Engr. Anayochukwu Charles Orjiako, Mayor, Ihiala Local Government Area
BY GODWIN OBI
The Ihiala Local Government Council has explained the circumstances surrounding its decision to halt a proposed road reconstruction initiative by businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dr. Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, clarifying that the move was driven strictly by technical considerations rather than opposition to the goodwill gesture.
The Council said the road in question — the Uli Girls’–Eziama road — is severely affected by erosion and challenging terrain that requires specialized engineering solutions beyond routine road construction.
E-Money had reportedly indicated interest in rehabilitating the deteriorated road as part of his ongoing philanthropic interventions in his home community. However, local authorities explained that the extent of environmental degradation along the route makes it a delicate project that must be carefully handled to prevent further damage.
According to officials, the road runs through steep hills and deep gully erosion zones, making any immediate intervention without proper geotechnical studies potentially dangerous.
The Mayor of Ihiala Local Government Area, Engr. Anayo Charles Orjiako, said allowing reconstruction without comprehensive erosion control measures could worsen the situation and even lead to the collapse of surrounding structures.
He stressed that the council’s action should not be interpreted as hostility toward the philanthropist.
“The gesture by E-Money is commendable and appreciated,” the Mayor noted. “However, the nature of the project demands a carefully designed technical approach and structured government intervention to address the root causes of the erosion before reconstruction can begin.”
Engr. Orjiako also disclosed that the council had already commenced work on the Uli Girls’–Eziama road, with equipment deployed to the site prior to the intervention attempt.
According to him, E-Money and his brother reportedly began work from the Eziama end of the road without first informing the council authorities.
“We had already stationed equipment there,” he explained, when they started work from the other end, we had to stop them.”
Chief Dr. Emeka Okonkwo,(E-Money)
He emphasized that the topography of the area and its connection to the Onitsha–Owerri Federal Highway make it a sensitive engineering project that cannot be rushed.
“We are conscious of the implications of any delay,” he said. “But we will ensure the project is completed properly and in good time.”
Community leaders have also clarified that there was no confrontation or damage during the incident.
The Chairman of Umuanuebunwa Village, Ogbuehi Eddy Anyigbo, confirmed that while several individuals had previously shown interest in repairing the road, the Council had already surveyed the area and deployed equipment.
“Almost the same day E-Money began work, the council stopped it,” he said. “But there was no fight or misunderstanding . After carefully listening to the explanation by Mayor, we were satisfied that the road will be done and in good time too”
Reacting to rumours circulating within the community, that former Chairman of Seplat Petroleum Plc, Dr. ABC Orjiako ‘OFR’, was privy to allegedly chasing E-Money and his brother KCEE out from the site, Dr. Orjiako had this to say,
“There seem to be too many job seekers and sycophants who think they must run me down to rise,” he said.
Dr. Orjiako stated that he enjoys cordial relationships with the Okonkwo brothers and had previously encouraged them to reconnect with their hometown.
“In fact, I know these two brothers more than many people who now claim to know them well,” he said. “I visited them personally and persuaded them to get involved in Uli development activities. Since then, they have contributed significantly to the town’s development association.”
According to him, he had earlier informed them that plans were already underway for the Ecology Department to handle the road due to its erosion challenges.
“When I heard they had started work, I reminded them of our earlier discussion and suggested they allow the council to continue while they consider supporting another project in the town. They understood and complied,” he added.
In that vein, Frontline feelers revealed that E-Money and his brother might soon embark on another development project in Uli.
Meanwhile, reactions have also trailed the ongoing reconstruction of the Ekegbagba Central Market in Uli, another major project being executed by the Ihiala Local Council.
Former Anambra State House of Assembly member and Uli community leader, Chief Hon. Anthony Nnaeto (Akuoma), who had his building demolished during the market redevelopment, said he supports the project despite his personal loss of a building.
According to Akuoma, “During a visit to the site, he discovered that the entrance to the new market layout now passes through the location where his building previously stood.
Chief Kingsley Okonkwo (KCEE)
When traders informed him that the demolition created access to a larger market space under development, he said he had no regrets.
“If my building be demolished for the benefit of the greater majority of Uli people, let it be demolished a thousand times,” he declared.
Akuoma further disclosed that Traders operating temporarily under umbrellas in the open space expressed optimism that the reconstruction would provide them with improved stalls and better trading conditions, urging wealthy sons and daughters of Uli to continue supporting community development while cautioning against divisive narratives.
“We need more people like ABC Orjiako, Chief Henry Okolieabor (Igirigi), Chief Jonathan Okonkwo, E-Money and other wealthy and large spirited Ulians who are willing to invest in the progress of Uli,” he said.
“Let us allow those who have been blessed with resources to contribute to the development of our community without unnecessary distractions,” Nnaeto advised.
Despite earlier criticisms directed at the Local Government council, Engr. Orjiako listed a number of verifiable projects already completed or underway across the council area.
These include the construction of a 1,500-capacity ultramodern hall, a modern motor park with shop outlets, Rehabilitation of public buildings within the council secretariat, reconstruction of the Ekegbagba Market in Uli, Road grading across several communities, Agricultural empowerment programmes for farmers, and the installation of solar-powered boreholes to improve access to clean water.
The council has also introduced educational initiatives such as sponsoring JAMB registrations and extra-mural classes for students, while youth development programmes now provide training in solar technology, CCTV installation, phone repairs and computer hardware.
The Mayor said these initiatives are part of a broader effort to rebuild infrastructure and restore stability in Ihiala, an area that had faced significant security challenges in recent years.
According to Engr. Orjiako, improved security conditions with support from the Anambra State Government have now enabled the council to focus more effectively on development projects.
“Our people can now see the difference between darkness and light,” he said
Community stakeholders have continued to applaud the willingness of Chief Dr. Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money) to support development initiatives in the area, while urging the council not to be deterred in its efforts to provide a sustainable and long-term solution to the erosion menace affecting the road.
They also expressed deep appreciation to E-Money and his brother, KCEE, for their recent intervention in reconstructing a federal road that runs through their community and extends to the Atammiri River, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to the community’s development
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