Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has stressed the need for economic integration between South-South and South-East Regions of Nigeria to fast-track development and mutual co-existence of the regions.

He was speaking yesterday at Nnewi, Anambra State, after being conferred with the chieftaincy title of ‘Omelu-Ora’ by Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orilu III, as part of activities concluding a week-long celebration of Igwe’s 50 years on the throne.

“We as great sons and daughters of South-East and South-South must make conscious efforts to unite the two regions,” Akpabio said, adding:

“By this gesture, we have re-united the South-South and the South-East, which is something myself and Governor Peter Obi have been trying to do in the last six years. These regions must be united and that is why we started the South-East and South-South Governors’ Forum and today we are having a meeting to bring about economic integration of the regions. When we have a united South-South and South-East, we will have a greater voice in the comity of states in Nigeria”.

Chief Akpabio commended the Igwe of Nnewi for the honor done him, saying: “I receive the title because your background and your pedigrees are well known to all. I found out that you are a grand patron of the Men’s Fellowship of Anglican Church. That shows that you have brought Christianity into governance, you have brought God into your throne. That is why I associate with you because every authority comes from God and that is what you are practicing.”

The governor described Nnewi town as the spiritual headquarters of Igbo land, saying: “Nnewi town is the spiritual headquarters of Igbo land, because here is the soil of the great icon, Odumegwu Ojukwu. I want to congratulate the people of Nnewi for keeping this culture and for embracing other Nigerians.

“My presence here today is not because I am your great in-law. It is because of the efforts of my administration in the last six years, turning things around in every section of Nigeria. That is why the Nnewi man appreciates progress. The Nnewi person is a person that believes in development, the Nnewi child is a child that believes in progress and foresightedness, that is why you decided to honour me.”

In his remarks, Anambra Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, said the conferment of the chieftaincy title on Governor Akpabio was justified. He described Akpabio as a true Nigerian committed to the total transformation of Nigeria. According to him, “This man is one who is committed not just to the transformation of Akwa Ibom State but to Nigeria.”

Governor Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, was also honoured with the chieftaincy title of ‘Ada Eji Eje Mba’ of Nnewi.

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio.

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