Philanthropist Advocates for Age Grades as Catalysts for Community Development in Igboland

Philanthropist Advocates for Age Grades as Catalysts for Community Development in Igboland

A renowned philanthropist and ” Nna” (Patron) of the newly inaugurated Ifesinachi Age Grade, Mr. Isaac Okafor, alongside his wife, Mrs. Ngozi Nnenna Okafor, who serves as the Matron, has called on the Igbo people to embrace age grades as vital instruments for fostering community development and societal upliftment.

Speaking during the commissioning of a pipe-borne water project constructed by the Ifesinachi Age Grade in Egbuoma, Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, Mr. Okafor emphasized the transformative role of age grades in promoting communal progress.

Welcoming members of the Ifesinachi Age Grade, locally known as Ikporu Ulo, to his country home in Umuezikegbu, Egbuoma, Mr. Okafor lauded the group’s dedication to community service. He noted that active participation in age grades requires individuals who are deeply committed to the welfare and development of their communities.

Philanthropist Advocates for Age Grades as Catalysts for Community Development in Igboland

 

“Age grades have historically played a significant role in driving development within Igbo communities,” he stated. “They provide opportunities to directly or indirectly impact the lives of community members. Many have benefited from the selfless initiatives spearheaded by these groups, and the Ifesinachi Age Grade is no exception.”

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Mr. Okafor disclosed that the Ifesinachi Age Grade has initiated several projects designed to enhance the quality of life for the people of Egbuoma. He further explained the concept of age grades, describing them as groups of individuals born within a specified time frame, often spanning three years, with the primary objective of contributing to the community’s development.

Highlighting the social and emotional support age grades offer their members, Mr. Okafor remarked, “Age grades serve as a strong bond of unity, providing support in times of joy and adversity. The benefits of belonging to an age grade extend beyond personal growth to include the collective advancement of the community.”

Addressing misconceptions, he clarified that age grades, commonly referred to as Ndi Ebiri in various dialects, are not secret societies. “There is no element of secrecy or diabolical practices in age grade meetings,” he affirmed. “Rather, they are associations dedicated to deliberating and addressing the developmental needs and welfare of the community.”

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The commissioning of the pipe-borne water project marked a significant milestone for the Ifesinachi Age Grade, underscoring the enduring importance of collective effort in driving progress across Igboland. Mr. Okafor, as the patron, and Mrs. Ngozi Nnenna Okafor, as the matron, jointly called on other communities to emulate such initiatives, fostering a spirit of unity and shared responsibility for communal growth.