The age-long communal dispute between Nibo and Umuawulu, two neihgbouring communities in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has come to an end following the intervention of a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who is currently doing her primary assignment in the area.

As part of her community development project, the peacemaker, Miss Michael Alfred, erected a statue and placed it at the the boundary to clearly demarcate the two towns. The effigy of a female corps member has the inscription “Welcome to Umuawulu, A Peaceful Home For Corps Members”.

News Express learnt that before the erection of the effigy, Miss Alfred made wide consultations, seeking the guidance of elders of the two communities, whereupon she was shown the right place to mount her work.

“The community has been so good to us, so I decided to embark on the project in appreciation of their kind gesture and to show other prospective corps members that Umuawulu is a peaceful community,” said an elated Miss Alfred.

Apart from erecting the statue, Miss Alfred has also renovated the sign post of Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu, where she is serving, and has been organising English Language lessons for students of the community. She has equally donated books to some members of the community and provided free medical care for the needy in the area.

Praising Miss Alfred, Anambra State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Inang Ekpe Alfred, urged her to continue with the good work even after her service year. Ekpe, who said that the statue represents hard work and love for the community, charged communities in the state to take corps members’ welfare as their priority. “The statue will help the NYSC and corps members posted to the state to locate the new permanent orientation camp at Umuawulu which is undergoing construction,” she said.

Also speaking, Secretary-General of Umuawulu Progressive Union (UPU), Mr. Ekene Nwankwo, lauded Miss Alfred for the donation and assured that the community would continue to identify with corps members posted to serve in the area.

•Photo shows NYSC DG Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawunmi.

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