The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has charged Ndi Anambra to observe safety first on the roads always especially during the Christmas celebrations to ensure safety of all road users.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke made the call at the Burial Mass held recently for nine victims of road accident at St. Gregory De Great Catholic Church Parish, Enugwu Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area.
Dr. Nkem Okeke told the crowd of mournful worshipers at Nanka that governor Obiano who travelled to Abuja on official assignment was pained that he was unable to join in the Mass for the departed accident victims who included seven women and two men.
On my part, he stated “As Deputy I represent the Governor but I do not wish for this type of mass burial and I don’t wish anyone this experience. If anyone had told any of the victims that this will be their fate, they will not accept. But here we are. It is the duty of the government to provide roads but it is that of the citizens to use it well and avoid loss of lives.”
Dr. Okeke emphasized the concern of the governor for good conduct by drivers who make use of the road networks across the state.
He reiterated the commitment of the government to stem recklessness on the roads hence the engagement of traffic wardens, while also ensuring security of lives and property across the state.
He called on all to pray for the victims and that God will console their families; whilst urging all to remain undaunted and embrace the Christmas mood by attending the Christmas Heritage Carol held recently at Upper Iweka.
Earlier, the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano said that her heart bled on receipt of the news of the accident when she traveled out of the state.
According to the governor’s wife, “It is with same heavy heart that I stand to commiserate with the Bishop, the Parish Priest and the bereaved families”.
She also re-echoed the concern for safety on the roads and urged drivers to observe road signs.
In his homily during the Mass, Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, said the “Burial today reminds me of the burial of twelve persons in February killed by Boko Haram. However, prayer is what we owe them today. Stop crying over spilt milk, we need to forge ahead and life has to go on. Perhaps it could have been prevented. It is very painful when people out of carelessness will destroy life. Our duty is to preserve life and no one should take life.”
He thanked the Governor Willie Obiano for the keen interest in the burial programme for the victims to ensure that they got a befitting burial.
He noted that the fact the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke and Wife of the governor Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano and many government officials were present at the Mass was a clear indication of the caring nature of the government in power at Awka.
Highlighting the commitment of the governor to the development of the state, the Bishop stated: “I am not the Accountant of the Anambra State Government but considering the economic situation in the country and what we hear about other states, the fact that Willie is working is a major point to note why the people are happy.”
Bishop Ezeokafor, told the mourners not to forget that the nine victims actually went to fulfill their obligation by doing their corporal work of mercy by attending a burial and hoping to return home afterwards but they never made it.
“We should be ready but that does not mean we should fold our hands”, he said.
He urged all to pray especially for the bereaved families that though it was tough, they should take solace that they died a good death doing the work of God.
The nine victims were amongst the people involved in road accident on November 20, 2015, some of whom are still recovering in the hospital.
PHOTO CAPTION
Pix 1: Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke addressing the mourners after the Burial Mass at St. Gregory DE Great Catholic Parish, Enugwu Nanka for Nine victims of road accident.
Pix 2: Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Akabike, Wife of National Chairman of APGA, Mrs. Mary Oye and Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano during the Burial Mass at St. Gregory DE Great Catholic Parish, Enugwu Nanka for Nine victims of road accident.
Pix 3: Caskets of the nine victims in front of the Alter during the Burial Mass at St. Gregory DE Great Catholic Parish, Enugwu Nanka.
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