By Abuchi Onwumelu
A new State Commandant has been appointed by the national commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps (NPC), Patriot Dickson Akoh. The appointee, Patriot Okoye Edith is to replace the out-gone commandant, Patriot Innocent Chima Okolo who has been transfered to the national headquarters for higher assignment.
Presenting the new Anambra State Commandant to the officers and men of the corps, the national commandant represented by Officer In-charge of Trainings and Operations, Patriot Oyemike Michael David (ANC TIOPS), urged the officers serving in Anambra to cooperate with the new commandant.
Patriot Oyemike said the PCN was established 17 years ago alongside Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) noting that the latter was lucky to have had her existence cemented by the Federal government of Nigeria, adding that PCN issue had gone beyond second reading at the national assembly, that they are now in for public hearing stage.
He expressed the hope that very soon the "Long awaited bill will be passed into law". Oyemike called on the new commandant to adhere strictly to the lay down rules of the corps. This is even as he wished her well in her new assignment.
In his handover address, the out gone commandant, Patriot Okolo, thanked the officers for their cooperation which he said saw him through as the state helmsman. He assured that he would use his new position to better the lot of the command.
Responding the newly installed commandant, Patriot Okoye Edith, expressed gratitude to God for the elevation and also to the national commandant whom she described a father. She stated that she would continue to do that which would promote the standard of the corps, stressing that her tenure would be an all inclusive one.
In a vote of thanks, the deputy state commandant, Patriot Alex Osaka Obieze, pledged his unalloyed support to the new commandant, noting that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear describing the change in baton as a welcome development. He called on public spirited individuals to assist the command in her onerous task of curbing youth restiveness as well as moral decadence. Patriot Obieze, said the corps' primary assignment had been to educate the general public especially the youths on the need to shun negative lifestyle and to be more patriotic in the affairs of their fatherland.