The Deputy Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), in November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election, Uzu Okagbue, has once again raised concerns over insecurity in the state.
His concerns were raised after participating in Mkpikpa and Nwafor festivals of Umudioka and Ogidi people respectively, where he observed that citizens still avoid social and cultural events due to the insecurity in the state.
Okagbue said such situation underscores why he and his Principal, Sir Paul Chukwuma, joined the governorship race to offer the much needed and missing leadership in the state and reverse the palpable fear in the land.
He lamented that cultural festivals, which are a reminder of who we are; are being dimmed by the shadows of insecurity.
“Today, I had the profound honour of joining my brothers and neighbours in Umudioka and Ogidi as both communities marked the cherished Mkpikpa and Nwafor festivals. It wasn’t merely a celebration; it was a vivid reminder of who we are: a people steeped in heritage, resilience, and pride”.
“Every venue I visited radiated with the richness of our culture, our dances, our language, our masquerades, our community spirit. It was beautiful. It was refreshing. It was a stirring reminder that, despite the shadows that now hover over our state, Anambra’s soul is alive and yearning to shine”.
“But let us be honest with ourselves: the enduring beauty of our culture is being dimmed by the pressing failures of governance. At the heart of these is insecurity, an evil that has not only shattered lives but has also crippled our economy, muted our social vitality, and cast fear over even the most sacred communal celebrations. Today, I witnessed cultural resilience. But I also saw the caution in the eyes of elders, the reduced crowds, the shortened processions, subtle yet telling signs of a state held hostage by fear”.
“This is precisely why Sir Paul and I are not just committed to politics; we are committed to purpose. A core plank of our vision is the restoration of security across Anambra. Not for show. Not for applause. But so that our communities can breathe again”. “So that our festivals can flourish without anxiety. So that we can open our doors to the world and proudly export the richness of Mkpikpa, Nwafor, elimede, Ofala, and Igu Aro beyond the banks of the Niger and across continents”.
“Anambra does not lack potential, it suffers from misdirection. We must fix leadership. We must restore safety. Only then can we truly unleash the cultural, economic, and human possibilities of this great state”.
“To Ndi Anambra, I say this: hold on. Do not give up on our homeland. The night may be long, but morning is coming. A new dawn is possible. And joy; real, shared, sustainable joy is coming”.