LG boss appoints LEA Secretary, swear-in Onyekwelu

By: Jawa Nanna
From: Kwale

The Chairman of Ndokwa East local government, Hon. Elder Chike Ugwunmadu, has appointed Mr. Onyekwelu P.A.O. as Secretary to Local Education Authority.

Mr. Onyekwelu, popularly known and addressed as Ukwu was born to Chief Oluka Onyekwelu of Aballa kingdom on March 15, 1957. He has a Bachelor of Education degree in Education Psychology, Guidance and Counselling from the University of Port-Harcourt.

Until his appointment, he was the Headmaster of Ogene Primary School, Ashaka where the 2010 Delta State Tender Prince and Princess emerged.

The four-year duration appointment with effect from July 21, 2010 came at exactly one year to his retirement from the teaching profession as he was to retire compulsorily in July 2011.

The swearing-in ceremony which took place on Tuesday July 27, 2010 at Council Secretariat, Aboh, featured many dignitaries, among whom are the two Ex-LEA Secretaries, Chief Ajusah, the Iyesele of Ase kingdom and Chief Adibeli A.E who was also the chairman at the grand reception same day at Trimmy’s Corner, Ashaka. Also present are Hon. Chilly Opone, the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Ogbuefi Ben Orupete and the Director of Administration, Ndudi Charles Oforlea. Other dignitaries are Chjief Oneubenu Lawrence, the Okaku of Aballa kingdom, Mr. Opia Lee- Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Nkwor J.E, the Headmaster of Ashaka Primary School, Ashaka and the secretary to Association of Primary School Head of Nigeria, AOPSHON as well as Pastor Osodi Chukwuma who said the opening prayer.

Ukwu Onyekwelu swore by pledging to be faithful to the nation and never to allow his personal interest influence the performance of his functions and immediately after the oath of office, the female teachers across the local government shouted “Anyienweli funi onwenyio-anyewoee” indicating that the Ndokwa East teachers now have their independence from the former dictator following the appointment and swearing in of Ukwu.

Mr. F.O. Chianuka tagged the occasion as the beginning of a new dawn for the Ndokwa East teachers, while Mr. Oshilim O.F, Chairman, LEA Committee tagged Onyekwelu’s appointment as a divine change having met the authority in a quagmire. He further stated that with the appointment, teachers across the local government will soon laugh.

Hon. Chilly Opone welcomed everyone present and declared that Ukwu’s credentials speaks volume, adding that he is expected to live up to expectation. He further added that anything short of the best would not be taken from him.

In an opening speech, Chief Ajusah, the Iyesele of Ase kingdom termed the appointment as “a right peg in a right hole”, adding that Ukwu is a dedicated and hardworking man whose appointment will bring an air of relief to all teachers in the local government. He advised Ukwu to understand that there are many sycophants and should therefore be careful and take positive decisions in order not to be prejudiced. He quipped, ‘‘put God first and remain the humble man you were known for”.

At the reception, Elder Chike Ugwunmadu, chairman of the local government said it was a divine appointment without lobby and that God will lead and direct the newly sworn-in secretary in his duties.

He noted that with the crowd at the reception, he is now double sure that the appointment of Ukwu is the will of God.

Mr. Adibeli A.E thanked all that were present as well as the entire Aballa community for their unalloyed co-operation during the swearing-in. He urged Mr. Onyekwelu to work with the Chief Inspector of Education, the Head of Personnel Management, the Accountant, the L.E.A staff and teachers as partners in progress.

Responding, Ukwu Onyekwelu said, “firstly, I thank God Almighty for my appointment as the LEA Secretary. I must express my profound gratitude to Elder Ugwunmadu and wife for making my life a platter of gold as well as all stakeholders in the local government area. I promise to protect, solve, direct, serve, stop incessant transfer, stop ceisure of teachers salaries, adopt an open policy and also provide incentive for riverine teachers”.

He also asked God’s hand in Elder Ugwunmadu’s second tenure bid.