On January 23rd, 2025, the traditional rulers of Oru East Local Government Area, led by HRH Eze Philip Uzodinma, paid a royal courtesy visit to the newly appointed Acting Managing Director (MD) of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Princess Ijeoma Joy Ikegwuruka. During the visit, the traditional rulers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodinma for the historic appointment of Princess Ikegwuruka as the first female MD of ISOPADEC, commending the governor for his wisdom and foresight in selecting a woman of exceptional virtues who understands and respects the vital role of traditional institutions.
Princess Ikegwuruka, while receiving the royal delegation at her office, extolled the purposeful and inclusive governance of Governor Hope Uzodinma, particularly his commitment to gender equality in leadership. She thanked the traditional rulers for their swift response to her invitation, emphasizing that her deep respect for the traditional institution is rooted in her personal background. As a member of a royal family, she acknowledged the invaluable role of traditional rulers and pledged to uphold their dignity and contribute to the well-being of the communities they lead.
In her address, the Acting MD reiterated the importance of including traditional rulers in ISOPADEC’s programs and initiatives. She assured the royal delegation that her leadership, in alignment with the governor’s 3R (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery) vision, would prioritize delivering the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. She promised to work hand-in-hand with the traditional rulers to ensure that the communities in the oil-producing areas benefit from her administration’s developmental efforts.
HRH Eze Kelvin Ndujiefe JP, speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, reaffirmed their full support for Princess Ikegwuruka’s leadership. He emphasized that her appointment has provided a beacon of hope for traditional institutions and reaffirmed their readiness to work closely with her in the execution of her mandate. Eze Ndujiefe also urged the Acting MD to prioritize key sectors such as healthcare, education, and the welfare of traditional rulers, ensuring that these areas receive due attention in the developmental agenda.
Additionally, HRH Eze Bernard Nnanna expressed his gratitude for the historical visit and stressed the importance of making a clear distinction between the current administration and its predecessors. He urged Princess Ikegwuruka to ensure that the dividends of ISOPADEC reach the communities that contribute significantly to the state’s oil wealth, reminding her that these communities must benefit from the resources they generate.
Eze Nnanna also highlighted the symbolic significance of the visit, noting that it had provided a sense of belonging for the traditional rulers in the affairs of ISOPADEC. He assured the Acting MD that the message of ISOPADEC’s recognition of grassroots governance would be passed on to their subjects, fostering a deeper sense of involvement in the development process.
In conclusion, the traditional rulers unanimously bestowed their royal blessings on Princess Ijeoma Joy Ikegwuruka, assuring her of their unwavering support and collaboration in her efforts to bring lasting development to the oil-producing communities of Imo State.
With the endorsement and support of the Oru East traditional rulers, Princess Ikegwuruka’s tenure as Acting MD of ISOPADEC is poised to usher in a new era of progress, inclusivity, and empowerment for the people of Imo State.