1

Moved by the deplorable state of the road at the Nigerian Naval Outpost, Odekpe- Ogbaru, Anambra State, an Igbo illustrious son, industrialist, and philanthropist of note, High Chief (Dr) Anthony Ikenna Obele (Okwunze Aguata), in keeping to his promise of fixing the dilapidated road: on October 15, 2025, officially flagged-off construction of the 2km road located at the Navy Officers’ Mess, amid jubilation by the community and road users who had suffered untold hardship due to bad road and flood.

Speaking after the flag- off ceremony at the project site, the road contractor, Engr. Tobechukwu Nzekwe, commended High Chief Anthony Obele’s courage and bold step in single- handedly executing the over N500 million road project as part of his social responsibility at a time when there seems to be no hope in sight to fixing the neglected road.

The Managing Director of Toshel Construction Group, Engr. Nzekwe, who maintained that Chief Anthony Obele is a man with a large heart for humanity, however, remarked that the gesture is a timely wake-up call for Anambra industrialists, investors, and successful businessmen; including the Diaspora, to always think home and develop home as exemplified by the industrialist and uncommon philanthropist.

Chief Anthony Obele, Chairman of Mekens Nigeria Ltd, a multi- billion Naira business conglomerate with interests spanning: real estate, road construction, maritime, logistics, hospitality, oil and gas, and community development, is an uncommon philanthropist, a man who sees community development and human capacity building as a living organism that must be allowed to thrive and breath, and not just a slogan.

His personal drive, convictions, and commitment toward youth empowerment initiatives are both unassuming and heartwarming as he has continued to use his resources to build communities while empowering the youths.

The strategic road that links Odekpe village to neigbouring towns like Ozubulu, Nnewi, when completed, will not only ease the long traffic jam but also acceleate economic activities in the area, the Project Supervisor told the press.

This divne intervention of a road construction project sponsored by Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele is accentuated by a community leader, Chief Emeka, who spoke to the pressduring the flag- off ceremony, declared that after many years of waiting, God has heared their cries and sent Okwunze Aguata that has taken up this multi- million Naira project all alone . “This is the development we have been yearning for. The construction of the road will definitely change the social and economic life of Odekpe village and the entire Atani Ogbaru community.’

The Commandant of Nigerian Naval Outpost, Odekpe Onitsha, Kabir Yusuf, in an interaction with the media, applauded Chief Obele for his community – oriented leadership and sincerity of purpose in constructing a road that has become a nightmare to the users during raining season as the overflow from the Niger River keeps flooding the area, leaving many homes deserted.

While praying for God’s continuing protection and providience on the road facilitator and sole sponsor, Chief Ikenna Obele, Chief Emeka maintained that the project aligned with the Public/Private/Community/Partnership Initiative of the Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo Solution Administration; advising the youth, community leaders and all stakeholders to get involved by protecting both men and equipment that would be deployed to the site during and after the execution of the road construction project.