led by the wife of the Bishop, Mrs Oluchi Ogunedo, PhD, JP.
The cleric specifically called for urgent intervention on the roads linking the community to St. Clement’s Church, Omukwu, and the popular Afor Uzii Market Square, which he described as virtually impassable.
He appealed to the traditional institution and people of the community to mobilise their resources and embark on immediate remedial work on the roads, particularly ahead of the 2026 Diocesan Women’s Conference scheduled to take place in Omukwu.
According to him, improving the roads would not only facilitate access to the conference venue but also ease the movement of residents and visitors who depend on the roads for their daily activities.
Responding, Eze Anthony Nwanguma, Ozirioha I of Onicha Nwafor and Chairman, Ezinihitte Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of roads within his domain.
The traditional ruler disclosed that he had personally made efforts to carry out some remedial repairs on the roads but said his interventions were misunderstood by some members of the community.
Eze Nwanguma called for greater cooperation among the people, government authorities and other stakeholders to address the challenges confronting rural communities, stressing that residents deserved access to functional roads.
He particularly appealed to relevant government authorities to assist rural communities in fixing roads that are critical to the movement of people and goods.
The royal father also used the occasion to charge women, especially Christian mothers, to play a greater role in promoting peace and development in society.
He noted that women occupy a strategic position in the family and society and often bear significant responsibility whenever there are crises or setbacks.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the Women’s Conference, Ven. Daniel Udunze Anosikeh, explained that the delegation was at the palace to formally inform the traditional ruler about the forthcoming Diocesan Women’s Conference.
Ven. Anosikeh said the conference would commence on October 15, 2026, at St. Clement’s Church, Omukwu, adding that it was customary for the wife of the Bishop and her entourage to pay a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of any community hosting the annual conference.
Mrs Oluchi Ogunedo, wife of the Bishop of Mbaise Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Ogunedo, JP, thanked Eze Nwanguma for the warm reception accorded her delegation and appreciated him for his support and hospitality.
