…as Akalador, supports Ezoka in Diaspora
The Umuezoka Abroadians, in a historic event, launched the installation of solar-powered lights in all the nooks and crannies of the villages.
The launch, which took place under the chairmanship of Hon. Barr. Militus Nlemedim, the former Attorney General of Imo state, at the Umuezoka playground, was attended by friends and well-wishers, including Umuezoka daughters married outside, their wives, mothers, fathers, youths, and children.
The chairman of the occasion, represented by Honourable Boniface Esomonu, appreciated the efforts of the Umuezoka Abroad Elite, who came together to champion the development of their community through collective efforts.
Nlemedim noted that light is a unique symbol of success, clarity, and hope. “I am very happy to associate myself with good development as this. Light is a symbol of brightness and success, which comes with different developments”.
He used the occasion to urge the villagers to come in the spirit of collective drive to orchestrate this initiative in good spirit, as he also welcomed it and wished that other villages would emulate the noble gesture.
The event featured one of the celebrated Gospel artistes from Agwa, who coincidentally hails from Umuezoka, Prince Chinedu (aka) Ojijamma Jesus, who performed a song he dedicated to the people of Umuezoka titled “Udo Abiala na ala Umuezoka” (Peace has come to the land of Umuezoka).
The song thanks God for bringing peace to Umuezoka and the need to sustain it.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the organizing committee, Theodore Obinna Iyala, PhD, appreciated the people of Umuezoka, especially the abroad elite and the committee, for their determination and focus on the Solar Light Project and its launching.
He explained the meaning of Umuezoka as “A people who are endowed with the gift of craft, invention or creativity from God”.
An excerpt from his well-articulated speech reads…
“There comes a period in human history when a people either on the platform of a community as a whole or group of individuals in collective resolve, and determination will rise up to champion the development of their communities, villages or kindreds as the case may be. “The above assertion corroborates a popular development theory’s dictum which states that “The struggle for progress and development of a people begins with their attempt to cave out a zone of freedom and development over others”.
Relating further to Inside Agwa correspondent, Dr. Theodore said the idea of the Solar Light Project was borne out of giving back to the people, illuminating the Ezoka’s environments at night to tame the activities of vandals and evil activities that occur at night.”The Umuezoka abroad elite, having seen the need to recreate prosperity, love, and unity, engaged in wide-ranged consultation among its people on the 6th of June, 2024″.
The outcome of the series of conferences and meetings metamorphosed into the installation of 17 solar lights on the 21st of December, 2024, at the cost of sixty thousand Naira (#60,000) for each stand of galvanized pole that are standing today, he noted.
Dee Stone, as he is fondly called, used the opportunity to appeal to the people of Umuezoka to maintain peace, as no development takes place in an atmosphere of chaos, stating that Ezoka’s abroad elite forum and other well-spirited home-based are propelled to champion the course of development in the community, including educational development.
He used the opportunity to announce a cash donation to one of his friends, Engr. Peter Dustan Akalador, popularly known as “Baron De Montesquieu,” supported the good venture of Ezeoka Abroad Elite with One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#150,000). Supol Pascal Uzomezie, a serving police officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is also one of the admins of the Umuezoka Abroad Elite, expressed his boundless gratitude to the December gathering, particularly the gallant effort made by Umuezoka people living outside the shore of Agwa.
He posited that Ezoka’s people are unique and industrious and always lead the way in Agwa before others emulate it.
Speaking further, Uzomezie and Monika(Major) enjoined the people of Umuezoka to toe the part of peaceful development and co-existence, such as to encourage sisterhood and brotherhood, which the founding fathers of Ezoka were known for.
“I want to thank God for today. I am the happiest person amongst you seeing this uncommon fear being achieved by all of us. Please, our mothers and fathers, encourage your sons and daughters to promote peace and good endeavors. Tell your son or daughter, who is living outside Agwa, to be part of the Umuezoka Abroad Elite Forum to contribute their quota to the development of the people.”
“The solar light that was installed is not for me or you, it is for everyone and shines for the people of Ezoka to promote peace, love, and prosperity.”
The abroad elite will also be embarking on skill acquisition programs for all the people of Umuezoka to be skilled and use it to earn a living, he further informed.
Hon. Boniface Esomonu, a former IMC member under Senator Rochas Okocha’s administration who is the chairman of Umuezoka Abroad Elite Forum, thanked his team for their efforts in the project and promised that the forum would think of further steps to bring other infrastructures needed for the people through the self-made initiative.
The treasurer of the committee, Mr. Cyril Onyewuchi, who made the cash donation alongside Dr. Iyala, Pastor Okwandu, and Supol Uzomezie, among others, thanked the committee members and the entire Ezoka Elite Forum.
Mr.Fintan Isiengine Opara, who is based in South Africa, sends his Christmas and New Year wishes to the people, as well as a appreciate the combined efforts of the Ezoka’s abroad elite forum and those who contributed from the home front.
He advised the youths and everyone to embrace peace and shun any act that would compromise the peace of Umuezoka, Obudi, and Agwa at large.
The occasion ended with a clarion call for every son and daughter of Umuezoka to support the forum and further solar light donations.
