GOV. OBIANO URGES FG TO DECLARE ZIK’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Governor Willie Obiano has called on the Federal Government to declare the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s birthday a national holiday.

Dr. Azikiwe, popularly known as Zik of Africa was the first President of Nigeria, though ceremonial.

Governor Obiano, who made the call at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka to mark Nigeria’s 59 Independence celebration, noted that some African nations like Ghana and Tanzania had honoured their pan Africanist leaders, including the late Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere.

The Governor, who described Dr. Azikiwe as the greatest Nigerian, who lived in the last few centuries, said when recognised, it would enable the people to have a better understanding of the black and African race.

Governor Obiano said that the first President of Nigeria also inspired notable   citizens and nationalists, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with his intelligence, eloquence and public oratorical skills, adding that the State would start to observe November 16 annually as Work-Free Day in commemoration of birthday of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

He said that the day would be set aside to reflect on the contributions of Dr. Azikiwe to the growth of the country at large.

The Governor also assured the people of the state of his administration’s determination to pay adequate attention to roads after the rainy season.

Governor obiano also maintained that his government would not relent in investing in the education sector and pay attention to youth empowerment.

The Governor had earlier inspected a police guard, who matched on the occasion.

Also the state cultural troop and children calisthenics performed to the admiration of the people.

Top government officials, royal fathers and security heads graced the occasion.

ONYINYE CHIJIOBI