The paramount traditional rulers of Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Areas in Imo State, on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025, paid a congratulatory visit to the newly appointed Acting Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Princess Ijeoma Joy Ikegwuruka. The visit was to express their profound gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodinma for the appointment of their daughter and wife, Princess Ikegwuruka, and to commend the Governor for his ongoing developmental strides in the oil-producing region.
Princess Ikegwuruka, in her address to the traditional rulers of Ohaji/Egbema, expressed her excitement and honor at being appointed the first female Managing Director of ISOPADEC since its establishment. She pledged to work relentlessly to fulfill the mandates of the Commission, alongside the 3R agenda of Governor Uzodinma, which focuses on the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery of Imo State. She reiterated her commitment to openness, accessibility, and her willingness to receive ideas and encouragement from the traditional rulers to improve the welfare of the oil-producing communities.
In response, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Amuzienwa Dele Odigbo, expressed his satisfaction with the appointment of Princess Ikegwuruka, noting that it was a decision long anticipated by the oil-producing communities. He praised the new leadership as the dawn of a positive change and assured his colleagues of the Acting MD’s capability to deliver on her promises and transform the region for the better.
HRM Igwe Nnani Nzeribe of Oguta also thanked Princess Ikegwuruka for her openness and willingness to meet with the traditional rulers, praying that God would grant her wisdom, strength, and divine guidance to effectively lead ISOPADEC and serve the oil-producing communities.
The Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council of Oguta LGA, HRM F.C. Okafor, expressed his appreciation to Governor Uzodinma for addressing gender inequality in appointments, particularly the historic appointment of a female MD for ISOPADEC. He commended the Governor’s progressive leadership and urged Princess Ikegwuruka to live up to her mandate and leave a lasting legacy for the oil-producing communities.
Speaking with the traditional rulers of Ohaji/Egbema, led by HRH Eze Emma Asor, Princess Ikegwuruka expressed her gratitude for their prompt response to her invitation. She acknowledged the deep respect she has for the traditional institution, as she comes from a royal family herself, and emphasized that her appointment would yield positive outcomes for the region. She solicited their collaboration and support to ensure that ISOPADEC delivers on its constitutional responsibilities and that the benefits of democracy reach the people of the oil-producing areas.
HRH Eze Emma Asor, on behalf of the traditional rulers of Ohaji/Egbema, conveyed their joy and pride in the appointment of Princess Ikegwuruka, referring to her as both their daughter and wife. He extended their profound gratitude to Governor Uzodinma for granting their local government a second-term opportunity to serve in ISOPADEC. HRH Eze Asor also expressed confidence in Princess Ikegwuruka’s leadership, citing her late husband’s tutelage and legacy as evidence of her capacity to succeed in her new role.
HRH Eze Asor reaffirmed the unflinching support of the traditional rulers of Ohaji/Egbema, assuring Princess Ikegwuruka that they would stand by her in all her endeavors. The traditional rulers of both Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema unanimously bestowed their royal blessings upon the Acting Managing Director, wishing her success and prosperity in her leadership of ISOPADEC.