Ugbenu Community celebrates as Anambra CSDA releases funds for its Community Project Implementation

By Uche Amunike

It was celebration galore as Ugbenu Community rolled out their drums to welcome the Anambra State Community and Social Development Agency (ANCSDA) to their community for the Project Launch event.

The Ugbenu Community project launch involved the signing and exchange of the CSDP-AF Financing Agreement between the Ugbenu community represented by the Ugbenu Community Project Management Committee (CPMC) and the Anambra State Govt. represented by Anambra State CSDA as well as the release of the 1st tranche funds (30% of the micro project cost) by the ANCSDA to the Ugbenu CPMC for the immediate commencement of the micro project implementation. Some of the notable personalities and dignitaries of Ugbenu Community in attendance at the event were Hon. Romanus Nebeanya (former Transition Chairman, Awka North LGA), Barr. G.N. Afah (President General,Ugbenu Community), Rev. Peter Okoro (renowned Ugbenu Clergy), Mr Cosmas Okafor (Ugenu CPMC Chairman) etc,

In his speech, the General Manager ANCSDA, Mr Chudi Mojekwu expressed his joy and satisfaction at the contributions and commitment from the Town Union leaders, CPMC members and entire Ugbenu Community members that resulted in the approval and now commencement of funding for micro project implementation in the community. He advised the Town Union leaders and other community members to ensure that they give constant support and encouragement to the CPMC members whom he said have been properly trained by ANCSDA to ensure a successful project implementation. The GM further revealed that the two approved micro projects (MPs) for Ugbenu community were Construction of Twin Box Culvert and Construction of Secondary school Block of five (5) classrooms at a total cost of Nine Million Eight Hundred and Four Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira only (=N=9,804,935). Also, speaking at the event, the Operation Manager, Mrs Uche Nwaizugbo, reminded the CPMC members that they are elected representatives of the community in the project and as such should ensure the effective and efficient utilization of the released funds to achieve full implementation of the approved micro projects.

The PG Ugbenu Community, Barr. G.N Afah thanked the Anambra CSDA for their efforts in ensuring that Ugbenu community had their Community Development Plan (CDP) approved by the World Bank and are now benefitting from the project through the release of the 1st tranche of the funds for immediate commencement of the project work. He also thanked the State Governor, HE, Chief Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano for his great efforts in ensuring that CSDP-AF became operative in the state during his tenure and is now helping in poverty reduction in poor rural communities. On his part, a renowned Ugbenu Clergy, Rev.Peter Okoro was full of praises to God on the Project Launch event and thanked the State Governor through the ANCSDA for bringing these people-oriented micro projects that will immensely empower the community members.

Finally, the Ugbenu CPMC Chairman, Mr Cosmas Offor thanked the ANCSDA and promised to ensure that all the released funds are utilized judiciously for the implementation of the approved micro projects.