Former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, has commended the leadership of the Ikwuano Development Union (IDU), Federated, for what he described as a visionary decision to embark on the construction of an Ikwuano Hall of Fame in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
Chief Ikoh gave the commendation during the platinum jubilee and 70th anniversary celebration of the union held at Isiala Oboro, the headquarters of Ikwuano Local Government Area. He described the Hall of Fame project as a bold step that would preserve Ikwuano’s heritage while inspiring future generations to excellence and service.
The former minister, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Owerri, and chairman of the anniversary celebration, urged the executive of the union to remain focused on initiatives that would elevate Ikwuano to greater heights. He called on sons and daughters of Ikwuano, in-laws, and lovers of progress to identify with and support the union in its quest to build a befitting Hall of Fame.
Chief Ikoh was represented at the event by retired Major Emmanuel Awa, a former Chairman of Ikwuano Local Government Area.
In an address titled “A New Ikwuano Is Here,” the President General of the Ikwuano Development Union, Federated, Dr Anyadiegwu Charles Uzondu, highlighted major milestones recorded by the union over the past 15 years under his leadership. According to him, these achievements include the celebration of Ikwuano at 21 years with the publication of the first Ikwuano Clans Economic Development Blueprint, the establishment of an inclusive committee with equal representation from the four clans, and the convening of the first-ever Ikwuano Think Tank.
Dr Anyadiegwu expressed profound gratitude to His Royal Highness, Eze Charles Onochie Ukatta, for donating seven plots of land for the construction of the Hall of Fame. He further noted that the union had organized security workshops, youth sensitization programmes, and is currently advocating for the creation of a second local government area from the existing Ikwuano Local Government.
Reflecting on the early days of his administration, the President General observed that initial fears and obstacles had given way to remarkable successes, culminating in the successful celebration of the union’s 70th anniversary.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Monday Ubani (SAN), described the 70th anniversary as a symbol of continuity, resilience, and collective determination to preserve Ikwuano’s cherished heritage while deliberately shaping a prosperous future for generations yet unborn. He identified the establishment of the Ikwuano Hall of Fame and the formal launch of its building project as major highlights of the celebration.
Dr Ubani also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, commending his administration for what he termed “uncommon achievements,” and stressing that Ikwuano is destined for greater heights. He thanked Eze Charles Ukatta for his generous donation of land for the historic project.
Earlier in his remark, the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Dr Eluwa Friday Ndubuisi, expressed appreciation to the chairman of the occasion, Chief Henry Ikoh, Eze Charles Ukatta, other traditional rulers, donors, and all guests who contributed generously to the fundraising and graced the anniversary celebration.
Highlights of the event included the induction of eminent sons and daughters of Ikwuano, living and deceased, who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the local government, into the Hall of Fame. Also featured were the launch of a ₦500 million fundraising drive to complete the Hall of Fame within the next three years, the swearing-in of the Governing Board of the Ikwuano Hall of Fame, and the formal handover of land documents for the project by Eze Charles Ukatta to the union.
The event attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, including HRM Eze (Dr) Eugene Ndimele, Eze Udo of Awom Na Uzie Autonomous Community and past President General of the union; Eze Ben Oriaku, Dike I of Umudike Autonomous Community; Eze Chijioke Imoh; HRM Eze Monday Okoro; HRM Eze Mgbeonyere Eleribe; HRM Eze Ambrose Nwagwu, Chimereze I of Ugwuegbu Autonomous Community, Ariam Usaka; HRM Eze Nnabuike Agumgbe of Afa Autonomous Community; HRM Eze Emeka Ezeomah of Oruigwe Autonomous Community; and HRH Eze J.C. Uwaga, Efuma II of Agbala Ozu Umugbalu, among others.
