A philanthropist and member of the newly coronated Ifesinachi Age Grade has called on Igbo people to see age grades as a means of giving back to society.
Mr. Isaac Okafor made this statement during the commissioning of a pipe-borne water project built by the newly formed age grade in Egbeoma, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
Okafor, who warmly received members of the Ifesinachi Age Grade, known as Ikworo Ulo, at his compound, stated that it takes individuals who have their community’s interest at heart to form and actively participate in an age grade.
He emphasized that age grades bring development to the community and positively impact the lives of the people, either directly or indirectly. He noted that many people have benefited from various age grades, and the Ifesinachi Age Grade is no exception.
Okafor further revealed that the Ifesinachi Age Grade has several ongoing projects aimed at improving the lives of community members.
According to him, “Age grade is a group of people born within a stipulated time, some communities define it with a three-year difference, and as the case may be, the aim is to bring community development to the people.”
He added that age grade members support one another in both good times and challenging periods, highlighting that there are numerous benefits to being part of an age grade.
Okafor also noted that age grades, or Ndi Uka as referred to in different dialects, are not secret societies. He clarified, “It is not a secret society, neither do they practice diabolical things in age grade meetings, as some people think. Rather, it is an association where the needs and welfare of the community are discussed and implemented.”
