“…Vote your conscience in the 2023 polls and be part of re-writing the Nigeria history” Amb. Dr Nzeribe
By Omenihu Alfred fibmn
It was an exciting moment for the worthy Ikwuano Local government’s sons and daughters in Lagos, in-laws, friends and well wishers as they gather at the White House Hall by Oshodi LG Sect, Oyetayo street Oshodi Lagos to appreciate God for His numerous mercies, blessings, celebrate their rich cultural heritage and recognition of outstanding performance among their sons and daughters.
In his opening remarks, the distinguished Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Dr (Amb) Nzeribe Okegbue (JP) welcomed everyone to the Ikwuano day 2022. Chief Nzeribe Okegbue in a bid to observe protocol specially saluted the Executive Governor of Abia state Dr Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, the Executive governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo- Olu, the honourable minister for state for Science, Technology and innovation – Chief Henry Ikoh, Hon Stanley Nwabuisi member- Abia state house of Reps – Ikwuano, Chief Stephen Mpamugo – Chairman Ikwuano Local government Area, Special guests of Honour Dr Godwin Nwabunka and Col Austin Akobundu (rtd), Royal father of the day – HRM Eze Ndimele Eugene Ph.D – Chairman, Ikwuano traditional rulers council, father of the day – HRM Eze Prof. Ezeudo S. Ifenwata, Mother of the day, Dr Mrs Patricia M. Nwobodo, guests of honour, Hon Emeka Atuma (Kabila) and Sup. High Chief Dr Emenike Osondu, the president general Ikwuano development union federated – Uzondu Anyadiegwu Ph.D, the branch president Ikwuano development Union Lagos – Okeosisi Hope Ubani, and the branch president IDU Lagos Women Wing – Mrs OSondu Mercy.
Furthermore, he noted that Ikwuano is a blessed land as it is known as the food basket of Abia land. He equally applauded the organizing committee for a wonderful preparation. He called on all Ikwuano and everyone to participate actively and positively in the forth coming general election. He charged all to vote men and women of impeccable quality, noting that the harsh economic reality has brought about lots of hard ship to the extent that lots of suicides have been recorded. He appealed to all to rise and vote their conscience and be part of rewriting the history for our good and that of our children. “Oncemore, I wish to applaud everyone for their patience so far and promise that the occasion will be piloted smoothly and fast”, he concluded.
So many people have attested to the fact that Ikwuano is the land with exceptional hospitality. Ikwuano as a matter of history attained a local government Area status on 27th August 1991 same day Abia state was created under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Ikwuano was formerly known as Ala-Ala district of what used to be Owerri Province. Its present name represent the four major brethren settlements of Oboro, Ibere, Oloko and Ariam/Usaka of the present Abia state. Ikwuano is one of the 17 Locol government areas of Abia state and one of the five local government Area of Abia central districts.
Ikwuano has some landmark Institutions that are located within the area.They include: Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, the campus of Alvan Ikoku college of education, a campus of Abia state University, the National Root Crop Research and many others. The location is separated from the University campus by a trunk B road from Umuahia- Ibeku township to Ikot-Ekpene where it joins a trunk A road from Aba to Ikot- Ekpene. The land area of Ikwuano is estimated at 279.7 square kilometers.
One of the main leaders of the notable Aba Women riot, Madam Ikonna Nwanyiukwu Enyia who was originally from Oloko village but married in Nchara family. In fact, if not for the distortation of history according to Ikwuano people, the story of Aba Women riot should have been that of Oloko women’s riot.
In his welcome speech, the president IDU, Okosisi Hope O.Ubani acknowledged that IDU day, Lagos branch annually is always a day that they all look out for a joyful reunion and equally to raise funds to chart a progressive cause for IDU. He noted that they took time to select worthy sons and daughters for this year’s celebration. The first category are worthy men and women who are to be inducted as life Patrons and matrons. After due consultation and consideration based on their long years of philanthropic cum meritorious services to their clans and Ikwuano development unioin at large. three Worthy names made the list as follows: Amb. High Chief Dr Nzeribe Okegbue (JP), Godwin Nwabunka (Ph.D) and Nze (Barr) Jerry C. Ogbonna.
The second category are Ikwuano men and women of substance who have close association with Ikwuano. These are respected breeds who have made their marks without dents in various fields of human endeavour. They are: Prince Chukwudi David, Hon Stanley Nwabuisi, Deaconess Lolo Ngozi Nzeribe Okegbue, Mazi John Victor Maduabuchi, Mazi Daniel Ikechukwu Ezegbe (De King), Amb. Apostle Bishop elect Dr Mrs Ann Oriaku and Archbishop Prof Paul Ebube Oriaku (JP), Mazi Ambrose Igwe Ekperechi, Engr Ogbonnaya Ekelechi Iruke, Patron Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu Uke, Late Apostle Joseph Okechiuku Anyanwu, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze Ibe, (If not for God), Mrs Chidinma Leslie Chukwujama, Chief Sir Dr Benjamin Chukwujama, and Madam Charity Nwaoha (Nee Ogwudu)
Finally, the president applauded the efficacious preparation of the planning committee under the able chairmanship of Cheif C. Emeruwa who doubles as the first vice branch president IDU- Lagos. Other members of the committee are Chief Dr Nkem Ugar as first vice chairman, Elder Mpa Nwosu as committee secretary who doubles as IDU federated secretary general.
Moreso, the president equally took out time to shower praises on the chairman of the occasion Chief Dr Nzeribe Okegbue JP, for always making himself available whenever he is called not minding his tight schedules especially for his huge financial support to Ikwuano development union and grassroot empowerment
Speaking to the chairman of the organizing committee, Chief Celestine Emeruwa, he appreciated God for making the day a huge success. He gave kudos to each and every of the guests, inductees, awardees, committee members, the entire Ikwuano people, friends and well wishers for making the event ground breaking. He wished all journey mercies and prayed for multiple replenishnent of all financial supports towards their housing project.
