By Chinedum Treasure
Umuezeanya Youth Association of Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra state has declared four days mourning over sudden death of its active member, late Ezebuilo Ikwegbuo in a motor accident.
The group, in a statement signed by Chairman, Olisemeka Obeche on Tuesday, said the incident has plunged its members, the entire village and indeed Umuoba Anam community into deep sorrow.
It noted that the declaration of the four day mourning period was to honour the deceased who was one of the most vibrant members of the association.
“Ezebuilo Ikwegbuo, one of our most vibrant and active members tragically lost his life in a fatal motor accident Sunday night along Otuocha-Nkwelle road.
“He was returning from burial ceremony of father of former chairman of Umuezeanya Youth Association, Alias Okaa Ogolo when his vehicle somersaulted and crashed into road side valley.
“We consider him as one of the key pillars of Umuezeanya youth movement. His energy and commitment to unity and progress of the association were unparalleled,” it reads.
The statement further disclosed that the association has suspended social activities within its platform during the four days mourning period as mark of respect.
“We have put everything on hold till this mourning period is over, for we have lost a brother, a leader, a voice for a reason and major contributor to our progress.
“Ezebuilo’s death is not just a loss to his immediate family but to the entire Umuezeanya youth and village as well as Umuoba Anam kingdom,” Obeche explained.
While mourning their fallen comrade, the group drew the attention of the State Government to the deplorable state of the 3-3-Nkwelle-Otuocha road.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident was caused by deplorable condition of the road, specifically citing deep potholes and lack of adequate lighting, which have made the road death trap for commuters.
“We cannot continue to bury our youths on this road. The government has talked about dualising this axis, but the time for talk is over. We need action now,” the association lamented.
“Umuezeanya Youth Association is specifically calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to expedite action on the proposed dualization and rehabilitation of the 3-3-Nkwelle-Otuocha road.
Acknowledging recent announcements regarding plans to unlock the traffic gridlock in the area, the group expressed concern over slow pace of action in fixing the road.
The youths were however optimistic that government would heed their call and ensure no other family experienced the pain they were currently enduring.
“We therefore call on the Solution Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to fast-track the project to prevent further loss of lives.
“We plead that this project be treated as an emergency. While we await the full dualization, we urge the state to immediately intervene with palliative measures on the worst-hit portions to make the road motorable.
“The road serves as critical economic lifeline for communities in the area, and its current state is crippling local businesses and endangering lives daily,” they added.
